Murray’s Deli has been a Midland staple since 1984. With its eccentric décor, classic menu items, and coveted ranch dressing, the restaurant located at 3211 W Wadley Ave #24 has been drawing Midlanders in for over four decades. Come with us as we experience this cornerstone of Midland eateries.

A bit of background

Bart and Sharla Hotchkis founded Murray’s Deli in 1984. One early account notes that Bart opened the first location in downtown Midland in 1983 with no prior restaurant experience but plenty of energy and creativity. Over the decades, it became a Midland classic, frequently praised for items like their curly fries, Reuben sandwich, BLT,  fried pickles, and fresh salads.

A rumor spread during the COVID-19 pandemic that amid the rush of small businesses closing, Murray’s was included on that list. A now-part-owner of the restaurant called to ask about the closing and was informed that, while Murray’s was not closing, they would be open to selling.

With the acquisition, new owners Betsy Wells, Neil Dufford, and Scott Dufford brought many great improvements to Murray’s, including curbside pickup, a kids’ menu, the beautiful outdoor patio, and, most notably, the addition of wood-fired brick-oven pizza to the menu on Thursday and Friday nights. The owners, being a Midland family themselves, kept the restaurant very true to its roots, retaining the artwork and rustic feel of the décor.

The experience

Murray’s has been a favorite of mine since childhood. Anytime a friend asks, “Where do you want to go to lunch?” my gut reaction is always to say, “Murray’s”. Its warm atmosphere, satisfying comfort food, and points for being locally owned and operated almost always beat out any other option in town.

This being my family and friends’ typical ‘girl lunch’ spot, returning with my husband this time, who had never been there, was a whole different experience. I loved watching him experience a favorite for the first time, and, to my great excitement, he, of course, loved it.

Eating with the girls, I typically order one of three things, but always the same side, and the same drink. This time, I decided to branch out and try new things, experimenting to give you the best overall view of Murray’s. As always, I was not disappointed.

My husband went for one of my go-tos, the Murray’s famous hamburger, or more specifically, the jalapeno burger. With Midland Meat Market-sourced beef, it’s no wonder they’re amazing. I decided on something different from my usual burger, Reuben, or chicken Caesar wrap. The French Dip, lean roast beef and melted provolone, served on a steak bun with au jus on the side.

Feeling adventurous again, we ordered appetizers of onion rings and mozzarella sticks, testing tried-and-true favorites. Both stood up to my standards, but my ‘non-foody’ husband declared he prefers these sides from Sonic—his favorite restaurant. Keeping with my long-standing Murray’s tradition, I introduced my husband to my chosen appetizer (as a certified cheapskate): the famous Murray’s ranch… and free salad croutons.

While I admit their appetizers were certainly tastier, mine served me better in my poor high school days.

Health-conscious

Murray’s emphasizes its use of beef tallow, and Midland Meat Markets’ hormone- and antibiotic-free Wagyu beef, making it an overall health-forward choice for deli food.

Despite these changes, Murray’s food has not diminished in its flavor or food quality. Many people associate ‘healthy’ choices with less appetizing food. Murray’s has, if anything, increased its deliciousness with these changes, prioritizing good, local, and healthy options.

Grandpa’s collected tavern

Murray’s décor might be my favorite part of the deli. It’s got a cozy, collected, eclectic look that anyone who knows me could tell you I love. It looks as if the owner has been collecting vintage treasures or cleaning out the ‘to donate’ pile that’s been living in the garage. Somehow it all works well together.

This Midland staple restaurant embodies that American pub aesthetic. Dark-wood wainscoting and paneling, layered walls packed with vintage beer signs, license plates, framed photos, and quirky memorabilia that define its feel. Tiffany-style stained-glass pendant lamps for golden ambient lighting and a maximalist “collected over decades” look may make you minimalists out there cringe a little.

Still, to me, it feels personal, homey, and full of character.

My favorite detail, and not just because it sits at my preferred booth, is the funny framed picture of a lemon sliced in half with egg white and yolk spilling out. I don’t know what it is about this picture that fascinates me so much. It’s just so unusual. I discover a new detail of the Murray’s décor every time I go. It’s always fun to think about what I’ll find next or what idea I get while there that I need to jot down for my own home.