By Jennifer Otto

Although you may argue that McGuire’s lost its charm the day it stopped giving out green plastic leprechauns, the rest of the population would undoubtedly disagree.

Emerald Coast residents and visitors flock to McGuire’s seven days a week in search of gold, which to them is delicious food, freshly brewed beer and a friendly wait staff.

Destin’s rendition of the Irish restaurant sits on the cusp of Destin – only a bridge ride away from Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach. Conveniently located and easy to find with its bright green neon lights, McGuire’s gets quite a crowd … so much of one that you may have a hard time finding a place to park.

While waiting for a table, many of McGuire’s guests stop to admire the castle-like structure, which includes lines of people flowing out of its large ornamented doors that are made from at least a half dozen trees.

Upon entering the pub, it is easy to figure out why McGuire’s has become a landmark to all those traveling in and out of Destin. A clear theme runs through the pub giving it that turn-of-the-century, New York Irish saloon feel. Each room is intricately detailed with Irish flare and ornate design.

If you like to be around money, McGuire’s is definitely your place. Thousands of dollar bills are stapled and tacked on the walls, ceilings and bars with special messages left behind from diners of past and present.

McGuire’s is not short on potty humor. This is one restaurant where the entertainment happens right next to the bathroom doors. As guests make their way to the bathroom after several rounds of beer, they are greeted by two doors with rather clever signs. I know you are wondering what could be so funny about a bathroom sign. I cannot ruin the surprise. I can only say this – everything is not always as it appears.

Now, onto the food that makes this place famous. I will never forget my first meal at McGuire’s. I had just moved to town and my friend from Tallahassee drove in for a visit. We both had fairly empty pockets, causing our mouths to drop when we opened the menu. Tasty food comes at a price …

Our server came to the rescue as we tried to sneak out before we got ourselves in too deep. She saw our surprised looks and assured us that one meal was more than enough for two. She listened to us and told us of food and beer that would best fit our taste.

We ended up ordering the ribs. No words can describe the mouth-watering entrée that arrived at our table, and the amount of food piled on the plate. Barbeque ribs spoke to us as we pulled them apart to share. The meat literally fell from the bone without any effort. My mouth danced, and I knew that I had just found a reason to be passionate about this place.

Considering that both my friend and I are quite the beer connoisseurs, we were extremely impressed with the fact that McGuire’s brews its own beer right on the premises in a traditional Oak and Copper Brewery.

McGuire’s brews six different types of beer all year round – five never rotating off the menu and one seasonal. The five regularly brewed beers include: McGuire’s Light Ale, McGuire’s Irish Red Ale, Wild Irish Raspberry Wheat, McGuire’s Porter and McGuire’s Irish Stout. Seasonally, McGuire’s offers a rotating selection of Scotch Ale, Barlywine, Belgian Strong Ale, India Pale Ale, Hefeweizen, Extra Special Bitter, Altbier and Christmas Ale.

I
f you are not 21, McGuire’s also makes a heck of a good root beer served draft, right out of the keg.

After we finished dinner, my friend and I wandered to the upstairs bar that opens to the cool breeze of summer. We spoke with bartenders and got the scoop on the local nightlife. I credit the bartenders at McGuire’s for helping me find my favorite dive bar in Destin, KJ’s (to include hyperlink to KJ’s review).

McGuire’s Irish Pub may no longer give out the green plastic leprechauns. But, if you follow the rainbow to the pot of gold, you will always end up here.

McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin
33 Highway 98
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 654-0567