If your friends ask if you want to go Downtown, you will likely end up on Palafox Street. It is considered by some to be the heart of Downtown Pensacola and is home to countless restaurants, shops, and bars. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly afternoon or a night out with your best friends, there is something for you on Palafox Street. However, if you venture away from this lively street, you will not be disappointed. You will come across many other events and activities you can read more about below.
Places to Eat & Drink
Having a tough time deciding what to do for dinner? Head to Palafox Street where you will be surrounded by choices. Options range from grabbing a quick slice of pizza to fine dining at upscale restaurants. This street is home to many different types of food and you are sure to find something you’ve been craving. You can even catch dessert from places like Bubba’s Sweet Spot!
Downtown also has a plethora of drinking spots. Many of the bars offer a full menu of food and are great places to eat. However, sometimes you just need a night to let loose and have fun so treat yourself to a night out on Palafox Street. Whether you want to sip whiskey, play air hockey, or dance the night away, you will find a bar that is a perfect fit for you. If you’re looking for craft beer, check out our list of Pensacola Breweries.
Restaurants & Bars
Seville Quarter – Full menu of delicious food, banquet facility, beautiful courtyard, pool tables, karaoke, dance club, piano bar, and much more!
Global Grill – Upscale tapas and entrees
V Paul’s Italian Ristorante – Italian dishes
Khon’s on Palafox – Southeastern Asian Food and sushi bar
Urban Swinery – Pig planks (closed temporarily)
Graffiti Pizza – Customized pizzas — buy the whole pie or order by the slice
The Wine Bar – Wide selection of wine as well as a full menu of food and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
World of Beer – More than 500 beers from around the globe paired with a full menu of classic bar food
O’Riley’s Irish Pub – Irish-American food, brunch on Sundays, and bar games including pool tables and darts
Play Pensacola – Full bar where you can literally play! They have live music, a pool table, an air hockey table, arcade basketball, and much more.
Old Hickory Whiskey Bar – More than 650 cocktails and whiskeys
Places To Shop
If you are looking for unique, trendy, small businesses then you will be in the right place on Palafox Street. Spend all day, or just an afternoon shopping boutique clothes, fine art, hand-made jewelry, crafted home goods, and more. These shops will help you find exactly what you are looking for so fill your shopping bags with one-of-a-kind items while supporting local small businesses.
Unique Shops on Palafox:
Rusted Arrow Mercantile
Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique
Sparkle – A Girls Boutique
Melobay
Bluetique
Palafox Market
Located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, the Palafox Market occurs every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm. Are you tired of the same old chain grocery stores and shops? Visit the market and you will be able to purchase products from local small business owners. You will walk away with high-quality products while supporting your community and surely putting a smile on a family’s face. You can find many items at the Palafox Market including fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, herbs, plants, art, home goods, and more. Sleep in on Saturday morning, but not too late, because the market is waiting for you!
Events & Activities
One does not simply get bored in Downtown Pensacola! Whether you want to do something indoors or outdoors, afternoon or night, this town has something for you.
Gallery Night
Markdown the third Friday of every month in your calendars because you do not want to miss this monthly event! Gallery Night allows artists and musicians to showcase their talents with each month focusing on a specific theme. Palafox Street is closed to vehicles from 5-9 pm allowing crowds of people to indulge in the culture of Pensacola. This event is great for families to bring their children and is free to attend. Pack your diaper bags and strollers and enjoy and head out to Gallery Night where you are sure to enjoy an evening with your family.
Blue Wahoos Stadium
Blue Wahoos Stadium has proven itself not just a home for minor league baseball. Catching a baseball game while overlooking the beautiful Pensacola Bay and eating yummy ballpark food is the perfect outing for the family, but the season doesn’t last all year long. The stadium continues to host many family events all year long including movie nights, live music, fireworks, disc golf, and much more. Keep checking the event calendar and plan to create your next family memories! Don’t forget to visit the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park just behind the stadium where you will find an amphitheater, outdoor fitness court, and breathtaking views.
Pensacola Saenger Theatre
This historic site was originally opened in 1925 and restored in 1981 to bring Pensacola locals and tourists theater entertainment that they will never forget! This theatre offers a wide variety of entertainment including Broadway plays, symphonies, ballets, concerts, comedians, and more. Check out their schedule of events, get those tickets before they sell out, and get to the theatre!
Pensacola Bay Center
This indoor arena is home to the Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team. In addition to hockey games, the Pensacola Bay Center has a variety of events including concerts, sports events, ice skating, bridal expo, professional bull riding events, and much more! When deciding on what to do for your next family outing or get-together with friends, make sure to check out what’s going on at the Bay Center.
