Murphy's in Alexandria is everything an Irish pub should be. Photo by Ashley Estill.
When you step into Old Town Alexandria’s Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, chances are you’re a regular…and if not, you’ll be one in no time.
Murphy’s has all the ingredients that make a great neighborhood bar: friendly staff, delicious menu options ranging from snacks to sandwiches to Irish specialties and seafood dishes, a variety of drinks and some amazing specials. Add in their Irish influences and you’ve got yourself a new favorite spot.
“We definitely try to cater to the local community,” explained Manager Kenny Mitchell. “We like our staff to be involved with the customers to ensure they come back time and time again.” “Customers sit here, have dinner and a few drinks then come back next week. It’s really become their home away from home,” he added.
The two-story space is adorned inside with green walls, red brick, dark wood and their signature fireplace that opens to both levels. It’s a classic, cozy pub atmosphere — a perfect refuge from the raw winter weather in DC. And the draw extends beyond the decor. Weekly special offerings include rib nights on Mondays; half-price burgers and trivia on Tuesdays; 35-cent wings on Wednesdays; steak night on Thursdays; and an $8.95 Sunday brunch that is a bargain if this writer ever saw one.
Murphy’s also hosts live music seven nights a week, highlighted by local legend Pat Carroll, who has performed traditional Irish drinking tunes — highlighted by his sterling version of “The Unicorn Song” — to a packed house for years.
As to the food, “I’d definitely start with the Fish and Chips,” said Mitchell. “You can get Fish and Chips anywhere, but you can’t get Fish and Chips done right anywhere.”
Murphy's welcomes you with delicious food, great music and a fun atmosphere. Photo by Ashley Estill.
If you’re traveling, Murphy’s also has two other locations, one in DC (2609 24th St., NW) and another in Virginia Beach. While all three spots offer the same specials, each menu is slightly tweaked to cater to the local market.
If all of this has you thinking about a trip to Murphy’s, we’ve got two tips to keep in mind. First, get there early on the weekends; it gets packed by mid-evening, especially if you’re hoping to get a table and dine. And second, if you’re a smoker, you can still indulge at Murphy’s on the second floor. For everyone else, the first floor is tobacco free. Other than that, just prepare to have fun.
“People expect an upbeat, friendly atmosphere and that’s what we try to create, what we want to create and what I think we have here,” said Mitchell, and we couldn’t agree more.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: 713 King Street, Alexandria, VA; 703-548-1717; www.murphyspub.com
[googleMap name="Murphy's Grand Irish Pub" mousewheel="false"]713 King Street, Alexandria, VA[/googleMap]
