Connecticut’s Largest Sports Bar Upgrades Menu With New Executive Chef

Murphy’s Pub and Sports Bar in Cromwell, already known as Connecticut’s largest sports bar, is stepping up its game. The 10,000-square-foot venue has brought in a seasoned executive chef and is rolling out a fresh, from-scratch menu.

They’re also expanding their family-friendly arcade offerings and doubling down on that Irish-themed vibe. Honestly, it’s a big move for a place that already draws a crowd.

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Murphy’s Cromwell: From Standard Pub Fare to Chef-Driven Menu

The Cromwell location of Murphy’s has long been a go-to game-day spot for fans from Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, and Hartford. Now, ownership hopes that better food will pull in diners from Berlin, Glastonbury, and Rocky Hill too.

To lead this culinary shift, Murphy’s hired executive chef Jim Reardon, a veteran restaurateur with experience in Key West and Block Island. His mission? Swap out the frozen, premade stuff for a from-scratch kitchen that treats pub food with a little more love.

A From-Scratch Philosophy

Reardon’s new approach centers on freshness and technique. Instead of generic bar food, he’s rolling out:

Handmade batters for fried favorites

Upscale entrées that feel more like a full-service restaurant than a sports bar

Seasonal vegetables and sides that rotate throughout the year

House-made beer cheese served in a toasted bread bowl as a signature shareable

He wants to give Cromwell guests the kind of quality you might find in Mystic or downtown New Haven. Still, he’s not letting go of that approachable, Irish-pub feel.

New Menu Highlights: Comfort Food With an Irish Twist

Early standouts from Murphy’s revamped menu are designed to appeal to both sports fans and serious food lovers. The kitchen’s leaning into hearty, flavorful dishes that go great with a cold pint but still feel special enough for a night out.

There’s a clear Irish identity in these new plates, which play well with the pub’s green-and-gold decor. They’re aiming for comfort food with a twist.

Signature Dishes to Watch For

Some of the most notable additions include:

Triple Crown pasta – A big bowl of pasta with chicken, shrimp, and sausage in a spicy cream sauce. It’s a three-meat “trifecta” that’s both filling and flavorful.

Dublin shepherd’s pie – A classic shepherd’s pie with a rich Guinness gravy, tying the dish right to Murphy’s Irish roots.

Bourbon tips – Tender, bourbon-glazed meat tips that go nicely with a craft beer or whiskey neat.

Sirloin steak – A steakhouse-style entrée, giving diners a higher-end option you don’t usually see in a sports bar.

On the sweet side, desserts are getting just as much attention. The kitchen’s rolling out rotating, seasonal offerings to finish the meal on a high note.

Seasonal Desserts: Murphy’s Fall Foster

One standout is Murphy’s Fall Foster, a seasonal dessert that riffs on Bananas Foster. The kitchen sautés and flambés apples with rum, then serves them warm over vanilla bean ice cream.

It’s the sort of dessert you’d expect in a New London bistro, not a sports bar—but that’s kind of the point here.

Entertainment Overhaul: More Than Just a Game on TV

Even with the food upgrade, Murphy’s isn’t losing sight of what made it a regional draw. The Cromwell location already boasts more than 80 televisions, two full bars, six pool tables, dart boards, and a wide range of arcade-style games.

This setup has long made it a favorite for fans from Bristol, home of ESPN, and beyond. Now, the sports bar is adding even more reasons to stick around.

Arcade Expansion and Family-Friendly Fun

As part of the revamp, Murphy’s is adding skee-ball and enhancing its arcade lineup. That gives both adults and kids another way to stay entertained during long games or family dinners.

Online reviewers frequently highlight Murphy’s as:

Family-friendly, with enough games to keep children busy

Clean and spacious, thanks to its 10,000-square-foot layout

Staffed by friendly servers who keep drinks and food moving even on busy nights

Ideal for game days, thanks to generous portions and a clear view of the TVs from nearly every seat

The vibe shifts throughout the day, so guests get different experiences depending on when they visit.

Daytime Relaxation, Nighttime Stadium Energy

In the afternoon, Murphy’s leans into a relaxed, neighborhood feel, catering to lunch crowds, families, and casual meetups. As evening falls and big games come on, the venue transforms into a stadium-like environment, complete with roaring crowds, cheering fans, and a charged game-day atmosphere.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the energy steps up again. Murphy’s brings in live music and dancing, turning the sports bar into a lively nightlife spot that competes with venues in Stamford and Norwalk, while still keeping its Cromwell roots.

Murphy’s Manchester: Extending the Brand’s Irish Identity

This overhaul isn’t limited to Cromwell. Chef Reardon says the same elevated food philosophy will shape the **Murphy’s Manchester** location too.

So, folks in Manchester, East Hartford, and Vernon can look forward to those upgraded standards.

Both spots are doubling down on the **Irish-themed, green-and-gold identity**—you’ll see it in the décor, even in the way they name dishes.

The food and entertainment? They’re aiming for something way past the usual sports bar vibe in Connecticut.

With a chef-driven kitchen, more games, and a layered atmosphere, Murphy’s wants to be more than a place to catch the big game.

Honestly, it’s shaping up to be a spot for a full night out—whether you’re coming from Cromwell, Hartford, or somewhere else nearby.

Here is the source article for this story: CT’s largest sports bar is elevating its food and fun. New executive chef at the helm and more.

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