At one time, Pensacola, Fla., was a stop on the PGA Tour. The Pensacola Open was hosted by the Pensacola Country Club and the Perdido Bay Country Club, drawing golf legends such as Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino to northwest Florida. You can still play at both these courses. After spending the day on the fairways, reward yourself with a thick, juicy steak at one of the city's best steakhouse restaurants.
Mesquite Charlies'
Highly regarded Marcus Pointe Golf Club is just 1.2 miles down the road from Mesquite Charlie's restaurant, making this the perfect stop after a round of golf in Pensacola. You can't miss this restaurant, because it looks like something you'd find on the dusty road of an Old West town. The western mythos continues inside with the décor. If you enjoy the taste of steaks grilled with mesquite, then you'll probably love this restaurant. Arrive early--this place fills up quickly.
Mesquite Charlie's
5901 North W St.
Pensacola, FL 32505
(850) 434-0498
Jackson's
Jackson's, a small, intimate restaurant, is located in historic downtown Pensacola. If you are looking for a romantic evening out after a day on the fairways, Jackson's fits the bill. Speaking of bill, understand you will probably be paying twice for the steak than you would at most other steakhouses in Pensacola. However, this place was named one of the top 25 restaurants in the state by "Florida Trend" magazine. If you've never tried fried green tomatoes, don't pass them up. Other menu items include fresh shrimp cocktail, linguini, chipotle duck breast, and pan-roasted chicken breast. Jackson's also serves up a variety of cocktails and wine.
Jackson's
400 S Palafox St
Pensacola, Florida 32502
(850) 469-9898
jacksons.goodgrits.com/
Coach-N-Four
At the other end of the price spectrum from Jackson's--and an appropriate place to take the entire family--is Coach-N-Four. Located right across the street from Pensacola's Five Flags Speedway, this restaurant is flexible. Wear your golf clothes, a suit and tie, or bluejeans and a T-shirt without feeling out of place. The steaks are tender, and the menu is enhanced with everything from Louisiana mudbugs to surf and turf to teriyaki chicken. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. on weekend nights, or plan to wait outside in the rocking chair swing on the front porch for a half-hour or so. There is a kids' menu, and the butter that is served with the bread may be the best you've ever tasted.
Coach-N-Four
7445 Pine Forest Rd
Pensacola, Florida 32526
(850) 944-1600
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
