Mario Alban, Photo Courtesy of Breakwater Hospitality Group
When JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Eatery was forced to close because of the pandemic, loyal fans were notably distraught. A Coral Gables staple since 1989, it was long considered a favorite neighborhood bar. It revamped and reopened last November, welcoming back old-timers as well as new patrons. We caught up with Bar Supervisor Mario Alban for some valuable insight.
Q&A
Why bartending?
I’ve always loved working in restaurants, and I enjoy seeing people have a good time and being a part of that experience. I love meeting new people and bringing them positive experiences, and the team at JohnMartin’s has created an incredible environment for the guests and the employees. We offer so many amazing drinks, from specialty cocktails to over 400 different types of whiskeys — the most offered anywhere in Miami — so it’s been such an exciting experience.
What does JohnMartin’s mean to the community? How has it changed since reopening?
JohnMartin’s has so much incredible history and traditions from its original owners, John Clarke and Martin Lynch, and our mission is to keep their traditions alive. Today, JohnMartin’s features new designs and menu offerings, but the welcoming, warm atmosphere and traditional Irish heritage remain the same. JohnMartin’s continues to be a place that brings people together, offering an overall feeling of community, where everyone feels like family.
You can design your own cocktail napkin – what would it be or what would it say?
My cocktail napkin would say “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Drink everyone needs to know and why?
A drink everyone needs to know is the margarita. Everyone enjoys a margarita, and it’s simple to make, all you need are three ingredients. Get a good tequila, triple sec and fresh limes and you’re guaranteed a great drink.
Best piece of advice you ever got?
Trust the journey, and always be kind — you never know what other people are going through.
Favorite/best bar music?
I love the music from the assorted live bands that play at JohnMartin’s. The musicians are so talented, and they perform on the stage next to the bar, offering guests a front-row seat to the intimate show and amazing tunes. It’s not as common to have a live band performing like this in restaurants and bars these days, so it’s a special and unique experience we’re thrilled to be sharing with our guests.
Best bar snack?
The best bar snack is JohnMartin’s Irish Nachos, a delicious twist on the traditional nachos.
Favorite quote?
“The greatest accomplishment of a bartender lies in his ability to exactly suit his customer.” —Harry Gordon Johnson
Who, living or dead, would you want to make a drink for and why?
I’d love to make a drink for Sam Malone from ‘Cheers,’ played by Ted Danson. I grew up watching that show, and JohnMartin’s is a bar that is so similar to the bar in ’Cheers’ — where everybody knows your name! But since Sam Malone doesn’t drink, I would want to make Frank Sinatra a drink. I’d love to make him a couple stiff whiskeys and get him singing on our stage.
The Shamrock Shake
The Shamrock Shake, Photo Courtesy of Breakwater Hospitality Group
Ingredients:
1½ oz. premium Irish whiskey
½ oz. vanilla ice cream
1½ oz. coffee syrup
Instructions:
Blend these ingredients and top the drink off with whipped cream and mint liqueur.