Itinerary: Foodie Weekend in Pensacola

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.