McGuire’s is the quintessential American "Irish pub." Its claim to fame is the $500,000 in signed $1 bills serving as wall and ceiling paper, and its hundred or so signed bras decorating the bar area. Live music can be heard nightly, and at times its an actual Irishman. If you’ve ever been to an Irish pub, you know what kind of music. The more alcohol you have, the more fun it is to sign along to the Crocodile song or request your own Irish or oldie favorite. A pleasant mix of Irish and American food, McGuire’s offers fare for the unadventurous. You can get a good steak, a good plate of fried jumbo shrimp, and an excellent Shepard’s pie. All of the food is reasonably priced for this type of atmosphere and restaurant. Entrées can range from mid teens to high 40’s (lobster and steak). There are four or five rooms, each with a different theme (think of it as Clue): the library, the wine room, and the average room with all of the booths for eating.
This is a favorite hangout, or at least the starting place for many Pensacolans (at least the Navy ones). It gets quite busy on Friday and Saturday night; expect a wait of an hour or so. While waiting, sit back or stand at the bar and enjoy the live music and an Irish Wake. It’s a genius concoction generally guaranteed to get your night off to a good start. Made with a variety of liquor to include whiskey, it’s tart and sweet (that’s the lemons), and you get your own souvenir glass jar to take home.
You may have noticed the "Brewery" in the title; yes, the pub makes its own beer. This is pretty much the only "brewed" beer you will find in Pensacola. They offer the range of beers, stout to wheat, each decent in its own way. I am more of a lager/ale drinker and I was not disappointed.
On your way to the bathroom, look out! I will not ruin the surprise.
If you’re in town for a Tuesday and like to run, McGuire’s hosts a running club on Tuesday Nights. A group of middle-aged and younger people come out to run 3 to 6 miles and then drink a few hours away. You don’t have to be a speed demon, but you should probably be faster than a turtle. If you can make it six Tuesday nights, you get a free running club T-shirt.