As of Yesterday, There's No More Murph's in Sherman Oaks

It’s a few steps forward and one step back for the Valley, it seems. After coming on very strong in the past few months with a slew of new openings and awesome concepts, Ventura Boulevard has lost one of its more recent names over the weekend with the shutter of Murph’s, a garage-y cocktail spot owned by serial Valley restaurateur Richard DiSisto.

Calling the overall concept "rushed," DiSisto says that Murph's never really caught on with locals, nor did it become a destination. And so, after only debuting last September, the casual drink space will once again go under the knife.

In its place will come Downtown Johnny’s, described as a "throwback" bar (which is exceedingly popular these days) with a tavern vibe. No word on that opening, as Murph’s must go through the entire demolition process first. Marc Johnson, new to his role as overall executive chef for the entire DiSisto Vantage Restaurant group, will handle the new menu.

Can't wait all summer for a new drink spot to open along that stretch of Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks? There's always the classy Tunnel Bar.