Hoops and beer have been two of the biggest pastimes for Marquette University students since legendary basketball coach Al McGuire first patrolled the sidelines in the '70s. Both passions come together at Murphy's Irish Pub, conveniently located just one block from Marquette's urban campus in Milwaukee and a little less than two miles from the Miller brewery.

The Scene: Murphy's unspectacular but spacious interior can accommodate plenty of thirsty students who go there to catch a game on one of the five televisions, play pool on the red velvet tables, down a few pitchers or do all three. "It's a friendly bar with a nice atmosphere," says Nick, a senior accounting major.

Above the long bar hang roughly 200 numbered mugs which students can lease for $15 a semester, making them members of the Mug Club. With $10 bottomless mug nights on Tuesdays, membership has its advantages. "It's good to have a bar with your own mug in it," explains Griff, a senior finance major. "Mine is number three."

Girls at the Bar: "The girls in here put the 'sin' in Wisconsin," says Adam, a recent education graduate. The talent level at Murphy's is impressive, and most Marquette girls can drink any West Coast Barbie doll under the table. "You see some pretty faces," says Joe, a senior business administration major. "Most college students would be happy here."

When to Go: On Wednesday nights Murphy's packs them in with 32-ounce glasses of Miller for just $3.50. After Marquette home basketball games, pitchers are just $1 with a ticket stub, giving students clad in gold-colored Marquette gear a chance to celebrate a Big East victory for the Golden Eagles or drown a defeat. St. Patrick's Day, when revelers line up around the corner to start their day drinking at 6 a.m., is also a big annual event.

Dress Code: Wear whatever you want. The majority of the student body is from the laid-back Midwest, so jeans, T-shirts and baseball caps are acceptable. Leave your University of Wisconsin or Notre Dame apparel at home because both teams are hated hoops rivals.

At the Bar: Beer. Murphy's sells more Miller than most of the bars in Beer City. But if the hometown brew is too pricey for the college wallet, pitchers of Old Style are available for just $4. "Milwaukee is a beer town," explains Adam. "People here drink beer, most of which was brewed just a mile-and-a-half down the street."

Text and photos by Dan Murphy

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