During the last few years of my retail management life, I worked across the street from John Martin’s Irish Pub. I became friendly with their general manager Cristina and owners, John and Martin.
Yes, those are really their names. They knew of my food blog and were following along on my adventures.
John Martin’s would eventually host the very first Burger Beast Feast ever called the Burger Beast Menu. Laura, John’s daughter, created the menu with some input from me.
We were trying to create dishes with food that was already available hence things like the Sheppards Wedges, which took their potato wedges and smothered them in Sheppard’s Pie and cheese.
My 2nd Burger Beast Feast, the Burgie Awards, would also find its home at John Martin’s a couple of months later. There is a bunch of history between my blog and John Martin’s, so it was unfortunate when they closed down in April 2020.
I’ve always been thankful for their help; I might not have ever gotten the shot to do an event without them. John Martin’s will always be a part of the Burger Beast story.
John Martin’s Table of Contents
One Last Delivery Order
In late 2019 I noticed that John Martin’s delivery area included my Burger Museum. It would be the last time I ate from John Martin’s Irish Pub.
Original John Martin’s Irish Pub Post
March 14th, 2009 – I worked across the street from John Martin’s Irish Pub (253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables), and I made this place my home away from my home by eating here 3 to 5 times a week for lunch. The menu has expanded over the years, offering not only Irish specialties but also lots of pub grub.
I always like to start my meal with either the wings or chicken tenders, which are hand-breaded. The almost neon-colored hot sauce served with the wings is also a great idea to try on your tenders. The wings are crispy, and the tenders are about as perfect as a chicken strip/tender can be.
On the sandwich front, the burgers are at the forefront. I’ve had all of them multiple times, but if you were twisting my arm, I’d say the Pub Burger is the best one. The Pub Burger is blackened, and if I were you, I’d ask for blue cheese instead of the Irish Cheddar it comes with; it’s just so perfect.
Best Buffalo Chicken Sandwich?
The buffalo chicken sandwich is probably one of the best I’ve ever had. Most folks swear by these chain buffalo chicken sandwiches, but this is the real deal with a juicy breaded chicken breast covered in their neon hot sauce and melted blue cheese (none of that blue cheese dressing or crumbles nonsense).
And if you feel like going over the edge, they’ve got a Monte Cristo Sandwich. Yes, it’s like the one you remember from Bennigan’s, but this one is good. All of your favorites are here; turkey, ham, swiss & American cheeses on white bread, that are then battered and fried. The Monte Cristo comes with berry jam for dipping too. Do not eat this entire sandwich for lunch and plan on going back to work at full capacity because this sandwich will do a number on you.
John Martin’s is more than just wings and sandwiches, though. I just scratched the surface of what available to eat here, and that’s not counting the daily lunch specials. There’s meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, bangers & mash…the list goes on and on. The best part? It’s all great.
July 6th, Burger Beast at John Martin’s
July 1st, 2009 – I’m a regular at John Martin’s in Coral Gables. If you’ve never been, their Black N Blue Burger, as well as their Buffalo Chicken sandwich, are ridiculous. I go to John Martin’s Irish Pub enough that the bartenders know what I like in Cheers like fashion.
I always suggest subtle little changes to their menu. You can imagine my surprise when the general manager Cristina asked me to help create some dishes for a one night only Burger Beast menu. On Monday, July 6th at 8 pm, come by John Martin’s, there’ll be burgers, there’ll be drink specials as well as the whole Burger Beast crew.
Burger Beast Menu at John Martin’s Irish Pub
John Martin’s Burger Beast Menu
July 7th, 2009 – Last night at John Martin’s was a definite good time. The menu’s mini burgers were the most popular item. The funniest moment of the night was when Carlos Miller asked me on camera why I don’t like Flanigan’s burger. Suddenly, I realize it was a set-up since the manager from Flanigan’s was there sitting next to me. Thanks to all for coming out last night.
