Murdoch Perk

So good! This is a great gem. High end lunch and breakfast food without high end prices.

It has closed. Tried to come here today and it was all locked up with a for sale sign in the window :(

This place really has become one of the places I visit most frequently for breakfast. I’m a huge fan of the big breakfast (for your traditional breakfast plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast), but have also come to love their seasonal specials. The breakfast flatbread is a delicious take on a breakfast pizza during the summer months and their breakfast bowl, eggs covered with steaming sausage gravy, bacon crumbles and cheese, is great in the winter. Sure, none of this is on the diet, but all are great splurges on a Sunday morning.
My absolute favorite coffee is when they have Southern Pecan. I drink myself nuts on it. It’s proven to fuel some intense house cleaning sessions when I come home all hopped up on the good stuff!
Inside is cute with exposed brick, etc, but can get pretty loud when crowded (and the line to order can wind around your table if it gets too long). The patio is wonderful for a relaxing breakfast when the weather’s nice. Service is always conversational and friendly. Love the Perk!

Good place to go for a fresh simple breakfast if you have extra $ and don’t feel like making the same food or better at home.
Had to give them 2 stars because their workers are never friendly or nice. They look at me like I have 3 heads and they are much better than I. Sorry ladies, you work at a coffee shop. Don’t know why this makes them feel so special.
I live in the neighborhood and would love to go more often to help out local businesses. But their employees need some training on customer service.

Great patio. Great coffee. The food is inconsistent. The meat has been dry and chewy half the time. If its cooking would be better, the dishes are great.

Murdoch Perk doesn’t make me moan with happiness, but I wouldn’t kick it out of bed, either.
As I continue being a freelancing coffeeshop nomad, I’ve visited Murdoch Perk a few times. It’s in a cute neighborhood off of south Hampton, and there’s usually enough street parking despite it being on a residential street (don’t forget to set your emergency brake!). There are maybe 10 tables inside as well as a tiny patio. The space is clean, airy and not too chilly even when the ceiling fans are on — always a plus for me.
On separate occasions, I’ve had a berry smoothie, a piece of gooey buttercake and an order of hummus. Nothing really stands out as being OMGSOYUMMY, but everything was just fine. I think the smoothie was around $ 4, the buttercake was around $ 4 and the hummus was around $ 6. The order of hummus was enough to feed a table of four. A giant plate of maybe 30 triangles of pita surrounded a large bowl of hummus. The hummus just wasn’t my favorite, though — it was kind of nutty and quite soupy. It wasn’t gross or anything, just not what I really prefer. It was a lot of food for $ 6, though.
Like others have mentioned, the service is a bit slow. Each of the items I mentioned above took at least 10 minutes to get to me — and the gooey buttercake even was in the case at the counter!
The staff is quite friendly, though. Everyone smiles and chats with you as they walk by your table. Plus they don’t mind if you use their free wifi for a long time. There wasn’t a rush of people any of the times I went (7 – 9 p.m. twice, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. once), so maybe that was why they didn’t mind me hanging around. Or it could just be because I’ve got boobs; I sense that it’s perhaps a neighborhood lesbian gathering spot though it’s definitely not in the same vein as a lesbian bar or such. It’s just a subtle feeling from the employees. It’s all good.
Side note 1: Their music selections are pretty good. They lean sort of indie, of course. I’ve heard a lot of Ben Folds, Death Cab and Ben Kweller while there.
Side note 2: The staff were talking among themselves the other day about how there will be a hearing for them to get their liquor license.
I’ll continue returning to Murdoch Perk occasionally, but it won’t be at the top of my rotation. I will, however, use it as an excuse to head to the Hampton Target «since I’m in the neighborhood.» Target: Now there’s a place that makes me moan.

Slooooooooowwwwww. If you like standing up in line for 20 minutes to order breakfast and then waiting an hour for food. come on down.
Food is OK, but definitely not worth the wait

This place is a very cute neighborhood spot. The hubs and I went here on a weekday morning and enjoyed having the place to ourselves. The barista was very nice, the space was cute and I really enjoyed my latte.
However, our food was pretty average, enjoyable for sure, but not anything crazy. I had the TESS — tomato, egg, spinach and Swiss croissant which was pretty good and also ordered a side of fruit which I probably should have skipped. It had two small slices of unripe cantaloupe and a handful of puny grapes:(My husband enjoyed his meal — the big breakfast. It was your classic eggs, toast and hash browns. The hash browns were unique with a mix of regular and sweet potatoes, yum! I hear that their chili is delicious so I might be willing to get some for carry out on the next cold, snowy day.

This is my first time here, and I’m definitely coming back.
Murdoch Perk is clearly a neighborhood-​oriented place, but well worth the drive. I walked in late morning, and even though the place was quiet with only a few customers, the staff was welcoming and attentive. As morning turned to lunch time, the place began to fill up but never got so busy that there wasn’t a place to sit. The noise level was never an issue.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable; clean but not pretentious. I love that they brew and sell Chauvin Coffee, a local roaster.
I had the T.E.S.S. (Tomato, Egg, Spinach, and Swiss on croissant,) which was very good. Nothing to stand up and cheer about, but still enjoyable. (The croissant was the best part, honestly.)
I’ll want to try their Chai and Aztec hot chocolate next time I’m here. The menu is varied and I don’t think I’ll get bored with it quickly.

There’s a lot I love about the Perk. Great location in Southampton. It reflects the neighborhood — young, old, boho, conservative. Overall, very fit (I think this is because of Big River Running down the block). But the food is just okay. Not bad, just kind of bland and not well-​cooked. For instance, the only kind of eggs you can get are scrambled. And I suspect they were either made in a large batch, or even baked. They’ve never come in contact with animal fat — and eggs need to be cooked in bacon or sausage grease or butter at the very least! (Okay, poached, too, but only on eggs Benedict). I’ve noticed other people have commented on the unevenly cooked potatoes. I’ve noticed that, too. The waffles are the only thing that I’ve found to be really, really good.
So, I heartily recommend you come to the Perk for the tasty coffee, the friendly service, the comfortable atmosphere. But, if you’re coming for the food, you may be disappointed.

Visiting on a Sunday during the height of brunch-​time isn’t always the best way to experience a restaurant… But I’ve been to MP during those times enough to be somewhat okay with it. Because I was alone, not so hungry, and looking for a utilitarian meal.
I ordered the TESS (Tomato, Egg, Spinach, Swiss) sandwich. On the menu board, it looks amazing. In reality, it’s… meh.
There’s a fine line between a flagship dish (I assume that’s what it is, hence the acronym) and a forgettable filler sandwich.
The TESS toes the line towards the latter, in my opinion.
A few things that ran through my mind when I ordered this TESS sandwich:
–Toasted (or at least warm) croissant.
–A choice in egg format (they only offer scrambled, according to the barista/​cashier due to lack of griddle space) What kind of breakfast place is this?
— Cooked spinach/​more spinach than just two leaves. This is an integral part of the sandwich. Gimme some spinach!
–A more robust tomato…
The sandwich, which came out 20 minutes after ordering (yes, I notice order-​to-​table times as a habit) was utilitarian at best. I ordered it with «potatoes» which were okay, but for some reason, they were cooked very unevenly.
A waxy red potato does not cook evenly at the same time with a sweet potato, or even an Idaho. It’s a great idea, for sure. But if they’re unwilling to properly cook all of their taters, then they should just stick to one type. Several of the red potatoes on my plate had the consistency of a granny smith apple. That’s anti-​NOM in my book. And completely unacceptable. With the long line to the single barista/​cashier at the counter, I figured any complaint would be met with another extended wait.
I’ll probably go back, if I’m in the neighborhood, and not in the mood for tasty sandwiches down the street at Macklind Avenue Deli… Okay… I probably won’t go back, in favor of better fare elsewhere… At least for breakfast.

For breakfast I ordered the breakfast burrito with potatoes as my side. The burrito was a tad small and just average. Nothing I couldn’t have made myself. The salsa with the burrito was cheap tasting. The potatoes looked good… they use both sweet and regular potatoes. However, there was very little flavor.
The restaurant is clean, and orderly. Also, they offer free wi-​fi which is a must for a breakfast place for me. I’ve got to have access to my electronic paper. The place can be busy… to the point that I felt guilty for sitting after I finished eating my food. There really isn’t anywhere for patrons to go after they order food when all the tables are full. Also, my small table against the wall was very close to another one right behind me. I was squished in and always knocking my chair against another customer.
It’s a nice place, but I prefer a more comfortable atmosphere for my Sunday morning grub.

Love this place. Great atmosphere and decadent pastries. Try the spiced mocha! Also, gotta love free wifi.

I’d just like to add that they have upgraded their patio furniture since the last time I sat outside (and it’s been awhile). They use to have those awful white plastic sets, but now they have the black metal kind, which are a lot better. Still love the chipotle turkey sandwich!

Your quintessential neighborhood coffee shop… and more! Murdoch Perk does the Southampton Neighborhood proud! They offer a small yet very good selection of Kaldi’s coffees – I’m hooked on Highlander Grogg – and they complement that with a number of well-​prepared lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. The food is a mix of upscale deli-​style sandwiches with a good salad selection and an anytime breakfast menu. It’s priced reasonably for a breakfast or lunch.
If you’re driving down Macklind to get to Murdoch Perk, you might miss the outstanding patio they have behind the building. It’s clean and quaint, and it’s sunken to offer a degree of seclusion.
Murdoch Perk has become an anchor of the burgeoning Macklind Business District (check out their awesome, yet classy signs on every light post along a mile-​long stretch through the Southampton Neighborhood), and the neighborhood is really drawn to the coffee shop. Murdoch Perk is often crowded, but not overly noisy, on just about any given day.
Overall, two-​thumbs up! Pay Murdoch Perk a visit and you won’t be disappointed!

Came here today for a nice Sunday brunch with my mom and sister. We arrived at 11am, and it was PACKED. I was surprised that we found a corner table to sit in. I recommend coming around noon or shortly after if you want someplace to sit.
I ordered the bacon egg and cheese croissant: fluffy scrambled eggs topped with crispy bacon and american cheese on a flaky croissant. It came with your choice of fruit or potatoes. As much as the fat kid inside me wanted the potatoes, I went with the fruit (I’m trying really hard to eat a little healthier here!).
The sandwich itself was pretty good. Didn’t blow me out of the water, but it was solid. I could have used a little more bacon and a little less egg, but that’s just the bacon lover in me coming out. The fruit was a mess, simply put. A few apple chunks, some pineapple chunks, a few grapes, and smushed up mandarin oranges. Ummm… tasty. I LOVE fruit, but this didn’t look appetizing at all! And it wasn’t in a nice little cup or anything, either; it was all over the plate, where the juice from the fruit had the potential to get on the bread for my sandwich! I know… it sounds silly, but I don’t like my wet foods and dry foods to touch. Maybe I’m a little OCD.
My mom ordered the belgian waffles. She really liked them. I tried a bite and they were fluffy and very light.
The service was slow, but that’s understandable since they were SO busy. I would have appreciated a little more friendliness as well, but once again… they were busy. I guess I can understand.
I can’t really give this place 4 or 5 stars yet, but since I live pretty close, I’m sure to be back.

Great patio. Good coffee. I’ve had the bacon egg cheese croissant and the southwest crêpe — both are solid choices.
The scones are just okay. I love this unique spot in south city. Sit on the patio!!! Adorable.

What a great find on a rainy Sunday morning — thanks Unilocalers for the info on Murdoch Perk! Having eaten popcorn and Gardetto’s for dinner the night before, I was HUNGRY! And Mike T loves waffles. We’ve talked about buying a waffle maker, but we have a feeling it would take all of the fun out of eating waffles for breakfast.
So a quick Unilocal search for «waffles» led us to Murdoch Perk and away we went! Although I’ve been to The Mack before, I had no idea that there was a cute little café just down the street. Who knew? The décor is simple and inviting — and it smells yummy inside!
There is no waiter service at Murdoch Perk, so you order at the counter and cross your fingers that a table will be available. I was afraid there would be a long wait, but was pleasantly surprised that it took us less than 15 minutes to get our food and find a seat. We were close to the front door, which was kind of annoying since no one in St. Louis seems to know how to close a door behind themselves, but besides that, our breakfast was pretty uneventful.
I had the Southwest crêpe served with a side of potatoes. The crêpe was huge– full of eggs, ham, onions and peppers. It hit the spot! Mike’s waffles tasted like Angel Food Cake, which was odd for waffles, but really really good.
Murdoch Park also has free Wifi and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, so I will probably come back and work on the back patio on a sunny day. Looking forward to it!

First of all, they serve Kaldi’s coffee. Which is pretty much good enough for me right off the bat.
Add to that really great, fresh food, a tremendous patio in the spring, fireplace in the winter, and quick, friendly service…
Wonderful.

Murdoch Perk is a restaurant and coffee bar located in the heart of the Southhampton neighborhood in the City. They feature breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a wide range of foods such as crepes, sandwiches, salads, dips, breakfast casseroles, soups, and delectable desserts. Breakfast is served all day. They have great coffee drinks and fresh fruit smoothies and the prices ROCK!
Most items are under $ 6. Order and pay at the counter and your food will be served at the table. They have a great patio and free wi-​fi. This place is very clean and the staff is friendly.