The Taurus

How have I not noticed the historical significance of this establishment? I pride myself on knowing ALL the hidden gems and yet this one missed me. Like me you probably walk on byHowever, this spot should be loved and appreciated. It has sadly been on the chopping block SO many times, it is sad. This is a gem of old begone days. The structure is all wood, cozy, historical and intimate. They even have a stone fireplace. God help us if this goes the way The old Playhouse has, and gets abandoned, derelict or knocked down.In its time it has been various things - a cottage, a tearoom and gift shop, a tearoom, a steak restaurant and now a pub!Here is some history about the place - It was originally built as a cottage in 1920, as part of the estate of The barnacle, owned by the Coconut Grove pioneer Ralph Munroe (1851 - 1933). He built it to be used as a social club and he called it The Tea Chest. From 1921 to 1923, it operated as such and was run by Munroe's daughter Patty (1900 - 1991) and Alice Ayars, a ceramicist. It was also known as Patty's Tea-chest and gift shop. Then two years later in 1923 it operated as La Casita Tea Room & Gift shop and was owned by Grace and Bob Ousley. They were known for their ice box pudding. This establishment ran for decades and apparently used to serve liquor in fine China teacups during Prohibition. It was also known for their Southern style cooking.In 1969 it was sold again and opened up as The Taurus Steakhouse, offering steaks of course. According to my research an older Coconut Grove female local said Taurus was once known as Coconut Grove's most legendary and oldest watering hole. She remembers the place when it was new, when the bar was wood and covered in an inch of clear polyurethane, when people played backgammon in a room at the rear and when she would make spiral designs with a credit card in the little piles of white powder on the bar after hours. Apparently, these indulgences happened in the 1970's. Boy, if these walls could talk!So? I went in for a gander and ended up chatting to the knowledgeable Scot who works there. He said there are various rooms under the wooden structure. He told me even to this day he has some people coming in asking for the steak! They now deal mainly in pints, trivia nights and have stand-up comedy nights on Thursdays. Surely now I have piqued your interest. Folks SHOULD protect, honour and enjoy such historical local businesses. So, if you go, hit me up and I might join you for the Comedy evening. Also, IF YOU DO GO, please jot me a line and let me know your thoughts.From their website - TUESDAY TRIVIA 8:30 p.m.TUESDAY BINGO Late nightWEDNESDAY VIDEO GAMES 8:30 p.m.THURSDAY COMEDY 8:00 p.m.

Taurus brands themselves as the best trivia night in Miami and based on my experience so far this is actually true. The vibe is fun and divey and the food is good, plus the trivia is challenging and fun. Makes for a nice night all around!Trivia is on Tuesdays. We didn't get there early enough and had to sit at the bar but it was fine. They have a fun mix of audio rounds, buzzer rounds, video rounds, and the like. It's honestly pretty competitive and hard but in a really fun way.Not a ton of vegetarian options on the menu but we enjoyed our dinner. The pineapple pizza was quite good and the chocolate dessert we had was delicious. Much better than I expected given the divey vibes. I believe they also have happy hour offerings but you need to get there a little early.

Been on our list for a while sense moving to the grove, and it didn't disappoint. We went mainly for drinks but I ordered the burger and it was solid.I think the staff and service pushed it over the top.

We were very exited to come here considering its history. Nope! Never again! The cleaning products they use make the place smells like a urinal cake and the drinks are $25 a pop plus tip. Not worth it...

Great vibe, great drinks, great trivia Tuesday nights, definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the typical Miami bars.

So my sister & I went back to Taurus today and had the worst experience ever. From beginning to end it was awful. The male server with the spiked hair acted as if he didn't see us at the table and ignored us for a while. Then we were finally able to order. When our burgers came out they were really salty and burnt. Then when I showed the the 15% discount through Yelp they said they didn't know anything about it and couldn't do it. Then it took a while yo grt our tab that we had to ask for several times. Service & food was not worth the money this time. So sad because we really liked this place.

I've been to Taurus now a handful of times. It's quite a cozy bar that gives you a little bit of everything you need to have a great time. Couple of times we visited for a holiday party. The staff was extremely attentive and helpful. I went with some Mezcal Old Fashion's that were exquisite, the wife went with some wine. We ordered some appetizers to make sure we didn't pass out with all the drinks. We went with a pepperoni pizza and pork tacos. The pizza was average to above, came right off the oven and had a good crust. I'd say the tacos were average. Soft tortillas and you can taste a hint of marinade but not much. Again fresh and hot, just lacking a bit of flavor. We were in the outside area which is quite spacious, the interior has karaoke which is always fun and the full bar. Attentive staff and very helpful, kind, courteous all the adjectives you can find. In all, it was a pleasant experience. I'd say 3 on the food, 4 on the facilities and 5 on the service.

If I could give negative stars I would ... Wednesday 11:41 p.m I walk in with my friends (all 21+) I understand there is a rule if you do not have your id then you cannot sit at the bar. I explain to her that I am willing to wait outside the premises , and so I am speaking with my friends trying to tellThem I will wait outside , and she rudely tells me over and over to get out, I explain I will but I would first like to speak with my friends before I go. (Also threatens to call security on me ) for no reason?? She kept repeating the same thing as if I didn't hear her ? I'm not sure what this girl was on, but Please check on your employees she seemed extremely off, and not mentally capable of speaking to a guest. Horrible experience would never come back again or recommend I HATE THE BAR TAURUS. Rude bartender with no manners , if you hate your job just get a new one lol

Beyond disappointed! I used to love this place so much both my husband and I have reserved the back for our birthdays in the past. Las night server Bianca and manager Danny (not sure I believe those are their names though) were extremely rude, aggressive and discriminatory. And make the night worse my tab was $160 for 5 beers and 1 Moscow mule. Needless to say they added drinks to my tab. This used to be a miami staple....you're standards aren't the same anymore Taurus.

Had a simple beer on the patio after the comedy show. Great atmosphere and quick service!