USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
SUMMATIONWeeklyy
This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T Vol. 23, No. 31
ICONIC PENSACOLA August 2, 2023
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 8 Pages
Section A, Page 1
RESTAURANTS, BARS & ATTRACTIONS
By Nicole Willis, Destiny Herbert & Molly Callahan
P
ensacola has always been known for its white sand beaches, its low-key coastal vibe and its naval and maritime history. While these aspects of Pensacola are deserving of acclaim, the city is also host to an eclectic variety quirky landmarks, unique attractions, historical architecture and creative small businesses that reveal our personality as a community and offer cultural touchstones that a create an ever evolving tapestry of life in our beloved little town. We’ve searched high and low to bring you some of the iconic sights and experiences that make Pensacola such an interesting and fun place to call home.
Restaurants McGuire’s Irish Pub is an iconic restaurant, but it did not start out that way. McGuire’s first began in 1977 as a small pub run by McGuire Martin and his wife Molly. The pub was started in a small shopping center, Town & Country Plaza, but it soon grew large enough for a change of scenery. In 1982, it was moved to its current location, the Old Firehouse on Gregory Street, and business has been booming ever since. One of the many things that McGuire’s is known for is its iconic dollar bill decor. The restaurant boasts of having more than one million onedollar bills hanging from the walls and ceiling. The staple-hung dollar bills are even considered an asset that the restaurant must pay taxes on. Turning to the menu, the restaurant als o offers an 18-cent bean soup, the cheapest item available to buy unless purchased by itself, then it costs $18. This can be considered quite a bargain, as long as you get something else on the menu alongside the soup. The story goes that the Senate Bean Soup was served in US Senate for 18 cents, which is why McGuire’s is proud to still sell the soup at that same price today. Knowing the most affordable meal on the menu brings into question the most expensive. For the price of $100, the Grand Burger is made up of filet mignon, ground and chargrilled to form a delightful burger patty. The
Grand Burger is not a solo show, as it comes with a side of caviar and a bottle of imported champagne. If you are looking for an undeniably iconic meal, the Grand Burger awaits. Being an Irish pub, McGuire’s also offers a range of drinks like the Irish Wake, a bright green drink that will “knock you dead.” Limited to three per person, the Irish Wake comes in a mason jar you can keep. Another notable feature on the drink menu is the James Bond, taken directly from the James Bond official website. If you want to drink like an icon, order the super spy’s signature drink. As Florida’s oldest brewery, McGuire’s takes customer satisfaction seriously. The pub brews their ale with no chemicals or additives, ensuring the best possible beer to serve to their customers. McGuire’s has many drink specials, like Monday Margarita Madness and Thursday Ladies Nite. Happy hour is seven days a week, from 4 to 6 pm and 11 pm to close, offering half off the price of draft beer, wine and well drinks. McGuire’s was named one of Florida’s 12 most iconic restaurants in 2022 by Trips to Discover, according to the energetic atmosphere and unique monetary decor. In addition to serving quality food and drinks, McGuire’s also holds a 5K run leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. The St. Patrick’s Day Prediction 5K Run is one of the largest 5K events in the area, assembling huge crowds for the last 45 years. Signing up for the run promises a T-shirt and access to the after party. McGuire’s also sponsors a pipe band, which is made of bagpipe and drum players wearing traditional Scottish dress attire. The McGuire’s Pipe Band began in 1988, and it is now under the leadership of Pipe Major Michael Vazzana. The pipe band plays at the 5K run and at other local events. The combination of McGuire’s bright atmosphere and the heavy crowd brought in yearly by the St. Patrick’s Day 5K contributes to the Irish Pub’s status of being one of the most iconic restaurants in Florida. Pensacola is the proud home of McGuire’s Irish Pub. Address : 600 E Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502 Website: mcguiresirishpub.com
Bars Seville Quarter is perhaps the most well-known nightlife attraction in Pensacola. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this historic bar on Government Street in downtown Pensacola is decked out with local memorabilia, antique furniture and decor that helps the bar keep its old-timey charm. Established in 1967 by ex-Navy pilot and musician, Bob Snow, the large brick entertainment complex is housed in a historic 19th century warehouse that was formerly home to Pensacola Cigar and Tobacco Company. When Snow made the decision to rent the vacant warehouse, his initial plan was to transform it into a small venue space to perform with his bandmates. He named the new establishment “Rosie O’Grady’s Warehouse.” After opening the venue and seeing its success, Snow eventually decided to purchase the old building and began to expand it with different rooms. In 1971, Snow opened a second room in the complex called “Lili Marlene’s,” also referred to as “Lili Marlene’s World War I Aviators Pub.” This room is decorated with oldschool furniture and features model airplanes hanging from the ceiling. As Seville continued to be a success, Snow opened up a second nightclub in Orlando, modeling it after his popular Pensacola establishment. “Church Street Station” opened in Orlando in 1974, with its first room called “Rosie O’Grady’s No. 2.” Despite this new venture being hours away, Snow continued to open rooms and upkeep Pensacola’s Seville Quarter. Today, Seville Quarter is comprised of seven different rooms, each with a different vibe—Rosie O’Grady’s, Phineas Phogg’s, Lili Marlene’s, Apple Annie’s, Fast Eddie’s, End o’ the Alley and Palace Café. As the first room to open in Seville Quarter, Rosie O’Grady’s remains true to its original roots, boasting a saloon-style theme with a fun Western vibe. In 1985, Snow sold the property to a group of investors. However, the group only held onto the property for a short period of time. From January 1987 to December 1988, Seville Quarter doors were closed to the public, until Pensacola attorney Wilmer
Mitchell and his family eventually took over the property and reopened it. Mitchell and family still own and operate the bar today. Today, Seville Quarter remains a staple in Pensacola’s nightlife scene. People of all ages visit the establishment for good drinks, food and fun. Whether you want a quick bite or a full dinner, Seville’s menu offers something for every hunger level. From traditional bar food like spinach artichoke dip and pretzels to burgers and seafood, every diner is sure to find something to suit them. Seville also offers a variety of beers and cocktails, with specials changing regularly. In addition to being a bar, Seville also serves as an event space. A separate building called Heritage Hall was added to the Seville Quarter complex in 2003. Heritage Hall is a large banquet facility that can host over 1,000 guests, making it the perfect venue for weddings or other large gatherings. Within the seven rooms of Seville Quarter, there is no shortage of entertainment at Seville, as the bar has grown to host several events every week such as karaoke, bar bingo, dancing, live music and more. Seville Quarter still remains one of Pensacola’s most buzzing establishments. For upcoming events and more information, visit sevillequarter.com.
Attractions Our beloved coastal beaches with their signature pearly white sands, crystalline waters, fauna and wildlife are undoubtedly Pensacola’s signature icon. The Gulf Coast beaches serve as a temporary home for leatherback hatchlings and the herons, seagulls and eagles that can often be seen surfing the air above the ocean waves. The ivory sand that shines like a gem because of the gems—or quartz—from which the sand was made, and the morning glories that weave themselves through the dunes are just a couple of the many things that have been charming visitors and locals for decades. Pensacola Beach is neighbored on both sides by the remarkably beautiful and biodiverse Gulf Island National Seashore, a 150-mile
stretch of protected seashore that runs from Cat Island, Mississippi to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Aside from hosting a plethora of unique biological wonders, the beach that we all know and love is also a bustling tourist destination and a go-to spot for summer relaxation. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the many activities the beach offers, including fishing on one of the beach’s many piers, renting a boat and coasting towards the horizon, joining a dolphin tour, attending a wedding and even playing a round of mini-golf. Visitors can also indulge in Cajun-style dishes, seafood staples, southern comfort foods or Japanese cuisine at one of the many beachside eateries. Pensacola Beach also features another legendary Pensacola landmark: Fort Pickens, which was once one of the largest constructed brick structures on the Gulf of Mexico. Made of 21.5 million bricks, Fort Pickens once stood as one of the largest man-made brick structures along the Gulf of Mexico. Named after Brigadier General Andrew Pickens, who served during the Revolutionary War, Fort Pickens was built to defend the Gulf Coast from overseas enemy attacks and was also the site of the final battle that ridded Pensacola of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War after their consequential failed ambush, the Battle of Santa Rosa Island. This battle resulted in nearly 100 Confederate casualties and 80 Union losses. During the Civil War, Fort Pickens was also one of the very few forts in the South to be and to remain under Union occupancy. Also, among its other prisoners of war, Fort Pickens once held Geronimo, a leader of the Indigenous Ndendahe Apache people. The fort would also come to be an intermittent stop on the Underground Railroad, acting as a means to freedom for the enslaved people that also helped to build it. Two centuries later, the fortress still stands and draws curious adventure seekers from far and wide with its incredible view, meticulous construction, walkable nature trails and its camping grounds and the occasional Blue Angels practice session. For more information on events, activities and lodging, visit pensacolabeach.com. ■
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