i really enjoyed my aloha friday afternoon spent here. i stopped in for a couple of beers & a bite to eat after running errands in town. it felt like a classic irish bar from the moment i walked in. the bartenders were quick & attentive, helping patrons not only at the bartop but also throughout the bar area.

when i first arrived around 330pm, there were several other customers at the bartop, bar tables & on the restaurant side. TVs throughout the bar played various sports & everyone seemed to know each other. as the afternoon continued, several regulars shuffled in & out, either for a quick drink or to stop & chat with their favorite bartender. very friendly feeling at the bar, even though i was alone & didn't know anyone else.

i ordered a black & tan, as well as the potato skins pupu. i liked that the potato skins weren't the "boats" you usually find at other restaurants that serve them. these were cut smaller—not quite bite-size but just a tad bigger. they were very crispy & cooked perfectly.

for my main meal, i took the bartender's recommendation & ordered the irish dip with fries. it was very good but was a little skimpy on the meat compared to other places that serve similar sandwiches. despite that, the meat was tender with good flavor & the bread was crisped perfectly with a soft center. i'd order it again but would most likely ask for extra meat.

while there, i learned that friday is pie day at murphy's. by 330pm, they had sold out of three pies. by the time i ordered a piece of key lime pie to go around 530pm, they had already sold out of two more pies. in the two hours i was there, several people stopped in for a quick drink & pie to go, so it seems this a popular & well–known friday feature. (side note: the key lime pie was the perfect balance of tart & sweet.)

overall, i'd say my first visit to murphy's will definitely not be my last. i loved everything about this place (to include the very clean bathrooms) & only wish i lived closer to make this my "usual" spot!