In real estate, it's all about location, location, location. In the bar business, the rules aren't much different. Murphy's Law Irish Pub is the new kid at East and Alexander, Rochester's high-traffic nightlife district.
The place
Located across East Avenue from Monty's Korner, Murphy's Law is all shiny and new. The bar/restaurant — which also is close to Dub Land Underground on Alexander Street — has two levels, and the bar itself is an enormous rectangle. There's seating all around, including near windows that open to the street, offering patrons an airy, New York City-style experience.
"We're doing something brand new here," says owner/operator Mark Chiarenza, 28, of Rochester. "We really looked at places in big cities like New York, Boston and Chicago. We wanted to create a place where business professionals could unwind and mingle with friends."
The name
"It's hard to name a place, and we [Chiarenza and co-owners John Diamantopoulos and Marty Cordy] were shooting names around, and finally John thought of 'Murphy's Law' and it stuck," Chiarenza says.
The difference
While many of its neighbors are open only at night, Murphy's Law is open all day and serves lunch and dinner. The bar has more than 50 bottled beers and more than 30 beers on tap, including international labels. Plus, there are eight flat-screen televisions, and Murphy's Law carries all the sports packages.
There's more to come
Chiarenza plans to expand the bar/restaurant in a couple of ways in the coming months. First, the current menu is limited to a small selection of appetizers and sandwiches, but each week the kitchen staff will add new items to it. Chiarenza also wants to start a beer club and bring crafters in for pairings and tastings.
Good to know
What: A new bar/restaurant at East and Alexander.
Where: 370 East Ave.
When: 11:30 a.m. till 2 a.m. daily
Cover: None
Drink specials: A full bar with a large selection of domestic and international choices in bottles and on tap. Prices range from $4 to $8. There’s also a large Scotch selection.
Food: A small menu (eight items, including appetizers and sandwiches, at press time), though there are plans to broaden the selection.. My burger ran me $8.
Parties: The balcony level of the bar can be rented for private events.
Games: Darts.
Parking: On-street.
Contact: 232-7115. The Web site — murphyslawrochester.com — is under construction.
