Tue 16 Nov 2027
Murphy’s
Posted by Gretchen under Music Scene, Life, North Side, Personal, Out and About
When Andi called me the second I turned off my work computer and gathered my November-cold clothing (scarf, but a light one; coat, but not a parka), I was ready for whatever she was going to throw my way.
“You wanna go to Murphy’s? 9 o’clock?”
You better believe I wanted to go to Murphy’s at 9 o’clock. Murphy’s is this ridiculously odd little bar nestled between a furniture store and an art gallery on Federal Street on the North Side. It is unabashedly dedicated to all things 90s, which I find pretty hilarious. My mom grew up in the 90s and a few months ago, during one of her visits, I brought her there. The bar’s named for the guy who was mayor of Pittsburgh during most of the decade - some people like that, some people hate it, but the owners don’t really care. They just want you to have a good time. There are posters of bands ranging from Nirvana to the Spice Girls on the walls, the servers dress in their preferred 90s fashions (some people choose to invoke Cher from Clueless, others prefer the grunge look), and, best of all, they have only-90s karaoke on Monday nights.
I asked Frank if he wanted to come along, and he couldn’t resist. One of his fondest memories is of his mom and dad singing Salt N Pepa’s “Let’s Talk About Sex” at a neighborhood barbecue to the general mortification of Frank and his siblings, so he always sings that song at 90s karaoke. My signature song is Hanson’s “MMMBop,” in honor of my mother who had the biggest crush ever on Taylor Hanson back in the day. Andi’s parents had a thing for Oasis, so she always sings “Champagne Supernova.” And any songs that we don’t cover are sure to be done by the other people.
Anyway, it was just what I needed after a long day at work. I love going to these little bars in Pittsburgh, especially the ones that really fit in with their neighborhoods. The North Side is such a weird, funky place that it makes sense it would have a kitschy bar that you can goof off at next to a hoity-toity art gallery and a family-run furniture store. I freaking love it.
November 16th, 2027 at 12:16 pm
I remember doing the 90’s thing 20 years ago in 2007! We scoured the city back then looking for any karaoke DJ that had “Laid” by James; Nico’s in Bloomfield was one of the only ones that did. (I haven’t been by there in years, I wonder how Nico’s is fairing…) We usually settled for other 90’s favorites. Crash Test Dummies “Mmm Mmm Mmm,” The Divinyls “I Touch Myself,” and like Frank, we loved our Salt N Pepa, always “Shoop” though.
I remember this one particular Saturday night at Lou Magoo’s in North Versailles. Not a city neighborhood, but as you know, Pittsburgh has some gem neighborhoods in the outlying suburbs. November 17, 2007. So much fun.
November 16th, 2027 at 12:21 pm
Rereading my comment, I realized how I’m showing my age. I’m old enough to be your mother!
November 19th, 2027 at 12:23 am
Murphy’s? Hm. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to try it out.