Pensacola, Florida is a beautiful place to visit and live. It is well-known for its white sandy beaches, emerald color water, and a relaxing environment. To make sure you get the best out of your trip to the Gulf Coast or you are making Pensacola your new home, here are 10 great restaurants in Pensacola, Florida that you won’t want to miss. As a former resident of Pensacola, I have eaten at all of these restaurants and everything written about the food is my opinion.
10 Of My Favorite Pensacola Restaurants:
Looking for the best restaurants in Pensacola? Try these crowd pleasers.
1. The Fish House
The Fish House is probably one of the most well-known restaurants in Pensacola. It sits on the water and has a fun, yet relaxing atmosphere. On certain nights they have live music outside. They have a full bar and a specialty drink called Fish House Punch. They have a wide variety of sushi rolls and a great selection of fish. A starter I would suggest would be the addicting Fried or Sauteed Crab Claws, the sauce is remarkable.
Their award-winning dish is called the World Famous Grits a Ya Ya! The sauce in this dish is a sausage based, and I always substitute it for the sauce they put on the Sauteed Crab Claws. My favorite part about The Fish House is their Sunday brunch and I always go for the Emerald Coast Benedict with the side of Smoked Gouda Grits, it is to die for! This is a local favorite seafood restaurant for a reason!
2. Dharma Blue
Dharma Blue is located in downtown Pensacola right off of Seville Square. You can dine inside or outside. It is quaint establishment with a relaxing atmosphere. They have a wide variety of foods. They are well-known for their fresh sushi and as an appetizer I would suggest the Hummus, it comes with pita bread, artichokes, olives and more! It is a great spot with friendly service.
3. McGuire’s Irish Pub
Eating at McGuire’s is an exciting experience. Bring a dollar bill in and staple it to the ceiling! Sit near the live entertainment and you’ll be dancing and kissing the moose! Every hour a gentleman with bagpipes will walk through the restaurant playing! And if that weren’t enough already, the food is rich and delicious. If you are looking for a special McGuire’s drink, give the ol’ Irish Wake a go! If you are looking for traditional Irish style cuisine the Senate Bean Soup, the Reuben Egg rolls, and the Irish Bleu Chips are great starters. They have some crazy burgers, but if you’re looking for traditional you cannot go wrong with the Shepard’s Pie. You will love the welcoming atmosphere.
4. Jordan Valley
Jordan Valley is a Middle Eastern style restaurant. There are 3 locations in Pensacola. If you have never had the pleasure of trying this cuisine, Jordan Valley is a great place to go; they make everything in house! If it is your first time, get the Mix Appetizer the falafel is amazing and the Tahini and Taziki sauces go great with the freshly made pita. I would also suggest trying the Lamb Kabobs with sauce! This is a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant where you can also enjoy Hookah as well.
5. Build Your Own Burger at The Tin Cow
The Tin Cow is located in downtown Pensacola. This is a classic burger and shake joint with a modern twist. Here you can build your own burger! There is a veggie option as well. You can choose what you want on it. It is all custom made and absolutely delicious! There is a full bar, but the best drinks in the house are their spiked milkshakes.
6. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom
There are 3 Hopjacks locations in the city of Pensacola. This is one of the best places to get a drink, with over 100 beers on draft and a full bar you can pretty much get whatever you want. I would have to say though, the food is even more impressive. The pizza is delicious, but take it from someone who eats there regularly and try the Veggie Flatbread with artichokes, the Victory Beer Cheese Dip, the Belgian Duck Fries, and if you are looking for something sweet the Dessert Fries. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious dining experience will not dissapoint.
7. Seville Quarter
Seville Quarter is a beautiful, old establishment that is well known for its entertainment. An elegant restaurant by day and a lively club by night. There are multiple rooms that have their own unique atmosphere: A dueling-piano bar, a sports bar with pool tables, a quiet outside bar, and more! This is a great place to have lunch or dinner and later come back for an electric nightlife experience. Seville is also known for its Sunday brunch. With an assortment of different coffees, fresh baguettes and live jazz music you cannot go wrong here! They even have their own wine and gift shoppe.
8. Flounder’s Chowder House
Flounder’s is a unique establishment on Pensacola Beach. You can choose to dine inside a tavern style atmosphere, outside under the Marlin Bar, or outside under the sun. There are sand volleyball courts, a stage with live entertainment, historic objects, and an overall fun, relaxing atmosphere. The menu is just as exciting too. If you are heading straight to the bar then I would suggest trying their famous Diesel Fuel, but be cautious, they are strong!
They have a variety of appetizers ranging from oysters to seafood nachos. One of my favorites is the Fried Cheese Sticks and Cubes that are made with mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses. If that does not sound like enough, try the Seafood Nachos. They could probably feed a family of 4! If you are a fan of chowder try their Flounder Chowder, you won’t be disappointed. You can’t leave without having dessert try the Key Lime Pie! Flounder’s is another restaurant that has delicious Sunday brunch.
9. Cactus Flower Cafe
Cactus Flower Cafe is a California style Mexican restaurant is located on the boardwalk at Pensacola Beach. Whether you choose to eat inside or outside, you will be dining in an airy, relaxing atmosphere. The food portions are quite generous and can be shared with the family. If the salsa and chips are not enough to start with, the Queso Dip and Guacamole are scrumptious appetizers. Their menu is fresh and the flavor is explosive, but the Rockin’ Fish Tacos and Huevos Rancheros are my personal favorites. If you are looking for a traditional Spanish dessert try the flan, it’s made in house!
10. Al Fresco
Al Fresco is a unique eatery located downtown. Choose from 5 different restaurants and enjoy eating outdoors. For anyone looking for light Mexican styled food, Z Taco Fresh Mex, has some tasty fish tacos and salsa. To the cheese lovers out there, Gouda Stuff, has a variety of different cheeses and sandwiches, even if you are vegan! If you are a meat-eating, BBQ lovin’ individual, Gunshot BBQ, is a great place to get some southern styled BBQ. Fusion World, is an Asian Cuisine venue with a variety of rolls and wraps and tasty Pad Thai! Lastly, for those who have a palate for oysters look no further, Shux Oyster Bar has an assortment of raw, fried, baked and char grilled oysters!
Bonus Place For The Best Food In Pensacola:
Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille. Want to eat overlooking Pensacola Bay? Then this is the location for you. They are located at overlooking the Palafox Pier Marina and the Bay’s spectacular sunsets are just one of their claims to fame. This is the perfect place to get crab cakes they also have some fancy fresh salads and a fun calamari trio. Looking for a happy hour? They have it! “Sunset Specials” are Monday – Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and include ½ off featured wine by the glass, $3 off featured cocktail and $6 top shelf.
Places To Eat In Pensacola Conclusion
I hope you enjoy these suggestions for great restaurants in Pensacola, Florida. Have you been to Pensacola? Do you have any favorite restaurants in Pensacola you would like to share? Don’t you just love the good food and relaxation at the Pensacola Florida beach?
Related Posts:
Rafael says
The Shrimp Basket, Nick’s Boathouse, Blue Dot Burgers, plus so many other wonderful spots!