This Speakeasy Hidden in a Suburban Home in New Jersey Is Perfect for a Date Night

For those of us who like a good drink once in a while on a night out, we're all glad prohibition is just something we studied in history class! But this 20th-century period left some fascinating remnants in our culture - including the tradition of speakeasies, which were underground bars where the booze continued to flow far away from the prying eyes of the law. And in New Jersey, we do things our own way, so it's no surprise a few speakeasies have persisted almost a century after prohibition. Maybe the most unique is a secret speakeasy in New Jersey called Murphy's Tavern, located in the small shore town of Rumson.

What makes it so unique? It's not located in a business district or in the back of a restaurant. It's located in what looks like an everyday suburban house on an ordinary street, and it might just be the best place to bring a date for a truly original night out that could only happen in New Jersey. You could walk by Murphy's Tavern in Rumson a hundred times and not see it ...unless you know what you're looking for.

Keep an eye out for that telltale sign hanging from that ordinary suburban house. You've arrived at a trip back to the roaring twenties. This is an authentic speakeasy that has been serving up the good stuff since Prohibition ended. But when it did, the good times kept rolling at Murphy's Tavern in its original location, thanks to many owners over the course of a century.

The most famous was Mary Murphy, and you can drink your choice of classic beer or craft cocktail under her name. But this isn't just a drinking spot, it's a restaurant too, with a menu of pizza, fried appetizers, and disco fries. No dish here is more famous, though, than the beloved Pork Roll Fries. It's made up of thin strips of the iconic Jersey lunchmeat deep-fried until crispy and served with cheese sauce and ketchup.

The drink menu leans into its Prohibition-era roots, featuring timeless cocktails mixed with care, alongside a rotating selection of local brews. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly balanced old-fashioned or trying something a little more adventurous, you're always in for a delicious treat. A seasonal favorite is the Hot Buttered Rum that includes a yummy spiced whipped batter. Even with its long history, Murphy’s Tavern never feels stuck in the past. Regulars and first-time visitors often find themselves striking up conversations, swapping stories, or getting recommendations from the staff. Their amazing team is known for its friendly and unpretentious approach. Everyone is welcome!

In the end, Murphy’s Tavern isn’t just a hidden bar; it’s a reminder that some of the best nights out happen in the most unexpected places. For a date night that feels both nostalgic and completely unique, this suburban speakeasy proves that New Jersey still knows how to keep a secret. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own New Jersey trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.