Thursday, Mar. 05, 2009
Murphy's Lays down the law in carolina forest
Murphy’s law sports & raw bar
setting the table
Sports and sports bars are sacred to those in Steel City. And Pittsburgh fans know that on game day, nothing fuels that black-and-gold spirit more than sports bar grub. It’s probably why the pro-Pittsburgh Murphy’s Law Sports & Raw Bar now sports three locations in the Myrtle Beach area, a Southern Mecca for migrant Pittsburghans.
I checked out the newest Murphy’s in Carolina Forest, but nearly missed it on the way in. (Be sure to take a quick left onto Carolina Exchange Drive, which is off Postal Way.) The law of Murphy’s Law seems to be that newer is bigger and better, apparent by its whale of a warehouse-like size (complete with a nice front porch) and open space and high ceilings inside. Not that I didn’t enjoy the other Murphy’s locales in Myrtle Beach and Garden City Beach – heck, their food and friendly sports atmosphere is what enticed me to try No. 3.; they’re just smaller and older.
The entrance foyer splits to the left, which leads to a row of window-side booths and scattered four-top tables around the pool tables and video bar games, or the right, which opens into the large horseshoe bar and bar area of small tables and a row of longer booths on a second level that’s a few steps up from the main floor plan. Our five-person (and a toddler) party sat ourselves at one of those longer booths on the bar side, as there weren’t any smokers spewing second-hand smoke nearby. All booths are nicely complemented by a mounted flat-screen TV broadcasting the latest ESPN highlights. (Wonder if you can tune into Nick Jr. if your toddler throws a tantrum?)
down the hatch
My memories of Murphy’s have always lingered on the killer wings doused in everything from garlic and Parmesan to teriyaki and hot sauce. Hubby went for a dozen hot wings, which happened to be priced at a hot deal: 40 cents each ($4.80) during happy hour. His Magic Hat draft was $2.50.
I, with my prenatal Coke ($1.50), ordered for the table the Stanley Cup appetizer ($7.95), a fried feast of mushrooms, curly fries, jalapeño poppers and mozzarella sticks. It was filling and fabulous, accompanied by cups of Ranch dressing and marinara sauce. But I knew I would have to save some room for the unprecedented Pittsburgh Salad ($7.95), piled high with greens, tomatoes, onions, shredded bacon, cheddar cheese, julienned grilled chicken (or steak, if you prefer), Ranch dressing and French fries. Ah … only in Pittsburgh, I’ve learned, do they top healthy salads full of vegetables and sandwiches (Pittsburgh’s Primanti Bros.) with fries. I love it. And Murphy’s does an admirable job with this healthy tradition.
My son had a special treat with the children’s combo: a corndog and fries ($4.50), which he downed with a wholesome cup of milk.
I was told by our server on the way out the door that Murphy’s would be rolling out a new menu. So look for possible changes on your visit. But I can’t imagine the eatery eliminating sports bar fan favorites such as wings, the Pittsburgh salad and popular oysters.
check, please
Murphy’s Law, Part Three in Carolina Forest, as its forefathers before it in Myrtle Beach and Garden City Beach, certainly didn’t disappoint. It not only maintains the Murphy’s reputation for great food and down-home service, but reveals a fresh-faced, bigger dining and bar space. I’m sure it will be a hotspot in the Forest for March Madness games.
Murphy’s Law Sports & Raw Bar is located at 4202 Carolina Exchange Drive, Myrtle Beach. Additional locations are 405 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, and 2859 U.S. 17, Garden City Beach.). For additional info, call 742-5649.
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