Murf's: A tucked-away jewel offering great value in Brookfield

As someone who has been in the restaurant business for more than 30 years, Jerry Murphy has learned a thing or two about what works. For him, it can be narrowed down to two adjectives that he repeats over and over: fresh and high-quality.

And that's a good way to describe his business, Murf's Frozen Custard and Jumbo Burgers in Brookfield.

Located just west of the intersection of Burleigh Road and 124th Street, straddling the border of Wauwatosa and Brookfield, Murf's has become a favorite of families and local patrons since it opened in 1999. (Murphy previously owned another Murf's in Waukesha, which he sold to an employee. The two restaurants are not otherwise affiliated.)

The menu at Murf's is simple and basic: burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and fish fries ... and, of course, custard. Everything is made-to-order fresh with quality ingredients.

As Murphy describes it: "We serve high-quality 'faster' food. Nothing ever sits. I'm a stickler for great customer service and cleanliness. We have a good core menu of favorites and, sometimes, I'll put quirky things on the specials menu."

One of those "quirky things," the sloppy fried egg sandwich ($5.59 to $7.19), has become so popular in its various versions - cheeseburger, steak, chicken, bacon - that it is now a regular menu item. Other favorites include the five-ounce, 100 percent ground sirloin jumbo burger ($3.59), the bacon cheeseburger ($4.99) and the Friday three-piece fish fry ($7.99).

And then there's the custard, which is made right on premises in small batches with "special" ingredients. Two of the most popular special flavors include Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel and Butter Pecan.

Murphy also is proud of his fundraising efforts in conjunction with local nonprofit groups and his incredible specials that bring in lots of customers.

"We're a very high volume restaurant - a tucked-away jewel," Murphy says. "Murf's is a great value."

The Basics

NAME: Murf's Frozen Custard and Jumbo Burgers

ADDRESS: 12505 W. Burleigh Road, Brookfield

PHONE: (262) 814-6873

FARE: burgers, fast food, fish fry, American

HOURS: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: about $3.50 to $8

RESERVATIONS: no

HANDICAPPED ACCESS: yes

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: no

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, email her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.