In Rumson, some places hold more than a menu or a barstool. They hold history. Murphy’s Tavern is one of those places.
Tucked along Ward Lane near the Navesink River, the unassuming basement tavern traces its roots back to the Prohibition era. When the 18th Amendment outlawed the sale of alcohol in 1919, the convenient location near a discreet cove made the space an ideal hideaway for rum-runners and smugglers. What began as a quiet refuge for working locals quickly became an open secret across Rumson and neighboring towns.
More than a century later, the spirit of that original speakeasy still lingers.
Today, Murphy’s is stewarded by Heather Vena and her partner Robb McMahon, who continue the tradition of welcoming locals, friends and newcomers into the small but storied space. In its more than 100-year history, Murphy’s has had only five sets of owners, with Vena and McMahon now in their 21st year running the tavern.
“This place has so much character and history,” Vena shares. “We feel a responsibility to keep that spirit alive.”
Murphy’s has seen many proprietors through the decades, but one of the most beloved was Mary Murphy, whose name still hangs above the door. For longtime patrons, memories of Mary remain woven into the fabric of the tavern. Stories that began at Murphy’s are still retold across town.
For Vena, preserving that legacy means wearing many hats. On any given day she might be behind the bar pouring drinks, managing the books, organizing events or making a quick Costco run for supplies.
“It’s definitely not a nine-to-five,” she says with a laugh. “I’m marketing, bartending, accounting and cooking. Whatever needs to get done.”
Murphy’s opens its doors at 4 p.m. and often stays open until 2 a.m., making it one of the few late-night destinations in the area.
“We always saw Murphy’s as more of a destination,” Vena notes. “A lot of places around here close early, but people still want somewhere to go, somewhere to gather.”
Despite the long hours, the tavern remains deeply community-driven. Vena notes one of the most rewarding parts of owning Murphy’s is the simple act of bringing people together.
“People work hard all week. When they choose to spend their time here, it means something,” she emphasizes. “There are a lot of places they could go.”
Behind the scenes, Vena credits two irreplaceable team members who help keep Murphy’s running smoothly. Longtime employees Cleo and Katie are fixtures at the tavern and beloved by regulars.
“Cleo and Katie run the place like it’s their own,” Vena shares. “They’re a joy to work with and such an important part of what makes Murphy’s feel like home.” Cleo also oversees the tavern’s social media, helping bring Murphy’s personality and community spirit online.
In addition to regular service, Murphy’s also offers catering for private events, with much of the preparation done in-house.
Recently, Vena has also introduced a new initiative designed to bring even more energy to the neighborhood: Murphy’s Market.
Running every Sunday through May, the market transforms the tavern into a lively “Sip & Shop” experience featuring rotating local vendors selling everything from handmade goods and jewelry to baked treats and art. The event offers drink specials, including $5 mimosas and $10 hot buttered rum, while guests browse the curated selection of small businesses.
“I clear out the tables and shuffleboard so we can make room for the vendors,” Vena says. “It’s a fun way to support local makers and bring people together.”
The market began as a creative solution after Sundays became the slowest day following the pandemic. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a popular community gathering.
It’s exactly the kind of grassroots energy that has allowed Murphy’s to endure for generations.
Even behind the bar, Vena approaches the details with care. Ask her about pouring a Guinness and she’ll tell you there’s a right way to do it.
“You tilt the glass and slowly raise it until it’s about three-quarters full, let it settle and then top it off,” she explains. “People who order Guinness understand that it takes a minute.”
That patience mirrors the rhythm of Murphy’s itself, a place where stories unfold slowly, friendships are built over time and history is respected rather than rushed.
For Vena, Murphy’s is more than just a business. It’s a labor of love and a living piece of Rumson’s past.
“This place has been here through so many generations,” she smiles. “It’s really special to be part of that story.”
And as long as the lights are on and the bar is open, the spirit of the old speakeasy will continue, one conversation, one pint and one story at a time.
For more information visit murphysrumson.com.
“Murphy’s has so much character and history. We feel a responsibility to keep that spirit alive.” - Heather Vena
“People work hard all week. When they choose to spend their time here, it really means something.” - Heather Vena