Itinerary: Foodie Weekend in Pensacola

Foodie Weekend? Count me in! Here in Pensacola, we pride ourselves on our culinary experience and what's better than a curated itinerary? Nothing. You don’t wanna miss the opportunity to experience the best eateries in town – your taste buds will thank you!

Day 1: Downtown Pensacola

Looking for the perfect spot to start your day off right? Look no further than these delightful restaurants in the heart of Downtown Pensacola.

Breakfast/ Brunch

First on our list is Bodacious, a cafe that offers handmade coffees and tea with a variety of options from acai bowls filled with fresh fruit to hearty breakfast sandwiches and wraps. After enjoying that delicious breakfast be sure to check out the olive oil shop.

Next on the list is South Market Restaurant and Bar, a go to brunch spot! With staple meals such as chicken & waffles and shrimp and grits you can’t go wrong. Don't forget about the bottomless bubbles for $15.

Lunch

Next up on your day of eating in Downtown Pensacola, Union. This gem promises an unforgettable dining experience. With a menu curated to satisfy your cravings with an upscale twist to southern favorites. If you are seeking a cozy lunch have a go at their sandwich menu, however the dinner ambiance is just as nice with main entrees like hanger steak and lamb curry, so you can’t go wrong either way!

Another tasty choice is The Dog House, offering some of the best finger food like nachos, loaded fries, sandwiches, baskets, and hot dogs. This spot is guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings and boasts outdoor seating with lovely views of Palafox Street.

Last but certainly not least is O’ Riley's. Being the only traditional Irish pub in Downtown Pensacola, you HAVE to get a taste of delicious pub fare, with pub bites, like wings, calamari, and boxties, or a traditional Irish dish. For a heartier meal try out pub specials like Cajun chicken pasta and the seafood platter.

If you miss these restaurants for lunch no worries, they are open for dinner too!

Dinner

Finishing off your Downtown Pensacola culinary experience, look no further than at these six dinner restaurants that are guaranteed to have you craving for more!

To start, Jaco’s has beautiful bayfront views and a variety of American dishes to choose from for both lunch and dinner. My favorite dish is the scallop risotto, with seared scallops, pesto and asparagus risotto, and lemon beurre blanc.

What says Pensacola like the Fish House? With an upscale seafood experience, The Fish House is open for lunch and dinner. Be sure to try their “world famous” Grits à Ya Ya. A southern dish with gouda cheese grits with fresh cream, gulf shrimp, spinach, portobello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, and shallots.

Restaurant Iron is a southern upscale restaurant that uses fresh ingredients from local and regional areas with small plates like black garlic butter gnocchi & escargot and classics like seafood cioppino and dusk breast.

Jacksons is deeply rooted in history occupying the building that General Andrew Jackson accepted the transfer of Florida to the U.S. This steakhouse has amazing steak cuts and fresh ingredients, be sure to try their extensive wine collection. It is a fine dining experience you don't want to miss!

Angelena's is an Italian inspired restaurant with handmade pasta, and a curated wine list to perfectly pair with the dishes. They have options spanning from ‘antipasti’ appetizers to pizza with local ingredients and finally to mains like scallop risotto and chianti-braised short ribs.

Treats

For a sweet treat hop on over to Bubba’s Sweet Spot where you can choose between ice cream, homemade chocolate, fudge, and candy. Whether it is date night or a fun day with kids, Bubba’s is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet treat cravings!

Pictured | Bubba’s Sweet Spot

Coffee

At Bodacious, be sure to try a latte with a drizzle of honey while you're there, it adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Maker's Cafe is known for its high-quality espresso, locally sourced ingredients for food, and cozy ambiance.

The Coffee Cup is a local landmark that opened in 1945. This is your go to breakfast diner and definitely worth the try!

Next up we have Bagelheads, which has your classic espresso drinks. While you're grabbing a coffee be sure to try one of their fresh bagels for that quality bite.

Buzzed Brew brings a newer experience for caffeine with drinks like white coffee, lotus energy drinks, and caffeine flights.

Coastal Cat Cafe partners with local shelters to find forever homes for homeless cats, so while you sip on that coffee be sure to pet our furry friends!

Stop by Polonza Bistro, Pacific Kava Bar, Cafe Single Fin, and The Rex for more delicious coffee drinks they have to offer!

Drinks

Thirsty for a drink or two after those delicious meals? Soak in the lively, fun, atmosphere of Downtown Pensacola at the bars and breweries along the streets.

The Well is a Floridian inspired bar with an oasis vibe, the perfect escape after a long day. Perfect Plain is a local brewery and taproom with a welcoming environment guaranteed to make you feel at home.

The Kennedy has a mid-century theme (1960’s) with a modern twist and delicious small bites. 200 South located in the heart of downtown has a selection of over 40 beers on tap and finger food to satisfy your cravings.

Seville Quarter has everything you could need. With 7 themed rooms in one building, you will always be entertained. With several different bars inside, dueling pianos, a dance floor, pool tables, and more, you will have a great time dancing the night away in Seville.

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar is named after Andrew Jackson and has over 750 whiskeys and other spirits. So, if you're a history buff, be sure to add this one to your list!

O’Riley’s Irish Pub is great spot for food but is also a hub for drinks with 33 beers on tap, over 90 beers in bottles and cans, wine, and spirits. Play is always a good time and mixes the nostalgia of pop culture from the 70s, 80s, and 90s arcade games guaranteed to entertain you all night.

The Wine Bar a welcoming bar with a vast wine list and a rotating one offering 20 half-priced glasses of wine.Located right outside at Perfect Plain, Garden & Grain is a cocktail garden with a delicious tequila bar with the best outdoor vibes if you are looking some fresh air and cute spot for pictures!

The Handlebar is the place to go for the live music scene, especially underground alternative music. This bar has just the right atmosphere to enjoy the music. Pensacola Bay Brewery is a local taproom that has a love of history and beer, located in the historic district of Pensacola.

Day 2: Pensacola Beach

Welcome to Pensacola Beach, the second stop on our foodie itinerary!

Breakfast/ Brunch

For a more quaint breakfast, hop on over to Native Cafe, it is a local favorite and is sure to get your day started for the beach! With dishes ranging from your normal breakfast to eggs benedict, omelets, and biscuits and gravy. These dishes are sure to make you feel at home. As for brunch, don't miss out on the Florida fish tacos!

Another option is Flounders, a restaurant with a gorgeous view along the Santa Rosa Sound. Flounders boasts indoor and outdoor open-air seating, a playground for the kids, beach volleyball courts, and all the beach vacation vibes you need to start your day. Besides all the good vibes, the brunch is delicious with options like omelets, eggs benedict, and bananas foster French toast. Be sure to order a glass of bottomless champagne.

If you're looking for a finer dining brunch, then look no further than Drift. With a coastal focused restaurant with menu items such as surf and turf benedict, shrimp and crab frittata, and low country snapper, it’s the perfect brunch overlooking the Gulf. Don't forget to grab a fun cocktail like the mermosa: sparkling wine, mango rum, blue curacao, and mango pearls.

Lunch

Moving on to our next stop for lunch is Casino Beach Bar & Grill. This restaurant embodies summer with small dishes like ahi tuna nachos, shrimp and mango ceviche. They offer savory main entrees like coconut shrimp, mojo pork tacos, and the casino burger. While enjoying the scenery be sure to try their summer cocktails.

Another great spot is Papa’s Pizza. They opened in 1998 and have been a local favorite ever since. Papa’s Pizza specializes in New York style pizza and other Italian recipes. Take your pick with options like calzones, strombolis, and stuffed pizza. With fresh dough and sauce made daily, you can't go wrong with a delicious slice of pizza.

Lastly, on our lunch spots, we have Baja Coastal Kitchen, which is always a fun one! It's the perfect option after you've hit Laguna’s Adventure park - they've got go-karts, rope courses, and a splash pad for the little ones, while you get to sit back and enjoy.

Now, if you miss these four spots for lunch don't fret, they are also open for dinner as well!

Dinner

Speaking of dinner, here are some amazing options for dinner in Pensacola Beach.

The Grand Marlin is a local favorite and gives you that island casual feel. It first opened in 2010, and they pride themselves upon serving fresh Gulf seafood, recipes that utilize local ingredients, and delicious drinks. The Grouper Piccata is my favorite dish with a parmesan crust on a bed of whipped potatoes, and a side of sauteed spinach. So, relax, and enjoy the view overlooking the water!

Crabs is a beachside restaurant that serves a variety of food. From items like sushi to various seafoods, to baskets, burgers, and pasta, You couldn’t go wrong with a choice from here. My favorite is the crab mac ’n’ cheese, filled with lump crab meat, shrimp, bacon, and tomatoes. There is a playground on the beach and a freshwater tank filled with several types of fish to entertain the little ones.

Again, these restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, so there are plenty of delicious food items for you!

Treats

For a nice cold sweet treat, hop on over to the Sandshaker - Home of the Original Bushwacker. It is a creamy chocolatey frozen drink that is the best on a hot summer day. It can come with alcohol or as a mocktail- either way you don't wanna miss out on trying the drink of Pensacola. The live music every weekend is guaranteed to get you shakin’ at the sandshaker.

Coffee

For a good coffee, try out Native Cafe. As I mentioned earlier, it's a cute cafe that has decaf espresso drinks, espresso, coffee, and cold brew. For a home-like environment but professional coffee, stop by Native Cafe!

Drinks

Bamboo Willies is a beachside bar that offers frozen drinks, beer, and live music every day. For an enjoyable time stop by and try the variety of frozen drinks options or dance to the live music that occurs every day of the week.

A local's favorite is the Sneaky Tiki Bar, It is a hidden gem with its laid-back vibes and tropical cocktails. They have weekly specials and happy hour, so hang out like a local and head to the Pensacola Beach RV Park to find this gem.

For a poolside refreshment or a fun activity of beach volleyball head over to The Salty Rose. The tiki bar is surrounded by hammocks, a large fire pit, and live entertainment to feel that island life. So, stop by for a fun time and a good drink.

Pictured | Sneaky Tiki Bar

Sandshaker is always a good time for drinks during the week with fun planned events every night of the week. Between the live music, trivia nights, and karaoke nights you can’t go wrong. Again, make sure to try the Bushwacker while you're at the home of the original Bushwacker!

Day 3: Perdido Key

Welcome to the final stop on our delicious journey, Perdido Key.

Breakfast/ Brunch

For breakfast/brunch, make your way to Perdido Key Breakfast Club. With options like avocado toast, assorted options of eggs benedict: crab cake benedict, lobster benedict, and steak tip benedict to name a few. They also offer your classic southern plates like biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, and fun ones like creme brulee French toast.

Pictured | Perdido Key Breakfast Club

Lunch

The Jellyfish is a seafood restaurant, notorious for wanting to specialize in many different areas of cuisine and they do just that! Their expansive menu features many sushi options, tacos, sandwiches, fresh catch selections that arrive daily, platters, and steaks. They offer both lunch and dinner so be sure to stop by.

Lillian’s Pizza is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. At Lillian’s they make their dough fresh each morning and it is a secret recipe. They have so many options outside of their delicious pizza like wings, cheesy bread, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Be sure to try out the specialty pizzas like the scampi, a white sauce pizza with shrimp or big Dave’s meat layered pizza.

A Perdido Key staple, Flora Bama Ole River Grille is a southern waterfront restaurant that uses local ingredients. They pride themselves on their southern hospitality with food options like tuna dip, Gulf Coast crab claws, sandwiches, baskets, and oysters. The house specialties include a four-cheese mac, shrimp boil, or shrimp and grits. If you can't make it for lunch, no worries, they are open for dinner as well.

Dinner

The Crab Trap is great for all types of days whether it is for a fun filled day with the family, lunch, or a date night dinner. You’re guaranteed a fun time and a beautiful view. Their seafood menu is great with hot crab and shrimp dip, their signature crab boils, local fresh catches, sandwiches, and entrees like the crab trap mahi with grilled mahi topped with crab meat, shrimp, and a lemon butter sauce.

Another great spot for dinner or lunch is the Salty Pearl Raw Bar. They have great seafood choices from delicious oysters to various seafood platters. The handhelds are worth trying with options like the smash burger and the fried shrimp po boy. Look out for their specials that change weekly that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Treats

For a sweet treat in Perdido Key, try the Flora Bama’s Bushwacker. What’s a trip to Pensacola without indulging in a delicious Bushwacker? They go great with the live music at the Flora Bama.

Pictured | Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Coffee

Looking for a good coffee? Look no further than City Coffee and Ice Cream. With all kinds of drinks from coffee to espresso, frappes, they have you covered. If you’re more of an ice cream kind of person, they’ve got that too!

Drinks

Flora Bama Lounge, Package, & Oyster Bar is famous for their live music a year, 365 days. Alongside the great music they have just as good drinks- the Bushwacker, Blueberry Bama Jama, margaritas, and more! Dance the night away.

Pictured | Flora Bama Lounge, Package, & Oyster Bar

And there you have it, endless options for your foodie weekend here in Pensacola. With several options to choose from each day, be sure to build your own custom itinerary with all your must do spots by checking out the sheet below.