Live music, beanbag toss games, and swaying palms add to the lively atmosphere. Sip a cold drink, watch the sun melt into the Gulf, and linger long after dark around the beachside fire pits at this quintessential beach bar. With its prime stretch of sand, island-inspired fare, and party vibe, Whiskey Joe's is an ideal spot to hang loose with friends and embrace the beach lifestyle. Fresh seafood, stunning waterfront views, and unique dining experiences await you at Pensacola Beach. In this article, we explore beachfront eateries serving casual fare and tropical drinks, historic downtown spots dishing up elevated Southern cuisine, and upscale restaurants showcasing the region's finest coastal flavors. These are the best restaurants in Pensacola Beach, FL.
Shaggy's Pensacola Beach
Head over to Shaggy's Pensacola Beach for a fun, family-friendly dining experience right on the sand. This casual beachfront Pensacola Beach restaurant serves up fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and refreshing drinks. The open-air deck provides panoramic views of the Gulf while you enjoy live music. Kids can play in the adjacent sandy area while you sip a cold beverage and savor the laid-back beach vibes. On the menu, the Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Platter, and Blackened Grouper Sandwich are popular choices. Make sure to save room for their signature Key Lime Pie or an ice cream treat from the old-fashioned ice cream parlor inside. With its unbeatable beachfront location, satisfying food, and fun atmosphere, Shaggy's is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks on Pensacola Beach.
The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach
For an upscale waterfront dining experience, make a reservation at The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach. This award-winning restaurant offers a gourmet menu focused on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and fresh Gulf seafood. The refined yet relaxed dining room features expansive windows with breathtaking views overlooking the water. On the menu, standouts include the Grand Marlin Grouper topped with lump crab and sauce meunière, Grilled Swordfish with mango chutney, and Oven Roasted Snapper. Turf options like filet mignon and rack of lamb are also excellent. The Grand Marlin boasts an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and decadent desserts to cap off your meal. The professional service and extraordinary cuisine, all served in an unparalleled waterfront setting, make The Grand Marlin a top choice for special occasions or an unforgettable upscale dinner on the beach.
Peg Leg Pete's
A long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike, Peg Leg Pete's is an iconic beachside seafood shack on Pensacola Beach. Named after a real-life pirate, this casual joint exudes a festive, old-Florida charm. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy the salty sea breeze as you chow down on fried seafood baskets, overstuffed po' boys, juicy burgers, and ice cold beer. Popular items include the Grouper Sandwich, Fried Oyster Basket, and Bushwacker cocktail. The kids' menu, beach playground, and quirky gift shop make Peg Leg's super family-friendly too. With its prime beachfront location, mouthwatering seafood, generous portions, and lively ambiance, Peg Leg Pete's has been a beloved Pensacola Beach institution for over three decades.
Crabs
You can't miss the giant crab welcoming you to this aptly named beachfront restaurant and bar on Pensacola Beach. Crabs boasts a two-story open-air dining deck with sweeping Gulf views - the perfect perch to watch the sunset while savoring fresh local seafood and tropical drinks. As you'd expect, crab is king here - try the Jumbo Stone Crab Claws, Alaskan Snow Crab, Blue Crab Claws, or go all out with the Bucket of Crabs, featuring four varieties. Raw oysters, peel & eat shrimp, seafood gumbo, and the signature Crab Cakes are other popular choices. Crabs also offers a kids' menu, gluten-free options, and live music on the beachfront stage. Coupled with friendly service and unbeatable beachfront views, Crabs is a fun spot for the whole family to crack some claws and enjoy fresh crab right on the Gulf.
Flounder's Chowder House
Nestled in a lush palm grove along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, Flounder's Chowder House serves up fresh seafood and a side of old Florida charm. This long-running beachside institution is famous for its hearty bowls of homemade chowder, served with sweet cornbread. The creamy New England Clam Chowder, spicy Cajun Gumbo, and signature Flounder's Chowder, brimming with fish and shrimp, are all fantastic. Po' boys, fish tacos, crab cakes, and fried seafood baskets round out the casual menu. Live music, a beachfront Tiki bar, volleyball courts, and a playground make Flounder's a hit with families, date night couples, and big groups. The prime beach location means gorgeous coastal views and sea breezes while you dine. The genuine dose of old-school beach charm, satisfying chowders and seafood, and lively atmosphere keep loyal patrons returning to Flounder's decade after decade.
Whiskey Joe's
Toast the sunset with your toes in the sand at Whiskey Joe's, a buzzing beachfront bar and grill on Pensacola Beach. This open-air hangout oozes coastal cool with beachy decor, thatched roof cabanas, tiki torches, and a "no shoes, no shirt, no problem" attitude. On the menu, beach bites like Big Kahuna Nachos, Gator Bites, Mahi Mahi Tacos, and Peel-n-Eat Shrimp pair perfectly with their famous Bushwacker cocktails, margaritas, and ice cold brews.
The Oar House
Dine inside a piece of Pensacola history at The Oar House, located within the 1800s-era Meginnis-Cary House in Pensacola's Seville Historic District. This charming restaurant, outfitted with antiques and Pensacola relics, specializes in Creole and Southern-inspired seafood dishes spotlighting fresh Gulf fish and shellfish. Starters like West Indies Salad, Crabtini Martini, and Fried Green Tomatoes capture the coastal Southern spirit. Signature mains include Grits à Ya Ya with smoked Gouda cheese grits, spicy Gulf shrimp, applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, and sweet pepper cream sauce, or the Crab Cake Dinner with lump blue crab cakes and mango sauce. The thoughtful wine list and full bar provide ample pairing options. Gracious service and historic ambiance distinguish The Oar House for intimate dinners or special occasions. Discover elevated Southern seafood and a fascinating glimpse into old Pensacola at this long-standing local establishment.
The Reef
The Reef, a tropical restaurant and bar perched on the Gulf on Pensacola Beach. This casual beachfront retreat features Caribbean-style open-air pavilions and a sprawling waterfront deck, all cooled by salty sea breezes. Let the emerald water views transport you to paradise as you enjoy island-inspired fare like Conch Fritters, Crab Claws, Coconut Shrimp, and Jerk Chicken. The Reef's World-Famous Fish Sandwich, loaded with grilled or fried fresh catch, is legendary. The bar whips up fruity drinks like Rum Runners, PainKillers, and their signature Reef Punch. Weekly specials, happy hours, and live music add to the festive spirit. After dark, kick off your flip flops and join the beach dance party under the stars. With its idyllic beachfront setting, tropical cocktails, and casual island menu, The Reef promises a taste of the Caribbean right on the snow-white sands of Pensacola Beach.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Watch the Blue Angels soar across the sky from the beachfront deck of Red Fish Blue Fish, an airy coastal eatery serving fresh Gulf seafood on Pensacola Beach. This laidback restaurant lets its waterfront locale and high-quality ingredients shine. The succinct menu focuses on a handful of specialties done right, like Smoked Tuna Dip, Shrimp and Crab Ceviche, Curry Leaf Fried Shrimp, and Sesame Pan Seared Ahi Tuna. The eponymous Red Fish Blue Fish entree pairs locally caught Red Snapper with Blue Crab, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and goat cheese gratin. Colorful beach cocktails and local craft beers wash it all down. Grab a seat on the upstairs deck for prime Blue Angels viewing or a spectacular sunset over the water. The easygoing vibes, ultra-fresh seafood, and postcard-perfect beach views make Red Fish Blue Fish a favorite spot to soak in the coastal beauty of Pensacola Beach.
The Fish House
A downtown Pensacola institution for over two decades, The Fish House is synonymous with fine coastal dining and Southern hospitality. Tucked inside a restored 1880s warehouse, this upscale seafood restaurant boasts a chic, modern interior adorned with local art and a popular outdoor deck overlooking Seville Harbor. The Fish House prides itself on serving only the freshest local seafood from its very own wholesale market. On the menu, you'll find a bounty of Gulf fish and shellfish, from raw oysters to seared scallops to whole fried snapper. The signature Grits à Ya Ya features spiced Gulf jumbo shrimp atop smoked Gouda cheese grits in a sautéed spinach, applewood-smoked bacon, mushrooms, garlic cream sauce. A full bar shakes up craft cocktails and offers an extensive wine list. With its commitment to serving the highest quality local seafood in an elegant harbourside setting, The Fish House offers one of Pensacola's most exceptional upscale dining experiences.
Vacation with Pensacola Beach Properties
Whether you crave casual beachfront dining, upscale coastal cuisine, or a taste of old Florida, Pensacola's diverse restaurant scene delivers. These top eateries showcase the area's bountiful seafood and stunning waterfront backdrops, treating you to unforgettable culinary experiences.
For the perfect Pensacola Beach getaway, book your dream vacation rental through Pensacola Beach Properties. We offer condos and private houses with top-notch amenities to help you make the most of your beach vacation as you explore the best restaurants in Pensacola Beach.
