Pensacola's waterfront has a huge number of restaurants that offer quality views of the Gulf of Mexico.
You don't even have to drive to Pensacola Beach to see that view, either, though it certainly helps.
And thanks to Pensacola's growing foodie scene, you're not going to be stuck choosing between chicken fingers, steak or seafood while you soak in the scenery.
Drinking Pensacola history:8 historic bars and pubs that are still popular hangouts
Here's an exhaustive look at Pensacola's waterfront restaurants and what you can expect at each:
The Oar House
1000 S. Pace Blvd.
Where can you find live music, amazing views and games? Look no further than The Oar House.
The Oar House offers a scenic view of the Bahia Mar Marina and is minutes away from downtown Pensacola. Patrons can enjoy watching beautiful sunsets, watching boats pass and even indulge in games like cornhole, volleyball and more.
Food: Award-winning crab cakes, fresh fish sandwiches, gumbo, red beans and rice and etouffée.
Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grill
997 S. Palafox St.
Jaco's Bayfront is strictly food and views, and it does both well. Overlooking Pensacola Bay, diners can get a glimpse of the sun as it sets behind Blue Wahoos Stadium, right at the end of South Palafox Street.
Food: Jaco's is known for its signature flatbreads, appetizers, cocktails and specialties like ahi tuna, filet mignon and bella mushroom stack. If that doesn't entice you, the menu switches every month.
The Fish House
600 S. Barracks St.
The Fish House's upscale dockside dining experience overlooking Pensacola Bay and Seville Harbor isn't one to be forgotten. Grab drinks and a view on The Deck, or head over to its sister restaurant, Atlas Oyster House, for fresh local oysters.
Food: Diners will find fresh, daily seafood, house-smoked meats, sushi, its world-famous Grits á Ya Ya and a great brunch menu.
Nick’s Boathouse
455 W. Main St.
Nick's Boathouse is located right on Pensacola Bay, next to the Community Maritime Park and offers a casual atmosphere. It's a great place to catch the post-game fireworks at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Inside you'll find a saltwater aquarium, too.
Food: The Boathouse offers a variety of fresh seafood and steaks with a Cajun flair.
Calvert’s in the Heights
670 Scenic Highway
Calvert's in the Heights bills itself as a one-of-a-kind English-themed restaurant, and while it's not quite on the water, it sits on Scenic Highway and offers a unique, elevated view of the Pensacola Bay. The view isn't the only thing to take in, the outside dining area out back has cornhole and kids games.
Food: At Calvert's, you'll receive the restaurant's own take on English cuisine and American bar foods, plus an assortment of beers, liquors and wines.
New restaurants in Pensacola area:5 new restaurants opened in January, here they are:
The Crab Trap
16495 Perdido Key Drive
You won't be surprised to find that The Crab Trap is a waterfront fish house on the Gulf of Mexico, but that should be the exact reason to grab your family or friends and head over. At The Crab Trap, you'll find a boardwalk leading down to the water, rustic Florida décor, great views of the Gulf and a playground for the kiddos.
Food: Here you'll find a variety of seafood and daily specials including local mahi mahi, blue crab claws and crab cakes.
Flora-Bama Lounge
17401 Perdido Key Drive
Established in 1964, the Flora-Bama Lounge is known beyond Florida as one of the top beach bars and is uniquely located on the Alabama-Florida line between Orange Beach and Perdido Key. The restaurant has five stages for live music, several beachfront bars and, of course, spectacular views of the Gulf.
Food: The Flora-Bama Lounge is known for its Bushwackers and oysters. If you're not a fan of seafood, the Ole River Grill is a great place to grab a bite to eat for anyone.
Historic restaurants:6 historic restaurants that are still favorites today
Oyster Bar Restaurant & Marina
13700 River Road
The Perdido Key Oyster Bar Restaurant & Marina is located right on the intracoastal waterway in Perdido Key, making it a great spot for waterfront views and getting a look at Big Lagoon State Park.
Food: Here you can grab anything from steaks topasta and oysters.
Bonsai
12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Bonsai is a sophisticated Japanese dining experience unique to Pensacola Beach. It’s located in the second floor of Hilton Pensacola Beach and offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant focuses on offering unique flavors using the finest in-season ingredients available.
Food: The curated menu features gourmet sushi, wagyu beef steaks, Southern “smoked” rainbow rolls and more.
Red Fish Blue Fish
5 Via De Luna Drive B, Pensacola Beach
Red Fish Blue Fish overlooks Santa Rosa Sound and focuses on serving simple dishes that use fresh ingredients. The entryway walls are covered in wooden planks that were reclaimed by the old Coca-Cola warehouse and the restaurant incorporates sustainable features in its design, like solar panels, using repurposed shipping containers and using alternatives to plastic straws.
Food: The menu features a variety of items from burgers and seafood to yum bowls and tacos.
Drift Modern Coastal
41 Fort Pickens Road, Floor 2, Pensacola Beach
Drift offers a casual fine dining experience from the second story of the building that also houses the Casino Beach Bar and Grille, one of its sister restaurants. The more upscale establishment offers a beautiful, panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. Their dishes are meticulously prepared with mostly locally-sourced ingredients that pay homage to the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer, with healthy alternatives to fresh land and sea plating.
Food: Coastal cuisine with creative seafood dishes, small plates, steak, a cocktail menu and more.
Full story:New restaurant Drift opens on Pensacola Beach with fine dining in a casual setting
Casino Beach Bar and Grille
41 Fort Pickens Road, Floor 1, Pensacola Beach
Casino Beach Bar and Grille sits right on top of Pensacola Beach, with its sugar-white sands that lead right up to the restaurant. This is the place to go if you want to experience the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico, island vibes and live music.
Food: Gulf Coast and Caribbean-inspired small plates, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, specialty plates and more.
Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar
400 Quietwater Beach Road, Pensacola Beach
Full story:Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar is opening at Pensacola Beach. What you can expect:
Felix’s is an oyster bar based out of New Orleans with a history dating back to the 1940s. In 2021, longtime Pensacola Beach staple Hemingway’s Island Grill shut its doors, paving the way for Felix’s to move into the space. The restaurant has spectacular views of the sound side, lively outdoor seating with music, fire pits, New Orleans lanterns and courtyards.
Food: New Orleans-style Creole and Cajun cuisine, including staples like red beans and rice, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and more.
Laguna’s Beach Bar and Grill
460 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
Laguna’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a whole experience. The park, formerly known as Premier Adventure Park, added its Caribbean restaurant and tiki bar in 2020 when it rebranded itself as Laguna’s. Now the site offers beachfront seating, Caribbean-inspired entrees and a myriad of drink options to go along with the park’s ropes courses, zip trails, go-karts and more.
Food: Crab cake sandwiches, seafood tacos, jerk chicken sandwiches and a host of burgers, flatbreads, appetizers and salads grace the menu.
Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach
701 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach is a laid-back waterfront bar and grill that offers a seafood-centric menu, frozen daiquiris, an extensive craft beer list and more. The island-style vibes offer waterfront views from every seat in the establishment.
Food: Seafood macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, wagyu sirloin and more.
Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill
400 Quietwater Beach Road, Suite 13
Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill opened its fifth location in Pensacola Beach last year. The restaurant has a mixture of beachfront and indoor seating, caters to people looking for a quick bite to eat with a carry-out window and you can even order online while you’re tanning in the sun on the sand.
Food: The menu is described as “Floribbean,” where you can find a unique assortment of menu items like gator bites, mango-glazed scallops, local fish tacos, island crab cakes and more.
Full story:Caribbean-themed restaurant and tiki bar 'Whiskey Joe's' opens on Pensacola Beach Friday
Paradise Bar and Grill
21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach
Paradise Bar & Grill is a popular hangout spot for locals to come out and enjoy live music with good food and a good drink. The award-winning bar is located just behind Paradise Inn on the Santa Rosa Sound, making it easily accessible by boat, car and foot.
Food: Paradise Bar and Grill has simple offerings like burgers, fried seafood baskets and sandwiches.
The Grand Marlin
400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach
Most scenic restaurants:The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach makes Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants
The Grand Marlin probably needs no introduction as it has appeared on OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants, Top Al Fresco Restaurants and Best Brunch Restaurants, and they’ve had their chefs nationally recognized. The restaurant is probably Pensacola Beach’s fanciest restaurant but you don’t need to leave your flip-flops at home to enjoy the view.
Food: A daily menu features the freshest, locally-caught fish, high-quality ingredients, expertly-crafted island cocktails and more.
Crabs
6 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach
Crabs on the Beach is another waterfront restaurant parked right on Casino Beach. You can catch a breathtaking view of the sunrise from its open-air, Gulf-side deck or on the upstairs patio.
Food: Crabs — any way you want them. You’ll also find platters and baskets of fried and grilled fish, steaks and more.
Pensacola dive bars:Where can you find the diviest bars in Pensacola? Right here:
Flounder’s Chowder House
800 Quietwater Beach Road, Pensacola Beach
Flounders promises on a unique and interesting experience — with good food — and it’s a promise they deliver on. As soon as you walk under the remnants of an old Pensacola Beach sign marlin, you know you’re in for a good time. Other notable items inside and outside the restaurant is the 55-foot M/V Flounder ship, a 980-pound blue fin marlin and tons more.
Food: Fresh seafood, Flounder’s pasta, sushi, fowl, steaks, burgers and more.
Frisky Dolphin Sunset Oyster Bar and Grill
715 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
The Frisky Dolphin is a laid-back waterfront restaurant that offers Cajun-Creole foods, seafood and cocktails. It’s known for having one of the coolest indoor and outdoor decks around.
Food: Fresh-shucked oysters served steamed, fried and baked, Frisky shrimp, crab cakes, gumbo and more.
FAQs
What is Pensacola best known for? ›
In addition to being the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," the Pensacola Bay Area is proud to call itself home to the renowned Blue Angels, officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.
Is it expensive to live in Pensacola Florida? ›The cost of living in Pensacola, FL is 6% lower than the state average and 5% lower than the national average. Pensacola, FL housing is 9% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 17% pricier.
Is Pensacola a foodie town? ›A prime mix of old and new, of timeworn tradition and envelope-pushing ingenuity, these are the spots proving that Pensacola is the most underrated food city in the South.
What is nicest part of Pensacola? ›What is the nicest part of Pensacola? Pensacola is known for being a culturally rich city and has some great areas. Some of the best are Gulf Breeze, Oriole Beach, East Hill, and Belmont-DeVilliers.
What is the richest part of Pensacola? ›- Perdido Key Coves.
- East Hill.
- Treasure Hill Park.
- Nature Trail / Beulah.
- Riverview.
- Gulf Beach Heights.
- Downtown.
- Southeast Pensacola.
People visit Pensacola all throughout the year, although the major tourist season is the summer, beginning at about the middle of April and continuing on through the end of August. During this time of year, the rates on accommodations are generally higher and the lines for attractions are generally longer.
What is the famous street in Pensacola? ›For centuries, Palafox Street has provided vitality and joie de vivre in downtown Pensacola with festive parades and holiday and seasonal celebrations.
What is the popular street in Pensacola? ›Palafox Street: Pensacola, Florida.
What is the safest part of Pensacola to live? ›- Pensacola Station.
- Brent.
- Ferry Pass North.
- Mallory Heights.
- Treasure Hill Park.
- Paradise Beach / Perdido Heights.
- Gulf Beach Heights.
- Perdido Key Coves.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $76,652 | $6,387 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,094 | $5,091 |
| Average | $48,613 | $4,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,131 | $3,010 |
What is the cheapest time of year to go to Pensacola Florida? ›
The low or slowest season for Pensacola Beach, FL is between mid-January and March, making this the best time to visit the area if you are looking for a cheaper Florida vacation.
What food is famous from Pensacola Florida? ›- Sandwiches.
- Crab Cake.
- Bagels.
- Shrimp.
The Bushwacker: How it Became Pensacola's Official Drink and Where to Get It. Great discoveries can change history. Take, for example, the Bushwacker. This booze-laced adult milkshake has blended itself up and down the coast to become Pensacola's signature drink.
What are people from Pensacola called? ›Note that Pensacola natives are referred to as Pensacolans/Pensacolians.
What beach has the clearest water in Pensacola? ›Opal Beach
The gulf side boasts powdery white sand and crystal clear ocean waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pensacola area.
Palafox Street is the central thoroughfare running north and south through the city. At its southernmost point are the Palafox Pier and Plaza de Luna. This is also a good place to begin a walking tour, as there is usually parking available at the pier, along the street or in a nearby lot.
What areas to stay away from in Pensacola? ›Basically there is a strip of ghetto down the middle of Pensacola you want to avoid. Buy towards Scenic, North Pensacola or Gulf Breeze. Probably Brownsville and Ensley. These seem to be the most crime ridden areas.
What is the oldest house in Pensacola? ›Dating back to 1810, the Quina House Museum is Pensacola's oldest building still in its original location.
Why is it so cheap to live in Pensacola? ›The Cost of Living in Pensacola is Affordable
Truth be told, though, the significant reason for Pensacola's affordability is its surprisingly low housing costs. (More on those in just a moment.) If you look at miscellaneous and utility expenses, they're higher than the national average.
Palm Beach County's median income is just over $11,000 higher than the fourth wealthiest county, Miami-Dade, which surpasses the Palm Beaches in every other category. Key West's Monroe County ranked as the wealthiest, with a median income of $73,153.
What is the rainiest month in Pensacola? ›
The driest month in Pensacola is April with 3.89 inches of precipitation, and with 8.02 inches July is the wettest month.
What is the hottest month in Pensacola FL? ›average temperature Pensacola
July is the warmest month of the year. The temperature in July averages 27.4 °C | 81.3 °F. In January, the average temperature is 11.7 °C | 53.0 °F. It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1 and ends November 30. Though hurricanes occur outside of these dates, this time frame encompasses over 97% of hurricane and tropical storm activities.
What movies were filmed on Pensacola Beach? ›- Midway (1976) ...
- Stone Cold (1991) ...
- War and Remembrance (1988–1989) ...
- Super Mario Logan (2007–2021) ...
- 3-Headed Shark Attack (2015 Video) ...
- The Wings of Eagles (1957) ...
- Atlantic Rim (2013 Video) ...
- Love Again (I) (2014)
Dubbed “Bubble Alley,” the aerial display is composed of 18-inch diameter, multi-colored vinyl balloons suspended from wire grids over one block of Intendencia Street between Jefferson and Tarragona Streets.
What is keep Pensacola beautiful? ›Keep Pensacola Beautiful's mission is to provide education and resources for sustained community improvement. Keep Pensacola Beautiful, or "KPB," was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens who were interested in tackling the growing problem of roadside litter in Escambia County.
What is the nickname of Pensacola? ›Pensacola was given the nickname of “The City of Five Flags” due to the multiple nations that have at one time governed the area. These countries include Spain, France, Great Britain, the United States of America, as well as the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Does Pensacola have an old town? ›Dust the sand from your feet, don your comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll through Old Town Pensacola for a new adventure when visiting the oldest settlement along Florida's Gulf Coast, predating St. Augustine by six years and Jamestown by 50.
What is the oldest business in Pensacola? ›The Pensacola Hardware Company is proud to be the oldest business in Pensacola, one of the oldest businesses in Florida, and one of the 50 oldest businesses in the United States.
What is the number 1 safest city in Florida? ›The safest place to live in Florida is Satellite Beach. You'll feel safe living in this quaint city on Florida's space coast, which is home to just over 11,000 people. In 2021, there were only six violent crimes in Satellite Beach, easily making it the safest place to live in Florida.
What percentage of Pensacola is white? ›
Pensacola Demographics
White: 65.5% Black or African American: 26.03%
Pensacola has an average Walk Score of 36 with 51,923 residents.
What is the average electric bill in Pensacola Florida? ›Electric rates in Pensacola, FL
The average residential electricity rate in Pensacola, FL is 19 ¢/kWh, which is 19% higher than the average electricity rate in Florida of 16.07 ¢/kWh. The average residential electricity rate in Pensacola, FL is 11% higher than the national average rate of 17 ¢/kWh.
As of May 28, 2023, the average annual pay for a Catholic School Teacher in Pensacola is $41,121 a year.
What is the average salary of a teacher near Pensacola FL? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $13.48 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $15.72 |
| More than 10 years | $18.06 |
The rainy season runs from May 15 to October 15 for Southwest Florida and from May 25 to October 10 for the rest of West Central Florida.
What are the coldest months in Pensacola? ›The cool season lasts for 2.9 months, from December 3 to March 1, with an average daily high temperature below 67°F. The coldest month of the year in Pensacola is January, with an average low of 45°F and high of 61°F.
What is the coldest day in Pensacola Florida? ›These temperature extremes were measured at Pensacola International Airport and go back to 1949. The lowest temperature recorded there during that period was 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 Celsius) on January 21, 1985.
What is Florida most eaten food? ›If you ask 100 Floridians, 110 will tell you: key lime pie is the number one food. Simply put, key lime pie is to Florida what pizza is to New York. Popular Sunshine State legend has it that this tropical, tangy, tart treat originated in Key West in the mid-1800s, in the kitchen of a local cook named Aunt Sally.
What is the most loved food in Florida? ›Florida's most famous export besides oranges may be Key Lime Pie. Named after the small, tart, aromatic limes commonly associated with the Florida Keys, the meringue-topped pie combines the tangy lime juice with sweetened condensed milk and egg yolk, all poured into a graham cracker crust.
Can you drink on the street in Pensacola? ›
Public consumption of alcohol is not permitted, and you can be cited for consuming alcohol or possessing alcohol on streets, sidewalks, or on beaches throughout the state, including in West Palm Beach.
Can you drink on the beach in Pensacola? ›There is absolutely NO GLASS allowed on any of the beaches. Alcohol may be consumed on sandy portions of the beaches only. This applies both Soundside and Gulfside. It must not be in a glass container.
What is Florida's signature alcoholic drink? ›Florida: Rum Runner
When the head bartender was forced to get rid of old alcohol, he came up with the Rum Runner – a mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, light rum, dark rum and grenadine.
In August 1559, Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna sailed into what would one day be known as Pensacola Bay. (A local tribe called the region Panzacola, perhaps meaning "long-haired people," as the indigenous inhabitants may have been known.)
What religion is in Pensacola? ›The primary religious affiliation in Pensacola, Florida is Protestant.
What does Pansfalaya mean? ›Pans falaya, “Long Hairs,” given by Adair. Sanakfwa, Cheyenne name, meaning “feathers sticking up above the ears.”
Is Pensacola a good area to live? ›Pensacola is a town in Florida with a population of 53,845. Pensacola is in Escambia County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Pensacola offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Pensacola there are a lot of restaurants and parks.
Which side of the Pensacola Beach is better? ›The gulf side boasts powdery white sand and crystal clear ocean waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pensacola area.
What are the pros and cons of living in Pensacola Florida? ›| Pros of living in Pensacola | Cons of living in Pensacola |
|---|---|
| Pensacola is rated one of the best cities in Florida | Summer heat is sweltering living in Pensacola |
| The cost of living in Pensacola is affordable | High crime rates |
The waterfront city, known for its white sand beaches and rich historical past, offers year-round residents a high-quality of life with endless outdoor activities, a strong employment market and top-rated healthcare. Pensacola's population is approximately 54,000 (total Escambia County population is 322,390 persons).
Is Pensacola FL good place to retire? ›
-- Pensacola is the third best place to retire in the nation, according to a new report by U.S. News & World Report. The region's warm climate and desirable setting isn't the only reason people choose to live in Pensacola. The military has a relatively small, though very significant, presence here.
What is the average household income in Pensacola Florida? ›While Destin offers a high-end experience with world-class restaurants, golf courses, and activities for families, Pensacola is the perfect beach town getaway with its relaxed atmosphere and lack of tourists. No matter which city you choose to visit in Florida's Panhandle, there's something for everyone!
What is the mom beach in Pensacola Florida? ›Just beyond the Shell and Amphitheatre is Quietwater Beach. Commonly called "moms beach" for its calm, clear and shallow water, it is especially appreciated by parents with small children.
Can you swim in the ocean in Pensacola? ›Pensacola Beach
It is surrounded by the Santa Rosa Sound to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to the south and on either side by the federally protected Gulf Islands National Seashore. You can swim, fish, kayak and play at one of two area beach parks: Casino Beach and Quietwater Beach.