Sunday 17th of March 2013 03:08:23 PM

link
For over 35 years McGuire's Irish Pub has been a west Florida institution, offering excellent food and craft brews in a distinctively charming atmosphere which celebrates all things Irish. There are two McGuire's locations, Pensacola and Destin, and either could be counted as one of the top ten Irish pubs to visit in the US. McGuire's is renowned for deliciously succulent steaks, and their expansive food menu includes great appetizers, pasta, varied seafood, huge 3/4lb burgers, and traditional English / Irish fare. The servers are super friendly and very proud of their popular restaurant. The Pensacola location is an Irish themed one story building trimmed with green and gold, and topped with wooden roof shingles. The parking lot has double-decker bus and historic telephone booth repurposed as an ATM. In a corner of the building their copper brewing vessels are visible through windows. Inside there is a 16 chair wooden bar surrounded by a few high top tables. There are many spacious dining rooms with plenty of tables, and in the back is a rustic wine cellar with about 8000 bottles. Near the entrance there is a small gift shop with all kinds of Irish paraphernalia, including the McGuire's Irish band music CDs. The intentionally confusing restroom door labels are comical and potentially embarrassing.

McGuire's offers 6 draft house beers, available by sampler flight, which includes Old Fashioned Ale, Red, Porter, Stout, Raspberry Wheat, and Irish Pale Ale. The Pensacola brews are relatively tame, but a little heftier than the offering in Destin, and each is well made and true to style. They also have a few reserve bottled beers, and the bar has an excellent whisky and scotch offering. The complimentary popcorn is a nice touch. The atmosphere is cozy with enticing steakhouse aromas. Irish music plays over speakers and at night there is live music. The public house decor features wooden floors and walls, and warm red and green lighting. The ceilings and walls are decorated with thousands of patrons' dollar bills which dangle and wave like kelp in the ocean. Numerous celebrities and politicians have contributed to the tremendous collection. Between their two locations, they claim to now have over one million dollars strewn throughout the restaurants. McGuire's is a must visit location which I count myself lucky to have experienced!

Sunday 30th of March 2008 07:58:09 PM

link

This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

McGuire's is an excellent choice for those wanting to quench their thirst after a day of beach exploring in Pensacola or Pensacola Beach (heck, we made the 45-minute trek from Orange Beach, AL, to sample the brews). It had been several years since I was at the Pensacola location (they also opened a Destin, FL, spot several years ago), and I am happy to report that the beers are still extremely well done. The Irish Stout takes several minutes to pour correctly, and that's just what the barkeeps do; it is worth the wait. Thick head, roasted chocolate taste, and oh so smooth. This is a delightful brew. Also tasty is the well-done Porter--a nice follow-up to the Stout. We also sampled the fine Irish Red Ale and a surprise--an excellent IPA. Not quite the mega IBUs I like, but so plesasing, especially when most places serve up the crappy "water" of light beers or the horrific new Landshark lager (shame on you, Jimmy Buffet!). McGuire's also offers a light ale for the folks just "starting out." You will not go wrong with these beers, folks, especially at Happy Hour--pints are just $1.88!! As for food, there is an extensive menu, and while a bit pricey, you will get well-made fare and lots of it. Beware--the steaks are huge, as are the 3/4 pound burgers! Atmosphere-wise, tons of Irish memorabilia, several fun animal heads, and over $550,000 in dollar bills covering the entire ceiling and walls! Take home a clever shirt from the gift shop before you leave, too! At night, there is also some fun music played. McGuire's is a great choice for singles, couples or families with kids (though do expect a wait on busier nights). Enjoy!