A Restaurant Review: J.J. Murphy's Irish Bar in Prague, Czech Republic

If you're in Prague and you want to find an Irish bar that does not offer a single Czech dish, check out J.J. Murphy's in the Mala Strana section of Prague. As its name indicates, it's an Irish pub and serves up some traditional Irish food as well as a good glass of Guinness. It's right down the street from the American Embassy and is a favorite of the embassy staff. (See below for specific directions.)

J.J. Murphy's has a friendly yellow color scheme with traditional wooden furnishings and a bare wooden floor, creating a warm and casual environment. There are several large doors that are opened, weather permitting, which really opens the place up to a very active and fun street. The staff is competent, and the bartenders know how to poor a Guinness properly.

In regards to starters, J.J. Murphy's has a fairly small menu. They recommend the Grilled Goat's Cheese salad, which is a grilled goat cheese and tomato with a pepper dressing. At 130,-kc, it is reasonably priced, but I've never tried it. I can recommend the Warm Chicken and Bacon Salad served with a vinaigrette dressing. It's almost always a winner. At 170,-kc, it is a little pricy, however.

Given its large American customer base, J.J. Murphy's has to sell burgers, but their burgers have a bit of an Irish flair. All of their burgers come with lettuce and tomato, but the extras include Irish cheddar cheese, Irish bacon, and a fried egg. I like all three, and that's makes for quite a burger! It is a little on the pricy side at 290,-kc, but it does come with potato wedges.

For something a bit different, J.J. Murphy's serves a Moroccan Shepherd's Pie whose meat is lamb spiced with ginger, cumin, and paprika. The pie itself is then covered in mashed potatoes. It's an interesting dish, if a little pricy at 220,-kc

For a real heavy meal, J.J. Murphy's offers Pan Fried Spicy Potatoes. It doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, it's a lot. Basically, they're Mexican flavored fried potatoes. 190,-kc

J.J. Murphy's has a brief pasta menu. There is one item that stands out, however, and that is the lasagna. To my knowledge, this is the only restaurant in Prague that serves lasagna. There's nothing particularly special about it. And the serving is a bit small. And at 230,-kc, it is expensive.

On the Irish menu, J.J. Murphy's serves up a classic Irish Full Fry Up, with Irish bacon and sausages, black and white pudding, tomatoes, hash browns, fried eggs and toast. At 270,-kc it is reasonably priced. Then of course, you can never go wrong with the traditional Fish and Chips, which is served at J.J. Murphy's in the traditional style. At 250,-kc, it is fairly priced. For something a little unique, however, try the Beef and Murphy's Casserole. It's beef and mushrooms prepared in Murphy's Irish Stout. It's 240,-kc, but a true original.

J.J. Murphy's sandwich menu is surprisingly creative. There is the basic Ham and Irish Cheddar Melt at 140,-kc, but I prefer the Taste of India, which is chicken covered in a curry mayonnaise, 140,-kc. But if you're a little more hungry, I like the Triple Decker Club. It includes chicken, bacon, ham all topped off with a fried egg.

In regards to beer, the lager on tap is the Czech beer Staropramen, which at 40,-kc is fairly priced. A 0.4l glass of Guinness is 85,-kc, as is the cider.

J.J. Murphy's has a pretty good collection of whiskeys: 10 Irish, 8 Scotch, and 6 American. Most of them are about 90,-kc. The house wines are Czech and quite good for the price, 45,-kc a glass.

If you're in Prague in winter, you might be tempted by one of J.J. Murphy's "winter warmers." They serve all the traditional alcohol laced coffees, as well as a Hot Wine, which I can definitely recommend. It's a heated red wine served with sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. It's served quite well, and it's really addictive. I would steer very clear from the Grog, however. It's served with Czech rum, which is absolutely ghastly.

To get to J.J. Murphy's Irish Bar, cross the Charles Bridge into Mala Strana (in the direction of Prague Castle). Keep going straight up Mostecka (street). Continue until you see a large church ahead on the right (St. Nicholas). Take a left on Karmelitska (street). The next street is Trziste. Take a right. J.J. Murphy's is right around the corner, located at Trziste 4. The American Embassy is just up the street at Trziste 15.