McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin

McGuire's Irish Pub of DestinMcGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
McGuire's Irish Pub of DestinMcGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
Brewery, Bar, Eatery

33 Highway 98 E
Destin, Florida, 32541-2309
United States

(850) 654-0567 | map
mcguiresirishpub.com
BEER STATS
Average:
3.26
Beers:
7
Ratings:
104
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.03
Reviews:
28
Ratings:
51
pDev:
13.15%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by WesMantooth:
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Reviewed by WesMantooth from Ohio

4.34/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.75
From a beer standpoint, everything is pretty average. The place is difficult to find parking for and a little bit too dark (I know, I am getting old). It also doesnt come across as a 100% geniune Irish joint, but whatever.

On to the better stuff. They butcher their own and wood fire grill. The filet is phenomenal. I also had a Reuben egg roll appitizer that was very good also. The service was great and we only had about a 20 min wait at 6:30 on a Tues night. It is a very large and impressive place with their own liqour store and a separate outside bar and patio. Highly recommend.
Jun 17, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.82 by jschott75 from Illinois

May 12, 2021
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Reviewed by steve_littrell from Florida

4.75/5  rDev +17.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
Get ready to stand in line for 2 hours...not a secret, this is probably the busiest place in Destin during tourist season. Great everything...just be prepared to share with 10,000 others....
Sep 16, 2020
 
Rated: 3.9 by ADKbeerguy from New York

Nov 26, 2017
 
Rated: 3.71 by UCLABrewN84 from California

Oct 12, 2017
 
Rated: 3.61 by Marklaker from Florida

Sep 10, 2016
 
Rated: 3.83 by prost2hefeweizen from Oklahoma

Sep 14, 2015
 
Rated: 3.96 by Boone757 from Virginia

Aug 27, 2015
 
Rated: 3.86 by Texasfan549 from Texas

Jul 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.1 by SlightlyGrey from Minnesota

Apr 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3.78 by lemmy187 from Missouri

Mar 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4.45 by jbarker7070 from Tennessee

Mar 09, 2015
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Reviewed by WoolyFSU from Florida

3.66/5  rDev -9.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3 | food: 4.25
It's hard for me to rate this place without bias, as I grew up in Destin and was the first person to ever finish their 3 cheeseburger challenge (true story), but it has become a shell of what it started out as. The food and atmosphere are really good (formerly great), but the beer selection is what it is. Unfortunately for us the lure of fresh tourists every week supersedes the local that was really hoping for a legit local beer place. It is definitely worth stopping by and I still recommend it wholeheartedly
Feb 26, 2015
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Rated by MorganMessersmith from Connecticut

5/5  rDev +24.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Outstanding food and terrific home-brewed beers.
Feb 09, 2015
 
Rated: 4.03 by Pens1967 from Louisiana

Feb 07, 2015
 
Rated: 4.8 by DarkBeerFan from Florida

Dec 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.2 by Sanmn420 from Alabama

Nov 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by TheyCallMeYukon from Ohio

Oct 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by JDizzle from Indiana

Oct 22, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by DarthGator from Tennessee

Oct 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by ArmyATCBrewer from Korea (South)

Sep 19, 2014
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Reviewed by Yetiman420 from Ohio

3.65/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 3.25
Stop #427 on my world brewery tour.

Was on vacation with the family the last week of spring before the "never ending weekend" as the locals call it begins. Very crowded. Wife and kids went to the water-front shops across the street while daddy got his drink on.

Had to squeeze into a standing spot at the end of the bar by a bunch of very friendly regular locals. I ordered the sampler. All the dark beers were fine. The light beer was a diacetyl bomb smelling of a can of creamed corn.

Nothing hoppy on tap which is a bit of a drawback in my book but it is an Irish bar so I understand. The porter was very good but they only had it at the inside bar and I got the stout at the outside bar (waiting area).

Overall a fun place with good service and atmosphere. Seems like people were here more for that (and the food) then the place as a brewery.
Aug 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by russpowell from Arkansas

Jun 28, 2014
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Reviewed by amano_h from Oregon

3.45/5  rDev -14.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 2.75 | food: 4.5
McGuire's is like the mother of all Irish pubs/restaurants that ever was, is, and will be.

If the Philip J. Fry of Irish pubs went back in time and did the nasty with his Irish pub grandmother, McGuire's would be the awesome end product. Take anything that remotely resembles Ireland or Irish culture and stick it into a massive commercial plot filled with Notre Dame memorabilia and you pretty much have the gist of what McGuire's is.

To be more specific, McGuire's is an Irish pub/steakhouse/frat bar/souvenir shop/microbrewery all rolled into one. There's definitely something here for everyone irregardless of age and culture, which makes it an easy choice when you're driving in from the Creestview area and everyone wants to eat something different and you're given the task of making the executive decision. Although I wouldn't quite recommend those of the younger populace to frequent here past eight o'clock, this place is quite family friendly, and rightfully so, for all the tourists that freqent the Destin/FWB area.

One caveat with McGuire's is that everything they serve comes out in humongous portions; I ordered their steamed mussels which came piled atop a plate about the size of a regular-sized pizza pan. The calamari that my coworker ordered also seemed too burdensome to be labelled as "appetizers." Don't get me wrong--it may sound like I'm bitching, but this was actually a huge plus, if you disregard the fact that I couldn't finish my amazing lamb stew because I was so full.

It's really hard to recommend any one thing out of the menu since they seem to offer a buffet's variety in food. I wouldn't recommend their microbrew since it really isn't anything special; I tried their Red (Amber) Ale and their Porter and didn't really think too much of either.

All in all, a great place for family fun--an Irish "pub" without the lingering smell of piss and blood
Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by speedvagen from Ohio

May 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by BeerBucks from New York

Apr 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by fisherbray from Florida

Mar 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by memphischas from Tennessee

Feb 17, 2014
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Reviewed by kanghis from Pennsylvania

1.95/5  rDev -51.6%
vibe: 2 | quality: 1 | service: 4 | selection: 1 | food: 2
I typically put a lot of stock in the reviews that are presented on this site, as the people seem in general to know what they're talking about as far as good food and drink. I knew I was going to be in the Destin area visiting from Pennsylvania and had looked up places in Destin, found these reviews, and was very much looking forward to it due to the reviews that I had read.

I can't even really describe how disappointing of an experience it was. The place just screams out 'tourist trap'. It does hokey nonsense like having dollar bills hanging everywhere, and the lighting is designed to burn your retinas with red lighting and make you feel like you're hung over after stepping into daylight. I really should've known better when I noticed that the place has a gift shop.

They brew their own beer, sure, but everything I tried but the porter was sub-par at best; and I would consider the porter merely average. The rave reviews that are given for this place suggest people that really don't know what they're talking about.

I was willing to let some of these things slide, and I'm also fully aware that this restaurant is a steakhouse; but I'm on the Gulf Coast, I want seafood. I had the bouillabaisse which was basically ketchup water with bits of seafood with about a half a pound of saffron thrown in. I have honestly made much better food in my own home.

The server was very enthusiastic though, and clearly trying very hard. I got the impression that she was trying to 'sell' us though, which is something to which I really object. I also am not thrilled when the 'favorite' menu items of a server happen to also be the most expensive things (gee, I can't think that to be a coincidence).

At this point, it might sound like I'm an overly critical cheapskate. I assure you I am quite far from cheap. When I go out to eat, I am willing to pay for the experience as a whole, and I truly believed that this place was not at all worth what you pay. I also spent about seven years in the restaurant business - anywhere from washing dishes to cooking to waiting tables to management.

I would say overall that if you like gimmicks and disappointment, this is your place.
Mar 09, 2013
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Reviewed by thagr81us from South Carolina

3.6/5  rDev -10.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Stopped in here on the last night in town during aasher's wedding for a BIG group dinner. We went on a Friday night... All I can say, is HOLY SHIT parking nightmare! aasher and I drove around for about 5 minutes before we found a backlot sand parking spot around the back and off to the side. The crowd outside was definitely something to behold as well. This place was PACKED! However there were multiple entrances and exits to this place and there was TONS of seating as there were different sections setup throughout. While waiting there is a bar upstairs if you go all the way to the right of the restaurant and head up a few flights of stairs. The bar setup upstairs is more of a covered open-air setup. There was a decent selection of their own brewed beers on that night ranging from Hefe up to an Irish Cream Stout. The bartenders did a good job based on the amount of people packed into the bar that evening. We were finally seated in the wine cellar room. Pretty nice room with wine racks containing wine throughout the room. We never checked to see if they were vintage wine or not, but thought about it. A warning: when going to the bathroom, make sure you read the ENTIRE door before entering. They are quite misleading and just about every guy at our table entered the Ladies room before realizing they had made a mistake. Happened to me as well. :/ The food here was very good. We had an 'appetizer orgy' with a little bit of everything split between 10 of us. Really tasty but filling, so be warned. The steak I got was cooked perfectly and very tasty. Just wish I could have eaten more of it. They offer a sampler of all of their brews on tap as well. Nothing really exciting going on with that aspect of the trip, but worth trying or ticking if you are there. I would definitely go back here again when in town, but would likely have wine instead.
Jun 27, 2012
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Reviewed by RollTide05 from Florida

4.08/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
One of my favorite restaurants in Destin which is my hometown. The beer that they brew is all fantastic and unique. I would have to say that this place is a must visit place if you come to Destin or Pensacola for vacation. Again, the beers that they brew are awesome and unique. I happen to be friends with the brew master and he takes his job very seriously.

I have tried the raspberry imperial stout and must say that it is one of the best beers that I have ever had. Prepare yourself because the food comes in mega-size portions and you will need to take half of it home with you. But I really suggest that you have a few of their great beers before eating the huge feast that they will serve you. A trip to McGuires would be wasted without sampling some of their in-house brewed beers. Highly recommended.
Dec 11, 2011
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Reviewed by gerite from Alabama

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
I just returned from a trip to Fort Walton Beach and had to try McGuire's Irish Pub in Destin while I was in the area. First of all the atmosphere is unbelievable, they actually do have over a million dollars in one dollar bills stapled all over the ceilings and walls!

Me and my drinking buddy showed up there on a Wednesday evening and the place was packed. No place to park and no place to sit. This is on the Miracle Strip, in Destin, FL in July. After finally finding a parking place, we were able to snag two stools at the bar and found the service to be both friendly and fast. They specialize in their home brews so I had the Porter and my drinking buddy had the Irish Red. The Porter had a good dark color and a distant chocolate malt taste. I easily downed two pints of Porter with my burger and my friend had two pints Red with his Shepherd's Pie.

McGuire's Irish Pub is a must place to visit if you are in the area, but be warned that it is crowded in the summer season. Good reasonably priced food for the area and outstanding locally brewed beer.
Jul 23, 2011
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Reviewed by EgadBananas from Louisiana

3.05/5  rDev -24.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3.25 | selection: 2.75 | food: 2.5
Went to the pub for dinner on a Friday...wow, what a crowd! Along with the mass of people waiting, there was a line to put your name on the waiting list. Luckily, parties of two are very easy to sit, so we didn't wait long. While waiting though we easily snared some beer at the bar. The atmosphere is great and very unique, especially with the endless amounts of signed dollar bills covering nearly every inch of the place... As long as you don't go touching any of the money, I'm sure sanitation won't be an issue...

The beer was pretty decent, but nothing special really. Had the Porter and Stout, and the GF tried the Rasp. Wheat, and none were particularly great. I'm not sure what they carried that wasn't in house brewed, but I'd venture to say it wasn't more than BMC. They had 6ish house taps with the inclusion of a season, which was the Hefeweizen. I actually ordered the hefeweizen, but the waitress ended up never bringing it to me...which seemed out of character for the waitress, as she had been pretty adamant about asking to, and bringing me a new beer up until then. Aside from the lost beer order, service was good.

The food was for the most part forgettable...at least what we had. I had a burger and the GF had the tuna, to which we both agreed was not bad, but not great either. And we also thought that the fries sucked. Anyone can slice some potatoes and fry em...jazz em up though, make em your own! They were bland, simply put. I think the burger could have been better if they allowed you to choose how you wanted it cooked, as most places do...but, they never asked, so I got a well-done burger, when I would have asked for medium.

Price was reasonable for the most part.

Overall though, I just don't see the greatness here. The atmosphere is really cool, the brews were okay, and the food was edible, but to throw that into the mix with a potentially epic wait time, the appeal just get's lost for me.

I'm glad I went here, but it's just not worth the hassle again.
Jun 25, 2011
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Reviewed by ktrillionaire from Florida

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
If you are in Destin and you do not visit this place, you need your head examined. Or you're not in Destin.

The second you walk into this cavernous establishment, you are confronted by an undulating tapestry of baize upon the walls and ceilings; over a million dollars in one$ is taped and stapled in every possible nook and cranny (not to mention the occasional de riguer Tom Jones souvenir.)

The place is enormous, it can probably sit over a thousand. The staff is everywhere you turn, so service is prompt.

Beer-wise: the brewers are very good; the palate of the customers notsomuch. The result is a relationship of concession and simplicity between brewery and public which is working fantastically. They only have 5 or 6 brews at any given time, if I recall correctly, but none of them are bad, including the lawnmower-type brew (Light Ale?).

Food is insane. Get the nachos, definitely, but if you want to finish them all, make sure there are at least 2 or 3 of y'all, unless you weigh 600+lbs or are named Joey Chestnut.
Apr 26, 2011
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Reviewed by aasher from Indiana

4.53/5  rDev +12.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
After a week of seafood we decided to stop by this place for more traditional fare. When you walk in you're assaulted with the aromas of delicious steak and grilled salmon. You also see thousands of dollar bills stapled to the ceiling and walls. You can "donate" a dollar to become certified as an Irishman. The restaurant is huge. There are several large seating areas and a bar area. The restaurant is very family friendly.

The food itself and very well priced especially for the area. One of their specialties is an 18 cent bowl of bean soup and it's actually quite good. I got their steak and mushroom stew and it was delicious and the filet tips were very tender. My girlfriend's burger was delicious as well. All of their Irish fare looked spectacular. I'll definitely try the Reuben next time.

All of the beer that they have is brewed there. I tried their porter and it was actually quite good. They have five beers to choose from, some rotating. A pint was only $3.75. You can also sample all five of their beers for $4.25.

All in all, you can't go wrong with trying this place.
Apr 09, 2011
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Reviewed by JayS2629 from Alabama

4.55/5  rDev +12.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
I love this place! I went TDY to Hurlburt Field, and my boss made sure I went to this place. Even better, he bought. Their house brews were not bad at all. I especially enjoyed their red. The stout wasn't bad either. I went with the highly suggested steaks, and got a filet! Most excellent food! Definitely not the typical bar food. The place was full of families in flip flops and tank tops. Definite relaxed beach vibe going and I loved all the dollar bills hanging from the ceilings and walls. I heard they take these down once a month and donate to charity. Awesome place! Highly suggested!
Jan 04, 2011
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Reviewed by Shrews629 from Kentucky

4.5/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I love this place!!! My Aunt lives in Destin for about half the year, so when we go down, this is one place I make sure that I go. I have been 6 times and look forward to it every year. The beer is well above average and the food is spectacular. I particularly like the Stout and the Red. The ribeye is the best I have ever put in my mouth. The atmosphere is superb and the bar and restaurant themselves are great. The dollar bills that adorn the walls and ceiling are a nice little touch. I always pick up a new shirt everytime I'm there. It's very family friendly and I never hesitate to take the family or friends there. One may sit inside or sit on the 2nd floor deck and breath the fresh air and view the bay. The feel of Ireland is all around with decorations and Irish music is constantly playing, which sets a great mood. One can see directly in the kitchen, which is a plus. Just an all around great place to visit.
Nov 29, 2010
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Reviewed by Radome from Florida

4.3/5  rDev +6.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 5
If you are in Destin you MUST go to McGuire's. Period. Go for the food, the attitude, the unique dollar-carpeted ceiling and the beer.

This is the only microbrewery within 50-60 miles (the next nearest is the original McGuire's location in Pensacola). The beers are well-made and solid, even if not incredibly creative. They usually have a pilsner or light ale, a red ale, a porter, a stout and a seasonal on tap. The Irish Red is their most popular, but I think their Porter is their best "regular". I've had an outstanding barley wine and a Belgian strong that were very good.

The brewing is done right in the middle of the dining area during the week and the brewers are friendly and talkative. Their wait staff and bartenders seem knowledgeable on beer and they also have a good selection of liquor behind the bar.

Still, I have to admit the food and not the beer is the top asset of this place. But, given the fact that you can't get freshly made beer anywhere else within miles and miles, this is the spot for beer lovers in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
Oct 10, 2010
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Reviewed by heath1agnew from Texas

4.75/5  rDev +17.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Good ale selection, and I do mean just good. I had an ipa that was fair, nothing is to high in the abv area. But as far as the food goes, it was excellent. Best burger I've maybe ever had. I was also told the steaks are awesome. The atmosphere was really cool. Dollar bills everywhere! Over 800,000! If you find one try it because you won't regret it. The service is great as well, very laid back so you feel at home. Some noted appetizers were the calamari, potato cakes, and spinach dip. Plus if you just sit at the you get fresh popcorn...brilliant!
Jul 07, 2010
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -18.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3
An immense place that sat right on US98 and could be seen from a good distance, thanks to its bright green signage and a bell tower that was being used for keg storage. The sign over the doorway read "Feasting, Imbibery, and Debauchery"! Well, now. That's the spirit, boys. The m.d.s. sat in the right doorway beneath a mounted moose head. Another moose head was to the left, above a coffin containing the skeleton of Bridget McGuire, a legend who strangled men with her brasserie and in a bit of poetic justice, was sentenced to death by hanging by said bra. A set of four steps just past the merchandise led up to the polished blonde, wood octagonal bar ringed with brass plates enumerating "Customer(s) of the Month". High tables and Captain chairs lined each side of the raised bar area. To the left of the stairs to the bar were a refigerator with cuts of beef and a tank with live lobsters. Restaurant seating was on the ground floor on either side of the bar. The Mug Club steins were all of the way aft of the bar, stored behind Plexiglas. The kitchen was aft on the right side of the bar. Continuing right from the m.d.s., another restaurant area, followed by their extensive gift shop; the wine cellar with a modest selection of beer; and the too-clever-by-half-labelled lavatories. Some games I can do without. The entire interior was festooned with $1 bills, over 550K of them! That went with the B & W rugby photos, the signage, the Notre Dame posters, etc. The copper-clad and wood jacketed brewhouse was visible both inside in an alcove headed to the Gift Shop's entry and in an exterior facing window to the left of the gift shop's entry. Staff in black pants, black vests with an embroidered logo, and white shirts with black bow ties.

Cost - $ - inexpensive. $10 for 3 beers.

Beers: McGuire's Old-Fashioned Ale; Wild Irish Raspberry Wheat; McG. Irish Red; McG's Porter; McG's Irish Stout.

Seasonal: Hefeweizen.

The porter was the best of the lot. I was underwhelmed.

Mom: Maybe, but it was a bit dim and trying too hard to be Irish.
Dec 18, 2009
McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin in Destin, FL
Brewery rating: 3.26 out of 5 with 104 ratings