McGuire's Irish Pub

McGuire's Irish Pub is Destin's most memorable dining experience -- a sprawling, eccentric Irish pub-steakhouse hybrid where over $2 million in signed dollar bills hang from every surface, the steaks are hand-cut and perfectly cooked, and the atmosphere is loud, fun, and completely unique.

The dollar bills are the first thing everyone notices. Millions of signed, decorated, and stapled bills cover the ceiling, walls, rafters, and columns -- creating a visual effect that ranges from charming to overwhelming. The tradition encourages guests to sign a dollar and add it to the collection (ask your server for a stapler).

Kids are mesmerized by the sheer volume and spend the meal craning their necks to read messages.

The food is serious despite the whimsical setting. McGuire's is primarily a steakhouse, with thick hand-cut steaks that rival dedicated steak restaurants. The prime rib is a specialty. The burgers are legendary -- enormous patties on house-baked bread. Irish specialties (shepherd's pie, Irish stew, boxty) round out the menu. Kids menu covers the basics ($8-12) with generous portions.

The house brewery produces several beers on-site, with the Irish Red Ale as the signature. The Irish coffee is a specialty. The bar area is extensive and a natural waiting spot (no reservations are accepted, and waits during summer dinner hours can be 45-90 minutes).

The eccentric decor extends beyond the dollar bills. Moose heads wearing hats, antique signs, stained glass, old photographs, and random memorabilia cover every surface. The restrooms are intentionally confusing (doors labeled 'Lads' and 'Lasses' in Irish -- many people walk into the wrong one, which is part of the fun). Waitstaff perform songs and engage with tables.

McGuire's has two locations -- the original in Pensacola (1977) and this Destin location (2006). Both maintain the same concept, quality, and atmosphere. The Destin location is the more accessible for families staying in the Destin area.