Best Casual Restaurants in Pensacola Beach

This was our second time visiting. We sat at the (drink) bar. Nice spot instead of the outside table we had reserved (too cold). The hostess made the suggestion as an option to switch seat locations when we checked in which we appreciated. We had a couple of drinks, cheese plate, duck & pork chop entrees, a piece of icebox pie, and after dinner drinks. The value was very good for the qualify of food and drinks. The bartenders were pleasant and busy. The cheese plate was generously sized and pork chop was very hearty. Not a lot of duck for entree but tons of Brussel sprouts. We would go back any time. Treat yourself and give it a try.

I live in the area in the grand Marlin is by far of my favorite restaurant! The service, ambiance, drinks and food are always top-notch! It was a little loud in the corner in the room overlooking the water due to fans going, but we survived!

I was promptly seated, yet was at my table about 8 mins before my server appeared, and only after I asked the bus boy if he could point out my server. Once the server got to my table, the rest of the service was fine. This is my 2nd Christmas to eat at Salt, and I, once again, was pleased. The charcuterie is superb, kudos to the tapenade! For my entree is got the prime rib, rare. The meat could have been more flavorful, and adding a bit of salt helped. The horseradish sauce was flavorful and fluffy (whipped?) and also very watery. The peel-em shrimp were quite tasty, plump, not over cooked, and the cocktail sauce was spot on. The sides were super - I loved the cornbread dressing with pork and sage. Excellent. I also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. (I didn’t try the carrots or green bean casserole, nor the salad selections.) The croutons here are some of the best, house made, flavorful, not crazy-hard but light. I skipped dessert, opting for more shrimp. My drink was consistently refilled, and the waiter was not fussy. Another fine experience at Salt.

Had a wonderful Christmas Eve paella. The saffron rice had a nice crust and was filled with clams, mussels and shrimp. The dollops of aioli finished it nicely. The reserve Rioja was perfect with it. Our server was personable and professional, a great combination. After give a shout out to the bar tenders at Sister Hen. They were absolutely slammed but made those of us at the bar feel like we were the only ones there. As we waited for our table, time flew as we watched them artfully make one cocktail after another. And finally, a shout out about the pan con tomate we had as our starter. That’s worth a trip just for it. So simple but the garlicky toast with the chopped tomatoes was just perfection.

What a perfect experience. Drift was clean with perfect lighting and enjoyable views. Our server, Bailey, was all about making our dining pleasurable with professional service. We met the Chef who was very gracious and determined to insure a wonderful dinner. Drift is now my number one dining destination at Pensacola Beach.