A Town Where Artful Libations Abound
Downtown Pensacola has an array of amazing arts and culture attractions to take in. While you and your friends, loved ones, or significant others are Vacationing Artfully and perusing the sights this fall or winter, you may want to kick back and relax with a cold brew or craft cocktail. The options for quality libations are better than ever in Pensacola, and here are a few establishments of note:
The epitome of the perfect pub is everything O’Riley’s. Family-owned it has an elaborate beer and cocktail menu and an award-winning food menu that holds Irish-inspired dishes and more. You have pool tables, darts, outdoor seating, and great food and drink right in the heart of downtown – a pub lover’s dream.
This downtown establishment is a local institution praised for the savory and unique sandwiches offered. And everything you heard is true – the entire menu is an exemplary spread. Directly across from Seville Square and just a couple blocks from Pensacola Bay, it’s one of the top choices for lunch in the city, and any choice from a long list of brews or the food menu is a winner.
The Kennedy is praised for being a place that celebrates classic cocktails with a modern twist. The knowledgeable mixologists create thoughtful and carefully crafted drinks for a unique tasting experience. The kitchen features small bites that appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Brunch on the weekends, a dedicated staff, and a sophisticated style add up to make The Kennedy a downtown bar an experience you can’t miss out on.
Located right in the heart of Palafox Street, Old Hickory isn’t just another whiskey bar. Not only was this bar named one of the South’s Best Cocktail Bars by Garden & Gun Magazine, but they also carry more than 700 whiskeys and produce a plethora of seasonal craft cocktails – it’s a literal “library of whiskey.” The menu literally includes whiskeys from around the world, from typical American favorites to limited-edition whiskeys you most likely won’t find anywhere else.
Opening last year, The Well is an extension of the Perfect Plain Brewing Company family. It’s a mixed-culture Exploratorium that specializes in tropical sour beer and a modern twist of Floridian cocktails. Its curated and charming space is just the perfect ambiance for anyone to enjoy the Old-World libations or the latest wood cellar beer.
Another in the heart of historic Downtown Pensacola, The 5 Barrel is a place that wants to feel like home to you, and also pay homage to the remarkable history that Pensacola holds. Along with its list of core beers, the 5 Barrel also features an upscale food menu that includes charcuterie and gourmet bites. Experimentation is key to the 5 Barrel crew, and the team they’ve assembled provides the guests with the highest level of service.
This beautiful cocktail garden is located just behind the Perfect Plain Brewing Company. The space used for Garden & Grain is rather historic as it was originally mapped in the 1700s to serve as a spot for a Pensacola family to plant a garden (at the time, any resident that purchased land was given a companion parcel to use as a garden). Today, the lush and lavish Garden & Grain is an incredibly designed space to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail.