Where: Murphy's - definitely-maybe we're in!

We visited Murphy's with friends on Thanksgiving weekend and then again the next Friday. We had lots of questions and we got lots of answers - good ones.

• The events menu for Mrs. Murphy and Sons (which a lot of people - not me - call Irish Bistro) is totally flexible. We're not stuck with bangers and mash for 150 people in July. We can substitute with lots of different things - even items that aren't on the menu. Any ideas?


• We'll get the whole bar - upstairs with stained glass and windows, as well as downstairs with a big wooden bar. There's tons of seating and lots of nooks so people talk, sit, eat, drink and dance if they want. I like that the space is flexible too. I don't think we'll change it a whole lot, but I definitely like that we can.


• The bar is cozy and fun. The walls are green and I can picture us prettying things up a bit with flowers too.


• We can have an open bar (either we pay a set fee per person or for each drink). We can offer a lot or a little. B likes all the beers on tap - I like that they have Bud Light as well as all the fancy labels.


• I was only a tiny bit worried about where I could get ready for the ceremony (weird!). We can go in the back of the upstairs to either the posh bathroom or another room. Fancy!


• Murphy's has really nice bathrooms. And an elevator, which is handy for grandparent types.
  

Right now we are on for a Saturday in July and after we answer a few more questions, visit with my parents and B's mom we might be for sure.

To confirm and explain the typical Criner decision-making process: my mom sent me an email soon after we began seeing Murphy's as the big winner:

Murphy's will be fine. I don't know of another alternative. It does meet the criteria. Air conditioning, bathrooms and booze.