Coach-n-Four
Directly across the street from Five Flags Speedway, Coach-n-Four has been serving up some of Pensacola's best steaks for several decades now. This is not fancy dining by any means so show up in jeans or even shorts after a day at the beach. Best not to make plans after the Snowball Derby in December as even on a regular weekend night the restaurant fills to capacity fairly quickly, so be prepared to wait inside the rustic lobby for 10 or 20 minutes. Coach-n-Four's reputation is built on its tender and juicy steaks, and the appetizers feature crab-stuffed mushrooms and Louisiana mudbugs instead of the typical chain-restaurant fare.
Coach-n-Four
7445 Pine Forest Road
Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 944-1600
Papa Nalu Aloha Grill
There is something new or different for everyone to try at this popular out-of-the-way restaurant. A good piece of advice to follow when looking for a restaurant out of town is to find the spot where the parking lot is never empty and that describes this unique restaurant in Gulf Breeze. Don't let the unassuming facade (in a strip mall) fool you. The Papa Nalu Aloha Grill features selections such as mahi mahi, shrimp sandwiches, and a coconut ice cream--items you won't find anywhere else in the Panhandle. All this food comes at a great price and is served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Papa Nalu Aloha Grill
3499 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563-1402
(850) 932-4837
Bombay Masala
You might not expect to find an Indian restaurant of note along what has been affectionately termed the Redneck Riviera, but step inside Bombay Masala in Ft. Walton Beach and take a chance on surprise. The biggest drawback of this restaurant is that it is located in an area with one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the country, yet offers no scenic view itself. No matter, as this is the only place for authentic Indian food within an hour's drive and the menu is stocked with traditional Indian cuisine. Some people prefer their Indian food a little spicier than what's on the enormous buffet and the owners are always prepared to make up a special spicier version.
Bombay Masala
326 Eglin Pkwy NE,
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 862-0978
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.
