Drift

Name: Drift
Address: 41 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL, United States, 32561-2078
Telephone: (850) 733-7331
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

899 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top tags:

Join us for dinner or a Gulf side drink. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, perched high above on the second floor, DRIFT is a casual fine dining restaurant serving steaks & fresh seafood, offering guests THE best view on Pensacola Beach featuring an indoor bar & indoor seating as well as a patio bar & outdoor seating. Join us for our Sunday night Prime Rib Dinner, only $39.95 and check out our Sunset Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday for Half Off our specialty cocktail menu plus all appetizers - Sunday 4pm-6pm.

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 13 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(850) 733-7331
Website
https://driftpcola.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Andrew M. Suthers
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
Neighbourhood
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.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Popular dishes

What 899 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Northwest Florida
Great for fine wines
Northwest Florida
Great for scenic views
Pensacola
Best Overall
Pensacola
Best Food
Pensacola
Best Service
Pensacola
Best Ambience
Pensacola
Best Value
Pensacola
Good for business meals
Pensacola
Healthy
Pensacola
Great for fine wines
Pensacola
Romantic
Pensacola
Good for special occasions
Pensacola
Lively
Pensacola
Most Booked

899 Reviews

s
shalondap
Mobile
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Top tier per usual! The food was exceptional delicious.
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JA
JohnA
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Derek was most attentive and helpful as to menu selection. Friendly and efficient. We enjoyed our dining experience and will return soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Food was great and service was great too. Our bartender Gerard was friendly and made us an unbelievable Mai Tai. Will definitely return next time we are in town.
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LH
LHAV
Alabama
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall3Food2Service3Ambience5
Great atmosphere but overpriced food and drinks. Food was just ok
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ES
ElliotS
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Very much enjoyed our dinner. Our server, Pip, was great.
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MT
MarjieT
New Orleans
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
We enjoyed a fun dinner with friends at Drift. The atmosphere, service, wine, and food were all wonderful. We will definitely return and would recommend to anyone looking for a nice meal for a date night or special occasion.
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CA
ChipA
E. Tennessee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Wonderful experience at this restaurant. The food was great and the service was excellent. Great ambience, too, Five stars!!!
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LS
LeaS
Tallahassee
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Outstanding food and great service from Derek set the tone for our dinner and evening. The Drift did not disappoint.
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MM
MaryanneM
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Food and service were both excellent, would definitely recommend this restaurant experience to friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
Overall2Food2Service1Ambience5
Missing items of plate that were described or noted on the actual menu. Waitress inattentive, even with multiple open tables. Atmosphere beautiful, hostess staff delightful, drinks fresh, food fresh.
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AB
AdrienneB
Mobile
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
We were wanting to try Drift for about a year and finally found the occasion. My husband had been searching for good Bolognese since moving from NJ. He has finally found his spot! He said it was better than NJ! I had the "brontosaurus" short rib! It was delicious and huge. I also had the chocolate tulip dessert, which I highly recommend. Overall, it was a delicious meal and we will definitely be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Had an incredible time with my wife celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary!!! Thanks to everyone at Drift!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tallahassee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Drift went above and beyond to make the night special, and I can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
I had the sea bass and my husband had the snapper. Both were delicious!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2023
Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
Service was fantastic. Fine dining in a beautiful setting.
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P
Patricia
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2023
Overall2Food1Service5Ambience5
Birthday Brunch for my mom 81. Food was cold. Nothing worse than cold eggs. I had the Filet Benedict. :( My husband ordered Low Country Snapper and it was burnt and dried out. Didn't mesh well with the collards either. My mom ordered the avocado toast and said it was decent. Our server was sweet but to not offer desert was a bummer, especially a birthday. We then went to the outside bar and the bartender was rude. My husband asked to order another beer and she stated, "You know we close for dinner." I'm not really sure what that meant as there were other diners. It was a gorgeous day and the view is breathtaking but I would not visit this restaurant again. Way too overpriced for what you get.
1 person found this helpful
AL
AngelaL
Tallahassee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Excellent experience. We were greeted warmly! The service was attentive and responsive and the food was all perfect, so, so, so good. LOVE the surf and turf benedict!
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LB
LindsayB
E. Tennessee
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
Overall3Food3Service4Ambience3
The sunset view was amazing but unfortunately the food seems really overpriced.
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RC
RobertC
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
The best food we’ve ever had! Prices were more high end but worth every penny. Service was top notch and our server was so knowledgeable about every dish. We can’t wait to go back!!
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ES
ErinnS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
The food was outstanding and the view can't be beat. Luis our server was excellent! We can't wait to go back.
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SH
ShaneH
Tallahassee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
Overall3Food3Service5Ambience5
Great spot and location, food was very average for the price point.
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A
Ales
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Had a lovely dinner at drift. Beautiful views and ambiance - we sat on the outside balcony overlooking the beach and full moon. Started with the Caesar salad (excellent) and hamachi crudo (good - but would try the ceviche next time). I had the swordfish entree - which was cooked to perfection and a generous portion. Husband had the duck and was very pleased. We both had the watermelon “nojito” (mocktails) and they were delish. Service was also wonderful - we will be back.
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BD
BlackDog967
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience2
Music to loud and outdated. The type of music does not fit the type of restaurant Drift is, I my opinion
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G
Good
Atlanta Metro
78 reviews
vip
4.0
78 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
Drift didn’t quite meet our expectations from reading reviews and looking at the website. Our server was awesome. He was friendly, knowledgeable, chill and made us feel at home. The rest of the staff acted very cold. They didn’t even respond when we said thank you and goodbye on the way out. The food was very good. The Hamachi Crudo was tasty and plentiful. I ordered the pork chop which was built up to be amazing, but it was dry and overcooked. Some of the other customers were less than classy.
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EA
ErAS
St. Louis
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
Overall4Food4Service5Ambience3
Overall, we had a very nice night. The only problem was that several menu items were not available (several drinks were being updated, they were out of the sea bass),. Had we known that we probably would have come on another night. Overall, though, the food we had was excellent.
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K
Kyle
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
food was good, not fantastic; the service was wonderful and the breeze off the water is wonderful.
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LF
LobsterFeast
New Orleans
106 reviews
vip
3.0
106 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
Overall3Food3Service5Ambience4
The service was exceptional and Luis was very attentive. The food was average at best and highly overpriced. The $8 charge to split an entree is excessive and the $9 to add one lamb lollipop to the starter order was quite surprising. The battling music between piped in upstairs and live downstairs when seated outside was really distracting. Sorry, Won’t be coming back to Drift.
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K
Kissmygumbo
New Orleans
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
My first time there and it won’t be my last. Our server, Andrew, was enthusiastic, extremely attentive and knowledgable about the menu. The wine selection was fantastic. The portions were generous as I split a dish and they gave us extra sides to accommodate. Food was soooo good! PB has now given me another reason for loving it so much!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
The view is the best on the beach, food and service were outstanding. If I ever come back to Pensacola, I’ll be sure to come back to Drift!
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SE
SEllen
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Pensacola Beach has needed an upscale restaurant for so long and Drift is a wonderful addition to the beach dining scene! Food, service, ambiance are all top-notch.
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c
christim
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
Overall5Food5Service4Ambience5
We had never heard of drift until it showed up on a Google search of pensacola beach restaurants. It was beautiful inside and the food was impeccable. We will definitely go back.
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FA
FlyerATL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Sunday brunch is an awesome time to visit as we. 11:00 was not busy and the view is striking. Food was delicious and our server Trinity was a gem.
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PD
PensacolaDiner
Tallahassee
34 reviews
vip
2.0
34 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
Overall2Food1Service4Ambience4
The restaurant was not crowded so I don't know why we had these issues. The lamb lollipop appetizer was not worth the money - only 3 chops swimming in aioli with ice cold unseasoned asparagus - for $24.00. The duck dish was overly and made the rest of the dish salty. The service was great and they did comp our dishes 50% but they also added a credit card processing fee of 5% which is incredibly tacky for a fine dining establishment. Don't see a return visit for quite a while.
1 person found this helpful
VB
VicB
Atlanta Metro
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
Overall3Food2Service4Ambience4
The atmosphere in the service was beautiful, but the food was cold, tough, and tasted like it had been prepared hours earlier. Definitely not worth the price.
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DF
DorisF
Mobile
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Best steak I have ever had. Service was excellent. Beautiful outdoor seating area.
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AB
AB63
Indiana
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
This is the third time we’ve been and it’s never disappointed. We finish our vacation here as a special dinner before we return home. Service is always exceptional and the food is fantastic. They also have the best wine list we’ve found in the area by a wide margin.
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CS
CamS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 9, 2023
Overall2Food3Service2Ambience5
Was not up to expectations long wait for food and it was underwhelming. For the price for food to come out cold, not a great experience. One and done
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MM
MonaM
Western NC
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
Overall4Food5Service4Ambience5
Sea bass was outstanding, 5+. My husband's duck was a 4, good, but he felt the sauce was a bit stronger than necessary. The grilled watermelon salad was delicious. The restaurant was full but not noisy, and the service was good but not over the top. I would run, not walk, back for the sea bass.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
Birthday dinner
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BA
BillA
Denver
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
Overall3Food1Service3Ambience5
This is one of our favorite dinner places. We thought we would give Sunday brunch a try but what difference! With the exception of the ahi and yellowtail appetizer the food was a big disappointment. There were 9 of us. One of our meals was “ forgotten” and on a very empty, non-busy Sunday the wait after we ordered was very long. Sitting in the patio was a mistake since the restaurant immediately below (which by the way is run by the same management)was hosting a musician (completely out of tune to the point we were laughing… so sad). Of course the piped in music on the patio conflicted… very noisy. To top it off it was very expensive. $24 for the hamburgers $15 for the Florentine frittatas $20 for the tuna appetizer $24 for the yellow tale appetizer $13 for the fresh fruit with yoghurt plate appetizers The waitress tried to accommodate but didn’t offer anything for our forgotten meal. Manager had to make good on it. We won’t do a brunch there again but we will return for dinners!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Drift is rated 4.4 stars by 899 OpenTable diners.

Drift does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 13 times today

41 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561-2078

Additional information

Cross Street
Located on the 2nd Floor of Casino Beach Bar & Grille
Neighbourhood
Pensacola
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
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.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Andrew M. Suthers
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://driftpcola.com/
Phone number
(850) 733-7331
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!

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Drift

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card

Popular dishes

Black Garlic Caesar Salad

Yucatan Grouper

Yellowtail Crudo (Raw)

Menu

What 899 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

How is Drift restaurant rated?

Does Drift offer gift cards?

Is Drift currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card