Sarahritchie17 Consider this your one-stop-shop for all things Pensacola
Every few years, the Coast Guard sends me to a new assignment. It’s bittersweet when each chapter comes to an end. My new friends become old friends, and I have to say goodbye to all my favorite local establishments.
Around 6 months before I leave town, I make a list of all the things I want to do before I leave—a sort of bucket list. I thought it might be fun to share it this time. Here’s a list of all my Pensacola faves and the things recommended to me that I never got around to trying.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Fosko Coffee Barre
This adorable coffee shop is nestled in downtown Pensacola, a great area to walk around. There’s couches in the front and a courtyard in the back. Go for the coffee and stay for the crepes, giant cinnamon rolls, and mini cheesecakes. This one is usually packed on weekend mornings, so expect a line and up to 40 min wait if you order a crepe (but I promise it’s worth it).
Parlor Doughnuts
Their doughnuts are out of this world. Thick and sweet, when you bite into one, you’ll find buttery layers like a croissant. There’s just nothing like them.
The Nest
Offers great savory breakfast plates in addition to their coffee.
Drowsy Poet
With multiple locations throughout Pensacola and even some drive-throughs, this was the spot when I was on the go.
Other great ones: Bon Beans, Coffee Guy Cafe
Lunch Spots
Lucy’s in the Square
This spot has great flatbreads and tacos. Try the Piggy Picnic (Mac and cheese and pulled pork on flatbread) or the California Chicken (red peppers, chicken, bacon, avocado, cilantro, and chipotle drizzle). They also have great deals on drinks and sometimes have champagne pops (a popsicle melting in wine).
Basil Sprout
A great spot for Vietnamese.
End of the Line Cafe
A vegan cafe that has amazing salads, sandwiches, and other lunch bites.
Other great ones: I Heart Bento, Crabs (Pensacola Beach)
Date Night Dinners
George Bistro
My absolute favorite restaurant in Pensacola. Everything I’ve tried on their menu is incredible. Make a reservation in advance because it does book up. My favorites are the Alfredo Pappardelle and the Short Ribs + Mushroom Ravioli, but their Filet Mignon is also delicious. They also do an amazing brunch—try the Very Berry French Toast. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Also great service and delightful cocktails and coffees.
Union Public House
This was where we went for holiday dinners with friends. Try the Beef Carpaccio and Smoked Pork Butt.
Other great ones: Angelena’s, The Wine Bar on Palafox
Authentic International Eats
Siam Thai
It’s the best Thai Restaurant I’ve been to. I was a regular there when I lived in Pensacola. The service can be slow, but the taste is worth the wait. Try the Green Curry, Siamese Noodles, or Rama Chicken.
Other great ones: Taste of India, El Asador
Best Places to Grab a Drink
Perfect Plain
This is a classic Pensacola Brewery and local favorite. There’s something for everyone with craft beers up front and a full bar for cocktails (called Garden & Grain) in the backyard.
Casks and Flights
At this bar, you get a card to scan on the taps. You can pour however many ounces you choose which enables you to try more types of wine. At the end, you’re charged by the ounces and brands you picked.
Seville Quarter Piano Bar
I almost didn’t put this one on here because there’s a cover to get in. It’s also overrun with flight school students. But if you can get over those two things, it can be a fun time. Seville Quarter is a large establishment divided into different rooms with different vibes. In my opinion, the best one is the dueling piano bar. The musicians really engage with the audience. This is definitely a stop for later in the night if you plan to go.
Other great breweries: Emerald Republic, Coastal County, Odd Colony
Other great bar/restaurants: The Wine Bar on Palafox, Lucy’s in the Square
Classic Pensacola Things to Do and See
Catch a Blue Angels Air Show
Check the Blue Angels official website for their schedule. If you have access to get on base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, you can also check their practice schedule which you can observe from outside the National Naval Aviation Museum. They even provide commentary for those practices. Remember to bring hearing protection. Check out the Naval Aviation Museum and Lighthouse while you’re there. If you get tickets far enough in advance, you can actually get watch the Blues practice from the top of the lighthouse. (If you’re in the Coast Guard, you get regular lighthouse tickets for free since the light is still maintained by the Coast Guard.)
(All photos shown here were taken and edited by Sarah Ritchie and are subject to copyright law.)
Take a Picture at the Graffiti Bridge
Located on N 17th Ave. in East Hill, the Graffiti Bridge is a Pensacola Icon. There are a few parking spots next to it where you can stop to walk around it and snap a selfie. The art is always evolving with local artists adding their own colors. Beware of the strong smell of spray paint.
Drive by the Pensacola Beach Sign
Another Pensacola icon is the massive sign that points the way to the beach. After Hurricane Sally in 2020, it took about 3 years to be fully restored to all its flashing lights glory.
The Palafox Market
On Saturdays, the market is run by the city and offers a plethora of local small businesses selling art and foods and flowers and plants. On Sundays, there’s a smaller lot of vendors, but it’s run by the vendors themselves, so you’re likely to find some newer vendors.
Other classic Pensacola sights to see and places to be: catch a Blue Wahoos game, sunset at Pensacola Beach or downtown, walk the piers downtown or at Maritime Park near the Blue Wahoos Stadium
Off the Beaten Path
(You won’t find these on other Pensacola travel blogs)
URU Yoga
For a little bit of self-care on your trip, check out URU Yoga. With locations near the airport, in Gulf Breeze, and on 9-Mile Rd, there’s likely one close to where you’re staying. They offer all kinds of yoga from intense hot-yoga classes to restorative classes and sound baths. Book through the MindBody App.
Other great ideas: Spend a night at the Coldwater Gardens Treehouse, Go tubing or kayaking on the Blackwater River in Milton
Want more Pensacola content? Check out these posts:
– I contributed to a post on the Redfin Blog: The Ultimate Pensacola, FL, Bucket List: 8 Must-Do Experiences to Cross Off
– My Favorite Coffee Shops in Pensacola
If you like what you read here, follow @genuinesunshineblog on Instagram and look for new posts here at genuinesunshineblog.com every Sunday to start your week with sunshine!
Cheers!
Sarah
