A relaxing beach vacation, seafood fresh from the Gulf of Mexico, a cold beverage, and a killer sunset view: can you ask for much more than that? We say the answer is no, and that’s exactly why the Sandbar in Pensacola Beach is a worthy spot to stop for dinner or drinks. It’s a casual, friendly spot that boasts live music, games and activities, and one of the best waterfront patios anywhere in the area.
The biggest draw at The Sandbar and one of the things that makes it stand out among the crowd of restaurants and bars lining the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is the western-facing deck that delivers killer sunset views. This is somewhat of a rarity for establishments on the Florida panhandle, which tend to face southward toward the Gulf of Mexico. As you sit on the deck with a drink in your hand and the warm breezes blowing while the sun dips below the horizon over Little Sabine Bay, you might think to yourself that you and your loved ones are making a vacation memory that will last forever.
The views are spectacular without a doubt, but there’s more going on at The Sandbar than just a pretty sunset. They’re serving up a menu full of fresh seafood and bar food classics that are worthy of the views off the back patio. You can get your fill of freshly shucked Gulf oysters available either raw on the half shell, steamed, or baked with a variety of flavors. Another bar snack favorite is the fresh blue crab claws, available by the quarter-pound either sautéed in garlic butter or quickly fried to a crispy golden brown.
A few of our other favorite selections from the menu include:
Smoked Tuna Dip
This creamy and smoky dip is a favorite among locals in the know. Slather some on a crispy cracker and get ready for a flavor bomb.
Stuffed Redfish
Redfish caught fresh from the Gulf is topped with either crabmeat or a florentine stuffing and then finished with a luscious cheese sauce. You can’t go wrong either way!
Frisky’s Redfish Sandwich
A great fish sandwich is a rite of passage on a beach vacation, and the redfish version at The Sandbar fits the bill. They add blackening spices and serve it up along with grilled mushrooms, peppers, and onions for even more flavor and texture.
Red Beans and Rice
This classic comfort proves they do cajun food right all along the Gulf coast. Creamy red beans and smoky sausage are paired with robust cajun spices and rice, and they even add a link of alligator sausage in there so you’ll feel like you’re truly on the bayou.
The Sandbar also serves a tasty breakfast and brunch on weekend mornings, featuring savory and sweet favorites like crab cake eggs benedict and buttermilk pancakes. They also have mimosas and bloody marys so you can get your beach day started right.
The legendary sunset views at The Sandbar live up to the hype, and the fresh seafood, refreshing drinks, and friendly relaxed atmosphere more than hold their own as well. There are plenty of places near the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk vying for your attention, and The Sandbar definitely stands out from the crowd.
Insider Tips:
– Don’t leave The Sandbar without trying a Pensacola Bushwacker, a take on an alcoholic milkshake with coconut cream, coffee liqueur, and rum. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and strong, and it was invented right there on Pensacola Beach.
– Also, note that parking is somewhat limited near the building. If you’re coming for sunset views and you don’t get there early, you may have to park across the street at the Boardwalk.