While there always seem to be new restaurants popping up in Escambia and Santa Rosa County, there are a handful that have been in the works for a while that Pensacola can hardly wait for. Here are five of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings to keep on your radar, still set to open in 2025.
Bistrology
21 W. Romana St.
The second location of a popular Miramar Beach-based fan favorite brunch spot, Bistrology, is approaching the finish line at 21 W. Romana St., replacing the former Secret Sagittarius Bierwerks & Scratch Kitchen (formerly Big Top Brewery). The restaurant offered a sneak peek to its Instagram followers in January of the space’s artistic revamp, featuring oversized lamp fixtures, earthy accents including greenery walls and bamboo-lined tunnels that highlight the location’s exposed brick. Owner Jonathan Gallen has been working diligently to complete the renovation, pass final inspections and invite the community in. Once open, Bistrology is planned to offer sweet and savory dishes for every taste, including crepes, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, ceviches and specialty dinner entrees.
Little Tides Oyster Bar
104 E. Gregory St.
Little Tides Oyster Bar is still in the works to bring Pensacola a “fresh taste of the Gulf” through regionally harvested oysters, craft cocktails and other regional specialties. The conversion process from Gaby’s Taqueria to Little Tides Oyster Bar began in February, but Little Tides is still working through permitting, according to Little Tides General Manager and Operations Director Christian Essex. Once complete, they hope to have a full-service bar able to seat about 15 to 20 people, along with additional dining areas that will provide full-shade coverage and seat about 100 people in all, according to Essex.
“Little Tides aims to blend sophistication with the relaxed charm of Pensacola’s waterfront culture, creating a welcoming space for everything from casual happy hours to special occasions,” Essex told the News Journal in a previous interview.
Grover’s 2.0
5614 Stewart St.
Grovers’ highly anticipated second location in Milton is still in the works with hopes of opening this summer. The new build is being completed from the ground up by Grover’s part-owner, homebuilder Mike Price.
The new Grover’s blueprint for future locations has a retro-inspired feel, leaning into the simpler times and nostalgia the original location’s customers have grown to love. The food will remain the same across each location, including the famous chicken fingers and flavor-blasted ice cream cones.
Jordan Valley Mediterranean (relocation)
1400 Barrancas Ave.
Jordan Valley is gearing up to make the move from its longtime downtown location to 1400 Barrancas Ave. this summer. The new location will allow for more opportunities for live entertainment, new menu items and fresh-squeezed juices. The restaurant’s core elements will remain, such as Mediterranean cuisine and hookah. You can still find all your favorites at the new location, including gyro platters, homemade hummus, pizzas, sandwiches, desserts and specialty drinks. The heart of the menu encompasses traditional Mediterranean fare including kafta, made with grilled boneless beef and lamb, shawarma, baba ghanoush, baklava and Turkish coffee.
Fatboys Navarre
8651 Navarre Parkway
Navarre has been patiently waiting for their newest Fatboys location, which has been in the works for 8651 Navarre Parkway since 2023. However, employees say the location is on track to open this year. The casual burger and wing joint – spanning locations in Destin, Miramar, Niceville, Crestview and Enterprise, Alabama – makes quality their mission.
The restaurant’s Florida locations also offer draft and bottled beer, wine and specially crafted cocktails. Aside from the name, the restaurant has drawn attention for itself through its 100% premium beef patties and house-made sauces, per the restaurant’s website.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Are they ready yet? 5 highly-anticipated Pensacola-area restaurants slated to open in 2025
Reporting by Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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