Posted on 9/27/2021 by Emily Seay

Top 10 Restaurants in Pensacola Beach

Want to know the best Pensacola Beach restaurants to dine with your friends and family?  We scoured online reviews from sources like TripAdvisor and included a few of our personal favorites to provide a list of the Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Pensacola Beach, FL.  We are so blessed to be in an area with a wide array of cuisine to consider.  From seafood restaurants to New-Orleans style Cajun cuisine, to sports bars and grills, Pensacola Beach has a little something for everyone and every taste bud.  Whether you want a water-view dining, beachfront dining, or dining options with a playground, we've done the leg work to help you narrow it down to a dining experience that will satisfy your cravings and satisfy your soul.

  1. The Grand Marlin

    The Grand Marlin is both convenient and delicious, located right after you cross the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge into Pensacola Beach. Enjoy views of the Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay any time of day with brunch, lunch, and dinner menus to choose from. It is known for its oyster bar, food presentations, relaxed atmosphere, and amazing service.


  2. Flounder's Chowder House

    Flounder's Chowder House is known for its fun atmosphere and amazing location right on the beach on the sound side. Kids will love the pirate ship playground, and adults will appreciate the whole property featuring eclectic items such as a Cuban raft, British pub signs, and the backend of a Corvette. Your taste buds will enjoy menu items such as shrimp and spinach dip, Cajun fried fish sandwich, Baja fish tacos, stuffed flounder, and, of course, key lime pie. You can also choose from a selection of sushi.


  3. Casino Beach Bar & Grille

    Casino Beach Bar, first and foremost, is a prime location for the Blue Angels Airshow. You can enjoy this amazing spot any time of year right on the sugar sand beach with gorgeous views of the turquoise Gulf water. It is known for its island vibes, delicious cocktails, and menu variety. Choose from small plates, tacos, surf or turf entrees, or sandwiches and burgers. They also have a late-night menu served after 10 p.m. and a football menu served during live games.


  4. Crabs on the Beach

    Crabs on the Beach is located right on Pensacola Beach as the name gives away. Enjoy breathtaking views, the laid back atmosphere, and, you guessed it, fresh crab dishes, among many other tasty bites. Check out the freshwater tank to know your food is as fresh as it gets. A little tip for adults, they serve bottomless mimosas on Sundays, which we recommend enjoying from the open-air Gulf-side deck.


  5. Red Fish Blue Fish

    Red Fish Blue Fish might make you think of Dr. Seuss, but don't let that fool you. This delicious eatery is sure to be a favorite when you visit Pensacola Beach. RFBF is a casual restaurant serving up coastal Southern cuisine right on the beach on the sound side. Enjoy dishes such as gator bites, seafood nachos, fish and chips, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, tacos, and yum bowls- fish, shrimp, or chicken with rice, asparagus, and yum sauce.


  6. Peg Leg Pete's

    Peg Leg Pete's is a fun-filled seafood restaurant with a pirate-theme loved by locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the oyster bar, kids' play area, bang for your buck, and amazing service. Located in west Pensacola Beach, this is a great choice for those staying in condominiums such as Santa Rosa Dunes, Sans Souci, Baywatch, and Tristan Towers. In addition to oysters, the menu features items such as Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip, Blue Crab Claws, Mahi-Mahi, and Grouper.


  7. Native Cafe

    Native Cafe is the place to get ready for long days of fun in the sun with a filling breakfast or lunch. This family-owned and operated cafe is a must-see and must-taste featuring local artwork, delicious food, and friendly service. Some favorite dishes include the Gulf Coast seafood omelet, shrimp and grits, Mama's biscuits and gravy, along with the 'pancake-wich,' which is fried eggs, cheese, and meat in between two pancakes.  Unique dishes can be found here that become a full experience along Pensacola Beach for sure!


  8. Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

    Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant is a family-friendly sports bar serving delicious bar fare and local seafood. The sports-enthusiasts will appreciate choosing from 38 HD TVs including 8 52' big screens with 15 satellite receivers, and the kiddos will love the small arcade. Patrons love the superdome nachos, hot wings, and all-star sampler of seafood.


  9. Water Pig BBQ

    Water Pig BBQ is where you can take a break from seafood and get your fix with this local Pensacola BBQ joint. This open-air restaurant located on the sound serves up a traditional menu of fresh-smoked meats, delicious sides, and tasty apps including items such as smoked wings, pork belly, and pimento cheese dip. Water Pig BBQ also offers an impressive beer list and house made cocktails.


  10. Cafe Nola
    Cafe Nola offers Cajun-Creole cuisine in a comfortable, causal atmosphere on the sound. The critics have spoken as this won multiple accolades in 2020 including Best of the Bay in gumbo, po boy, and mullet categories as well as Traveler's Choice. In addition to Cajun-Creole classics, enjoy seafood baskets, sandwiches, and burgers.

    Our mouths are watering at this point, and we hope yours are too!  Whether it is seafood or Cajun, beachfront dining with a view or restaurants with playgrounds, we hope this list has helped you to make a well-informed decision that you are excited to visit.

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