Carlos & Murphy’s
Neighbourhood: Osborne
Address: 129 Osborne St
Phone: 204-284-3510
Entrées: $8.95-$20.95
Tex-Mex favourite Carlos & Murphy’s has been a Winnipeg mainstay for nearly three decades and continues to draw those looking for vacation tastes inside a beach cantina replica. Diverse menu options, happy hour specials and an atmosphere that feels like a tropical getaway are the ingredients for this mouthwatering must-visit.
Laid-back vibes flood out from this wood planked restaurant, decorated with festive Mexican accents. The patio, abuzz with lively conversation, welcomes passersby. Menu items appeal to those looking for Mexican classics or sensational renditions of casual comfort food.
Longstanding favourites step up to the plate, proving to be just as satisfying as promised. Lightly battered and tender Carlos golden shrimp arrive at the table in the famous fluorescent golden sauce. Each bite packs a punch of sweet, spicy and tangy flavour, making taste buds vibrate. Chorizo pizza, another Carlos classic, is a scrumptious surprise from a joint that boasts Mexican cuisine. Add the almond chicken for some crunch that nicely contrasts soft, thin crust and silky melted Jack.
No Mexican hot spot would be complete without a diverse list of nacho options, and Carlos & Murphy’s takes the cake with nine varieties. Toppings like almonds, scrambled eggs and Angus beef strips are found on this nacho menu, but it’s the Pig & Pineapple option that has become a fan favourite. Generous pieces of pulled pork mixed with pineapple chunks and topped with melted cheddar cheese and bacon makes for sweet, savoury, ooey gooey goodness piled on every bite. Don’t forget to add a side of guacamole, and wash it all down with a refreshing margarita.
Canada meets Mexico in the fries and chili dish, which amps up the poutine formula with a bowl of chili. Housemade fries get a healthy smothering of Carlos chili, packed with seasoned ground beef, kidney beans and tomato, before getting topped with—what else?—cheddar cheese.
Be sure to end the meal off with something sweet. The mud pie makes for a flawless finale. Cappuccino flavoured ice cream cools taste buds after a feisty main course. Graham cracker crust has a granola-bar-like texture, adding crunch to this otherwise creamy creation.
