Murphy's of Alexandria   

It's true, everywhere you turn there's an Irish pub -- and, Old Town in Alexandria is no exception. Murphy's, located on King Street, the nexus of Alexandria's "cool" downtown area, is just about the most typical bar of its kind in the metro area. A Friday night will include about 200 fresh-faced young professionals ready to take up mass at the two-tiered Murphy's for a shameless sing-a-long with the Irish folk singer du jour. This will go on for hours, only to promote heavy Guinness drinking by Murphy's patrons, not to mention the purchase of culinary bar staples like hot wings, chicken fingers or spicy fries. Don't be misled by the Irish flag out front -- Murphy's is just another bar. - A.L. Kazdoy