Murphy’s Pub and Patio: A Great Time Above It All

Murphy’s Pub At the Belmont‎

Closes at Midnight

As you know if you read our reviews often, there are many bars in Long Beach where you can have a good time. One of the best is right in the middle of all the action on 2nd Street, and that would be Murphy’s Pub and Patio at the Belmont. Murphy’s is located on 2nd Street between Argonne and St. Joseph, directly above the Belmont Athletic Club. To the right of the gym doors you will find a staircase marked with an arrow sign pointing up, very appropriately bearing the name “Murphy’s”. When you make your way up the stairs you will have a straight shot to the bar. There isn’t any hard stuff, but there is a beer selection that will be sure to please even the most finicky drinker of the malty goodness. Oh, and don’t forget to ask for a passport, as I am sure that you will want to embark on this journey.

What is this passport you are talking about? Well, Murphy’s is all about people trying out many different kinds of the beverage that we call beer. Not only do they carry 70 different beers of all different styles and countries, but they reward you for trying all of them. The passport is a little green card with boxes that are numbered 1-70. Each number corresponds to a different beer that they have, and when you order one and pay for it, they will punch that beer’s number and you are on your way. I know that many of you are asking yourselves what reward could possibly be better than getting to try 70 different varieties of the nectar of the gods. The answer is a plaque in the Hall Of Hops engraved with your name, and a t-shirt telling everyone that you are dedicated to the fine art of beer drinking.

Now that you have christened your passport and are drinking a beer, take a look around. There are plenty of tables and high tops to sit at inside. You can always catch the latest game or event on one of the many televisions. They usually have great rock playing in the background, a lively crowd, and on certain nights of the week they host events such as the wildly popular Rock, Paper, Scissors tournaments. Yes, you read that correctly. If none of that is your gig then grab your beer and head on out to the patio, one of the best assets that Murphy’s has, and in my opinion the best patio on 2nd Street. It looks over the street from its second story perch, laying out before you a full view of the street scene: beautiful people, beautiful cars, and of course the ubiquitous dogs of Belmont Shore. I have been known to sit out there for hours over a few pitchers with friends and chat it up while watching world go by underneath us. And if you see a friend traveling down the street feel free to give them a shout, hold up your beer and invite them to join you for a drink.

After all of these festivities you are sure to need something to eat. Murphy’s will also come through for you on this avenue. They serve the standard bar food: sandwiches, fries, clubs, melts, and many other dishes that are sure to help you sober up. There are a few different items that I would like to call to your attention. First is the Shore Stumbler, which consists of a triple decker sandwich with ham, turkey, bacon, and Swiss, with the standard accoutrement. It is sure to please and fill ya up. Another oft-requested offering is the Bullet, a hot ham and cheddar sandwich served on sourdough bread. Now, I love grilled ham and cheese, so this is right up my alley with a nice portion of ham topped with melty cheddar goodness.

Next time you are strolling down 2nd Street and have the craving to drink instead of workout, take a trip up the stairs to Murphy’s. Get that passport started and, if you have not already, launch your exploration into the world of beer. You will have many that you will want to drink again, and you will probably run into a few that will make your head turn, but that is why we try: so that we may know. I look forward to running into you.

Until Next Time, Keep Eating Long Beach,

Cliv