We visited on a Sunday night and although we had reservations, none were needed. Service was good. My husband had the meatloaf and thought it was ok, a bit charred. I had the drunken noodle and it is as spicy as they say. Ate the leftovers the next day and enjoyed it more! The bread was to die for! Wish I would have just ordered a 2nd helping of that for dinner. Thought a bit pricey. read more

Went there Monday night about 7:30. We waited maybe 2 mins while they set up our table. The waitress came right away and told us we had to hurry and order because they were supposed close at 7:30. We were rushed all the way though our meal, and declined dessert. Then Not more than 2 mins later, one of our party wanted dessert but the waitress said "oh too late." Why didn't they tell before we sat down that they were closed? Not a good experience. Food was just okay. Maybe because it was rushed. read more

We went for Valentines day with our kids. The service was super fast, and they made a special vegetarian pasta for me. And it was delish!! They also had a great Jazz band playing. =) great atmosphere and food. read more

My parents just bought a cabin in Murphys so we come here frequently because they accept dogs. the food is delicious especially the quesadillas and the coffee is out of this world. It was a happening place last weekend for st. Patrick's day and the service was better when it was crazy busy. read more

Downtown Murphys market and restaurant What wonderful people! We were in Murphys in April, celebrating my husband's birthday along with our 2 large retrievers. While searching for somewhere to have dinner the first evening, we walked past Alchemy and noticed it had an enclosed, covered patio. It was starting to drizzle, so this was a great candidate to try. I went inside and asked whether or not we could eat outside because we had the dogs with us. Well, before you could blink your eyes, a person went outside and invited my husband and the dogs into the patio area and readied a table for us. They were so nice. They grabbed bowls and served the boys water while we were selecting wine (Lavender Ridge Winery) and our food. It was great. Our food was wonderful, the wine was great and the service was out of this world. Attentive without hovering. Alchemy also has a market and extensive takeout business, so one night we availed ourselves of dinner from the takeout area. We were renting a cottage with second story porches, so we wanted to eat outside and watch the sunset. I ran over to Alchemy and ordered salads. While they made those, I picked up some local wines, local olive oil and was searching for a baguette. They didn't have any baked ones left. The person behind the takeout counter asked if I had an oven where I was staying. When I confirmed that I did, she ran in the back and brought me a frozen baguette. She even wrote the baking instructions on the bag. Now that's service! I took the bounty home and we had a wonderful meal out on the porch. We WILL be going back to Alchemy again! 11/24/07 After eating blah pizza from Firewood in Murphys, my husband walked over to Alchemy for a couple of desserts. OOOOO so good! He brought back a berry tart and an apple cake to our little cottage on Church Street. We split the desserts and munched away. 11/25/07 Morning We walked our dogs over to Alchemy for breakfast. I had the breakfast burrito and my husband had the giant biscuit and sausage gravy. We were accommodated on the patio which was fine. Our dogs had a few of the parking lot which kept them happy. Our waitress was a little unusual, however our food was excellent! 11/25/07 Evening Yes, we brought our boys here for dinner again. The patio curtains were closed and the heaters were on. It was very, very cozy out there. I had a wonderful salmon dish and my husband had the pot roast. The new owner/chef came out to introduce himself. What a nice man. He comes from Carmel so he really understands our desire to travel with our furry companions. He even gave some suggestions for new restaurants for us to visit while in Carmel in a few weeks. We had a bottle of Broll Petite Sirah. Broll is a local winery. It went very well with our dinners. We ordered the brownie dessert to take back to our cottage. It was out-of-this-world. read more

What a fabulous little cafe/grocery store. A bottle of the local wine poured alongside whatever fresh, delicious dishes they're serving that day, and a beautiful afternoon you'll make :) read more

I stopped at Alchemy with a friend after doing a wee bit of wine tasting in town and believe it is the BEST meal in the area. The salads and appetizers were so good I am looking for my next chance to go! read more

Not Vegetarian friendly but they have an awesome beer selection and super nice staff.

It was a nice day in June and after wine tasting, my best friend and I decided to get some lunch. We wanted to sit outside and with some reluctance we finally got a table. It was understandable everyone wanted to sit outside. I ordered the pizza with three heart artichoke salad and it was the best thing I ever tasted. The portion was huge and too my delight I brought half of it home to eat the next day. You get what you pay for which is yummy food with delicious flavors! I didn't like my sparkling peach mimosa and at times it was hard to get our servers attention but their was a lot of customers she had to attend too. No point of getting bent out of shape about it I understand what its like to be in the service industry. read more

We ate here for lunch yesterday. Service was very friendly. It wasn't the fastest service, but this isn't a fast paced town. We had few drinks. We ordered calamari. My wife ordered the wedge salad which she loved. The calamari was perfect. My cod sandwich was so so. Still, all and all its a must if you are in the area. read more

Went there on a Friday afternoon, there were a few other tables with people. It was relatively quiet, even though there was high ceilings and bare floor. I went with my hard of hearing grandma, husband and mom. The server must have recognized the fact grandma's nearly deaf and he stood next to her while telling the specials. +1 point for him. Didn't get his name, but he was a good server, attentive but not overly hovering around. Grandma and husband ordered the surf and turf special which came with wasabi mashed potatoes and some kind of seaweed salad. They ordered the steak prepared two different ways and both came out right. I got the pork ribs which were excellent. This is my favorite food and I am usually disappointed and know that my own home cooked ones are better. These were perfect, not too saucey and cooked to the perfect doneness. It came with garlic herb fries (10 stars!) and "tangy" coleslaw. meh, not tangy at all. I'm not a big fan of coleslaw anyway, but I ate about half of it. A lot of restaurants put so much mayo in their slaw that the cabbage gets soggy, not so with Alchemy. My mom ordered the fish tacos which came with the typical choice of soup salad or fries. she choose the awesome fries. I wish she had ordered the soup of the day; shrimp chowder, but oh well. She said the tacos were good. One thing I noticed that I thought was weird was they were on flour tortillas, like a soft taco from taco bell. seemed like they were too big for the amount of ingredients there within. great beer selection, i and husband had some belgian wheat beer, wasser or something. Mom had a Sierra Nevada rye something or other. They probably had a good wine selection, but we had just come from a wine tasting at Ironstone vineyard. all and all a great experience. Hope it is still open when I go back. PS was kind of expensive for a lunch read more

Our group of 12 was here on 12/4/15 for Murphy's Open House. Service and ambiance were decent. We requested three separate checks, which they happily obliged; a 20% gratuity was added...somewhat expected with large group and/or split checks. Food reviews were mixed: two of us had the meatloaf which was not awful, but certainly not inspiring at all...I've made much more creative ones at home...however the roasted winter veggies on the same plate were incredible. Burgers are good, but if you order medium well, it may come out extremely pink...makes you wonder. Ribs were reported to be good. Kids seemed to like their mac and cheese, but it is similar to a boxed variety, although that can be a good thing...many kids have simple palates. Complimentary bread is tasty as well. Everything was decent/good, but nothing was incredible or north of decent. From 8.5 years ago, I remembered the 3 hearts caesar salad as being excellent...but didn't order it this visit. read more

This was definitely worth the wait. Will recommend and be back again. Loved the fish tacos, calamari and beef stew - Amazing!!

Our first night in town, and we decided to go to Alchemy because it was winemakers night and live music. The dinnner menu sounded so good though, we both took forever to decide what we wanted to order. But that's okay, because it gave us time to sample the tap beers and wines by the glass. plus, Tessa was not only a great server but a truly delightful person, and she was so patient with us to just sit and listen to the music while enjoying our drinks before ordering dinner. I ordered the Bistro salad which was a generous portion, full of cranberries and sugared pecans. Wonderful. Hubby had the amazing Island Spice Chicken with mango salsa and Parmesan Polenta. We both cleaned our plates. 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, and the bill was $54 + tip. (and tip for the musician, of course!) btw, Winemakers night means you can order one of the two featured local wines for $5/glass or $20/bottle. A nice option. They also have no corkage fee for local wines, and I love how they support the local producers. All the wines on the menu are from Calaveras Cty or the Sierra Foothills. Great start to our exploration of this area. We will most likely eat here again before we leave town! read more

Eaten here for many years....some staff VERY good.... new owners keep jacking up prices...bread/wine, etc.....that's finEe IF the value is there......very weak bistro salad...wife had a $11 nachos plate for $16!.........way overpriced....it's a shame...used to be best restaurant in Murphys...get the sense they're struggling. read more

We happened upon the town Murphys on our way back from the big trees and boy are we glad we did. This town is cute, cute, cute and lots of wine tasting places and the home to an intereting cafe/restaurant - the Alchemy. We came here upon a recommedation from the owner of Domaine Becquet and she didn't steer us wrong. The server was a sweet, casual but knew her stuff and when it came to food she was professional all the way. She was patient as we waded through the interesting and eclectic selections of food and the huge beer selection (my husband was in ectacsy for they had Unibroue beers from Quebec). The MIL had the Sierra Sunsrise Salad with grilled chicken - it was huge - tons of fruit, dressing and flavour. The husband had a burger with carmelized onions and gorgonzola cheese and fries (we're not fries freaks but they were GOOD!). I had the marinated grilled chicken with grits and sauteed mange-tout and it was okay. The grits were great, the veggies crisp but wasn't really feeling the chicken - it said it would fall off the bone and well it was kinda tough actually. The dessert - the bread pudding was the absoutely best dessert we have had in awhile. Perfectly hot, nicely complemented with home whipped cream, beautiful vanilla and carmel sauces...yummmmy! The decor of the place is interesting - love the photos for sale that show how beautiful this little town is. For a very reasonable and casual dinner/lunch come here. The food is great, the service is good, and all the sauces etc are home made. read more

It's got great beers and Ale. Only problem i have Is I went there on a Saturday night with a couple of friends and we were having a few drinks and laughs. The waitress asked us to talk softly because of the kids. Come on Saturday night at a bar/restaurant... Otherwise great place to have a drink and some good food. read more

RUDE! Customer service missed this place by a land slide!!! They don't like groups over 5. Short and hasty. They say last seating is 7:30 but it depends on their mood. We are from this area and I can assure there will be NO good referrals coming from our family! I assume the Chef knows but, his staff is aweful! read more

Went there for lunch on Saturday and had a great quality meal! Wasn't sure if it was still going to be good because hadn't been up to Murphy's for over 4 years, but the food was still excellent . And I also love their iced tea. (just a side note)! read more

What else can be said? Everything was fabulous! Bobbie, our server, was so attentive. You really couldn't ask for better service. I ordered the homemade macaroni with real chunks of crab and oh my goodness!!! A little pricey, but well worth it. Do go, you will totally enjoy!! read more

We just stopped in for a quick bite before going wine tasting and we left with a big smile. Food and service were excellent! Will absolutely be back here! read more

Alchemy has a fantastic looking menu that even boasts that they are ok with changes. The service was lackluster. I was hoping for suggestions with my limitations of no dairy or fish, instead I was told "no" a lot and couldn't even get a slice of bread cuz it was all loaded with cheese. My fellow diners were mostly ok with there meal. The $25 steak had quite a lot if fat so about half was fit for consumption. My salad came after everyone else's entree. I didn't understand the servers timing as I had been watching everyone whose eat bread and appetizers. My salad cane without the chicken. Ok a misunderstanding. The chicken came with fries that I ordered because there wasn't a slice of bread in the whole place without cheese! Both looked thrown on the plate. And arrived very late in the meal. Again items the others needed came first.We were still eating our entrees when we were asked if we wanted dessert. Hard to think about when still eating and not offered a dessert menu. I was hoping the fries or $4/4 slices of chicken might get comped. Instead we got the bill while still eating. It's worth a try if you don't mind piecemeal service and are lucky enough to eat anything , healthy or not. read more

This place was FANTASTIC. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar and the bartender was just lovely. Our advice was great and the food was amazing, plus they've got dozens of local wines on the list by the glass which I loved! The petit sirah was my favorite:). The salads are excellent- tuna and salmon were the two we shared- and the soup was asparagus goat cheese and delicious. It's very sunny inside so even though we didn't get a patio seat we felt like we were out on a spring day. Great brunch! read more

Everything about our dinner experience was great. We had two different craft beers , the first of which (the Breakfast Stout) was one of the smoothest and most flavorful beers I've ever had. The local Viognier (Four Winds Winery) which my friend chose was also excellent. Our meals were full of fresh produce and tasty seafood (we had the Crab Louie Salad and the Pad Thai). The portions were ample, not excessive. And the desserts - to die for! We had the cheesecake and the cappuccino mousse. All for about $40/person. All in a pleasant atmosphere - only minor complaint was that the live music was at first a bit loud, making it difficult to talk among ourselves. But their second set was quieter. read more

Dropped in for lunch with my husband and son. We thoroughly enjoyed everything. Service was fine, but the food was very good. I would definitely go back. read more

We've been coming to Alchemy for years but apparently they're under new ownership. We visited today and wanted to have lunch on the patio (party of 5 with two small dogs). We were told the wait would be at least 2 hours because they wouldn't put two small tables together (the patio was half empty). When we said we'd try and wait the two hours, the extremely rude hostess refused to even put down our name because she said it would be too long! Very disappointing on Father's day when it was dad's only Father's day request. Apparently this is what one should expect from the new owners. While I can excuse a long wait, the way the hostess treated us was totally inexcusable. Sadly, I don't think we'll be back. read more

Fantastic.garlic bread with corn is a must. We were here for lunch and had a special, shrimp with blackened garlic on naan bread. To die for. As other review said best sweet potatoe fries with an aouli dip. read more

Visited for a late lunch, cute place with lots of good menu selections. The bread they bring to start you off was fantastic, sweet potato fries, wedge salad and lunch special pork burrito were all very good. Mac and cheese was ok but not great. Service was decent, a bit slow and server was slow to warm up to us. Good beer and wine list. Would return again to try other items for sure. read more

Went here because the mussels are prepared differently every day. The mussels and calamari were great. The best dessert (coconut caramel cream) "pie" was the best $9 spent. read more

Great food, great service, decent prices, and decent atmosphere. Will definitely go back.

Stopped here for a light lunch after walking around Murphys. I had a salad and a side of garlic fries. The salad was good, and the fries were just ok. My mom had a cup of soup and a salad, and she enjoyed both. This place isn't too expensive (at least for lunch), but it wasn't super amazing.....although I don't know of any salad that has ever been "knock your socks off" good. read more

Outstanding restrauant in the heart of the business district in Murphy's. My wife and I were prompted of this fine eatery by one of the locals. Great tasting food, prepared fresh and lots to chose from on the menu. The prices range about $20 for salad and an entree, being in the heart of the wine country, this place beats two fine dining restrauants hands down in Napa. Wine tasting is up and down the street and this restrauant connects to one right around the sidewalk. The meatloaf is "Full Throttle Awesome" and the wonderful aromas coming from their fish preparation makes me want to come back. The service was prompt and the atmosphere classy. The have a great wine and beer menu. A two hour drive from West Sacramento and well worth it, spend the weekend and take in the wonderful sites and wineries of the area...will be back. read more

Went to dinner tonight at Alchemy - amazing food and the service was outstanding! ! Highly recommended! !

My favorite restaurant in Calaveras or Tuolumne county. Everything I have eaten here as been delicious. The bread they bring out is sooooo good and I always get more. The service is good and the Bread Pudding dessert is the most scrumptious dessert and not like any bread pudding I have ever seen. PS- Grounds is my second favorite restaurant...... read more

We had an amazing dinner here last night. The chef Bob Anderson really knows what he is doing, and we are so happy to have him back making delicious food in Murphys. We both had the specials, I had the steak salad that was so tasty, with perfectly cooked steak, avocado, tomatoes, corn, and a cliantro lime dressing. My friend had the special Halibut with a buerre blanc sauce that she ate every bite of. We can't wait to come back. We are keeping our fingers crossed Bob makes his homemade ice cream soon. We have been missing it ever since he left!!! Thanks for a great dinner and we will be back soon. read more

Have eaten there twice since the new owners and have been more than happy with the changes. They've brought Bob & Mary back, the menu is diverse and all delicious, the waitstaff is charming & attentive. A wonderful choice for dinner in Murphys. read more

My wife and I eat here often when we come to our vacation house in the area. We have seen a lot of local eating places come & go over the 18 years we have been coming to Murphys. I can say that during this 18 year period Alchemy in Murphys and Sarafina's in Arnold are the only two consistently great places to eat in the area. We were told there was a new chef and my wife ordered the Scallops and I ordered the Chicken dish off the dinner menu. The entries were perfectly cooked and presented. We try to get Bobby as our server when possible. She is very friendly and helpful on entree suggestions. Never had a bad meal here and we have eaten here maybe 30-40 times. read more

Perhaps this a great place to eat, but we never got the opportunity to eat there. It has good reviews and it looked like our kind of place for a nice lunch. But, the person that greeted us was so condescending and rude that we decided to leave. All we asked was if there was a table that was not right in front of the door which is where they wanted to seat us. There were so many people in the doorway hovering around that table we knew it would not be pleasant. The look we got was classic impatience and the attitude was one of doing us a favor to even seat us. With that kind of attitude, I figured we would not have enjoyed ourselves anyway. Seems to me staff should treat folks that walk in as guests they are happy to see. We won't bother with this place on future trips either. We had a lovely lunch on the patio at Grounds. I highly recommend you skip the attitude at Alchemy and go there. read more

Super friendly staff. Foods refreshing and done well. Really enjoyed the caprese salad. The heirloom tomatoes and so much color and flavor.

Went twice, once for coffee and once for lunch. Service was charming, kids are welcome. Wonderful selection of beers, large bottles sold at cost! Food was a 3, but experience was a 4. read more