Bars in Murphy

Bavarian Grill

Served beside tiny pasta dumplings, the golden-fried Jäger Schnitzel looks even more massive than usual. Rumor has it that the mushroom-topped schnitzel is one of largest in Texas, so it should come as no surprise that it's the most popular dish at Bavarian Grill, an eatery that twice won GermanDeli.com’s designation as the Best German restaurant in America. Such recognition yields lofty expectations, which Bavarian Grill meets with ease thanks to multiple menus brimming with authentic south German cuisine. Guests will find the Jäger Schnitzel on the dinner menu, but 18 other types of schnitzels show up for Schnitzel Fest, a seasonal celebration held once each year. Oktoberfest, on the other hand, seems to be celebrated year round, fueled by a hefty list of German beers. Add in live accordion players and a plate of bratwurst-and-salmon-stuffed mushroom caps, and it’d be easy to imagine yourself transported to Germany, especially if your visit happens to coincide with National Wear Lederhosen Day.

Despite being the singular martini the upscale eatery and bar is named for, the Blue martini is actually just one of approximately 40 painstakingly crafted martinis. Bartenders stir up cocktails such as the Cake Pop martini swirling with flavors of vanilla, champagne, cranberry, and chocolate, and the Down and Dirty martini doused in olive juice and Russian Standard Platinum vodka. A menu of upscale plates starring fresh seafood, flatbreads, and lemon-pepper chicken complement drinks from the bar, while the luxurious ambience at all 12 locations is enhanced by romantic lighting, energetic live music, and a VIP lounge for martini glasses once owned by US presidents or celebrities.