From the moment that Jim Murphy purchased Murphy’s Bleachers, formerly known as Ray’s Bleachers, in 1980, it became the center point for so much activity in the neighborhood – including serving as the relaxation point of choice for dozens of Chicago Cubs down through the years (Mark Grace, Rick Sutcliffe, Keith Moreland, Jody Davis, and Randy Myers to name just a few), too many journalists, police and firemen to count, a “who’s who” of local politicians, the home to many political and community public events, hundreds of charity and political fundraisers, private good-byes (the family of NBC-5’s Darrian Chapman held Darrian’s memorial service at Murphy’s), the setting for hundreds of community meetings dating back to the battle over night games at Wrigley Field in the 1980s, the occasional wedding proposal, and just every-day rollicking good fun. Jim slowly expanded and re invested in Murphy’s, creating what is now widely recognized as the best sports bar in America.
1930-1965
The Main bar of Murphy’s has been at the corner of Sheffield & Waveland since 1930s. It started out as Ernie’s Bleachers, selling hot dogs and beer by the pail, right after prohibition (probably during as well). The original hot dog stand was stolen from Peterson & Elston and set up on the corner of Waveland & Sheffield.
During WWII, Ernie and a group of building inspectors built a real tavern, a cigar- box-shaped neighborhood bar that is the orginial building of Murphy’s Bleachers. He sold it at the end of the war and it became JB’s Bleachers for a couple of years until JB got sick and sold it back to Ernie.
[Ernie Pareti wanted the only hot dog stand in the city. Anyway, that was his story, told when he was in his nineties]
1965-1980
Ray’s Bleachers
In 1965 it became Ray’s Bleachers when Ernie sold to Ray Meyers (hope you’re catching on to how the name changes work.) It soon achieved renown status as home of the Bleacher Bums, who surfaced during the Cub’s race for the pennant in 1969.
Ray sold to Jim Murphy in 1980 and the bar has grown in size and reputation ever since.
1980-Present
Murphy’s Bleachers
Former CPD Officer Jim Murphy purchased the location from Ray in 1980. The building and subsequent additions have been owned by the Murphy family ever since. Jim Murphy passed away in 2003 and the location is now owned and managed by Beth Murphy.
1980
Jim Murphy buys Ray’s Bleachers and renames the bar Murphy’s Bleachers
1981
Back Room-now in the middle of the main bar & beer garden
1982
South Bar was added
1983
Original wooden Murphy’s Bleachers sign
(currently, the sign hangs on the north side of the building, facing Waveland)
1984
Original Rooftop overlooking the Wrigley Field
1985
Opening Day countdown clock added
1988
Irish Bar added featuring a beautiful Oak bar built & imported from Ireland by Gemmell Griffin & Dunbar builder LTD
This section was later renamed East Bar
1989
Upper Deck Party Room (1989) Enclosed Grill in the rear
1991
1929 Mercedes Benz beer truck
1992
Gift of Comiskey Park scoreboard pinwheel by Steve Dahl of WCKG for rooftop
1993
Brass & copper Murphy’s sign
1995
Beer garden enclosed & TWO bathrooms added to join main and Irish bars
1998
Rooftop Improvement adding enclosed pavilion, bathrooms and double stairways. The blue and white lights on the pinwheel were rearranged forming a Harry Caray caricature
1999
A museum was opened to the public on Opening Day 1999 featuring a miniature replica of Wrigley Field painstakingly created by local artist Steve Wolf.
2016
CUBS WIN WORLD SERIES
Celebrities at Murphy’s
Murphy’s Bleachers has been a neighborhood staple since we opened our doors in 1980. We have been fortunate to befriend many past & present Cubs players, artist, musicians, celebrities & athletes…And BILL MURRAY