Monsignor Murphy's. Chicago, IL

3019 North Broadway

Guinness Tag: $7.00 | Overall Rating: 8.15

Today's Dedicated Pint: Zack Meyers and his simultaneous Kidney Stones & Shingles.

Right in the middle of the Chicago Yacht Club and the Wellington stop on the CTA's Brown Line lays an Irish Pub with perhaps the coolest name throughout the state of Illinois: Monsignor Murphy's. It's one of the very few places to throw Steel-Tip Darts throughout the downtown area and they've had some notable experiences with some of the big names in darts such as Michael van Gerwen!

I decided not to bring my darts with me because I knew that I'd end up staying there for hours, which means I'd miss out on a few other Irish Pubs in the area. I'm glad I didn't bring them because that's exactly what would have happened. Monsignor Murphy's has the Craic that sucks you in and makes it hard for you to leave.

As you walk towards the building you'll notice it's charming and quaint curb appeal with a tiny patio and fun signage. There's a little foyer upon entry to keep the cold out and a bunch of lights to keep you from falling down the stairs as the bar is on the second floor. As soon as you walk in, you'll realize just how cozy this place is, even during the daytime. It's perfectly dimmed with amber lighting and the place is filled with red and green colors. The walls have exposed brick, nicely stained wooden panels, sports memorabilia, authentic signage, and old photographs. The place offers an incredibly nostalgic vibe, especially with the live music features.

Monsignor Murphy himself was conducting a meeting on his high-top table near the window which gave me the opportunity to snap a really neat photo of the setting. He opted for the coffee rather than Guinness. Speaking of Guinness, Murphy doesn't offer any on tap, only in a can: quite a huge blow. I opted for a Smithwick's.

As you sit at the bar and look around you'll notice many more cozy things, such as the brass railing by your feet, little high-top tables along the wall with little lamps, and nicely worn in furniture. Curtains don't always work for everyone, but they fit in perfectly here. There's a popcorn machine to keep you thirsty, TV's to keep you entertained, and 2 Unicorn Eclipse dart boards. At one point in time, Murphy himself came behind the bar and started polishing the "bar darts", something you almost never see happening, it was awesome.

The bartender made a funny joke about Murphy, saying "he won't buy an updated cash register, but he'll buy a new dart board and polish his darts." She accompanied us with some shots of Jameson.

The toiletries here are downstairs and they are terrifically tidy, giving you great signage and an A+ bathroom experience. The slot machines here are fun, the back patio is golf themed as well as heated, the ceiling tiles are marvelous, and the place as a whole is nothing but a good time. It's hard to find many blemishes about the place. Let's try really quick.

Well, we already know about the Guinness stinker. However, both the beer and whiskey selections are very average and rather boring as well. The countertops are made of a green Formica type material which isn't the most appealing if I'm going to be honest. That's about it on the blemishes. The only other thing I'd wish to see is perhaps a pinch more Irish decor.

At the end of the day, this place kicks ass. It's not proper by any means and it's certainly not a place that I'd recommend to everyone. If you're a dart thrower and enjoy drinking with the Blue-Collar crowd, then you're going to have a blast. I've given Pubs without Guinness on tap rather high ratings before, due to the significant dosage of Craic, and although Murphy's has great Craic, it's just not quite at the "Pete's Out in the Cold" level.

Chicagoans have been bending their elbows here since 1982 and I'm sure they'll be doing so for another 100 years. Thanks for the great time, Murphy and company! Slainte.