Rhythm of the Boroughs

Between Pensacola’s iconic beaches and historic facades lies a city in motion, where every block offers a new layer of discovery.

Wander down 12th Avenue and hear the hum of vinyl spinning in a local record shop. Step into a seltzer-based cocktail lounge tucked behind a brewery, where neon shines and Miami Vice-themed cocktails rule. Savor the smell of freshly brewed coffee drifting from a sidewalk cafe, or run your fingers over the vintage finds in an indie boutique.

Each neighborhood—the East Hill Corridor, West Garden District, East Pensacola Heights, and Belmont-Devilliers—has its own rhythm.

Photo Courtesy of Good Day, Darling

East Hill’s 12th Avenue Corridor: Where History Meets Hip

In this historic, one-mile corridor, you’ll find generations-old bakeries and dive bars with stories to tell—and yes, people still wave from their porches.

Ashley and Alex Lamonte, owners of Lamonte Gelato and A Mano Panino, chose this area because it felt familiar—Ashley grew up in Pensacola, and Alex lived in Italy, where neighborhoods are tight-knit and deeply connected to food culture.

“We wanted it to be community driven,” Ashley says. “East Hill has a ton of small families, and it’s very small-business-centered, which is part of why we love it.”

The old and spooky Sacred Heart Hospital building now houses not only the Lamontes’ gelato and sandwich shops but also The Burrow beer garden, A Curious Wine Shop, and O’Zone Pizza Pub—a possibly haunted favorite that’s been slinging pies for nearly three decades. Wander a little farther and you’ll find J’s Bakery & Cafe, open since 1946, still drawing crowds for its signature smiley face cookies. Right next door, newcomers like Jitterbug Beverage Co. bring modern energy with vegan options, LGBTQ+ pride, and a side of vinyl at its in-house record shop.

You’ll find that same mix of personality and purpose at spots like Alga Beer Co., known for funky brews and community events, plus Jell-O shots and seltzers at its Miami Vice-themed Florida Room and smash burgers from the on-site food truck, Brown Bagger. Just down the street, East Hill Wine Bar offers upscale sips in a laid-back setting. And a few blocks away, Wisteria Tavern—which started as a grocery store in the 1920s—serves up cold beer with arcade games and a backyard-style courtyard that hosts food trucks and weekend markets.

The best part? You can walk—or golf cart—from one place to the next.

“There’s a park every few blocks. It’s so easy to walk around, and there’s always something to do,” Ashley says.

You can start your day with a juice run to Good Day, Darling or wind down with a Crop Top trendy gin cocktail and smoked chicken wings at The Burrow.

“It doesn’t feel like a copy-and-paste neighborhood—it feels like a person,” Ashley says. “It’s genuine. It’s fun. And it’s only getting better.”

Photo Courtesy of Visit Pensacola

Belmont-Devilliers: A Soulful Slice of Pensacola’s Blues Legacy

The intersection of Belmont and Devilliers streets once fueled the city’s blues scene.

Opened in 2010, Five Sisters Blues Cafe occupies the former site of Gussie’s Record Shop and WBOP Radio Station. Every dish on the menu pays homage to the recipes passed down by chef Cecil Johnson’s mother, Jeanette, and her four sisters—Cora, Sara, Dorothy, and Margaret. Right outside its door, visitors can find the Mississippi Blues Trail marker, installed in January 2018. The plaque underscores the significance of this corner in the wider context of American musical history.

Further in, you’ll discover thriving local businesses, including Pacific Kava Bar and Blue Dot Bar-B-Q. The Gordon Community Art Center and Kukua Institute bring a fresh artistic energy to the area while honoring stories of the past. Upcoming spots like the Great Harvest Bread Company bake community into each loaf and pastry, while Devilliers Square and the Black Cafe & Bookstore offer a blend of belonging and creativity.

Photo Courtesy of Agapi Bistro + Garden

East Pensacola Heights: A Neighborhood Steeped in Generational Connection

East Pensacola Heights’ tree-lined streets, scenic views, and tightly knit neighborhoods tell the story of families that span multiple generations.

Bianca and Gus Silivos moved their beloved Mediterranean bistro to the neighborhood in 1987.

“It’s really about community and connection, that’s why we named the restaurant Agapi, which means ‘ultimate love’ in Greek,” Bianca says. “When people come in, you know it’s them and they know it’s you. Over the years, we’ve seen families grow. It’s not a place for one-time tourists; we are a part of people’s everyday lives.”

Local parks, right-of-way easements between homes, and a family-friendly atmosphere create an idyllic canvas for biking, walking, and spontaneous get-togethers. The neighborhood school, a staple since the 1930s, continues to shape young minds.

“We’ve got upscale restaurants that still feel warm and welcoming, Fannie Lou’s makes their own ice cream, and we have a grocery store that’s been here since the 1940s,” Bianca says.

Longtime favorites like Jerry’s Drive In and Scenic 90 Café provide down-home comfort, while newcomer Craft Gourmet Bakery already has a loyal following.

“We’re right on the scenic highway, and it’s always such a peaceful drive,” Gus adds. “You get a beautiful water view across the street, and you’ll often see people just pulled over, enjoying nature. It’s those little moments that make this place so special.”

Photo courtesy of Fiore

West Garden District: Where Grit Meets Growth

Anchored by community staples like Joe Patti’s Seafood and the emerging urban waterfront greenspace of Bruce Beach Park, this area is defined less by formal boundaries and more by personality.

Located in a repurposed car wash just off Garden Street, Alla Prima is more than a cafe—it’s part roastery, part gallery, and part neighborhood hub. From Pearl & Horn’s tipsy oysters and caviar service to the playful charm of the Coastal Cat Cafe to the hyper-local tap list at Emerald Coast Brewery, the scene here exudes character.

Vintage charm and modern grit live side by side—on one block, you’ll find Unique Boutique, a treasure trove of quirky finds; on another, the minimalist calm of Fiore, an upscale floral and design studio. Just a few blocks away, the ever-evolving Ever’man Cooperative holds down the corner with organic groceries, juices, and a constant hum of foot traffic.

“You can walk it if you’re prepared to do a few blocks,” says Alla Prima owner Summer Sevi, who grew up around the corner. “Some places are spread out a bit, but you’ve got sidewalks the whole way, and enough cool stops to make it worth the stroll.”

Summer’s journey—from art teacher, painter, and a person who roasted coffee on a popcorn maker to a coffee entrepreneur set to open a new location—mirrors the district’s story:

Grounded in the past but driven by vision.