Murphy's Bleachers
Published On: Oct 26, 2006
Ask anyone who has been to a Cubs home game and they will tell you that pre-game and post game time is best spent in the right field area. They are not talking about inside Wrigley Field. They're talking about the area made famous by the famous Bleacher Bums of days gone by. The Bleacher Bums were notorious for hanging out at Ray's Bleachers to plan their travel to out of town Cubs games, and to bemoan or cheer their team on. Although the names changed, the Cubs fans haven't.
This establishment, called Murphy's Bleachers, has been in its location since the 1930's. Then known as Ernie's Bleachers, and later as Ray's Bleachers, in the 1980s it had its name changed again and became Murphy's Bleachers. A staple to Cubs fans since the beginning, the bar became a neighborhood icon when Jim Murphy purchased it and made his changes.
Jim Murphy bought the bar in 1980 and underwent a mass remodel. He added the beer garden in the back and more restrooms. In addition, Murphy added the expanded menu; the original menu included only hot dogs. The expanded menu now includes classic Chicago-style pizzas as well as an assortment of starters and sides to include burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches. Not for meat eaters alone, the menu includes veggie burgers.
What is a bar though without beer and wine? Murphy's Bleachers is second to none with its assortment of beer and wine choices. Murphy's has an impressive list of locally brewed beer on tap, and a larger list of domestics in bottles than most bars three times its size. Not in the mood for a beer? Select one of the wines always on hand.
While it can get crowded on days that the Cubs play, you're sure to get a front row seat when reserving the rooftop. Yes, you can sit on the roof and enjoy the game across the street. Designed to hold a party of 50, this is a sure home run for your friends and family. The rooftop comes with a menu selected by you and a wait staff that is sure to get you from first base to home plate with all of your guests. Your choices for the menu include brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, and desert. You also get to choose the beverage on tap. There are a few house rules for the rooftop party, however. There a no-brainer reservation required and it should be booked early as the calendar fills up fast for game days.
The location is right behind Wrigley Field. Pre-game and post game parties are easily arranged, or you can just grab your friends and head on over for a brat and beer before or after the game. With the south bar, Irish bar, patio and main bar seating, you're sure to garner a great seat, pre-game or post game, or better yet, watch the game from the bar. The staff will keep your glass full and your company well done.
An icon from the 1930s, when it was a drive-up hot dog and pail-of-beer hang out, until now, with its updated dècor and events, Murphy's Bleachers is a thread in Chicago's fabric that is sure to please the baseball fan and the tourist alike. On your next visit to Chicago be sure to stop by and sample the half pound burger that is famous city-wide and grab a tee shirt. It is sure to be a big hit and will keep you coming back for more dug-out treatment.
Murphy's Bleachers
3655 North Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60613
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Ask anyone who has been to a Cubs home game and they will tell you that pre-game and post game time is best spent in the right field area. They are not talking about inside Wrigley Field. They're talking about the area made famous by the famous Bleacher Bums of days gone by. The Bleacher Bums were notorious for hanging out at Ray's Bleachers to plan their travel to out of town Cubs games, and to bemoan or cheer their team on. Although the names changed, the Cubs fans haven't.
This establishment, called Murphy's Bleachers, has been in its location since the 1930's. Then known as Ernie's Bleachers, and later as Ray's Bleachers, in the 1980s it had its name changed again and became Murphy's Bleachers. A staple to Cubs fans since the beginning, the bar became a neighborhood icon when Jim Murphy purchased it and made his changes.
Jim Murphy bought the bar in 1980 and underwent a mass remodel. He added the beer garden in the back and more restrooms. In addition, Murphy added the expanded menu; the original menu included only hot dogs. The expanded menu now includes classic Chicago-style pizzas as well as an assortment of starters and sides to include burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches. Not for meat eaters alone, the menu includes veggie burgers.
What is a bar though without beer and wine? Murphy's Bleachers is second to none with its assortment of beer and wine choices. Murphy's has an impressive list of locally brewed beer on tap, and a larger list of domestics in bottles than most bars three times its size. Not in the mood for a beer? Select one of the wines always on hand.
While it can get crowded on days that the Cubs play, you're sure to get a front row seat when reserving the rooftop. Yes, you can sit on the roof and enjoy the game across the street. Designed to hold a party of 50, this is a sure home run for your friends and family. The rooftop comes with a menu selected by you and a wait staff that is sure to get you from first base to home plate with all of your guests. Your choices for the menu include brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, and desert. You also get to choose the beverage on tap. There are a few house rules for the rooftop party, however. There a no-brainer reservation required and it should be booked early as the calendar fills up fast for game days.
The location is right behind Wrigley Field. Pre-game and post game parties are easily arranged, or you can just grab your friends and head on over for a brat and beer before or after the game. With the south bar, Irish bar, patio and main bar seating, you're sure to garner a great seat, pre-game or post game, or better yet, watch the game from the bar. The staff will keep your glass full and your company well done.
An icon from the 1930s, when it was a drive-up hot dog and pail-of-beer hang out, until now, with its updated dècor and events, Murphy's Bleachers is a thread in Chicago's fabric that is sure to please the baseball fan and the tourist alike. On your next visit to Chicago be sure to stop by and sample the half pound burger that is famous city-wide and grab a tee shirt. It is sure to be a big hit and will keep you coming back for more dug-out treatment.
Murphy's Bleachers
3655 North Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60613
Print This Page
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