Intersection

[Nostalgia] Looking back to move forward

Share memories of Murphy’s and Moose’s as their location undergoes another reinvention

Danny Axelrod

If you asked around town, you’d be surprised just how many people have a story about the address 4770 S. Maryland Parkway. It’s been many things over the years; as Carlos Murphy’s, it was a well-known hook-up spot for singles. “That’s where my dad met my stepmom,” notes local architect and music promoter Travis Price. In addition, Carlos Murphy’s served as passage for the developing careers of Grape Street Café owner John McGibben and cheese-rock maestro Tommy Rocker. Later, the location morphed into Moose McGillicuddy’s, catering to the UNLV crowd while offering karaoke and lube wrestling, and, finally, Moose’s Beach House. Over the years, the place has always meant a good time to its varied local patrons.

Recent times have found the location deserted. That is until publican and professor Adam Carmer, owner of the Freakin’ Frog, decided to take over and remodel the 7,000-square-foot building for his latest venture, Adam’s Ribs. The Maryland Parkway location officially opened on tax day, April 15, but this Thursday, May 1, Carmer hopes to bury the ghosts of Moose’s past—literally. Adam’s Ribs is hosting a “wake” for patrons past to come down and share their memories, in writing, of Murphy’s and Moose’s with each other and toast them with a full bar, including a formidable premium tequila selection. “We’re expecting hundreds to come out. Locals, politicians, everyone,” says Carmer. By evening’s end, all submissions will be sealed in an empty Guinness Stout keg and embedded into the ceiling, serving as a time capsule/tomb for future generations to rediscover when the location becomes just another parking lot for UNLV faculty.

The wake takes place Thursday night, May 1, from 7-9 p.m. at Adam’s Ribs, 4770 S. Maryland Parkway.

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