Duffy's Tavern — Restaurant in Coral Gables

The most TRAUMATIC experience at this place last night that I’ve EVER HAD at a bar! My friend got the news his dad was in a coma. so we pulled over and stopped here after a while of me calling him down. My friend DOES have a vaping habit I admit. We sit down and the bartender tells him he cannot vape.. my friend apologizes but while we were waiting for our 2 beers he hits it again while I’m trying to calm him down to prevent a panic attack and the bartender comes again and says “no vaping”. My friend apologizes and says he’s SORRY and that it was a force of bad habit. My friend turns to me and suggest we go outside but as he’s telling me that we’re about go outside the bartender cuts him off as he’s talking to me from reading his LIPS and says “YEAH GO OUTSIDE I DONT CARE” ??? Like why so aggressive when my friend is clearly in shambles. My friend doesn’t want any problems and I noticed him start breathing faster about to have an anxiety attack. He tried to pay but bartender says cash only and he left his cash in the car. Card only. So I’m trying to quickly get him AWAY from this bartender that is now being nasty and rude to him and everyone is now staring because of how loud the bartender is being. I hurry and I PAY $13 and I take ALL MY CHANGE because at this point it I was alone I would‘be really let this man have a piece of my mind but he STILL yells at my friend and says “TAKE UR CHANGE TOO I DONT WANT IT” .. my friend is trying to leave before his attack starts so I snatch all my money except a penny cause I’m chasing after my traumatized friend.. the bartender then yells at MY FRIEND EVEN THOUGH IM THE ONE PAID and THROWS THE CHANGE AT HIM and tells him NEVER TO COME BACK. My friend was outside trying not to have an attack all because of a misunderstanding and he never disrespected this bartender due to him already being traumatized. He didn’t even have energy to raise his voice back or fight back. The only reason I didn’t stand up for him is because I was worried it would set off the panic attack. I assume this had to been the owner being this nasty because no way an employee would take out this much anger even after an apology. Most craziest thing I have ever experienced in a business. No compassion, communication.. went straight to acting like a ratchet animal to someone who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body!!!!!! He’s a bald old Caucasian man who lacked human decency. I feel bad about this whole thing because I picked this spot and I was taken so aback trying to tend to my friend i couldn’t record how the...

Duffy's Tavern has been a Miami staple since the mid 50's when Marty Duffy was the proprietor. It has that home town bar feel, similar to what was portrayed in the TV show Cheers. Many a picture hangs on the wall of all the patrons over the many decades that have enjoy the place. It was the favorite hangout of many a working man whether it be a construction worker, cop, firefighter, etc. Over time college kids from the U discovered it being right down the road, and still frequent it to this day. It is also a family restaurant where parents will bring groups of kids to the dining area on the weekends, whether it be from baseball or basketball games. Duffy's was a fairly small bar with limited parking, but has expanded over the years, and now has additional parking and seating. They also have a separate room for small private events, and even outdoor seating.

The beer is always fresh and cold, and there is a full liquor bar serviced by Jimmy, who does a great job and knows how to do a proper Guinness pour. One of the best kept secrets is the food at Duffy's. They have fresh fish, wonderful pork chops, and the list goes on and on. My personal favorite is their Ruben on rye. I am very particular about fat, and their Ruben is as lean as it comes. They also give you a choice of regular or sweet potato fries which are always done just right. Their burgers are great, and when they have the roast beef sandwich special, you cannot go wrong ordering it.

There are plenty of TV's so you don't miss any of the games, yet you don't feel as if you are in one of the soulless chains. Duffy's Tavern has character that is a welcome change. They are old school, and only accept cash, but have an ATM inside, so no worries there. Jimmy Sr & Wayne are the owners, and Wayne is there most of the time to make sure everything is tip top. Ever have something not to your liking, just seek him out, and he makes it right. I should know, as I have been coming there since I was a kid. Three generations of our family go there, and it is high time I left a review of the place we all...

First, let me tell you - it is cash only (I knew that so I had cash).

I took my elderly mom and her 2 friends here on Tuesday, Apr 25, 23 at noon. Not too crowded. We had an awesome time from the moment we stepped out of the car (plenty of free parking - indoor and outdoor seating). It’s a step back in time when you go inside - lots of fun stuff on the walls to see! We sat at a booth inside.

Our server was the best part of the place. He was exceptional - so nice to my mom and her friends and he was wonderfully attentive!

My mom had the fried black grouper and fries - it looked delicious and you can get it cooked how you want - she loved it. Delicious fries came with it (it was a blackboard special and was around $13 - well worth the price). Her friend had the same only grilled grouper and a side of a salad (the meal comes with a side). The other person had a 1/2 tuna sandwich and cup of split pea soup (a daily special very reasonably priced at around $7-ish). He enjoyed it.

I’m a vegetarian so I was happy to see a veggie burger on the menu - it was really good and huge. It comes with cheese and grilled onions and I asked if both could be left off - my request was honored and I appreciate that. I wanted onion rings as a side and there is an extra charge of $1 for them. They, too, we’re good. You do not come away hungry!

I wish I had gotten the server’s name because I appreciated how he was so nice to my mother. It takes very little time to be nice to people who are elderly and don’t get out much.

Our entire bill for all four of us was about $58. I found that very reasonable for the amount of food and how good it was.

The place is clean and friendly and it seemed like everyone there knew each other — like a friendly neighborhood place, which are few and far between in Miami now. Just a very pleasant experience all around! We...