Dining Outdoors in Pensacola

Between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key, there are plenty of outdoor restaurants to satisfy your hunger and bring a smile to your eyes.

We've come up with a list of outdoor restaurants in the Pensacola Bay Area that you simply must go to! Perfect for a sunny day, sunset night, or calm morning.

Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Pensacola is home to a significant number of delicious eateries. Dining outside is made easy since there are so many options to choose from here!

One of my favorites would have to be Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grille. Located at the end of Palafox, this restaurant boasts beautiful views of Pensacola Bay and is perfect for a sunset dinner (or even a sunny lunch date)! Jaco’s does a Sunday brunch along with lunch and dinner every day. They offer everything from seafood to pasta to flatbreads – all delicious.

At the foot of the Chappie James Bridge sits South Market. With southern cuisine and a patio overlooking the bay, South Market is an excellent choice for your next dining experience. The Oar House sits Downtown along Bayou Chico overlooking Bahia Mar Marina. With a tiki roof and all the boats cruising by, it’s always a fun experience.

We can’t mention outdoor dining in Downtown Pensacola without mentioning the Fish House! It is a Pensacola classic, with views overlooking Seville Harbor and Pensacola Bay. Their menu features fresh seafood, sushi, and the world-famous Grits A Ya Ya (to name a few). Did I mention they also do brunch?

Perdido Key

Perdido Key is home to several delicious outdoor eats. What’s a trip to Pensacola without going to the Flora-Bama? The Flora-Bama has different spots to catch fresh air while eating fresh food. Stopping at this Gulf Coast landmark is a must.

The Jellyfish Bar is also located in Perdido Key and is a local favorite. Serving up seafood, sushi, and other land lovers’ dishes, it’s the perfect spot to dine outdoors on the Key. The Crab Trap is another great spot right on the Gulf, great for dining while your toes are IN the sand!

Pensacola Beach

Dining outdoors in Pensacola Beach is a must-do when visiting. To start off, if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, The Grand Marlin is an excellent choice. From Gulf oysters to grouper piccata and other delicious foods, it’s a fun stop on the beach.

Flounders Chowder House is a staple Pensacola Beach restaurant located right on the Santa Rosa Sound. Whether you’re going for brunch, lunch, or dinner or just looking to grab a diesel fuel and listen to live music, Flounders has it all. In addition to indoor and open-air seating, there’s a playground in the sand out back – perfect for the kids to play. The environment at Flounders is so much fun!

Right across the way, Crabs sits with a STUNNING view of the Gulf of Mexico and has a nice variety of food. Sushi, seafood, you name it – Crabs will serve it up with a side of vitamin D.

Water Pig is a tasty choice with an open-air atmosphere and delicious BBQ on the beach. There’s typically live music and a bar overlooking the bay. Further down the beach road on the sound side, Paradise Bar & Grill is a hidden local favorite. They serve lunch and dinner and have some live music to go along with your burgers, grouper baskets, and more.

There you have it – our full roundup of some delicious outdoor dining spots in Pensacola. What are you waiting for? The weather is gorgeous!

Author

Hannah Pinson

Website Associate, Visit Pensacola

Hannah is the Website Associate at Visit Pensacola. She has lived in Pensacola for about seven years and grew up in the Florida panhandle. When she's not at work, you can probably find her at the beach going for a sunset swim, walking on the Pensacola Beach Pier, or snorkeling on a sunny day. Hannah is passionate about all things digital and loves content creation as well as taking photos and videos. Whether it be grabbing a bite to eat in Downtown Pensacola, shopping, or going for a swim in the Gulf, Hannah is definitely a Pensa-local.

Send An Email

You may also be interested in...

Tacos reign supreme across Pensacola’s culinary map

There’s no reason to wait until Cinco de Mayo — or even Taco Tuesday — to throw down some tasty tacos while you’re visiting Pensacola.

Learn More

Outdoor Dining Delights: 11 Fresh Downtown Experiences

It’s no secret that Pensacola is The Way To Beach™ – from the sand in your toes to a picturesque downtown full of vibrant arts and culture – but that sugar-white sand isn’t the only delicious thing you’ll find outdoors.

Learn More

Top 12 Fine-Dining Restaurants You Need to Try in Pensacola

No vacation to Pensacola is complete without a night on the town, including visits to some of Pensacola’s finest dining establishments.

Learn More

Discover Our Destination

Start exploring the Pensacola Bay Area when you sign up for the Visit Pensacola eNews list!

Get Your Guide!

Request your free guide by mail, view the digital version, or pick one up at one of our…

Insider’s Digital Guide