Mom and pop bistros serving classic American breakfasts, elegant restaurants offering international fare, and Southern morning meals in retro-style eateries. Discover some of the locals' favorite spots in and around Pensacola Beach to get energized for the day.
There's nothing like a heartwarming breakfast while you're on vacation to keep you energized for the day's adventures. From the Colorado Rockies to Florida's Gulf Coast, finding a local breakfast spot for a solid morning meal is always a good idea.
Heading to Pensacola Beach soon? Great choice! Before you hit the warm white sands for a full day of fun, make sure to fuel up with a stellar breakfast. Luckily, there are plenty of great spots in Pensacola Beach for morning treats, and you're never far from even more options in downtown Pensacola and nearby cities like Navarre.
In this blog, I've curated a list of locals' favorite breakfast spots in and around Pensacola Beach, so you can start your day on the right foot and in the perfect spot.
Here's a little taste of what's ahead:
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals; we've also got the kind of local tips that can seriously level up your trip.
As local experts, we're here to show you the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer. For more insider ideas, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from top pet-friendly spots to the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local nightlife.
Ready? Rise and shine, it's breakfast time!
1. Native Cafe, Pensacola Beach
Fresh, nutritious, and homemade breakfast and brunch.
Named as such for being "owned and operated by friendly natives," Native Cafe is one of the best breakfast destinations on the island. A hit with those looking for a delightful experience of fresh, nutritious, and homemade breakfast and brunch.
Must-tries: Options include a Good American breakfast with a Florida twist, Eggs Benedict Arnold, a seafood omelet with fruit, Crab Cakes Benedict, Stuffed French Toast, and the Hungry Native. The pancakes are big and delicious — a must-try!
Need more convincing? The local community voted this place the best breakfast restaurant in Pensacola. Need we say more?
2. Cafe Bistro, Pensacola Beach
Mom-and-pop spot serving up classic American breakfast.
Just a few steps away from Native Cafe, this is another great option for a classic American breakfast in Pensacola Beach.
Must-tries: All of their omelets and pancakes are very popular among customers. The pancakes are cooked to perfection, fairly fluffy, and filling. Other must-tries include sandwiches like the Great Tuna and Big Papa. They all come with homemade chips, and you can choose your bread (white, wheat, croissant, or bagel). Smoothies are also popular, and if you need a coffee fix, Cafe Bistro serves all the classic espresso-based drinks like cappuccino and special lattes. For those with a sweet tooth, pick one of their sweet pastries or an ice cream before reaching the white sand beaches of Pensacola.
Cafe Bistro is also famous for its atmosphere, exuding a mom-and-pop kind of vibe. The cafe is small and unassuming, but the food is amazing, and the local ambiance is a big draw — it will certainly set the mood for a great day at the beach.
3. Salt, Pensacola Beach
Elegant option for a classic international breakfast using organic, fresh ingredients.
Salt specializes in serving classic international fare using organic, fresh, and flavorful ingredients, all in a very elegant setting. They have comfortable seating arrangements with charming booths and elegant chairs, and their spacious restaurant is beautifully adorned with designer lamps and filled with natural light.
Must-tries: The most popular à la carte options are the Belgian waffles, French Toast, Three Egg Omelet, Fruit Plate, and the Smoked Salmon served with eggs, onions, capers, and bagel croutons. Lighter picks include Oatmeal, yogurt, and cereal. A buffet is available if you want to have a substantial breakfast. There are three buffet options: continental, kids, and full buffet. Coffee is available as well as fresh juices.
4. Cafe Single Fin, Pensacola
Veg-friendly options plus surfboards, skateboards, and beach vibes.
Nestled within the Waterboyz Surf & Skate Shop and said to be "one of the most radical cafes in Pensacola," Cafe Single Fin is pretty unique: surfboards, skateboards, and various beach accessories create the backdrop for an excellent breakfast and coffee sipping.
Must-tries: They serve all-day breakfast with classics like waffles, pancakes, burritos, omelets, scrambles, oatmeal, and parfaits. The acai bowls, in particular, are a big hit—delicious and nutrient-packed! There's also a massive list of drinks to choose from, including a variety of coffee drinks, caffeinated and non-caffeinated teas, artisanal sodas, smoothies, hot chocolate, and kombuchas.
Pro tip: Don't leave without going upstairs to sneak a peek at the surfboard shaping, sanding, and glassing process through the viewing windows.
5. The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company, Pensacola
Literary-theme gem, top-notch coffee, and heartwarming breakfast options.
This is a place that sees coffee as poetry! Running since 2007, The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company roasts the finest Arabica beans in-house and puts extra effort into ensuring that each cup boasts the ideal combination of flavors and notes to delight every visitor. Their cup of joe fits perfectly with their selection of classic breakfast food.
Must-tries: Start the day by ordering one of their sandwiches and an assortment of baked goods. Some hits include Caramel Apple Pecan Coffee Cake, Carrot Coffee Cake, Coconut Cream Cake, Peanut Butter Cup Bar, and Petite Cinnamon Rolls. Their cookies (Chocolate Chip, Macadamia Nut, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter Cup) are also lip-smacking good. If you don't drink coffee, you can order fresh fruit smoothies with no added sugar or syrup.
The setting is great, with vintage furnishings, lush plants, and a literary theme featuring portraits of iconic writers — hence the name.
6. Scenic 90 Cafe, Pensacola
Throwback-style breakfast parlor serving up Southern breakfast
Scenic 90 Cafe is a throwback-style breakfast parlor. The retro-inspired decor is worth the trip alone. From the moment you step inside, you can tell you'll have a great experience.
Must-tries: steak & eggs, hash browns, sausage & biscuits, Stack of Jacks, French toast, and fresh fruits. Add freshly squeezed orange juice to go with some coffee, and you have the perfect breakfast to get you energized for a full day in the sun.
The best part? You don't even have to wake up that early. They also serve breakfast all day. If breakfast turns into brunch, hey, let the kids have their milkshake; they're on holiday. When one visits this little diner, it quickly becomes a family favorite.
7. Alphy's Family Restaurant, Navarre
Navarre's best breakfast gem
Once called "a dream come true" by a local newspaper, this place is famous for having the best breakfast in Navarre, just a 25-minute drive from Pensacola Beach.
Must-tries: For breakfast, they are renowned for their cinnamon bun pancakes, and you can expect all your classic favorites, as well as hotcakes, gravy biscuits, hash browns, and delicious toast & jelly. They also have plenty of vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.
Service is always warm and accommodating, and coffee cups are never allowed to go empty.
Where to stay when visiting Pensacola Beach, FL?
While in Pensacola, how about booking a great vacation rental so you can enjoy the city just like a local?
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we always go the extra mile to ensure you have a 5-star experience when booking one of our condos and private houses. We have a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly stays.
There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need. Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.
