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A Weekend Noshing In Pensacola
September 30, 2017 - Laura Bernstien
Photo Credit – http://www.pnj.com
If you love it local, there is no better way to frolic about on the weekends than letting others know about the things you enjoy doing in your own backyard. Pensacola, Florida is the second oldest city in America. It has a rich history, gorgeous historic homes, and a revitalized downtown. I spent the weekend in Pensacola and I made an effort to enjoy the food scene while I was in town. Here’s what I enjoyed while there:
FRIDAY
For a delightful dinner and a few creative takes on happy hour, I decided to visit SOGO (the South of Government Street district) to get some treats for the evening.
To see more about the SOGO district:
Facebook & Instagram @SOGODistrictPensacola
So Gourmet & Kitchenry
For my could-be-a-dinner before dinner, I went for a wine tasting. I decided to lay my hands on a large naan cracker with snack-sized portions of gummy-style fruit, nuts, cheeses, and olives and tried wine and cheese pairings. The hospitality I got here was indeed awesome. While there, I also learned that they have cooking classes which was a great discovery.
So Gourmet & Kitchenry
407-D South Palafox Street
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: (850) 438-7857
Nom Sushi Izakaya
After So Gourmet, I headed to what was supposed to be my only dinner. Along with the few shareables, I ordered a spicy sesame ramen, a veggie roll, and some steamed pork belly buns. My dinner selection was excellent. What a great place to drink and eat dinner!
Nom Sushi Izakaya
410 S Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 466-3125
SATURDAY
Saturday morning I went just outside of Pensacola to Pensacola Beach. Pensacola Beach is a stunning island and pretty much serves as the beach of Pensacola even though it’s technically a different city. Pensacola Beach is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated beaches in Florida. It is stunning. I spent the morning strolling the beach and sipping coffee as I watched people mill about. When I’d had my beach fill, I decided to see what it had to offer for food.
Wine Bar on the Boardwalk
Wine Bar On The Boardwalk (aka Wine Bar A Bistro) is a cozy spot with fresh food and a great selection of wines and beers. I dashed in here for a glass for refreshing wine and was happy to see so many wines by the glass. While hanging out, I had the chance to talk to some Pensacola Beach locals to get some scoop. Apparently, I should have come on Sunday because they have bottomless mimosas and live music for Sunday brunch. I took a mental note!
Wine Bar on the Boardwalk
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
400 Quietwater Beach Rd #10
Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
Phone : (850) 916-1009
Cactus Flower Cafe
Did you say margaritas? I was told by the locals at Wine Bar that Cactus Flower’s margaritas are the best on the beach. Apparently they have competitions because they have won an award for them so how could I not visit? The food was excellent Mexican food and the drinks were perfect. It was a late lunch/early dinner so the style of food was great. It is a little more coastal and very fresh. The food wasn’t quite as heavy as many Mexican restaurants are which I liked being that I was in beach mode.
Cactus Flower Cafe
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
400 Quietwater Bch Rd
Pensacola Bch, FL 32561
(850) 934-5999
Global Grill
On the way back into Pensacola from Pensacola Beach, I kept thinking of one place so as soon as I returned to Pensascola, I stopped into Global Grill. I admit that I wasn’t even hungry but I cannot go to Pensacola and not stop in at Global Grill. I was lucky to get in since this place usually has a line standing outside before they open. I enjoyed a glass of wine with lamb lollipops and their outstanding cheese plate and mixed olives. Their menu is always fabulous and I highly recommend it, but I do not recommend doing what I did. You should call ahead.
Global Grill
27 Palafox Pl
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 469-9966
http://globalgrillpensacola.com
SUNDAY
Sunday is my lazy day so I didn’t get out of bed until late. I thought about going back to Pensacola Beach to hit up the Wine Bar for the mimosas but I decided I’d just order something up and sleep in. Well.. I almost did. I found a brunch that needed to be experienced.
Five Sisters Blues Cafe
I found Five Sisters on a review that said it was soul food and soul music combined and I was sold. I went to the jazz brunch and tried both the Creole Shrimp Over Grits and Chicken and Waffles. The drinks, food, and music were fantastic. This restaurant is Sunday brunch at its best.
Five Sisters Blues Cafe
421 W Belmont St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 912-4856
http://fivesistersbluescafe.com
(The header picture is of Jean Pierre N’Dione. His is one of the owners of this fantastic cafe and the local newspaper did a story on him. It discusses his journey from his home country of Senegal to France to Pensacola and how he went from working at a restaurant to being where he is today. It’s a great story about how hard work and good character can lead you very far. He’s an important part of the food scene and business scene in Pensacola. http://www.pnj.com/story/life/2015/12/18/ndione-exudes-calm-teaches-service/76990612/ )
I enjoyed my weekend in Pensacola, as I always do. Next time I plan to drive through East Hill to look at historic houses. I did not do that this time around but if you are in town, I highly recommend taking the time to look around at the historical homes.