So Matty and I are actually in Pensacola right now! He has family there, so we get back to our college stomping grounds (and his hometown) quite regularly.
I adore Pensacola. If they had a great job market there, I would be inclined to plant our roots back on the Gulf Coast! But alas, our careers have us firmly rooted here in Atlanta. At least we get to go back often.
In honor of our trip, here are my (and Matt’s) top Five Spots to Visit in Pensacola. We hit each of these up almost every time we’re home.
Number 5: McGuire’s Irish Pub
This place is one-of-a-kind. From the dark, old time pub feel to the millions of dollar bills stapled to the walls, McGuire’s is truly an experience.
When you’re there make sure you: kiss the moose, order some senate bean soup (it’ll cost ya $.18), sign a dollar and staple it to the wall, try some of the beer brewed on site, order an Irish Wake, and take a trip to the bathroom (let me know how that trip pans out for you).
Number 4: Seville Quarter
Now in college I hated this place. It tends to be overrun with young sailors (as does a lot of Pcola) and a girl can only take so much. But I’ve developed a new appreciated for Seville Quarter! It is truly unique! Nine bars with one cover. There’s really something for everyone from sports bar to dance club to dueling pianos.
When you’re there make sure you: Have a drink or two in Rosie O’Grady’s and enjoy the dueling piano show, go upstairs in Phineas Phogg’s (to observe the sailors in action on the dance floor below), sit out in the beautiful courtyard and take in a southern night.
Number 3: Palafox Street/Downtown Pensacola
This area was pretty desolate when we lived there, but it’s not anymore. There are some really great bars and restaurants lining the streets of downtown Pcola!
When you’re there make sure you: have a drink or five at 5 1/2 Bar (The bartender there is top notch. Just try to stump him! Fresh ingredients=delish craft cocktails), check out a show at the Saenger, enjoy nearly any beer you could want at World of Beer, catch a Wahoo’s game at Bayfront Stadium located right on Pensacola Bay (if you can get tickets).
Number 2: Peg Leg Pete’s
Even though this is a beach business, I had to carve it out by itself. I LOVE Peg Leg’s. There is no better place in the entire world to get oysters. This spot gets visited without fail EVERY time we go to Pcola.
When you’re there make sure you: eat some oysters….lots of them! I like mine raw with some horseradish and cocktail, but there really is no wrong choice here.
Number 1: Pensacola Beach, Boardwalk, and Bars
There’s no bigger reason to come to Pensacola than the beach. The perfect blue waters and sugar white sand can’t be beat. And once you’re done enjoying the beach, there is still plenty to do especially if you like to drink!
When you’re there make sure you: Have a Diesel Fuel at Flounder’s, get a slurp drink at Bamboo Willies, visit the Sandshaker to have a Bushwhacker (they invented it), and when you’re done with all of this, finish the night at The Break to see how the locals do it.
Honorable Mentions:
University of West Florida– This is my and Matt’s alma mater and therefore it will always have a special place in my heart. Plus I think it’s a cool campus. It’s on a wild life refuge.
Scenic Highway- This is a cool drive with some neat stopping points along the way.
Pensacola Bay Brewery– This place is fairly new, but they have some solid craft beers and a cool bar right on site! I like the Lil’ Napoleon (IPA) and the Blackbeard (Stout).
So there you have it, our favorite Pensacola spots. What are yours!
Stay positive & love your life!
-Melissa
Today:
Listening to: The sounds of the ocean.
Eating: Some Peg Leg’s Oysters
Drinking: Numerous cocktails as mentioned above.
Random fact: I miss having the beach a quick drive away!
Quick Stepp 