Family Friendly Dining in Pensacola

You may know Pensacola for its renowned white-sand beaches, its historic Downtown, museums galore, and year-round slate of festivals and events, but did you know you can also find great restaurants around every corner?

It is not all fine dining and beach bars, either. There are unlimited options for families looking to enjoy a meal together. Here are a few to check out around town:

East Pensacola

Calvert’s in the Heights is an English pub-style eatery with a large backyard and patio area overlooking Pensacola Bay. Order from a diverse menu of British and American foods, including daily specials, while taking in the view or listening to the live music played here on weekends. The patio area has space for kids to play outdoor games, like a giant Connect 4 or corn hole.

Across the street, Scenic 90 Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a 1950s-style diner with booths and counter stools. Choose from meat and veggie plates, burgers and daily specials. Top off your meal by indulging your sweet tooth. They have an impressive selection of pies, milkshakes, root beer floats and sundaes.

Downtown Pensacola

At the southwest corner of Palafox and Main streets in Downtown Pensacola, The Garden is a smaller scale food hall much like the trendy, larger ones you might find in cities like Nashville or Atlanta. The assortment of airstream trailer food trucks and kiosks ensures every member of the family can order what they like, from Peruvian to Pan-Asian foods, Nashville hot chicken to boba tea and coffee flights. Young kids can make noise here without disrupting anyone, and dogs are welcome at this open air, covered patio style eatery. A cocktail bar and plant shop are part of the mix, too.

If you are shopping on Palafox Street or attending Gallery Night, The Dog House is a fine place to stop for a bite to eat. Its 20 signature hotdogs include standard toppings like chili and cheese and more adventurous garnishes like Fruity Pebbles cereal. The menu also has a good selection of burgers, sandwiches, baskets and even breakfast. With outdoor and indoor seating, go here to dine and people watch.

Another delicious spot in Downtown Pensacola perfect for the whole family is the Pensacola Smokehouse. Located near the Historic Village, this spot is a Florida Barbecue delight. With a relaxed, welcoming environment and beef and pork smoked to perfection, your family is going to have a wonderful time here.

Pensacola Beach

Since 1947, Papa’s Pizza has served New York and Sicilian style pizzas. Order whole or by the slice to enjoy beach-side. The Celebrity Pizzas portion of the menu includes large and extra-large pies named for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Sophia Loren. With locations at Pensacola Beach and Downtown, Papa’s is a carry-out favorite for vacationers.

Oysters, shrimp, seafood nachos…that’s just for starters at Flounder’s Chowder House. Flounder’s serves seafood, steaks, pasta, burgers and sandwiches, and its location along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk gives diners a great view of the Santa Rosa Sound. Between the live music acts that play on weekends, the kids’ pirate ship play structure, and sand volleyball courts, there is something to keep the whole family entertained.

Laguna’s is a can’t miss spot for families at Pensacola Beach. Kids will no doubt spot the colorful climbing and adventure courses, zip lines and Go Kart track as you travel over the Pensacola Beach bridge onto the island. But the food, drinks, scenery, water sports and events draw a crowd, too. Pull up a beach chair on the sound, watch your favorite sports teams on the big screen at one of Laguna’s watch parties, or listen to live music. There is always something to do here.

For my money, Red Fish Blue Fish has the best sunset views on Pensacola Beach. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound, the colorful, laidback eatery gives backyard vibes. Its menu of fresh oysters and seafood, full bar, firepits and lawn games make the restaurant named for the popular Dr. Seuss book one you won’t soon forget.

West Pensacola

The Oar House is a locals’ favorite. Just minutes from Downtown and NAS Pensacola on Bayou Chico, this waterfront watering hole and seafood restaurant keeps diners coming back again and again. Relax with a cold beverage while watching boats leaving and entering the marina next door or play on the sand volleyball courts, but don’t miss the Gator Bites, Po’boys, or the famous Forklift fish sandwich.

Perdido Key

Take a break from the beach and head to Lillian’s. Always popular with families in Perdido Key, Lillian’s serves up pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads, too. The weekday lunch buffet offers special pricing. Daily drink specials, gluten free and vegetarian options are available here, too.

Truly an institution, The Flora-Bama Lounge gets its name from its location right on the Florida-Alabama state line. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this legendary beach bar and grill has been around since the 1960s. Today there are multiple restaurants on site, including The Oyster Bar, Ole River Grill and The Yacht Club. Kids’ meals served in a frisbee, delightful adult beverages, eclectic decor, live music, and events like the annual Mullet Toss make Flora-Bama a hit with all ages.

North Pensacola

North Pensacola is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the area. Thankfully, newer restaurants like Wacked Out Weiner have opened to expand the restaurant scene for hungry locals and visitors. Serving Nathan’s Original All-Beef Hot Dogs, Wacked Out Weiner offers over 40 toppings to dress up your dog. Choose from a variety of chips and sodas, and you have got one tasty, budget-friendly meal. Catering is available, too, if you are hosting a family reunion or party nearby.

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi is another North Pensacola option. Hibachi chefs will entertain the kids and adults while preparing dinner right at your tableside grill. Tokyo features an extensive sushi menu, as well. Come hungry!

From waterfront eateries with playgrounds to trendy food halls and beachside pizza joints, there's something to satisfy every palate. So, gather the family, embark on a culinary adventure, and create lasting memories around the table in Pensacola's vibrant dining landscape.

Author

Amy Minchin

Amy Minchin has vacationed in Northwest Florida since she was a young child. Despite a few sunburns and freckles picked up along the way, she’s been proud to call the Pensacola area home for the last seven years. She and her husband enjoy sharing Pensacola’s natural beauty, history and culture with their three daughters. An award-winning writer, Amy left a career in corporate communications and marketing to pursue freelance writing and consulting opportunities. Her writing has been published in the Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Birmingham Magazine, Lakeland Ledger, UAB Magazine and UWF Connection. Amy shares her family’s adventures and helps others discover ways to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer on Instagram. Follow her at @sandinmyminivan.

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