About This Spot

At The Watering Hole, arriving feels like stepping into a warmly familiar gathering place where the hum of easy conversation blends with the gentle rush of a nearby creek. Nestled just off Big Trees Road in Murphys, this inviting beer garden and restaurant strikes a balance between laid-back comfort and lively discovery, perfect for savoring a quiet afternoon or an unhurried evening with friends.

The pace here is unpretentious and relaxed, offering both shaded outdoor seating shaded by trees and a cozy indoor space warmed by a broad fireplace. The atmosphere hints at long afternoons spent sampling a thoughtful array of craft beers while sharing lawn games or simply soaking in the creekside view. The space welcomes a friendly mix — locals, adventurers, and even leashed pets find their comfortable spot here.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen’s creativity shines through familiar comfort foods — think handcrafted burgers and vibrant seafood dishes — with unexpected twists that invite a return visit to taste the next rotation. Large pretzels with rich cheese, crispy chicken and waffles, and flavorful salads create a menu that feels both approachable and inspired, perfectly paired with an extensive and carefully curated beer selection that impresses even seasoned enthusiasts.

Whether sitting outside to enjoy the fresh Murphys air or gathered inside with friends around the fireplace, The Watering Hole holds the easy charm of a cherished neighborhood spot. It’s a place where good food and drink unfold alongside moments of connection — the kind born from sharing time, stories, and simple pleasures in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming.

What’s Available Here

  • IconOutdoor seating
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconFast service
  • IconFireplace
  • IconGreat beer selection
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconSport
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconOrganic dishes
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconBar on site
  • IconGender-neutral toilets
  • IconToilet
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconTrendy
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconTransgender safe space
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking
  • IconDogs allowed outside

Location & Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Guest Reviews

MJ Barrett 25 Dec 2025

Creative takes on standard fare and always absolutely delicious! If you’re a Brew aficionado, this is definitely a must try! Definitely my first choice for lunch or dinner when I’m in the area. For those with people friendly and socialized pets, The Watering Hole has an outdoor dining area that’s (leashed) pet friendly. Excellent food and amazing desserts. Kudos to the Chef and the friendly staff. Highly recommend and worth a drive for the big tree scenery.

Thelma Sniezek 09 Nov 2025

Great outdoor seating area. Solid food. It’s right next to a creek. Was able to take my dog to eat outside after a day of exploring.

K Runn 24 Oct 2025

In Murphy's California you'll find the fairly new establishment. It is a great place for lunch or dinner. Not only do they have one of the widest selections of draft beer on tap in the area, but their selection of single serve canned/bottled beer and wine available is hard to wrap your head around. That alone was enough to keep me coming back. Their food is expertly crafted under the supervision of an incredibly talented chef. The menu will change from time to time based on the chef's inspiration so it does keep your experience fresh. Most entrées do not come with a side so be sure to ask and keep in mind the portions for their sides are typically portioned well enough to split. Great outdoor area and it looks as though there is a place fir someone to perform outside, however it was not the case when we visited there. Enjoy this great place

Kim 01 Oct 2025

FUN ATMOSPHERE- Good food and drink! The menu is super interesting and offer some wonderful dishes. We had the crab and salmon salad, the salmon, potato salad, and sautéed garlic mushrooms. Very extensive beer list as well. They have both indoor and outdoor dining. They also have an area with lawn games, we played connect four. Recommend for a yummy meal in a chill atmosphere

Steve Olson 22 Sep 2025

A favorite spot of ours. Rotating menu, I've tried so many dishes, I otherwise would not have tried. Great food. Great selection of beers on tap, also serves wine. Outside seating with views of the creek, inside seating with a large fireplace, lots of tables. Place your order, grab a beverage. They'll page you when it's ready, grab your food, utensils, condiments. Quick service is an added bonus

Johanna Steensma 20 Sep 2025

I went here on my way home from Big Trees. They have a large selection of beers on tap, only one cider and one mead if you don’t like beer or wine- which I don’t really. However, I did enjoy the peanut butter stout. The “elote” was good but I wasn’t expecting it to be fried. The poutine was alright but it didn’t seem like cheese curds on top; it was like cut-up mozzarella? Nice that they have free popcorn. Because of the low prices, I would return. It’s a good spot for a big group.

Randall Mains 19 Sep 2025

Stopped by here for lunch today while awaiting our guided tour time at the Caverns nearby. Would return. Basic summary: Food was tastier than expected. Kalua pork very yummy Prices were lower than expected. Lots of craft beer options. Nice atmosphere. Good crowd vibe overall. Recommend. Bar staff went out of their way to resolve a missing Mead order.

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