Looked for and found great tavern food and brew. Authentic and reasonable

Stopped in on Thursday night after a day of walking in the Art Deco section of South Beach. Our hostess seated us promptly and I noticed the ambiance was more relaxing not your typical hurry up and getem out tourist trap.

Sipped some Guinness while waiting for my steak sandwich which arrived in short order. I noticed the steak was cooked just right - not over or under done. Something in the sauce had a zip to it, might have been some peppers with the onioins. Either way it was tasty and hit the spot.

Clarke's is a great place to relax and unwind with some good food and good conversation and not feel like you were 'just a tourist.'

If it were at all possible to keep this restaurant/pub all to ourselves, as locals, we would. It's THAT good.

Because Clarke's is an unassuming little spot on an unassuming little street several blocks away from Ocean Drive and well away from the typical tourist traps, a lot of people miss it. But that's exactly what makes it awesome.

When you walk in, it's traditional Irish Pub decor with the rich wood bar that wraps around one whole side of the restaurant. The other side is cafe tables and booths - but it's a small place - 30 tables max. The staff is excellent (a rarity on Miami Beach), attentive, helpful, always willing to accommodate special requests.

Most importantly - the food is OUTSTANDING. Every dish, every time. The Shepherd's Pie is authentic and delicious, the truffled mac-n-cheese is piping hot and topped with an irresistible crumb topping, the skirt steak is perfectly cooked and seasoned, Irish Spring Rolls are crisp and filled with a heavenly mix of mashed potatoes, cabbage, and corned beef. The burgers are amazing, fries are hand cut and yummy. You simply can't go wrong here.

But the REAL treat is brunch on Sundays. This is bar-none the best brunch in Miami from a food perspective. What Clarke's lacks in ocean views it more than makes up for with a Goat-Cheese and Herb omelet that is to die for, crisp chunky flavorful home fries, this chicken rosemary sausage that is delightfully surprising, and a vanilla french toast that makes all other french toast look like eggo waffles... seriously. Coffee is excellent, as are the mimosas. We're not bloody mary people - but have been told they're great too - slightly spicy. And, in the mornings during sunday brunch, it's so calm and quiet there, which is such a welcome reprieve from overcrowded south beach tourist restaurants.

So full disclosure, I lived across the street and ate here at least 3 times a week - at least! Sunday brunch kicks butt - get the pancake that is the size of your head!