George Bistro + Bar — Restaurant in Ferry Pass

I visit home, Pensacola, from time to time, and every time I do, I try and visit a new restaurant, as well as a couple of my favorites. But in terms of my new one, it was overwhelmingly obvious that I come visit George. I'd been hearing a lot about George.

The atmosphere is hard to describe. It's Southern, for sure, but not classic or rustic or even upsale. It felt like the inside of Leo's house at the end of Django. It was quite nice and inviting. There's a nice patio where singers can sing. And the 'porch of the house' has seating all around it, too. It's really quaint and pleasant on the eyes. You'll see.

Our server was beyond nice. She knew the specials of the night and made recommendations and helped me find my way to a fancy coffee drink that was served inside of a wine glass and had the rim covered in coconut shavings. It was called the Iced Coconut Iced Latte. So much fun. We did two apps, two entrees, and a dessert.

I primarily had the Bone Marrow (roasted bone marrow, pickled onions, radish and parsley, bacon onion jam, toasted artisan bread). There are three levels of bone marrow at restaurants: the losers who don't offer it, the losers who buy the discount bones and you get maybe one bite out of each piece, and then the winners who offer apps like this.

They give you three, THREE, bones that are the epitome of unctuousness. Three is almost too much. I was looking for relief on my palate. Luckily... they give it to you. Acidy picked onions and sweet, amazing bacon onion jam and more baguettes than you can count. Wow. This was an indulgent app and I loved every second of it. Honestly, the top prize of the meal tonight. Truly unique. You should get this.

I also got to sample the Pear Gorgonzola Rosemary Tart (puff pastry, green d'anjou pears, dolce gorgonzola, rosemary, arugula, scallions, walnuts, 18-year aged balsamic). This app was admittedly less awe-inspiring, but it was solid. The puff pastry was flakey and cooked well throughout. The amounts and the cut of the pears and the gorgonzola was perfect, a nice balance to the buttery crust. The classic topping combination was complimented with their signature balsamic. You can imagine how good that was. AND, then they give you a sprinkle of walnuts for added texture. Solid.

For my entree, I had the Grilled Lamb Chops (grilled lamb chops dusted with Chef’s spice blend, Mediterranean gouda polenta cake, sautéed green beans with caramelized shallots, toasted almonds, 18 year-aged balsamic + pomegranate reduction). These crazy people give you six chops. Six. They're petite, but still, that's a lot. Thank you for that, George. And they were cooked well and had that nice spice blend on them.

The polenta cake acted as a great little carb. And the green beans were cooked well, with just enough of a bite to be interesting, along with the classic dusting of slivered almonds. All of this is covered with their balsamic again, which was nice, but not really necessary here. But, you know, not complaining.

I also had the Seared Scallops (seared diver scallops, creamy parsnip purée, roasted tomato, red bell pepper and arugula salad, lemon vinaigrette, crispy sweet potato hay, parsley oil, 18-year aged balsamic reduction). This was a super well composed dish. The scallops were seared SO GOOD. Seriously, check out the pic. So they were perfect. The accents didn't let you down, either. The parsnip puree had a tinge of sweetness to it and was super duper creamy. The cute little salad was fresh and acidic and the sweet potato hay I could literally eat a pound of. So good.

And finally, the dessert. We shared the Peanut Butter Bliss (decadent layers of our chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter mousse finished with peanut butter cream cheese frosting). Decadent is right. Deep, sweet chocolate balanced well with a not-so-sweet mousse. This was very delicious. No complaints.

Overall, this has to be one of the top restaurants in all of Pensacola. It's so tough between this and Iron. I'll have to eat at both again the next time...

If your girl is trying to get a “perhaps not”… PLEASE take her to George Bistro + Bar… We’ve been here for almost 2 years & somehow never got around to trying this place until tonight!

The food is insane! Huge portions.. seasoned perfectly. I had absolutely no complaints.. Even the service was amazing!

It’s such a cute atmosphere… & we will 100% be back! Also, it is kid friendly!

Not Pictured:

❤️ George Fries - hand cut fries, andouille sausage, cremini mushrooms, parmesan, feta, rosemary, sea salt, served with curry ketchup, basil aioli, chipotle aioli…

✨ I would rate these a 20/10 if I could! I have never had fries this good possibly in my entire life! ✨

❤️ Kid’s Menu - Grilled Cheese - Brioche bun with cheddar cheese & a side of fresh fruit

✨ If our daughter could tell you how it was, she’d probably rate it a 20/10. It was devoured! ✨

Pictured:

❤️ Ribeye Steak Frites (except we subbed asparagus as we already had fries for an appetizer) - 16oz. split bone-in CAB ribeye, topped with herb butter, served with hand cut rosemary sea salt fries or mixed greens salad

✨ My husband has rated this a 9/10! He said the ribeye was REALLY good… great char. It was a perfect medium rare! He said them were some thicc boiz (the asparagus)! 😂 ✨

❤️ Filet Mignon - 8 oz. sous vide filet mignon, black garlic dolce gorgonzola Amish butter, roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, bouquet of fresh herbs in lemon dressing

✨ Delicious! It was soooo perfectly cooked… like butter melting in your mouth! Amazing asparagus.. Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes with a garlicky lemony finish. 20/10 ✨

❤️ Turtle Cheesecake

✨ My husband gives it a 7.5/10! It was good, but not his favorite.. We didn’t ask if it was made in house.. but to me it was nice! It had a very buttery taste.. ✨

❤️ Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

✨ We both give this a 20/10… very basic.. very mindful… very demure… very delicious! It was without being overwhelmingly sweet (again, this restaurant has seasoning.. & sweets down pat!) like a pumpkin pie.. the top layer was torched to perfection & garnished with a fresh whipped cream & pumpkin seeds! The inside was just enough pumpkin to custard.. perfect spice blend! Our baby also really loved it! ✨

Overall, we were really impressed! This is the place to go for a date night.. or honestly just for a foodie adventure.. My taste buds were going on a trip & im here for it! I was extremely hesitant that we were underdressed, but there was guests there in every attire.. We were able to sit outside.. the weather was beautiful.. the vibes were immaculate! Great lighting!

Please check this place out especially if you’re new to the area! You won’t regret it! ❤️

Thank you for coming to my...

11:15 AM AUGUST 23 THURSDAY

SERVER - WINSOME - Miss congeniality sharp as a tack! Best server I have had in quite some time

SERVER KATIE - was training

This is my second time here. My first visit was cut short and interrupted. One of the things I like about this place is how they train their new servers with an experienced server.

Beef Carpaccio- is like a work of art in its presentation. I ordered mine without a few things. It is served with 18;year old balsamic. It is light and flavorful for those looking for something not heavy. The shaved Parmesan it quite good.

MINI CRAB CAKES- These were surprisingly good! When they first came out they looked standard and manufactured but break them open reveals a crab cake that is full of crab. I got my sauce on the side since it is spicy. Serving these with arugula is an excellent touch.

SALMON BLT and HAND CUT FRIES -5 GUYS got nothing on these fries. Perfection!

-Salmon BLT features super crispy bacon.... pure perfection that would make any farmer proud!

This sandwich has both the creamy jalapeno dill sauce as well as the chipotle aioli ( which I got on the side). I was amazed how light in weight this sandwich was ..even though it was stacked incredibly light!

This restaurant had a better than average drink menu but the GREAT is they are willing to go off the menu...at least for the MAYOR 😉. I ask for a black cherry pineapple creation which they served in a martini glass. It was not only creative but delicious.

This restaurant has been open 9 years apparently but I found it by chance right here on Google maps. Great find! 5 minutes from the Pensacola International airport.

With all the great things about this restaurant I would offer two suggestions.

1 - THE MUSIC- upbeat DANCE music. It doesn't really match the atmosphere. I feel like I am @ happy hour ...BUT it's lunch! The music is also LOUD! I saw several people leaning I Music should ALWAYS ADD to the atmosphere NOT take away. In my opinion it devalues George Bistro BOTH in the CHOICE and VOLUME.

2- AIR CONDITIONER - Make sure you pick your spot. It can be quite chilly in this place so be sure to dress in layers and stay away from the vents. If you get cold easy I would suggest sit on the far right wall.

Having said all of that this restaurant is worthy of the Mayors FIVE...