86 Forks Bar + Table is a popular little bar nestled in the heart of Pensacola’s downtown sector. Yet, they have so much more to offer than just your typical bar food. 86 Forks Bar + Table is the premier place to go when you want to be in a hip atmosphere enjoying unique and savory little entrees.
The name of this Pensacola restaurant and bar may seem like a code (and it kind of is), but it uniquely informs you of just what you can expect. The term “86” is a phrase long used by back-of-house restaurant staff to describe something they’re out of. Thus, the phrase “86 Forks” refers to them being out of forks; in other words, on the menu here you can expect to see a lot of finger foods and other types of dishes that do not require the use of forks as well as the emphasis of chopsticks. Primarily, their menu consists of a lot of pan-Asian food and specialty cocktails. Think finger foods in addition to noodle bows that are served with chopsticks and ladened with mixtures.
A few popular food items at 86 Bar + Table include:
Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowl
One of their signature bowls, this menu item comes with rice noodles and shrimp within a veggie broth. Standard mixings include fresh jalapeno slices, sliced green onions, crispy garlic, toasted crushed peanuts, and cilantro all mixed with green curry butter.
Chinese Sausage Bao Buns
The bao buns at 86 Bar + Table are exceptionally light and fluffy, each coming stuffed with savory fillings. This bao bun option comes packed with white BBQ sausage mixed with arugula slaw.
Seared Tuna Ramen Noodles
This is certainly a crowd favorite, especially among those looking for a filling and savory ramen. The Seared Tuna Ramen Noodles dish comes packed with ramen noodles and chilled spicy tuna served in a veggie broth. Standard mixings include crispy garlic, shredded carrots, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
Don’t like anything in the listed noodle and ramen menu? You are welcome to make your own! 86 Forks Bar + Table includes a fully customizable ramen menu that allows guests to build their most preferred noodle bowl.
86 Forks Bar + Table is open for late lunch and dinner every day of the week. While you can generally walk up and get a seat during most hours, peak dinner hours on the weekend can be quite busy. Thankfully, this location does offer reservations that are easily made online and available by dining locations. Guests can choose from sitting in the covered breezeway, the garden courtyard, the general dining room, or at a dining room high-top table near the bar.
As you can probably guess from the long list of where you can reserve a table, 86 Forks Bar + Table is quite spacious — despite being located in a more historic commercial building in downtown Pensacola. This bar and restaurant boast a long, stretched-out interior with tall windows bordered by brick walls. On pretty days, you can enjoy your food and cocktails out front, enjoying a little people watching with each sip.
And there are some pretty fantastic signature cocktails on the menu at 86 Forks Bar + Table. Check out their Adult Strawberry Milk Boba or the Black Thai Affair which are well-suited with their overall pan-Asian food menu.
Naturally, as any true bar must, 86 Forks Bar + Table has a long list of alcoholic beverages outside of cocktail offerings. You will find ten popular sake brands available on their sake menu and a long list of bottled and draft beers as well as wines.
Insider Tip:
The Happy Hour at 86 Forks + Table is one of the best in the area. Enjoy a tasty, well-poured $6 cocktail between 4 and 6 pm as well as select discounted appetizers and bao buns. Draft beers, house wines, and hot sake also feature special Happy Hour pricing.