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    Murf's BackStreet Tavern

    4.4 (76 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars, Pubs
    Closed 8:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Murf's BackStreet Tavern Photos

    MURF'S BACKSTREET TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud
    Juke Box

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    Kielbasa the owner was nice enough to share with me
    Ed Z.

    Murf's is about as un-Hamptons as it gets - in a good way! You'll rarely see the $2000 purses or Ferrari's parked outside. What you will experience is a laid-back tavern with a friendly owner where people come to relax and have fun. I was fortunate enough to come in just after Murf's opened one night. As soon as I walked in, Jay, the owner, introduced himself. Jay was former corporate-America who decided he wanted a change, and bought Murf's from the former owner, Murf about 10 years ago, and never looked back. Jay is super nice, and was kind enough to give me a tour of everything, including the upstairs, which is haunted, and the cellars, where you can see the original foundation layed without mortar. As the night went on, Jay tried to introduce every new person coming in to everyone already there. Everyone was talking and getting to know each other, we all felt like family lol. It was great until it started to get too busy to keep the practice up. I've seen some reviews use the word "dive bar". The place is OLD, dating back to 1792. That does not make it a dive bar. Everything is clean, including the bathrooms. You can see the original axe marks in the beam ceilings. Apparently a lot the wood used to construct the building was from old whaling ships from the 1700s (Sag Harbor was a whaling village). Jay doesn't allow nonsense at his place. Drunk or obnoxious people are not welcome. He's kind enough to call cabs for people who request them, and he will even walk you to the curb to make sure you get in safely. One of the former bartenders, Andre, was there. Andre was a famous film star in Poland before coming to America, and had several interesting stories to tell about the people who have come in over the years, including Jimmy Fallon, JFK Jr, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet, Daryl Hannah, Roy Scheider, and more. Murf's has a lot of charm, from the old-time fireplace, to the beam ceilings, and even has a small beer garden out back. The dart game is always popular, as is the "ring" game - which looks simple but is maddeningly additive. There's even a juke box to rock your favorite songs. My plan had been to stop in for a quick beer before heading home. I ended up staying much longer than I planned, and had a terrific evening. Apparently its open until 4am, so as the night goes on it gets more and more packed. I highly recommend Murf's when you are in the area! Just a quick note: No kitchen, so be sure to eat dinner before coming in

    Jay G.

    I guess for a tad of karma, they built the new Sag Harbor police station right next to this place. I have a soft spot for dive bars and I was told this place would fit the bill. Murphs isn't really a dive, its just an old spot. The building was just some one's home about 40 years ago and then it was turned into this bar. The house was built back around 1860's. And it shows. They have some good brands and the crowd was ok, no frat types. They have a big outdoor area in the back and this front area I bet is popular in the winter months. I was getting a Christmas time while in college vibe. I'm not sure why because it was August and I had a slight sunburn. If you want to do some serious drinking I would choose this spot. No harsh lighting, decent music on jukebox, a few cute girls here and there, you don't really need anything else.

    Not a hot spot or a must-visit location while you're in the area but a watering hole for the locals that's open late. Even though it's small and run down I didn't have a bad time here. A friend of mine lives in the area and brought me by for a drink. She told me this is the place that everyone goes for after hours since many places close early. A lot of these businesses much like this one are converted into bar's from houses some of which have been around for years. I did play the ring hook game for a while. Someone told me the trick to it is to throw the ring sideways. They also have Jenga, darts, and a jukebox. The jukebox has some pretty recent selections available. The music was okay but I am not sure who was selecting it. The crowd was pretty diverse. There were some average bar-goers (probably regulars), some younger guys lookin' for a hook up, and some hipsters that looked like they got lost in Sag Harbor on their way to Williamsburg, but that didn't matter at all. Everyone seemed to know each other and get along for the time I was there but I'd overheard that I fight erupted earlier. It happens. The bartender was super nice and we exchanged some grins and glances at how trashed some people were and the babble they were going on about lol. They serve wine from the local vineyard; Wolffer. They also have a few beers on tap and a selection of bottled imports. The bathroom is a bit confined but enough to get your business done. They have some chairs at the bar and a few seating areas. They allow smoking out back. I saw a heater but I'm not sure if it worked because it wasn't on. They also serve pizza but it's not home made or anything. It's just a frozen DiGiorno's that they throw in their oven. I saw them take it out of the box lol. Not the best or the freshest but if you are desperately hungry after drinking a lot I guess it serves it's purpose. We came in the off-peak season so it wasn't swarming with out of towners. There was no one working the door as I saw mentioned in other reviews. The moral of the story is.... if it's late and you want a drink, and you aren't looking for an upscale bar; swing by and you'll feel pretty welcome here.

    Giulia I.

    The bar seems to be a local attraction. Many crew members of the big yachts docked near by frequent this bar at night. By the end of the night it gets very crowded as it's one of the bar that closes the latest, I believe 4am. The later it gets the more fun it becomes, more and more people start dancing, and might start betting on the "ring game" they have installed. (The ring game is simply a hook on a wall and a ring hanging from the ceiling on a string, you need to try to swing the ring and get it hooked to the hook, which is no easy task, at all, and people may start betting on the attempts) Drink are okay and reasonable prices for being in this elite area. Perfect place to end a wild night.

    BLUE POINT TOASTED LAGER
    Donna C.

    Went to murf's on the recommendations of local patrons while dinning at The American Hotel. Sure glad we did. Was immediately welcome by friendly employees and local Sag Harbor residents. As my husband Joe and I were enjoying happy hour and old songs on the juke box several charter ship employees walked in and the fun began . Had interesting conversation with several "new friends" from around the world. Nick, who was tending bar on the evening shift is a really cool guy. He makes everyone feel welcome and makes awesome drinks, I believe we made a new friend! He's actually the first person to tell us to check out Murf's. Great sales person LOL. From what I understand, this building was built in 1792 with timbers from old Whaling ships. Villages oldest continuously running bar. Loaded with character. ( please correct me if I'm wrong) Patrons play games, dance and fun conversations taking place till the wee hours of the night. So glad we ventured in and met several awesome people , maybe next time we'll stay overnight. Check it out!! Highly recommended and we will return. Thank you Nick and Seinna!!

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    4 years ago

    I love this bar so much I downloaded the Yelp App just to leave a review. The drinks are amazing and the staff is even better

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    9 years ago

    has to be the best tavern on long island. My service was quick and professional. Staff was pleasant and engaging. goof prices on frinks.

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    7 years ago

    Fun little dive bar under new ownership. A nice break from the typical Sag Harbor seen. A must for yacht crew while visiting.

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    Review Highlights - Murf's BackStreet Tavern

    No frills, no scene, just cold drinks, good people, and a vibe that feels untouched by the rest of the Hamptons.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Murf's BackStreet Tavern - divebars - Updated June 2026

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