Today, we’re going to continue our series of local business reviews to talk about an Irish Pub in Coral Gables or the Miami area. After all, Saint Paddy’s day is just around the corner. To get in the Irish spirit, you might be on the lookout for a place to enjoy some Shepherd’s Pie or Guinness. We recommend JohnMartin’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.
Everything about JohnMartin’s Irish Pub is authentic, from the food they serve to the live music playing at all times throughout the day. At the same time, they’re not one hit wonders. Their menu is extensive, they have authentic Irish cuisine, as well as other pub favorites.
JohnMartin’s Story
The owners of JohnMartin’s Irish Pub, Martin Lynch and John Clark, both grew up in Killinkere, Ireland. Around the same time, they decided to come to the U.S. for careers in the restaurant business. After spending time in other restaurants, they decided to combine their restaurant knowledge, as well as pride in their own Irish culture to open JohnMartin’s Restaurant and Irish Pub.
JohnMartin’s became the first Irish pub in this area, fittingly decorated with an authentic 20-foot mahogany bar, wood floors, and other imported furniture and fixtures from a church in Ireland. JohnMartin’s has made such an impact on Coral Gables. They were the first bar to challenge the liquor laws in the area that said they couldn’t serve liquor at the bar. After all, they did build an authentic Irish bar, it’s only fitting that they be able to serve liquor there. JohnMartin’s ended up getting the city ordinance removed.
After 26 years, they still revolutionize the pub experience in Coral Gables by providing refreshing live music and entertainment, stand-up comedy, and an array of menu items for all of their guests to enjoy.
The Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
JohnMartin’s is notorious for hosting the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in town. Every year on March 17th, they help the community celebrate Irish culture by opening their doors for a day filled with song, dance, spirits, food, and all the best revelry that Irish culture provides. This celebration is for any age group. The bar area is separate from the sit-down restaurant area, so you can bring the youngsters without worrying about exposing them to the Saint Patrick’s Day bar revelry. There’s also an outside balcony area, where you can sit and people watch, while listening to the Irish jigs inside.
This Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is starting early at 11:30 am, where you can get some tasty Irish brunch and listen to live music at 12 pm. If you plan on heading over later in the evening, make sure you bring your dancing shoes. At around 9 pm, a live DJ will take over to rock the house. If you plan on getting a table for a sensible Irish meal on Saint Patrick’s Day, we’d recommend getting there early, because the place tends to fill up fast.
Otherwise, just stop in and have a Guinness, Black and Tan, snakebite, Irish coffee, or any of your favorite Irish drinks. They also have their fair share of bourbon selections, draft beer, and wine selections.
Some of their best dishes to try out is their Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, and Corned Beef and Cabbage. Their meatloaf is also another good and hearty choice. If you’re a sports fan, they have a wide array of TVs, where they air televised sporting events.