Last week, I stopped into Murphy’s south Boulder outpost, where a line of waiting diners spilled onto the sidewalk. It’s a scene I rarely witnessed when the upscale Sobo American Bistro occupied the same location. Although I personally miss Sobo’s creative New American menu, Murphy’s family-friendly concept seems to be a better fit for the neighborhood.

Case in point: The value-driven, creative menu features entrées like the house favorite poblano pork tacos plate. Nine bucks buys three succulent barbacoa pulled-pork tacos with earthy chipotle sour cream, diced onion, cilantro, jack cheese, and mildly smokey poblanos. The fresh masa tortillas and tangy tomatillo salsa feel like bonuses.

657 S. Broadway St., Boulder, 303-494-7626