First look: J.A. Murphy's

(Credit: Molly V. Strzelecki)

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In case you were worried Fells Point was lacking bars, you're in luck. On Jan. 26, a new tavern opened in which you might tipple away your troubles with cheap booze and food. J.A. Murphy's (named after owners Joel Anthony and Keith Murphy) took over the space formerly occupied by Lulu's, bringing a bustling, drink-your-face-off attitude to the corner of Aliceanna and Broadway. (Well, OK, a couple of doors down from the corner, but you catch our drift.)

Crowd: Those who frequented Lulu's have returned for the new digs at J.A. Murphy's. The crowd is a mix of 20-somethings and a bit older, and most live in the neighborhood. They'd likely show up no matter what the place was called. This is not a see-and-be-seen crowd. Rather, it's a pull-up-a-stool what's-new-with-you kind of crowd. Show up in jeans from the hamper or spankin' new Martin + Osa fashions, it doesn't matter. You'll be welcomed with open arms. And probably asked to do a shot.

Food: Murphy's serves pub grub such as mozzarella sticks and wings, some with a Baltimore twist. Crab macaroni and cheese, anyone? There are two menus, actually. The regular menu is supplemented by daily specials prepared by the chef. A recent specials menu included homemade fried pickles, meatloaf, garlic French fries and a slider sub with bacon and Jack cheese.

Drinks: A full bar is available, but the main draws are beers and shots. If you're looking to drink on the cheap, pay particularly close attention to J.A. Murphy's happy hour: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Specials include $1.50 drafts and $2 mixed drinks, but the crown jewels of happy hour are the $1 shots. Any shots you want. For only $1 each!

For those of you who think you might have a calling as a drink-slinger extraordinaire, the bar hosts a guest bartending night every Friday. With an approach similar to a March Madness bracket, bartenders who make the most money in a single night advance to the next round until a victor is named. Keep your eyes peeled for the start of the next tourney.

Digs: Some might call it small and cramped. We like to call it cozy.

In the front room, there isn't a lot of space between the bar stools and high top tables, but at least there are plenty of places to take a load off while you drink. A side room offers more high top tables. The back of the bar features an always-popular foosball table, though beware: It's right near the kitchen, and the comings and goings through the swinging door could potentially screw with your skills.

You might notice a few chalkboard signs above the bar. These boards provide very useful information. One lists happy hour specials, but the other two are more newsy. The Good News Today board informs bar-goers about anything from daily drink specials to "Hey! Mark is working the bar today!" Really, it's whatever good news the staff feels they'd like to share. The third, and probably most important board: "First to walk out on their tab." Oh yes, you do that and your name will go on the board, just like when you got caught talking during social studies in the fourth grade. Don't be that guy or that girl.

Bottom line: Cheap beers, pub grub and a place where everybody wants to know your name. Throw in a little foosball, and you can certainly make a night of J.A. Murphy's in Fells.