Murphy’s is unique not only for its delicious fresh food and extensive bar menu, but for its rich history dating back to Rapid City Garage which opened in 1911. Rapid City Garage was known for being the first fire-proof garage in the city which serviced and sold the Cole Roadster.
To celebrate its deep historical roots in Rapid City, Murphy’s Pub & Grill will throw a Centennial Bash Thursday through Sunday at the pub. The event will include live entertainment, food and drink specials, and a Saturday evening 1930s-themed Prohibition Party. Guests will be invited to dress up that evening in vintage attire.
Rapid City Garage flourished until 1928 when the Cole Roadster was discontinued. Then Murphy’s opened in 1933 when the repeal of prohibition spread across the nation. As residents were finally able to indulge in their favorite bar drinks, Murphy’s quickly became a landmark watering hole for Rapid City residents.
Murphy’s established a reputation as the place in town where “everyone knew everyone, and they greeted everyone. It was a neighborhood bar for the whole town, and for sporting fans,” according to the bar’s former owner Littleman Carlson.
Even after several renovations over the years, including a significant remodel in 2011, Murphy’s has retained its neighborhood-friendly atmosphere. Murphy’s reopened to the public in June 2011 with a new pub menu, outdoor patio, live music and a menu full of fresh ingredients.
To experience the historical flavor of Murphy’s Pub & Grill, the public is invited to attend their Centennial Bash events.
Thursday, Nov. 17: Enjoy complimentary beer tastings, starting with Beer Tasting 101 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will learn the art of beer-making and taste a range of beers to discover which flavors best suit their palates. Advanced Beer Tasting 202 will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Guests can sample limited release selections from New Belgium, Empryean, Leinenkugel, and Boulevard.
Friday, Nov. 18: What better way to launch a new drink menu than to hold a cocktail competition? Murphy’s drink menu is modeled after the top cocktail list in the country, and includes gourmet drinks like its famous Pineapple Upside Down Martini. Murphy’s will invite guests to sample and vote for their favorite drinks.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Murphy’s is traveling back in time to the 1930s with a Prohibition Party commemorating a period in American history which led to the creation of organized crime and drinking trends that lasted decades. The festivities will being at 5 p.m. with a 1930s-themed costume party open to the public. Music by Michael Shaw will be performed from 5-7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20: From 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Murphy’s will unveil its new brunch menu featuring a variety of pancakes like the banana and pecan with Frangelico syrup, as well as Murphy’s interpretation of traditional favorites like corned beef hash. To mark the occasion, Murphy’s will serve bottomless cocktails from its Recovery Elixer menu such as the DayBreak mimosa topped off with ginger liquor and lycee puree – and a made-from-scratch Bloody Mary.