Food Tours in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is a food lover’s paradise! There are many delicious places to eat, and the Seville Food Tour is a great way to sample some of the best. This tour takes you on a guided course to different restaurants, all within walking distance of each other.
Taking a food tour is a great way to try a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture of Pensacola’s food scene. I can’t think of a better way to explore the city and its cuisine. And, of course, food tours are a lot of fun!
We had the opportunity to book a Seville Savories Palafox-Trot food tour in 2022 while we were at the beach exploring its dining scene. The owner and tour guide is Duel Christian, a Pensacola native who has a love for both food and Pensacola history which is evident during his food tours. (Duel is a food writer and was a television producer/director in another life.)
The Palafox-Trot Tour
We booked The Palafox-Trot tour, a 3-hour tour that begins at 1:00 p.m. The tour is offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and meets in front of the First United Methodist Church at 6 E. Wright Street, just a block from Palafox.
As with any food tour, the tasting destinations are subject to change due to supply issues, availability, etc. The following are the locations that we visited on a beautiful Thursday afternoon.
1. Polanzo Bistro
Our first stop was Polanzo Bistro at 286 N. Palafox Street. The restaurant/bar occupies an old building and has a cozy vibe with exposed brick.
We sampled some of their homemade Brunswick stew, a Southern classic made with meat and veggies in a thick, flavorful sauce. (This was Jeff’s favorite item that we sampled on the tour.)
The restaurant begins serving breakfast and lunch at 8:00 a.m. during the week and brunch on the weekends at the same time. Dinner is served on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
After hearing facts about Pensacola being the first settlement in the United States and finishing our stew, we made our way to our second stop.
2. The Dog House
The Dog House is located at 30 S Palafox Street, a short walk down the street from Polanzo Bistro.
While The Dog House does indeed serve hot dogs, it serves so much more. One of their specialties that is worth trying is the fried mullet. Not that thing that Billy Ray Cyrus is known for but rather the saltwater fish that feeds on microscopic plants and small animals that live on the bed of the ocean floor.
We got to sample their fried mullet along with a homemade hushpuppy. Their hushpuppies are made with 13 ingredients, including Budweiser beer. (This was my favorite stop on the tour.)
The Dog House is open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Dog House is closed on Sundays.
3. 86 Forks
The third stop on our tour was at 86 Forks Bar + Table, located at 11 Palafox Place, Suite B. It is inside a renovated building that has a few eateries on the ground floor with dining tables and chairs in the open and airy hallway.
86 Forks is known for its Asian-fusion dishes and we got to try their fried egg roll with braised beef, caramelized onions, napa cabbage, cheese, and spicy mustard sauce.
86 Forks is open Sunday through Thursday from noon until 10:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from noon until midnight.
4. Pearl and Horn
Our next-to-last stop took us through the neatest food court at The Garden at Palafox and Main to Pearl & Horn. The Pearl & Horn is tucked away from several other restaurants that occupy individual Airstream trailers located in one convenient location.
The Pearl & Horn treated food tour participants to their choice of either smoked oysters or truffle French fries. Jeff opted for the oysters while I went for the fries which were absolutely divine. You really can’t go wrong with Parmesan truffle fries with fried rosemary, now can you? (The fries were also at the top of my list of favs on this tour.)
Pearl & Horn is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
5. Bubba’s Sweet Spot
Our last stop was at Bubba’s Sweet Spot at 405 S Palafox. Golfing aficionados will probably be familiar with the owner – Bubba Watson. However, you don’t have to be a golf fan to appreciate the gourmet fudge or ice cream that they serve.
While there, we were able to taste some of their homemade fudge. They even gave each participant samples of fudge to take with them. (I thought that was a thoughtful touch since not everyone wears stretch pants on food tours as they should.)
Bubba’s Sweet Spot is open Monday -Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and on Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Tour Information
Pensacola food tours can be booked online at SevillesSavoryFoodTours.com. The price for the Palafox-Trot Food Tour is $55 per person. (Children ages 10 and under are free.)
Tours take place rain or shine, so bring an umbrella with you if rain is in the forecast. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
Have food allergies? Let Duel know ahead of time. Vegan and gluten-free options may be available.
Other Food Tours
In addition to the Palafox-Trot, Duel also offers two other food tours:
Seville Stroll
For those who would rather take a dinnertime tour, this is the option for you. It takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 pm in old Seville and costs $65 per person (children 10 and under are free). Note, though, that they are unable to accommodate allergies on this tour.
Bayou Buzz
Fancy yourself more of a morning person? They have a tour for you, too! The Bayou Buzz tour covers five coffee vendors and participants get to sample their diverse specialties ranging from dark roasts, oat milk cappuccino, cold brews, French Presses, and iced coffees. The price is $35 per person and takes place Tuesday through Friday.
Where is your favorite place to dine in Pensacola?
