Eating & Dining in Pensacola

Food & Drinks in Pensacola

Located on the Gulf Coast, with good harbors, Pensacola has access to a wide variety of fresh seafood, and many restaurants in the area proudly use fresh-caught fish and shellfish in their meals. Red snapper is bountiful in the waters here, but good luck finding it; most of it is shipped to New York City, where it can fetch a higher price. Locals in the know often hit the docks when the fishing ships come in, when a small bribe can net you a beautiful snapper at bargain prices. Gulf shrimp are cheap and plentiful here, and most dining establishments have it on the menu in some form or another. Mullet fish are an oily, strong-flavored species of fish, popular only because of its dirt-cheap price. It can be bought for a dollar a pound, and is always served deep-fried, like catfish; locals often eat the tails like they eat potato chips. And although Pensacola is a little late to the raw fish party, incredible sushi can be found here, made with fish caught from the docks.

Being in the southern United States, Pensacola also features many restaurants that specialize in traditional southern cooking; having grits, a ground corn porridge, for breakfast is a source of pride for many Southerners. Pecans and peanuts are grown by many farmers in the Florida panhandle, and Pensacolians put them to good use in pecan pie, pecan ice cream, roasted peanuts, and especially cajun-spiced boiled peanuts. And all this southern food is washed down with sweet iced tea; the best places boil sugar and water into a syrup, and add this to their brewed iced tea, along with oranges or lemons to make a true Southern-style sweet tea.

Budget

Offered at convenience stores, country fairs, high school football concession stands and farmer's markets, boiled peanuts are an ubiquitous snack food in Pensacola. Usually using fresh peanuts from farms in the north part of the county, the raw nuts are boiled in salted water until soft in the middle. Both spicy and plain varieties are available, and are usually just a dollar or two for a bag. If you've never had them before, expect your first reaction to be "slimy."

Grits are offered anywhere breakfast is served; even the fast food chain Whataburger has them in the mornings. Expect to pay just a dollar or so for plain, buttered grits, and more if you want any fancy ingredients added, like cheese or bacon. Hominy grits, made from lye-soaked corn kernels, popular in other parts of the south, are hard to find in Pensacola.

If you're lucky, you might find yourself invited to a southern fish fry. Do not turn down this invitation. An important part of southern food tradition, fish fries can be used as fundraisers, as celebrations, or just a cheap way to bring friends and family together. Traditionally, catfish is the main course, but in Pensacola, mullet fish is popular too. Fried fish is usually served with hush puppies, and coleslaw, french fries, baked beans, and grits can all make an appearance. Plates usually run $5 or less at fundraising events, but unless you have really cheap friends, it's free at fish fry parties.

Food Establishments

1. Bagelheads. M-F 6AM-3PM, Sa-Su 7AM-3PM. A small, city chain of shops featuring fresh-baked, from scratch bagels, Bagelheads has become a hip morning hangout for college students. Try their veggie cream cheese, made with freshly cut, crisp vegetables for an awesome (but still not healthy) breakfast. Skip the coffee though, unless you like rubber-tasting Community Cup brews; stick with their cinnamon-y House Latte, or their excellent cappuccinos. $1-5. o 916 E Gregory St, +1 850 444-9661 (fax: +1 850 437-5911). o 1791 E Nine Mile Rd, +1 850 478-7479 (fax: ''+1 850'' 478-3208). o 4771 Bayou Blvd (Inside TCBY building), +1 850 475-8048.
   
2. The Coffee Cup, 520 E Cervantes St, +1 850 432-7060. "No Grits, No Glory" is the motto of this Southern diner, and it's a good slogan for how to eat here; if you aren't going to order the grits, don't bother. First opened in 1945, this greasy-spoon diner hasn't changed anything other than its prices ever since. The Nassau grits, served with ham, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, were mentioned in Saveur magazine, and are worth an order. The regulars, who love the cheap food here, tend to stick with eggs, biscuits, and bacon or a smoked pork chop, with a bottomless cup of thin coffee. A must-visit, especially for road food lovers. $4-8.
   
   
3. Dairy Queen, 7600 Scenic Hwy, +1 850 473-1111. Enjoy a cheap soft-serve ice cream cone while standing on the bluffs overlooking Escambia Bay. Come by in the morning, when the sun sparkles on the water and the freight trains thunder on the beach beneath you.
   
   
4. Dog House Deli, 30 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 432-3104. M-F 7AM-3PM, Closed Sa-Su. You can get almost any topping you want on your hot dog for no extra cost here, but their best is the Cole Slaw Hound, with chili, cheese, and cole slaw. Order a cup of their spicy, sausage-studded, from-scratch red beans and rice, no matter what hot dog you choose. Breakfast offered before 10:30AM. $3-8.
   
   
5. J's Bakery. In the trendy East Hill district of Pensacola, there's only one place to go for a hungry traveler on a budget, and that's J's Bakery. A little run down, and hard to find in its small brick building, it nevertheless has a faithful following among pastry lovers in the area. They speak in awed, hushed tones about cheese danishes the size of your head. You will too, once you try one. $1-3.
   
   
6. Jerry's Drive-In, 2815 E Cervantes St, +1 850 433-9910. While not actually a drive-in, this is a great place to sit and enjoy a cheap beer while watching the regulars eat delicious hamburgers, fried chicken livers and onion rings. Famous in the city for their double-bacon cheeseburgers and from-scratch milkshakes, there is usually a line to get a table. Be sure to bring cash, since credit cards aren't accepted at this mom and pop place! $2-7.
   
   
7. Krispy Kreme Donuts, E Cervantes St. Eating a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme donut proves that you're a Pensacola tourist 'in the know.' Although the donuts from this factory are no different than any other in the South, Pensacolians harbor a strange attachment to the sticky sweet pastry. When the building reopened after a three month renovation, it made front page news in the city newspaper; truly, a bastion of Southern culture. $0.50-$1.50 per donut. $2-4 for specialty coffee.
   
   
8. O'Zone Pizza Pub, 1010 N 12th Ave, +1 850 433-7336. Su-M 11AM-9PM. Built in the basement of the old Sacred Heart Hospital, inside the morgue, O'Zone Pizza offers more than just fresh pizza and beer; it offers an experience that borders on terrifying. Expect it to be crowded, loud, fun, and to have an, ah, interesting crowd. $10-20 per pizza.
   
   
9. Reverie Bakery Cafe, 101 S Jefferson St, +1 850 432-6026. M-F 7AM-2PM, Sa 8AM-11AM, Su closed. Formerly known as Pitzmann's Bakery, and before that, Napoleon Bakery, Reverie may have a constantly changing name, but they also have constantly incredible baked goods. Their artisan breads are featured at many restaurants throughout the city, their fresh croissants are soft and buttery, and their quiches make a perfect lunch. Try their dark-chocolate enrobed coconut macaroons for a light afternoon snack, or grab a fresh croissant and cappuccino for a buttery, caffeine-fueled breakfast. $1-8.
   
   
10. Whataburger, Multiple locations, mostly in north part of city. Open 24-hours. A chain popular across the south, Whataburger has endeared itself to the student population with good prices, good burgers, heart-clogging portions, free Wi-fi, and 2-for-1 hamburger deals on Wednesdays. Bacon, jalapeño, and cheddar are popular additions to their burgers. Don't order the 'large size' unless you know what you're getting yourself into. $5-8.

Midrange

You can find chain restaurants, like Applebee's and Olive Garden in the Cordova Mall area, near the intersection of Bayou Blvd and 9th Ave. Local restaurants are more scattered, but you can find a few hotspots downtown, and along Scenic Hwy.

1. Chet's Seafood, 3708 Navy Blvd, +1 850 456-0165. Th-Sa.. Chet’s specializes in simple Southern seafood, and most of their food is served fried or broiled, with coleslaw, french fries and iced sweet tea. The house specialty is fried mullet, and indeed, it's almost a waste to order anything else here! $10-15.
   
   
2. Hopjacks, 10 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 497-6073. Daily 11AM-2AM. Serves American-style pizza with gourmet toppings, in a hip, rowdy atmosphere with 36 beers on tap and over 150 more bottled. $14-26 per pizza.
   
   
3. Jerry's Cajun Cafe & Market, 6205 N 9th Ave, +1 850 484-6836. M-Th 11AM-8:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-9:30PM, Closed Su. A favorite among lovers of spicy food, Jerry's is the only authentic Cajun restaurant in Pensacola! Its relaxed dining environment serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo, crawfish tails, boudin (a specialty sausage), etouffee, and jambalaya. It also has a small market that sells hot sauce, cajun mixes, cajun seasonings and coffee. Damaged by a kitchen fire in February 2007, the restaurant reopened in late October the same year. $10-20.
   
   
4. The Oar House, 1901 Cypress St, +1 850 549-4444. Daily 11AM-10PM. Speaking of fire, the Oar House also burnt to the ground in summer of 2008, just after completing renovations to their thatch roof. Until they can rebuild, they're serving their famous grouper sandwiches and fried green beans from a trailer at the marina; they still have tables available overlooking the water, and a full bar. $12-25, $9 for a grouper sandwich.
   
   
5. Tre Fratelli, 304 S Alcaniz St, +1 850 438-3663. M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Closed Su. Named for the three Italian brothers who run this restaurant, Tre Fratelli is an authentically Italian restaurant, not American. Taking advantage of fresh Gulf seafood, the chefs here serve mostly Sicilian dishes, which are based off of Mediterranean seafood. The restaurant has outdoor dining available, overlooking Seville Park. $15-25
   
   
6. The Tuscan Oven, 4801 N 9th Ave, +1 850 484-6836. Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM, Closed Su-M. Their Italian-built, imported, wood-fired oven is the draw at this elegant mom-and-pop pizzeria. Try their Pizza Margherita for the best pizza you'll find in Pensacola, or try their house special, the Danato, topped with chicken, rosemary, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. $13-18 per pizza.

Upmarket

What seems expensive to the average Pensacola eater may seem pretty cheap to out of towners. Even the best meals in town rarely top $30 a person, and seafood in Pensacola is dirt cheap compared with some parts of the country. Take advantage of this; there is incredible seafood to be found at the finer establishments in town.

1. Angus Seafood, Meats and Spirits, 1101 Scenic Hwy, +1 850 432-0539. An American Steakhouse, with a full bar and lounge, 'the Angus' has an upscale atmosphere. Although it used to be dark, and a bit stuffy, it's been given a modern facelift to bring it into the 21st century. They take their service very seriously, and feature juicy steaks and fresh-caught Gulf seafood. $15-40.
   
   
2. Dharma Blue, 300 S Alcaniz St (at Seville Square), +1 850 433-1275. M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM, lunch M-Sa 11AM-4PM. Originally started as an upscale American food restaurant, Dharma Blue has truly found its niche serving the best, freshest sushi in Pensacola. Bring your non fish-loving friends here so they can enjoy the blackberry sauced duck breast or filet mignon while you dine on grouper, meaty dauphin, or an expert-made rainbow roll. Lunch $8-15, dinner $10-30, sushi $6-13 per roll.
   
   
3. The Fish House, 600 S Barracks St, +1 850 470-0003. Su-M 11AM-until, brunch Su 11AM-2PM. This is the height of 'fancy eats' in Escambia county, with its unique take on southern seafood, beautiful views of Pensacola Bay, and high (for Pensacola) prices. The restaurant's signature dish, the 'Grits a Ya Ya,' features grits with smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and Gulf shrimp, but it can't top the chef's excellent key lime pie. $15-30.
   
   
4. The Global Grill, 27 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 469-9966. Tu-Sa 5PM-until, Su-M closed. The Global Grill is an eclectic restaurant, serving cuisines from around the world, located in the heart of downtown Pensacola. The upscale restaurant features tapas, which are small appetizers ranging from $4-20, and diners are encouraged to order multiple tapas and share with their companions; ordering an entree isn't required. The decor is its most memorable feature; both elegant and eclectic, the Global Grill has a modern, chic feel, with eye-catching hometown art on the walls and unique table settings for each table. The globally-inspired food, the communal aspect of sharing tapas, and the modern atmosphere have made the restaurant popular for couples and elegant group get-togethers. Make sure to place a reservation. $10-30.
   
   
5. Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 469-9898. Lunch M-F 11AM-2PM, dinner M-Sa 5PM-until. One of the best restaurants in Florida, and that isn't an empty boast; they have the Golden Spoon award from Florida Trend Magazine to prove it. Chef Irv Miller is proud of his restaurant, and only serves grain-fed, Midwestern, wet-aged beef and Pensacola-caught fresh seafood. $30-50.
   
   
6. Skopelos on the Bay, 670 Scenic Hwy, +1 850 432-6565. Lunch Fr 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5PM-till, Brunch Su 10:30AM-2PM. A romantic, fine dining restaurant overlooking Pensacola Bay, it specializes in fresh seafood and steaks. The Sunday morning brunch is the best you'll find in town, and the view makes this a perfect meal. $10-30.

Markets

1. Joe Patti's Seafood, 524 S B St (intersection of Main St and B St), +1 850 432-3315. S-Th 7AM-6:30PM, F-Sa 7AM-7PM. This seafood market is so popular, customers are expected to take a number, and the wait can be up to a half hour! It's easy to see why; they offer fresh local seafood brought in straight from the docks, along with high-quality imported seafood, at startlingly low prices. While waiting, try an order of sushi from their sushi bar, visit Anna's Wine Shop in the back, or browse the imported foods and knick-knacks at Amangiari's Shop.
2. Maria's Fresh Seafood, 621 E Cervantes St, +1 850 432-4999. Unlike Joe Patti's, Maria's is a quiet seafood market, without all the bells and whistles. It's a well-kept secret to Pensacola seafood restaurants; most of them buy their seafood through here.

Drinks

One drink that's a Pensacola favorite is the Bushwacker. This frozen drink, made from Kahlua, rum, coconut, and ice cream, is more associated with Pensacola Beach, but every bar in town knows how to make it, and many have their own special versions.

International travelers, when going out to drink, bring your passport. Doormen at some bars, Seville Quarter in particular, may not recognize an international driver's license, and will call the police after confiscating it as a fake ID!

Pubs

1. 600 South Martini and Wine Bar, 600 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 434-7736. With modern furniture, a chandelier lit room, and European sofas to relax on with your drink, 600 South is a classy place to enjoy a bottle of wine, or an expertly made martini. They have some cocktail food for noshing while you drink, nuts and olives and the like. $6-10 per drink.
   
   
2. Brews Brothers, 830 N Navy Blvd, +1 850 456-2537. It used to be a great place with over 100 beers and 40 on tap, but after a recent move and change in management, you can expect a lot of their beers to be unavailable. They do have pretty good burgers though. Dinner $6-10, draft $2-5.
   
   
3. Jack & Ron's Piano and Video Bar, 104 S Palafox Pl, +1 850 434-0291. Daily 3PM-3AM. With well-dressed bartenders, art on the walls, and of course, a piano, Jack & Ron's has a little more class than most bars in town.
   
   
4. McGuire's Pub and Restaurant, 600 E Gregory St, +1 800 22-IRISH. 11AM-2AM. A popular Irish pub, McGuire's is the most well-known restaurant in Pensacola, loved for its quirky sense of humor, community involvement, Irish food in addition to bar food, and their award-winning in-house beer brewery. During evenings, live entertainment and music can get rowdy. They serve handmade draft beers brewed on site, in addition to a full bar, and a few oddball house specialties. By the time you've finished their infamous Irish Wake, you'll be drunk enough to kiss the stuffed moose, and possibly even enjoy the bagpipers! First-time visitors are expected to pin a dollar bill to the wall with their name on it, a tradition that has resulted in over a half-million dollars papering the walls and ceiling. Dinner $12-25. $5 draft.
   
   
5. New York Nick's.
   
   
6. RagTyme Grill.
   
   
7. Seville Quarter, 130 E Government St, +1 850 434-6211. A collection of entertainment and dining venues located in downtown Pensacola. First opened in 1967, beginning with Rosie O'Grady's bar, it has since been expanded to include two more pubs, banquet halls, a fine-dining restaurant (Lili Marlene's,) billiards hall (Fast Eddie's,) and dance club (Phineas Phogg's.) During the evenings, Seville Quarter is a popular party spot for college students and military men and women.

Bars and Nightclubs

Capt'n Fun.

Emerald City, 406 E Wright St, +1 850 433-9491. Nightclub open W-M 9PM-3AM, bar open daily, 3PM-3AM. Pensacola's main LGBT bar, with a high-energy dance club, and themed events each day of the week. Their drink and drown, with free well drinks, is popular on Wednesday and Sunday.

Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Dr, +1 850 492-0611 or +1 251 980-5118. 11AM-until. Located on the Florida-Alabama State Line, this institution is famous for the Annual Mullet Toss, where participants attempt to throw a local fish, the mullet, across the state line. After a few disastrous hurricanes and the growing number of high-rise condos surrounding it, the Flora-Bama, despite rumors, is still going strong and has a great schedule of events. From chili cook-offs to musical entertainment and an annual polar bear dip, this place is in a league of its own!

The Gutter Lounge.

Sluggo's, 2403 W Cervantes St, +1 850 435-1541. Th-Sa 5PM-1AM, Su 6PM-1AM, M-Tu 5PM-1AM. Sluggo's is the center of Pensacola's indie music scene, and bands are usually playing on Fridays and Saturdays. Although it's most-well known as a music venue, Sluggo's does have a small bar and is also a popular vegetarian restaurant. $3-6 cover charge..

Coffee

1. Bad Ass Coffee Company, 1014 Underwood Ave, +1 850 478-0634. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-2PM, Su closed. A bit overpriced, charging as high as five dollars for a latte, Bad Ass nevertheless does decent business serving students from Pensacola Junior College. Try their smoky Kona drip coffee, made from 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee beans; no blends. Wi-Fi available.
   
   
2. Breaktime Cafe, 34 Palafox Pl, +1 850 438-7788. Serving the workers of downtown Pensacola, Breaktime Cafe has a quirky staff and a constantly changing list of seasonal specials. Great place to people watch.
   
   
3. Crema, 1124 Garden St, +1 850 470-5512. For a while, it had far and away the best coffee in Pensacola, but a renewed focus on breakfast and lunch customers has made the coffee hit and miss here. If the owner, Dave, makes your coffee, expect a nirvana-inducing cappuccino; otherwise, stick with their amazing eggs benedict and a cup of brewed joe.
   
   
4. The Drowsy Poet, 86 Brent Ln (west end of overpass), +1 850 434-7638. M-F 5AM-10PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su closed. Everything about this poetry-themed independent cafe screams Starbucks, from the green-circle logo to the drive-thru to the frappuccino-like drinks. Unlike Starbucks though, all their beans are roasted in store, they know how to use their espresso machine, and they take pride in every drink they make.
   
   
5. The End of the Line Cafe, 610 Wright St, +1 850 429-0336. Tu-Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM, M closed. A bohemian, vegan cafe staffed entirely by volunteers, where you can expect poetry readings up front and Tolstoy books in the back. Their coffee here is good, and made with soy by default; they offer a wide selection of vegan food, and their Sunday brunch, at $7.50, is a great deal. Make sure to tip the workers, since otherwise, they don't get paid for this! Wi-Fi available, and a small internet cafe in the corner.
   
   
6. Et Cafe, 1010 12th Ave, +1 850 433-2630. Located in trendy East Hill, in the basement of the old Sacred Heart Hospital, Et Cafe is popular with late night patrons of O'zone Pizza next door. They're the only coffee shop in town with a liquor license; try their mocha with orange liqueur, a boozy take on the traditional mocha valencia. Or if you want a drink you'll never forget, try their mocha Guinness, made with cocoa, espresso, and Guinness beer. Wi-Fi available.
   
   
7. Starbucks. Starbucks came to Pensacola in 1997 with the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and Pensacolians took a liking to it; there's now ten locations, all in the north part of the city.

More info on Pensacola available in the Pensacola Tourist Information main page.

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