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Drift Inside Dining Room - Drift, Gulf Breeze, FL

Drift

4.6 (1498)
$31 to $50
American
41 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561-2078

Make a booking

A photo of Drift restaurant

Drift

4.6
$31 to $50
American
Pensacola

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
Join us for dinner and a beachside drinks. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, on the second floor, DRIFT is a casual fine dining restaurant serving steaks, seafood, craft cocktails and offering THE best view on Pensacola Beach. Our space features indoor & outdoor seating and full service bars! Join us for Sunset Happy Hour (Bar Only) Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-6pm. We do our best to honor table requests but cannot make guarantees.

Check out our Chef Specials and come see for yourself why we won Best in Pensacola 2022 for 1. Best Restaurant - Pensacola Beach 2. Best Steakhouse - Pensacola 3. Best Happy Hour - Pensacola and 4. Best Girls Night Out - Pensacola.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 16:00–20:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sun 16:00–18:00
  • Phone number
    (850) 733-7331
  • Website
    https://driftpcola.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Luis Nolasco
  • Catering
    Email: events@driftpcola.com for all your catering and event needs!
  • Private party facilities
    Email: events@driftpcola.com for all your catering and event needs!
  • Location
    41 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561-2078
  • Area
    Pensacola
  • Cross street
    Located on the 2nd Floor of Casino Beach Bar & Grille
  • Parking Details
    The main entrance to Drift is located on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. Take the elevator located in the doorway across from Inner Light Surf Shop on the pier - to the 2nd floor above Casino Beach Bar & Grille.
  • Public transport
    The main entrance to DRIFT is located on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. Take the elevator on the Casino Beach Bar & Grille first floor level up to the second floor to access DRIFT!
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Concierge
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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

This menu from Drift.

Desserts

  • Creme BruleeUSD 12.00

    Traditional Vanilla Bean

    • Double Layer Chocolate CakeUSD 14.00

      Ganache, chocolate chips, vanilla waffle crumbs, raspberry dots

      • Bourbon Ball Bread PuddingUSD 14.00

        Bourbon, praline and dark chocolate bread pudding, ice cream, bourbon caramel

        • Hot Honey CheesecakeUSD 12.00

          served with peach compote

          Dessert Cocktails

          • Chocolate MartiniUSD 15.00

            Stoli Vanilla, Bailey's Chocolate, Mozart White Chocolate

            • Chocolate Spiced PieUSD 12.00

              Sailor Jerry's Rum, Bailey's Chocolate, Heavy Cream

              • Salted Caramel White RussianUSD 15.00

                Stoli Vodka, Kahlua, Salted Caramel Baileys

                • Tiramisu MartiniUSD 15.00

                  Stoli Vanilla, Amaretto, Kahlua, Heavy Cream

                  • Bourbon BallUSD 15.00

                    Bulleit Rye, Bailey's Chocolate, Heavy Cream

                    Last updated: 18 September 2025

                    Powered by OpenTable

                    Reviews

                    OpenTable reviews from verified diners

                    Reviews from people who have dined at Drift.

                    4.6

                    4.6
                    (1498)
                    • 4.6Food
                    • 4.6Service
                    • 4.8Ambience
                    • 4.3Value

                    Noise • Moderate

                    Loved For

                    • Northwest Florida

                      Healthy

                    • Northwest Florida

                      Great for fine wines

                    • Northwest Florida

                      Great for scenic views

                    • Northwest Florida

                      Lively

                    • Pensacola

                      Best Ambience

                    • Pensacola

                      Healthy

                    • Pensacola

                      Neighbourhood gem

                    • Pensacola

                      Great for fine wines

                    • Pensacola

                      Romantic

                    • Pensacola

                      Good for special occasions

                    • Pensacola

                      Lively

                    Review summary

                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                    Drift offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food," "beautiful views," and "outstanding service." Guests rave about the Coconut Seabass, lamb lollipops, and the "to die for" Shrimp Tempura. The ambiance, particularly the outdoor seating with ocean views, is frequently praised. Overall, a "top notch" experience.
                    1,499 Reviews

                    1. Irv

                      Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews

                      4.0

                      Dined today

                      1. Overall 4
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 1
                      The background music sounded like a cross between elevator music and disco---and it was way, way too loud. I could not hear my two guests next to me! It seems to me that soft jazz, semi classical, spanish guitar, even sometuned down sixties classics like Credence, the Stones, Blood sweat and tears, etc,would have made you rambience more fitting to such good food.

                      Is this helpful?

                    2. Matthew

                      St. Louis4 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 21 October 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      One of the best places of our trip, food was top tier and staff was on it. Drinks were great and the view at sunset was well worth the money. The bread pudding for dessert was the perfect way to end the meal and we ended up coming back the next night to get some more 10/10 loved it and would come back next time we are in Florida

                      Is this helpful?

                    3. Calvin

                      Unspecified1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 4 October 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Went for my 1 year anniversary. It had great food with outstanding service. I would recommend this place to anyone!!

                      Is this helpful?

                    4. Johnathan

                      Unspecified1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 4 October 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      As always a wonderful time. Food was amazing. Service was top notch. Elijah did an amazing job! His attention to detail and kindness made the whole experience worthwhile.

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                    5. FRANCISCO

                      Cleveland / Akron / Canton20 reviews

                      4.0

                      Dined on 3 October 2026

                      1. Overall 4
                      2. Food 4
                      3. Service 2
                      4. Ambience 3
                      Looked like they were understaffed, waiter not too attentive and forgot part of the dinner we ordered. Food was good but not excellent. I would go again. Maybe sit at the bar.

                      Is this helpful?

                    6. Eric

                      Northwest Florida4 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 2 October 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      We loved the atmosphere and the service from our waiters Pip was perfect. The triple tail risotto was fantastic. Thanks for making our evening so enjoyable.

                      Is this helpful?

                    7. Jack

                      Northwest Florida93 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 2 October 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 4
                      4. Ambience 4
                      We found Drift to be a very good restaurant, with a nice ambiance. We sat outside and were very comfortable. The food was much better than I would have expected. The Shrimp Tempora was to die for. The Salmon was excellent and perfectly cooked. The fresh catch (Yellowtail) with risotto was good, but not as good as I expected. Overall, a very good restaurant.

                      Is this helpful?

                    8. Jeffrey

                      Northwest Florida1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 27 September 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      I booked this reservation not knowing much, if anything, about Drift for our 35th Wedding Anniversary. It fit the requirements that I wanted. And a dining experience overlooking the beach and the Gulf, with the added view of the Pier in front of us. Lobster Bisque, Seabass, Steak, and crispy Brussels Sprouts were the perfect meal for the two of us complimented with a double chocolate cake shared for dessert. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and had great recommendations for us. I can honestly say we will be back

                      Is this helpful?

                    9. Julie Gold

                      Mobile22 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 26 September 2026

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Such a beautiful view with amazing food! Ray took fabulous care of us and went above and beyond- so thoughtful and so kind! We had a great experience!

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                    10. Maria

                      Baja California Sur4 reviews

                      3.0

                      Dined on 26 September 2026

                      1. Overall 3
                      2. Food 3
                      3. Service 2
                      4. Ambience 5
                      The Drift was very nice inside, however the staff was very slow at getting drinks and food out . We ordered the appetizer the bread with the cheese that was really good then the filet mignon medium rare, and also the triple tail dish. The steak was barely room temperature the mashed potatoes room temperature same with the fish it was like it had been sitting up there for a while. We ordered truffle fries, they were the only thing that came out hot. Expedited a little more being that it was over $200.

                      Is this helpful?

                    Additional information

                    • Dining style
                      Casual Elegant
                    • Price
                      $31 to $50
                    • Cuisines
                      American, Seafood, Steak
                    • Hours of Operation
                      Dinner Tue–Sun 16:00–20:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sun 16:00–18:00
                    • Phone number
                      (850) 733-7331
                    • Website
                      https://driftpcola.com/
                    • Payment Options
                      AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                    • Dress code
                      Smart Casual
                    • Executive Chef
                      Luis Nolasco
                    • Catering
                      Email: events@driftpcola.com for all your catering and event needs!
                    • Private party facilities
                      Email: events@driftpcola.com for all your catering and event needs!
                    • Location
                      41 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561-2078
                    • Area
                      Pensacola
                    • Cross street
                      Located on the 2nd Floor of Casino Beach Bar & Grille
                    • Parking Details
                      The main entrance to Drift is located on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. Take the elevator located in the doorway across from Inner Light Surf Shop on the pier - to the 2nd floor above Casino Beach Bar & Grille.
                    • Public transport
                      The main entrance to DRIFT is located on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. Take the elevator on the Casino Beach Bar & Grille first floor level up to the second floor to access DRIFT!
                    • Additional
                      Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                    Gift card

                    Gift card

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                    Send a gift card

                    FAQs

                    The sea bass is a clear standout, the Coconut Citrus Seabass appears on the menu and multiple guests praise the sea bass as cooked perfectly and remarkable.

                    Smart casual is the guide, aim for polished but relaxed attire, and many guests do dress up a touch for anniversaries and special occasions.

                    Go for sunset, Drift’s second‑floor patio overlooks the Gulf and the restaurant runs Sunset Happy Hour (bar only) Wednesday–Sunday 4–6pm, and guests frequently praise dining there at sunset.

                    Yes, Drift offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio/deck that many guests enjoy for sunset views over the Gulf.

                    Yes, Drift runs a Sunset Happy Hour (bar only) Wednesday–Sunday from 4:00–6:00 pm, with a dedicated happy‑hour cocktails and starters menu at the bar.

                    Yes, Drift is a popular choice for date nights and anniversaries, thanks to its casual‑elegant room, Gulf sunset views, and multiple guests celebrating special evenings.

                    Yes, Drift is welcoming to families: guests report children (including 8‑ and 10‑year‑olds) enjoying mocktails and buttered noodles, and staff helping a party with a 6‑month‑old.

                    Drift welcomes private parties, the restaurant lists private parties as allowed and offers indoor and outdoor seating with full-service bars for gatherings.

                    Portions are often generous, several guests call the pork chop "huge, " and one guest said portions were ample enough they took extras home.

                    Drift: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday 4:00 pm–9:00 pm. Happy Hour (Bar Only) Wednesday–Sunday 4:00 pm–6:00 pm.

                    For sunset and Happy Hour, visit Wednesday through Sunday, Drift runs dinner and Sunset Happy Hour Wednesday–Sunday (Dinner 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Happy Hour 4:00 pm–6:00 pm).

                    Drift can feel lively and even “packed” on busy visits, while other nights have been described as pretty empty, so you may find a bustling spot some evenings and a much quieter experience on others.

                    Yes, Drift says it does its best to honor table requests (though not guaranteed), and guests have coordinated celebration requests directly with staff and the chef/owner on occasion.

                    Drift is a casual-elegant, beachside dining room with sweeping Gulf views, many guests highlight the sunset-facing patio, warm service, and a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.

                    How FAQ content is generated

                    1. Home
                    2. United States
                    3. Northwest Florida
                    4. Pensacola
                    5. Pensacola

                    Make a booking

                    A photo of Drift restaurant

                    Drift

                    4.6
                    $31 to $50
                    American
                    Pensacola

                    Make a booking

                    2 people
                    7:00 pm
                    Booked 10 times today
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