Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

http://www.murphyspub.com/

When I think of (American) Irish pubs, I can recall enough to fill two hands full of fingers, maybe even three. When I think of Grand Irish pubs, I can think of only one... and that's Murphy's Grand Irish Pub. And grand it is. As you walk into this fine establishment, the first thing you'll probably notice is that the upstairs and downstairs are nearly identical in their setup. This presents just a bit of a problem, as the bathrooms are in the back of the pub. Typically one finds them self in either bathroom after more than just a couple Guinness... Guinnesses? Guinnessae, that upon leaving said bathroom, it is not immediately obvious just which bathroom you've left from.  Unless of course you were paying attention when you walked in, but honestly who does that?  After five car bombs in, I consider it an accomplishment if I can make it back to my seat.  Extra points for making it back onto the seat.

But now that I've gotten Murphy's sole flaw out of the way, allow me to heap the praise.  I'm not a big fan of so-called "Irish Pubs"; they're as much Irish as Ching Chong Chang's Famry Restaurant is Chinese.  But at least Murphy's does away with most of the obnoxious stereotypes.  Gone is the cheesy Enya background music, the green Mardi Gras bead necklaces, the lucky charms, the choice between Miller Light and Guiness.  Murphy's is still an American-Irish bar, but the pub feel is a little less forced, and you get the feeling that they've been doing this longer than the copycats.  

The standard Irish/English pub favorites are on tap, so that means plenty of stouts, Smithwicks, Bass Harp, etc.  The food is consistently excellent, as well as the service.  Come St Pat's Day and this place is guaranteed to be crammed full, but stop by on a thursday or friday night and you'll enjoy a laid back atmosphere with some locals, a couple tourists, and maybe some guy who always sounds like Gordon Lightfoot.

Bevs: B+

Food: A- 

Decor: B

Crew: A

Clientele: C+