Murphy's Bleachers. Chicago, Illinois
- The Drunken Mallard
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
3655 North Sheffield Avenue
Guinness Tag: $9.00 | Overall Rating: 2.00
Today's Dedicated Pint: Paddy Flaherty
We went to Chicago to hit up as many Pubs as possible in a 2.5 day span (we stumbled through 21 Pubs in total). We also hit up the Windy City to watch the Reds beat the Cubs in Wrigleyville, and what other place to do that than Murphy's Bleachers. Don't get me wrong, we didn't watch the entire game here, but we made it a point to watch a couple of innings inside the notorious place.
At first, I didn't know if I could accede this location to my list of Irish Pubs, as some may say it's not too Irish. However, it has an Irish name, there's green everywhere you look, Ireland's flag is present, and there are a few shamrocks scattered around the place. The bartender even said, "I think we're an Irish Pub...", so you're damn right I'm adding this one on the list. It's surely a sports bar and provides quite a hell of an atmosphere to watch a Cubs game. Honestly, if you're a Cubs fan and don't happen to have a ticket into Wrigley Field, then by all means: plop your potato on one of these barstools because it's a great time! Just know that Mr. Red, the mascot of the Cincinnati Reds, has officially bent his elbows in this establishment while the Reds beat up on the Cubs with a TJ Friedl lead-off home run =).
They poured their first Guinness in 1980, was it in a plastic cup back then? I guess I'll have to wait for one of you old timers to let me know (just don't make a long story about it, we get it, Gramps, "back in my day things were different, you just don't understand", just tell us if it was in a plastic cup or not and eat your oats.) It was May 30th, 2025, when we hung out with the friendly patrons here, and the Reds put on a clinic against the Cubs (it was nice). Everyone was very inviting though; hence we were clearly repping Cincinnati. As we were walking around and touring out the spot, I kept thinking to myself "what the hell am I going to rate this place?" As you look around, you'll notice some really diverting things on the walls, such as some very old school Cubs memorabilia (lots of pennants), unique art pieces, and exposed brick.
There are multiple bars scattered throughout the space, a fireplace, high-top tables, and TVs. I'll give it to them; it's one of the coolest sports bars I've ever been to, and I've been to more of those than I have Irish Pubs (and that's saying A LOT).
So, to get back to "what the hell am I going to rate this place?" I figured, well, there aren't too many Irish tidbits to talk about, so whatever the Cubs score against the Reds, that'll be Murphy's Bleacher's rating. The Cubs put up 2 runs after the 9th inning, so there you have it! You bet your ass if they scored 8 or more runs then I would have axed that idea.
If I were to rate this as a sports bar then it'd be high, but I don't rate those. Is it a good Irish Pub? Absolutely not, and that's ok! To be honest, a 2.00 is probably a little higher than I would have rated it if I was going to rate it the traditional way. By the way, this was the only time I've rated a Pub in such a manor, and if you have a problem with me rating Pubs like this in EXTREMELY UNIQUE circumstances such as today, then kick rocks (I say that in the friendliest way possible). You have my word that if I walk into a true Irish Pub then I'll be going through the normal SOP.
There's not much to say about this one. Just take a look at the pictures and take my word for it that if you're in the mood to watch some baseball and you're near the Addison stop off the Red Line, then get your ass over to Murphy's Bleachers!
If you want to read an article about a great Irish Pub, then I'd endorse going to the search bar on this website and searching for Cork Harbour Pub, The Dead Rabbit, Crowley's Highland House, or the Erin Rose.
Murphy's staff: you're a blast. Thanks for the fun conversations. Slainte!
Cubs or Reds?
Cubs
Reds
Rob Manfred Sucks
"The Dart Box" is coming soon. You heard it here, first!
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