murphy's grand irish pub

the alexandria area isgreatarea for dining. a fine irish pub. good selection of irish brew on tap, not a wine place but why would it be. service friendly, this night dined at the bar, the smithicks was cold. dinner went with their jameson strip steak w/ baked potato & mixed veggies. steak was cooked as requested, tender but more fat then i would expect with a strip. overall a good place.

slow service, so-so food. walked around old town for awhile trying to decide what to try...

the restaurant is very cozy and has agreatatmosphere for the most part, although it was strange to hear irish music one minute, then 80s and early 90s music next.

anyway, i tried the shepherd's pie based on the server's suggestion. i have never had shepherd's pie before and thought this was as good a time as any to try it. it was good but not mind blowing. it has your typical beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy with cheese, peas, lima beans, corn, carrots, etc. the meat had a good flavor but it was as good as i hoped.

my fiancee had a caesar sald and spinach and artichoke dip. she did not like the dip at all and the salad was as expected.

the service was lacking...while the server was nice, they were slow and short-staffed. the business could really benefit having some bussers as the servers had to clear off and clean their own tables. i may go back and try the seafood platter but it just wasn't a very memorable experience.

great atmosphere for an irish pub, the beer selection was great. in my opinion it is a pub first and a restaurant second so keep that in mind when going in. i had their version of a meat pie. i've hadgreattasting "real" sheppard's pie in another state. even though the meat pie at murphy's was good, the only complaint i have is it was more like a boxty they flattened and covered with gravy. since it was not what i was expecting i was somewhat disappointed, that said, it was still good and i am willing to try other items on their menu. the service wasgreatduring the visit, had to actually slow the waiter down so i could enjoy my beer first.

great place,greatvalue. we tried the meat and potato pie, the stew, the corned beef, and the roast beef. all were wonderful and well priced, (under $10), and lots ofgreatbeer on tap plus the awesome pub atmosphere. this place is a must go to again in my opinion.

saturday night. showed up early with a group of friends to eat. ordered bangars and mash. you will not be disappointed if you order this dish. large portions and tastes great. as the night went on the pub filled. once the music started up we knew we were in the right spot.

to the point: murphy's is the spot for good food, good friends, andgreatatmosphere.

rocking on a wednesday night.greatfish and chips, and wife loved the irish stew.

had agreattime. saturday night,greatfood,greatentertainment. crowded upstairs and downstairs. love it.