This week Elizabeth and I have the perfect spot for you the next time you’re on Pensacola Beach and it’s time to grab a bite and a cocktail!
It’s hard to find a restaurant on the beach that gets you closer to the Gulf than Casino Beach Bar and Grille. You’ll be steps from the sand, sitting at the outdoor tables, so you can keep the beach vibe going as you eat and drink—true beachside dining. If you choose to eat indoors you’ll still see the beach and feel the breeze, thanks to an open concept design that brings the outdoors in. The whole feeling is fresh, clean, and coastal!
History of Success
Matt Lafon owns the place. You might recognize his name: he’s the local guy who created the successful World of Beer concept and still owns World of Beer downtown on Palafox at 200 South. A complex that also includes Blend Lounge, Taco Agave, and Graffiti Pizza.
There’s lots of variety on the menu. Yes, there are burgers and fish tacos, but also plenty of choices to keep everyone happy including fresh oysters, steaks, poke bowls, flatbreads and salads. The seafood is sourced locally from places like Maria’s Seafood and Joe Patti’s and arrives daily… so you know it’s fresh.
One of the most-ordered dishes is the Ahi Tuna Nachos— flavorful bombs of tuna, avocado, soy glaze and wasabi aioli served on crispy flour tortillas chips. Be sure to order enough for everyone to grab a bite.
Could there be a more perfect setting than the beach for a fresh flavor-filled bowl of Shrimp & Mango Ceviche? Love those crispy wontons!
Burgers Anyone?
The Casino Burger is a half-pound steak burger, with bacon, muenster cheese, avocado, and onion straws served on a tasty jalapeño-cheddar bun. The Black & Blue Angel Burger is a blackened steak burger with caramelized onions, blue cheese, and straw onions on a brioche bun. Both burgers come with a heap of tasty sidewinder fries so you’ll have plenty to eat even if someone reaches over and steals a few. The nerve!
Just the Right Color
I didn’t expect to find seafood gumbo on the menu. I’m a bit of a gumbo snob because I grew up in New Orleans. The roux has to be dark or I won’t even try it. Well, as you can see by the picture, the roux passed the color test and the bowl is loaded with shrimp, oysters, crab and andouille sausage. Definitely worth ordering if you’re a gumbo lover!
Great Drink Specials
Casino Beach Bar and Grille has two well-stocked bars… one inside, one outside. Both bars sell popular travel tumblers that offer value beyond your initial drink. Simply buy the insulated tumbler, which comes with a cocktail made with two shots of Stoli, or the plastic souvenir travel mug filled with Margarita… and they can be refilled at a deeply discounted price each time you visit. They even offer a cool Blue Angels 2022 commemorative cup as one of the choices.
The summer cocktail menu will cool you off with refreshing choices like the Lavender Lemonade made with vodka, lemonade, soda water and blueberries. Mine came garnished with a sprig of lavender. Or the Hula Dancer with Stoli vodka, Malibu rum, passion fruit, lemon juice and pineapple. Your hips will be swaying to the beach breeze for sure after a few of these.
Are We at a Beachside Resort?
And how cool is this? Casino Beach Bar & Grille has lounge chairs with restaurant service available with a minimum $35 purchase. You’ll feel like you’re at a resort as you soak up the sun, sip cool cocktails and dine on your favorites from the menu steps from the water.
Dessert Time
The dessert menu includes The Lauren named for owner Lafon’s daughter. It’s a shareable brownie sundae.
The Chocolate Ganache Bomb has a chocolate mousse-like filling covered in chocolate. Did we say chocolate enough times?
Elizabeth’s Take
“Casino Beach Bar and Grille is the definition of a ‘beach bar’. Their laid-back atmosphere combined with some of the best beach drinks on the Island is hard to beat. Casino burger or the tuna nachos on a lounge chair in the sun and sand is even an option!”
Ali’s Take
“No matter where you sit, inside or out, you’ll experience the best of Pensacola Beach at Casino Beach Bar and Grille. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is top-notch. Their burgers are some of the best in Pensacola and their cocktail menu is fun and inventive.”
What Makes Casino Beach Bar & Grille So Special
Assistant General Manager Logan Gray says, “People come because our vibe is absolutely a beach vibe. We’re very consistent. When you walk up here you see the water, palm trees, sand, hear the music. You won’t come in here and question what’s the environment going to be like. You come in here and say, “Wow. This is blissful. I should relax and enjoy the great food and drinks!”
Good to Know
Casino Beach Bar & Grille
41 Ft. Pickens Rd.
Pensacola Beach, FL
850-932-6313
Hours: (Please call to confirm hours)
Opens 7 days a week
Sunday – Thursday 11 am until 10 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am until 11 pm
- Casino Beach has a free Bingo Night on Mondays from 6pm – 8pm. You can win gift cards and free drinks.
- Taco Tuesday deals include $10 shrimp or fish tacos and chicken or beef empanadas. Plus drink specials including deals on margaritas.
- Service and emotional support dogs are welcome.
- Casino Beach Bar & Grille opened in 2014.
What mouth watering descriptions of some amazing dishes!! I can’t wait to go back to Pensacola just to dine at Casino Beach Bar and Grille! Thanks Coastal Ali!
Thank you! I hope you and your family can visit soon!