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Murdoch Perk is a Classic Coffee House and Cafe

About.com Rating four out of Five

By David O'Brien, About.com

Photo © David O'Brien

The Bottom Line

Murdoch Perk is a classic coffee house. The interior is warm, cozy and inviting. There’s locally produced Kaldi’s coffee, along with dozens of various coffee drinks, smoothies and other beverages available. But Murdoch Perk is also a terrific café, offering a full breakfast menu, as well as a large selection of crepes, sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch or dinner.
Pros
  • Well-designed and comfortable interior is great for lingering with friends or family
  • Unique breakfast menu and locally roasted coffees
  • Delicious homemade desserts
Cons
  • Can be crowded during peak hours on weekends

Description

  • Location: 5400 Murdoch Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109
  • Phone: (314) 752-9126
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Large patio area open during good weather
  • Free Wi-Fi

Guide Review - Murdoch Perk is a Classic Coffee House and Cafe

Everything is as it should be at Murdoch Perk. On its opening weekend, I stepped inside with the mental equivalent of my fingers crossed. I wasn’t disappointed. The owners had obviously put their heart into renovating the space (it was previously a dry cleaners). New flooring, dark wood trim, exposed brick walls and colorful light fixtures all combine to create a rich and inviting atmosphere. A small fireplace faced by two comfortable leather chairs are an added bonus, and a perfect place to read the morning paper.

Murdoch Perk could have stopped there and just have been a terrific coffee house. But it also has a full café menu, including unique breakfast options such as crepes, cheese blitzes and Belgian waffles. Try the Southwestern Crepe made with eggs, ham, onions and green peppers. Crepe dishes are also available for lunch or dinner, as well as café sandwiches, salads, soups and homemade desserts. One standout sandwich is the St. Louis Cheese Steak, which deviates from traditional cheese steaks by the use of a hearty mustard and toasted sourdough bread.

Of course there’s also coffee, espressos and lattes. The coffee is provided by Kaldi’s, a local roaster, and Murdoch Perk always offers three flavors. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, the Perk also makes more than a dozen tasty smoothies and granitas.

As I said, everything is as it should be. Whether you’re looking for a regular coffee house to work into your weekday morning routine, a new place for Sunday brunch, or an intimate café for dessert, Murdoch Perk is a great choice.

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