There are few places left that still carry the quiet pulse of history. Murphy's Tavern is one of them. You walk down the old steps and the air changes cooler, darker, with the scent of wood and whiskey soaked into the walls. It feels honest, like a place built for men and women who have seen enough of the world to appreciate something simple and true. The story on the wall tells of Prohibition and rumrunners, of Mary Murphy and the river that once hid her secrets. You can still feel that in the glass you hold. The On a Yacht bourbon cocktail has the right burn, softened with mint and peach, the kind that lingers like a good memory. The Blackberry Bramble is bright and sharp, a summer night in a tumbler. You don't come to Murphy's for polish or pretense. You come because it feels alive, because the ghosts of the past sit quietly beside you, raising a glass in approval. A tavern like this doesn't chase the world it waits for those who still know how to listen. read more

Murphy's Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Rumson, New Jersey

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Bartender was very upbeat & friendly. Drinks were great. Provided pop corn. Munched on pigs & the blanket, perfectly browned

I love this place - I have a feeling the Internet and unfortunately Yelp will turn an unbelievable gem into an Applebees... I remember having to search read more

A must visit for out of towners-they'll think you're yanking their chains when you park nearby! Icy beer, stout drinks, come a few times and they'll remember your order, it's that kind of place. read more

Cool place and an unusual location in a residential house in Rumson. It is like your friends house basement where the party can go and you don't have to make the drinks or cook. Darts, shuffleboard and a jukebox enhance the experience. Thin crust pizza is good and the pork roll fries are the sleeper hit. Cleo took good care of us the last 3 times we have gone. Definitely a place to go! read more

Excellent food and drinks!! Here for a private party (they have separate catering menu) and its a great space! Originating from the prohibition; which today is December 05- and December 05, 1933 was end of prohibition. Already looking forward to coming back. read more

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We hit Murphy's on the last stop of our bar crawl day in the area. The place is a residential house with a bar kind of in the basement. A nice dark area with tables, dart boards and a TV. The owner/bartender is a delightful gentleman who makes you feel welcome as soon as you arrive. Our drinks were very good and the speakeasy atmosphere was awesome! read more

This place, way off the beaten path, is a joy. Great people own the place. Great people patronize the place. Great drinks. It's just cool! read more

A gem of a place. Great jukebox, shuffleboard, ice cold beer, and great wings. And awesome staff. What more do you need??

First off, this is NOT a dive bar... it's a SPEAKEASY! That said, let's keep this place a secret between you and I.... because it will lose it's charm otherwise! Don't let the "basement bar" concept scare you away. Murphy's Tavern dates all the way back to the Prohibition Era (originally opened by Mary Murphy) and even though drinking is back in business with the 21st amendment, the concept of the intimate space to mingle, drink, and socialize is still there. The owner (not the original, but through generations, has kept the Speakeasy vibe going since the 1920s) runs the show. He's an older gentleman with smokey grey hair and bar tends, busses, and let's you finish every drop of alcohol you want- until 2AM! Then, bam, the light's brighten, and it's closing time! Don't worry, though, he blinks the lights around 1:45 for last call! He is also very personable, relaxed, and makes a mean old fashioned! What is great about this place is it really does transport you back in time. The drinks to order here are the classics, strong liquor, high end cocktails, or beer! Side cars, Manhattans, an old fashioned, etc. Single malt scotch. Whiskey, neat. You can also order beer or a vodka soda, or even a club soda. Prices are reasonable. There is ONE TV in the place. It's refreshing. This is the type of space where you actually TALK to your friends or make new ones. You can also play a variety of games. Darts, shuffle board, or the jukebox (it is modernized and takes dollar bills). Age groups ranged anywhere from 25 to 65. Pleasant crowd. Amazing Place. Classy. If you want to check it out, just keep an eye out. The sign is small, but it's there, and it's real! "Prohibition only drives drunkenness behind doors and into dark places..." Mark Twain SHHHHH!!! (see you there!) read more

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Recently visited Murphy's Tavern over the 4th of July weekend and never did I think a place could channel my vibe so well. After going to various bars and clubs in the surrounding beach towns, this place felt like home. There's something charming about the intimacy of this basement bar, with black & white tiled floors and barrels as tables. The locals were warm and friendly, too. But special accolades go to Rob, our bartender that evening, for the following; 1.) his approachable, laid back vibe. 2.) for replacing popcorn my friends spilled on the ground =/ 3.) for playing a well-curated playlist which consisted of Billy Joel, Ray Charles and songs from Hamilton...you got us hyped with "my shot." 4.) for the "Murphy's Tavern" pens and the popcorn bags to go 5.) for letting us finish every single drop of alcohol before you kicked us out (it was 2 AM, we know Rob had to go home but we aren't a wasteful group) To summarize, if you're looking for a place in which you can carry a conversation, make new friends, spend time with old ones, play darts or shuffleboard, and just chill - go to Murphy's Tavern. If I find myself in Rumson, I will be back. Mark my words. read more

Murphy's Tavern - The quote at the bar. - Dive Bars Near Me - Rumson, New Jersey

Great hidden neighborhood speakeasy with a lot of history and friendly after work locals. Rob and Heather are usually behind the bar to serve up good cocktails or a local carton brew. Cool shuffleboard, dart boards, and juke box. Once you find it, it will be one of your regular go - to bars. Just don't tell too many people. read more

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A legit full service bar in the basement of a house? I can handle that! Mary Murphy's cottage... I hear she was one tough cookie!!! Murphy's is my choice when you want to avoid all the crowded spots in town. Sit back, enjoy a game on one of the flat screens, get a game of darts going or get your hands sandy shooting some shuffleboard. Who wouldn't like like this place?! A preppy's cheap paradise.... what would the handbook's author say???!!!! read more

If you love a cozy bar with woodwork to make a distinction, you would enjoy going here. Robb one of the owners make great manhattans.

The best secret in Monmouth county. Heather and Robb are amazing hosts and bartenders. I've had private events there and it was stress free and foods amazing. I can't recommend enough. Looking forward to celebrating the new roaring 20s there when we finally can enjoy going out again! read more

FYI: It is in a basement of a house....I spend 30 minutes walking up and down the street, because I couldn't believe it was a bar...at least I got cardio for that day. Unfortunately, my friend didn't think otherwise. Okay let's begin. The bar use to be a speakeasy in the 1920's, so it is kind of small. However, due to the size of the place it gives off a more comfortable vibe where one could just sit and enjoy a couple of drinks. The setting of course has a 20's theme with the walls coated with maroon and a dark green with old pictures are hanged all over the walls. It makes you feel like you are in one of those old library study gentlemen or ladies drinking brandy and watching the fireplace. Also, they have 3 barrels as a tables to hang out with darts boards, a shuffleboard, and a jukebox if you need a rest from drinking. The bartender was very pleasant and he makes a great New York Sour and an Old Fashion. The price was $12 for the cocktails, so it might be pricey for people, but the draft beer is not bad either. Overall, this place has a great feel and the bartender was an awesome person to hang and talk with. I will definitely come back, when I am near the jersey shore again. read more

Tucked in the basement of a house in a residential neighborhood, this small little bar is a lot of fun. You'd never know it was there. They have table shuffleboard. And everyone is always in good spirits! read more

Hand down, my new favorite dive bar...ever! This place has everything - a rocking juke box, funky bartenders, varied patrons, and a variety of awesome drinks. read more

My favorite bar. I love the comfortable atmosphere, the fact it's a real historical speakeasy, and the people! Heather, one of the owners is always attentive and friendly and makes an amazing martini (really any drink! Her margaritas are delicious too). All of the food is good but I especially love the disco fries. There's great live music and happy hour Friday's. If I can get out of the house for a bit, I'll pick Murphy's as my go to place! read more

Awesome environment and great staff. Murphy's was an old speakeasy from prohibition located in a basement. Great place to get out and have a few drinks with friends and play some darts and shuffleboard. The food there is great too. The selection of specialty fries they have there are great. Definitely a great place to go to relax and have a couple cold ones. read more

Yeah, went here just because. It's in the basement of a house, and easy to miss if it's your first time going. Walking up, we weren't sure what to expect. Open the door and SURPRISE, the bar is super nice inside. Has an English Pub feel, couple dartboards, a jukebox, and a full size shuffle board. The price is a bit on the high side though. I'd be a regular there, if i lived closer. read more

"If you haven't been, you don't know..." One of Rumson's best kept secrets (and happily so for its patrons). Get transported back to a bygone era while enjoying some of the world's best brews and spirits. A St. Paddy's Day staple...or a fantastic place to get away and sip a cold one with a relaxed, friendly local set...Murphy's is THE spot. read more

This is one of the best kept secrets in the area. As much as I would love to keep it that way, I would be remiss if I did not applaud Heather & Rob for what feels like classic Irish Tavern hospitality. Enjoy shuffle board or darts. Leagues welcomed. GREAT SPOT!!! read more

Just the thought of finding a place off the beaten path was very cool. The bar was clean and comfortable. So were the bartenders. Great find! read more

A bar in a basement. Like your parents house. And the lights are all the way up like in a library. They do have one thing going for them: they have alcohol. I've been there twice, that was enough. read more

love this place, haven't been there in awhile but it's always good times... good juke box.... plus i can stumble home to my parents house if need be, that's always a plus... don't drink and drive...that's a no no!! read more

5 stars just for being in basement of a house. Good luck finding another one like this!

awesome spot. nice and hidden with a ton of history. local beer on tap and YUM pizza.

So. Much. Fun! I went here during a bachelorette party. Bartenders were funny and friendly. Only complaint is that it was a little bit dirty. Definitely would recommend though! read more

What a great atmosphere! Great employees, not overrun with riff raff. Great bar games. Highly recommend.