The Great Gables Pub Crawl - a Pedestrian Adventure

In our sample itinerary, we start with alfresco ambience of the Cafe at Books and Books, drink in our historic past at The Bar, enjoy the German and Austrian flavors of Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, dip into the island atmosphere at Tarpon Bend and pull up a pint of savory suds at JohnMartin's Irish Pub.

Along the way, we'll be sampling great food and enjoying the short walks between watering holes as we stroll leisurely through the streets of Coral Gables.

1- The Cafe at Books and Books
Park your car and cross the street to 265 Aragon. Enter the open courtyard for live music on the weekends and a good selection of beer and wine. The food menu is surprisingly sophisticated and items are moderately priced.

2- The Bar (formerly the Hoffbrau)
Go east on Aragon, north one block and east to 172 Giralda. Since the 1940's this popular gathering place has been serving good food and drinks to generations of locals and visitors.

3- Fritz and Franz Bierhaus
Go east on Aragon half a block to 60 Merrick Way. With authentic Bavarian brews and home made Teutonic tidbits from the old country, the bierhaus offers a festive atmosphere and a great location, with live music and a large outdoor plaza.

4- Tarpon Bend Raw Bar and Grill
Go south through the breezway at X Aragon to 50 Miracle Mile. You'll think you've been transported to Islamorada or Andros where sport anglers and tall story tellers congregate to embibe fine liquors and partake of the freshest delicacies from the sea.

5- JohnMartin's Irish Pub and Restaurant
Go west down the main drag to 253 Miracle Mile. This traditional Irish Pub features numerous draft and bottle beers, a fine selection of spirits and consistently good food at reasonable prices.

Here's a partial list of other great pubs, gourmet shops and restaurant bars in Coral Gables. Mix and match them to create your own pub crawl on the next Friday evening, or any night of the week.