Located on Santa Rosa Island, a barrier island in Florida's Gulf Coast, Pensacola Beach is known for its white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, and for being a year-round destination for those looking for sun, sand, and water adventures.
Before you hit the warm white sands for a day of fun, you definitely need to get energized with a substantial morning meal. Luckily, there are a handful of places to have a great breakfast in Pensacola Beach, and you're never far from the diverse options in downtown Pensacola and other cities like Navarre.
The important thing is, wherever you choose to start your day in or around Pensacola Beach, your options are filled with hearty food, friendly service, and a delightful atmosphere to start a day at the beach in the right mood.
In this blog, we have curated our favorite breakfast spots in and around Pensacola Beach.
Rise and shine, it's breakfast time!
Native Cafe, Pensacola Beach
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.
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?
Cafe Bistro, Pensacola Beach
Just a few steps away from Native Cafe, this is another great option for a classic American breakfast in Pensacola Beach.
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 available, 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.
Salt, Pensacola Beach
Salt specializes in serving classic international fare using organic, fresh, and flavorful ingredients — all in a very elegant setting.
Their breakfast is served from 7 AM to 11 AM. 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.
If you're looking for a more upscale spot to start the day, Salt's modern chic decor will win you over. 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.
Cafe Single Fin, Pensacola
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.
This is a great cafe for vegans and vegetarians visiting Pensacola Beach. Breakfast offerings are very diverse, focusing on healthy and wholesome ingredients, with many vegan-friendly as well as comfort-food options. 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 — deliciously and nutrient packed!
Prices are great, providing a nice balance of quantity and quality. 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.
Don't leave without going upstairs to sneak a peek at the surfboard shaping, sanding, and glassing process through the viewing windows.
The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company, Pensacola
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 their selection of classic breakfast food.
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.
Scenic 90 Cafe, Pensacola
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.
But then you taste the food: 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.
Alphy's Family Restaurant, Navarre
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.
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.
Best Breakfast Spots for Enjoying an Energized Sunny Day in Pensacola Beach and Around
With all the options we've mentioned above, you're covered when it comes to great breakfast spots that offer excellent food, service, and a pleasant atmosphere to kickstart your vacation day and get a boost of energy.
For more tips on Pensacola Beach, head to our destination blog – we're writing about a variety of topics, from the top pet-friendly spots in the region to a nightlife guide and everything in between.
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 length 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.
