Pensacola, Florida, a gem on the Gulf Coast, is renowned for its vibrant mix of cultures and rich culinary heritage.
Family-owned restaurants in this beachside city offer homestyle warmth and authentic flavors, making dining here a delight. Here are the five best family-owned restaurants in Pensacola that you absolutely must try.
Fisherman’s Corner
Fisherman’s Corner is a hidden treasure nestled under the Perdido Key bridge, offering fresh seafood with a Cajun twist.
Start with the Shrimp and Grits, featuring plump Gulf shrimp over creamy, stone-ground grits with a spicy andouille sausage sauce.
The Grouper Parmesan, lightly breaded and topped with a rich parmesan cream sauce, is a house specialty that embodies coastal comfort.
For dessert, indulge in the Homemade Bread Pudding, a warm and sweet treat drizzled with a decadent bourbon glaze.
Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas
Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas brings a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere to downtown Pensacola with its inventive small plates and friendly service.
Begin with the Gulf Coast Crab Cakes, packed with fresh crab meat and served with a tangy remoulade sauce.
Their Moroccan Lamb Meatballs, spiced perfectly and served with a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce, are a standout dish.
Finish with the Nutella Cheesecake, a creamy and luxurious dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub is a Pensacola institution known for its rich hardwood decor, house-brewed beers, and hearty Irish-American cuisine.
Start with the Senate Bean Soup, a famous dish costing only 18 cents, a nod to tradition and value.
Their Peppercorn Steak, a succulent, thick-cut ribeye coated in crushed peppercorns and served with the house’s famous Irish potatoes, is not to be missed.
End with their house-made Bread Pudding, generously topped with an Irish whiskey sauce for a perfectly boozy finish.
The Fish House
The Fish House offers waterside dining with a menu that highlights the freshest catch of the day and Southern-inspired dishes.
Begin with the Grits à Ya Ya, creamy Gouda cheese grits topped with a smoky sauté of Gulf shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, and garlic.
Their Cedar Planked Salmon, cooked to perfection and served with garlic spinach and roasted potatoes, embodies both flavor and finesse.
Don’t miss their Key Lime Pie, a tart and sweet slice that captures the essence of a tropical dessert.
George Bistro + Bar
George Bistro + Bar blends Southern charm with contemporary flair, offering a menu full of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Start with the Truffle Fries, crispy and golden, drizzled with truffle oil and topped with parmesan and fresh herbs.
Their Fried Chicken Sandwich, featuring buttermilk-brined chicken breast, spicy aioli, pickles, and slaw on a buttery bun, is a tantalizingly good choice.
End with the house-special Banana Pudding, a classic Southern dessert with layers of creamy pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers.
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