Beer, Bikes and Fun at Mulready’s Pub

In just a few short years, Mulready’s Pub, 717 Commercial Street, has become a social hub in Downtown Emporia.

Opened in 2013, Mulready’s is a 21-and-over establishment that caters to craft beer and scotch aficionados. Mulready’s knowledgeable Cicerone certified bartenders serve up over 25 beers on tap, 70-80 cans and bottles and 135+ scotches, whiskies and bourbons from around the world. In the first five years, Mulready’s has had over 400 different beers on tap. Most syrups and mixers are made fresh on the premises, inspiring a trio of specialty cocktails that changes seasonally.

Pub owner Rick Becker

The name is derived from owner Rick Becker’s Irish heritage on his mother’s side. His great-grandfather was John Mulready whose picture hangs above the bar. Rick, a 30-year Emporia resident, had a lifelong dream of a cozy, inviting place to enjoy the greatest gift to mankind – craft beer. The pub is indeed cozy – it’s housed in a long, narrow space –  with an assortment of chairs, tables and lounge areas inviting patrons to sit and sip. Enormous windows at the front of the pub add light and offer a terrific view of Emporia’s downtown. A back patio offers outdoor seating and easy access to extra parking.

Rick wanted Mulready’s to be a vital part of the downtown community, so the pub hosts a variety of special events. Teams show off their obscure knowledge at trivia nights held every other Wednesday during the school year, competing for prizes donated by other local businesses. This event has become so popular, people show up two hours early to hold a table for their teammates, but individuals and new teams are always welcome.

The last Thursday of the month is Robe Night – patrons are encouraged to wear a robe of their choosing, be it bathrobe, wizard robe, graduation robe, or other creative option while they enjoy drink specials.

Pub Yoga overtakes the space one Sunday each month, and a Bloody Mary bar is offered on other Sundays. The monthly tap takeover showcases craft beers, and regular spirit tastings have featured a variety of Irish whiskey, tequila, Scotch, bourbon, and vodka. Live music is a frequent feature, and during the warmer months, Mulready’s hosts The Surly Mermaid and other food trucks by the back patio.

Mulready’s is also a member of the Downtown Emporia Bar Association (DEBA) which sponsors the St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest pub crawls. Check the Mulready’s Pub calendar or Facebook page for upcoming events.

Emporia is known for its passionate cycling community, and Rick is a passionate member of that community. The  15-person Mulready’s cycling team competes in gravel grinding races around the country and hosts group rides throughout the year. Mulready’s is a Dirty Kanza sponsor and is helping to organize a local Youth Cycling League.

Community, good beer, and cycling are what Mulready’s is all about. Or, as Rick says, “Ride bikes, drink beer!”

Mulready’s Pub is open Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Monday-Wednesday 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., Friday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.