Introduction
When I first walked through the doors of McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and authenticity. With over 500,000 visitors each year, McGuire’s isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a Destin landmark. The ambiance, complete with rich wood-paneled walls and vintage lighting, offers a cozy slice of Ireland right in the heart of Florida. Established in 1996, McGuire’s has been serving up a unique blend of traditional Irish fare and inventive pub favorites for decades.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, there’s always something new to discover on McGuire’s extensive menu. In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven must-try delights, each offering a taste of what makes McGuire’s so special.
Contact Information for McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin:
– Name: McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin
– Address: 33 US-98, Destin, FL 32541, United States
– Phone: +1 850-650-0000
– Official Website: mcguiresirishpub.com
– Contact Email: info@mcguiresirishpub.com
– Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
– Services Offered: Traditional Irish cuisine, pub food, house-brewed beers, and live music.
– Main Contact Person: Carl Avery, General Manager
1. Shepherd’s Pie – The Comfort Classic
The Shepherd’s Pie at McGuire’s is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that’s both hearty and nostalgic. Served in a generous portion of 600 grams, this classic features ground beef seasoned to perfection, slow-cooked with a mix of herbs and spices. The meat is then topped with a rich, savory gravy and a thick layer of mashed potatoes, golden and slightly crispy from the oven.
The meticulous preparation is what sets McGuire’s Shepherd’s Pie apart. The beef is simmered for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together, while the potatoes are mashed to the perfect consistency—smooth, with just enough texture to remind you they’re homemade.
Pairing this dish with McGuire’s house-brewed Irish Stout (6% ABV) creates a truly satisfying meal. The stout’s roasted malt flavors complement the pie’s rich, meaty taste, making every bite and sip a pleasure.
For those interested in trying this dish at home, consider using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, which add a layer of complexity to the gravy. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the meat’s flavor, giving it that extra kick.
External Resources:
– Shepherd’s Pie History and Recipe
2. Senate Bean Soup – A Steal at 18 Cents
One of McGuire’s most iconic offerings is the Senate Bean Soup, priced at just 18 cents. This humble yet flavorful soup has been served more than 1.5 million times, making it a staple at the pub. The soup is made from navy beans, smoked ham hock, onions, and a secret blend of spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
The recipe is rooted in history, as bean soup has been a staple on the U.S. Senate dining room menu since the early 20th century. At McGuire’s, the soup is served in a 250 ml portion that’s thick, comforting, and packed with protein.
This dish is often paired with McGuire’s homemade bread, which is served fresh and warm with every meal. The bread, a blend of white and whole wheat flour, is soft yet chewy, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savory soup.
For a more complete experience, consider pairing the Senate Bean Soup with a glass of McGuire’s Chardonnay. The wine’s light acidity complements the richness of the soup, creating a balanced and satisfying starter.
External Resources:
– The History of Senate Bean Soup
– Nutritional Information on Navy Beans
3. Brewer’s Sausage Plate – A Pub Favorite
For a true taste of pub culture, the Brewer’s Sausage Plate at McGuire’s is a must-try. This dish features a selection of hand-made sausages, each weighing around 200 grams. The sausages—bratwurst, kielbasa, and spicy Irish banger—are grilled to perfection and served with traditional accompaniments.
The sausages come with 300 grams of tangy sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, and 250 grams of German potato salad, rich and creamy with just the right amount of tang. The dish is completed with McGuire’s signature mustard, a house-made condiment that adds a sharp, spicy kick.
To enhance this dish, I recommend pairing it with McGuire’s Irish Red Ale. This 5.5% ABV ale features a sweet malt profile with hints of caramel, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the sausages.
For those curious about the art of sausage-making, McGuire’s even offers sausage-making workshops on select weekends, where you can learn the secrets behind their famous sausages.
External Resources:
– The Art of Sausage Making
– Nutritional Benefits of Sauerkraut
4. Molly’s Cut – The Ultimate Steak Experience
For steak lovers, Molly’s Cut is the crown jewel of McGuire’s menu. This 16 oz (453 grams) filet mignon is aged for 28 days, ensuring the meat is tender and full of flavor. The aging process allows enzymes in the meat to break down muscle tissue, resulting in a steak that’s both tender and flavorful.
Grilled to your preference, the steak is served with Irish champ, a traditional dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with scallions, butter, and milk. For those seeking extra indulgence, McGuire’s also offers a loaded baked potato topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, weighing nearly 500 grams.
Pairing Molly’s Cut with a glass of McGuire’s Cabernet Sauvignon elevates the experience. This full-bodied red wine, with notes of dark fruit and a hint of oak, is the perfect companion to the steak’s deep, beefy flavor.
For a more interactive experience, McGuire’s hosts steak-tasting events, where you can sample different cuts and learn about the aging process from expert butchers.
External Resources:
– Understanding the Aging Process of Steak
– Pairing Steak with Wine
5. Irish Boxtys – A Taste of Tradition
Irish Boxtys are a traditional dish that dates back centuries, and McGuire’s has perfected this humble potato pancake. Each Boxty is about 15 cm in diameter, made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and milk, then pan-fried until golden brown.
At McGuire’s, the Boxtys are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as 150 grams of corned beef, 200 grams of grilled chicken, or 180 grams of tender steak. The dish is then topped with a creamy whiskey sauce, adding a rich, savory depth.
This traditional dish pairs beautifully with McGuire’s Blonde Ale (4.8% ABV). The ale’s subtle hop bitterness and crisp finish provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Boxty.
McGuire’s also offers cooking classes on select evenings, where you can learn to make Boxtys from scratch and explore the history behind this traditional Irish dish.
External Resources:
– History of Irish Boxtys
– The Nutritional Value of Potatoes
6. McGuire’s Brews – The Perfect Pairings
No visit to McGuire’s would be complete without trying one of their house-brewed beers. The pub boasts an impressive selection of brews, each crafted on-site in their 10,000-liter brewery. These beers range from light and refreshing to dark and robust, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
One of my favorites is the Irish Red Ale (5.5% ABV), brewed with a blend of caramel and roasted malts. This ale pairs beautifully with the Shepherd’s Pie, where the sweetness of the beer complements the savory meat and potatoes.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Blonde Ale (4.8% ABV) is a great choice. Its crisp, clean finish pairs perfectly with the Fish and Chips, offering a refreshing contrast to the fried fish and tangy tartar sauce.
McGuire’s also hosts brewery tours, where visitors can learn about the brewing
process and sample different beers. These tours are available by reservation and are a great way to deepen your appreciation for McGuire’s craft beers.
External Resources:
– The Brewing Process Explained
– Types of Beer and Their Characteristics
7. The Big Mouth Burger – A Destination in Itself
Finally, no trip to McGuire’s would be complete without tackling the Big Mouth Burger. This colossal burger is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Weighing in at a whopping 680 grams, the Big Mouth Burger is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.
The burger can be customized with a variety of toppings, including classic options like 30 grams of cheddar cheese and 40 grams of crispy bacon, or more adventurous choices like 60 grams of peanut butter and jelly. It’s served on a freshly baked bun that’s both soft and sturdy enough to hold up to the mountain of ingredients.
For an extra touch of nostalgia, pair your burger with McGuire’s house-made root beer. Brewed on-site, the root beer’s rich, creamy flavor perfectly complements the savory burger.
McGuire’s also offers burger challenges where diners can attempt to finish the Big Mouth Burger in record time. Successful challengers earn a spot on the pub’s Wall of Fame and a free T-shirt.
External Resources:
– The Science of Perfect Burger Making
– The Nutritional Facts of Peanut Butter
FAQs
What is the most popular dish at McGuire’s Irish Pub?
The Shepherd’s Pie, served in a generous 600-gram portion, is one of McGuire’s most popular dishes, celebrated for its comforting flavors and hearty portions.
Are there vegetarian options available at McGuire’s?
Yes, McGuire’s offers several vegetarian options, including their famous Senate Bean Soup and various salads and sides. All dishes are crafted with the same attention to detail as their meat dishes.
What beers are brewed in-house at McGuire’s?
McGuire’s brews a variety of beers on-site, including their Irish Red Ale (5.5% ABV), Irish Stout (6% ABV), and Blonde Ale (4.8% ABV). Each brew is crafted with care to complement the pub’s diverse menu.
Is McGuire’s family-friendly?
Absolutely! McGuire’s offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a menu with options that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great spot for family dining.
Do I need a reservation to dine at McGuire’s?
While reservations are not required, they are recommended, especially during peak dining times, to ensure you get a table without a long wait. You can make a reservation by calling +1 850-650-0000 or visiting their official website.
What is the history behind McGuire’s Irish Pub?
McGuire’s Irish Pub was established in 1996 and has since become a Destin landmark, known for its authentic Irish atmosphere, extensive menu, and house-brewed beers. It’s a place where tradition and innovation come together to create a unique dining experience.
Conclusion
McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin offers more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey that takes you from the heart of Ireland to the sunny shores of Florida. Each dish on their menu, from the comfort of the Shepherd’s Pie to the adventure of the Big Mouth Burger, is crafted with care and designed to satisfy.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, McGuire’s invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a taste of Irish hospitality in the heart of Destin. The pub’s commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation shines through in every dish, making it a must-visit destination.
So next time you find yourself in town, make sure to stop by and indulge in one (or all) of these must-try delights. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and memories that will last long after the meal is over.
