Murphy's Pub. Virginia Beach, Virginia.

2914 Pacific Avenue

Guinness Tag: $8.00 | Overall Rating: 8.60

Today's Dedicated Pint: Lance "K-OSS at the Oche" Koss

I drove hundreds of miles, threw millions of darts, published a book, and wrote 123 articles to get to Murphy's Irish Pub in Virginia Beach. If you've never been, let me be the first to tell you that Virginia Beach is flippin' sweet, and Murphy's is even better. I spent the entire day venturing into 4 different Pubs and competing in the second biggest Steel Tip Darts tournament on the continent the day prior to my first sip of Guinness here at Murphy's.

Murphy's sits just a couple of blocks away from the ocean, it's right across the street from The Breeze Inn (which I don't advise anyone to sleep in), and it's only about a 5-minute drive from the annual darts tournament that brings in the biggest names in steel tip darts here in the USA and Canada (Mexico is pretty far behind). Speaking of big names within the darts community, I had the privilege of teaming up with Lance Koss, a phenomenal thrower out of northern Ohio, throughout this tournament, and we placed in the top 16 in Doubles Cricket. He and I shared about 5 or 6 Guinness here at Murphy's throughout the weekend, and we even inadvertently partook in a celebration of life for one of the previous owners of the Pub, or someone of that relevance here inside Murphy's during our first visit here (I didn't write down anything specific on those regards, so I don't know who died, but I do remember all of the staff being sad). Lance, do you remember? I'm sure you don't, you drunken bastard. (If Lance's kids are reading this, then I hope you know I'm being facetious. Your dad's awesome.)

I think Murphy's Pub is one of those places that take you by surprise. To be honest, I didn't expect this Pub to be as good as it is, and when I asked Lance about it (who's been to Virginia Beach 10+ times prior to today) he said something like, "Oh yeah, that place isn't terrible." You know what's nuts? This was either Lance's first ever Guinness, or his first Guinness in years. I was ashamed for a second, but after his first sip, he said, "Oh, this is it." I said, "You bet yer' ass it is." (Now you know how we placed in the top 16 in the second biggest darts tourney on the western hemisphere). Guinness is good for you, so they say.

For one, the name "Murphy's" is VERY outplayed here in the states. For seconds, the curb appeal isn't making anyone say, "Holy smokes, I gotta walk into this joint." For thirds? Nobody cares. Murphy's slaps, and if you're spending the night in VA Beach then you need to hang out with the friendly locals inside this establishment.

I love that they have actual signage and legitimate decor on the walls. You'll find authentic maps of Ireland with surnames on it, and other things that you won't find in the chain restaurants. It annoys me to see the embarrassing amount of people in society that continuously frequent chains such as Chili's, Beef's, and the 20+ others. Texas Roadhouse gets a pass from me, because that place offers one of the biggest bangs for the American buck.

Murphy's pours their Guinness the right way (imperial pint, good head), and they have a better whiskey selection than most of the bars I popped into within the area. We stopped in Waterman Spirits while we were stumbling around, and if you want a spot that offers great local distilling, then that's the place you want to imbibe in.

As you bend your elbows along the bar, you'll notice a bunch of cop patches, lights, a few TVs, Irish flags, a giant fish, and a bartender who cares. Mind you, we came while the sun was still shining, as I typically do anytime I visit a Pub. I hate walking into Pubs for the first time on a late weekend night, because you never know what kind of crowd you'll find and you'll never

experience the place's true beauty. I'm not on this mission of stepping foot inside every Irish Pub in America to find the same annoying late crowd everywhere I go, I'm doing this to experience the other things. I've had my fill of drinking full priced beers alongside obnoxiously loud 20-year-olds. Don't get me wrong, I'll still have a good time on a Friday night, I'm not a Debbie Downer.

There's a music stage inside as well as outside, and the bathrooms are better than most (they're definitely boring, but at least they're big and clean). There's a huge fireplace right in the middle of the dining room, which is fun, and trust me when I say it's huge. It's a great centerpiece. You'll find plenty of tables if you're looking to inhale some grub with family and friends, and you'll also find an ATM if you're low on cash for your next Darts Tournament.

Murphy's provides the type of atmosphere you want out of a neighborhood Pub. It

has fun music, fun people, good pours, good lighting, 2 separate bars, and the vibes of being on the beach. If I could frequent here every week, I totally would. I love this place. Is it the coolest Pub I've ever walked into? No, not really. But that doesn't mean it's not awesome. It definitely gives you the feel of a fun hangout from back at home while you're on vacation.

Unless I'm dead, I'm certain you'll find my ass on one of these barstools again at some point in time. Take it from me: Murphy's is worthy of your time and money. I'm so glad I stopped inside!

Thanks, Murphy's! I'm on my way to the Blarney Stone by the South Plaza in the morning... we'll see how that goes. Slainte!