Shaggy's Pensacola Beach — Restaurant in Santa Rosa Island

I like to catch folks doing the right things right....generally the only time I write a review. But, couldn't resist this one. Service was excellent; atmosphere is what was expected as we wanted to sit by the water and enjoy the weather. However -- we went for the food based on reviews and descriptions on the menu, in search of that wonderful overall experience that would make a (favorable) lasting memory. NOT what we got. The food was terrible - mediocre at best. For the price paid, it was nearly unedible -- except for the plaintain, as it was delicious. But, you know something's not quite right when you can't order anything based on personal preference.

You want a Cuban sandwich with no mustard? Can't have it. REALLY??? You can't make the sandwich without a squirt of mustard? Oh - so it's pre-made? REALLY? You can't make something fresh because mustard gags my grandson? (who doesns't like seafood, or would have ordered something different) -- unacceptable; became a waste of food. Shrimp trio -- coconut shrimp was hot and tasty, but the garlic butter shrimp was tasteless, cold and meh. The bourbon glazed bacon wrapped shrimp was cold, stiff and stale -- as if it had been "created" several days before and reheated-in-a-microwave kind of stiff. You want something other than fries with that? Good luck. They were just as cold, stiff and stale as the bourbon shrimp.

By the way, the dish was ordered with tater tots which didn't happen. The servers were quick to rectify the error, however, they were the most tasteless tots ever produced. The other diners present felt the same about their menu choices, as well -- very mediocre to terrible based on menu descriptions -- prices were high for what we got, and don't reflect the quality of food you'd expect, whatsoever. If it weren't for the great service we received, I would have rated this place...

Visited on a weekday night, our first time there. We were seated beneath an outdoor table (wanted) with a massive fan overhead blowing tornado strength (unwanted), plus super noisy. There were other tables open nearby (bussed and reset, there was no one in the waiting area), we asked and relocated a few tables away (there should be NO table under that fan). Our server took our drink order, those came swiftly (wanted), but then we waited ten+ minutes before we flagged down a diff worker to ask if we could order, which was done, order came out 26 minutes later. Apparently they have different staff do only drink orders? Biggest problem was one entree (Bahama Grill) came out stone cold (unwanted). Our friendly server promised a quick remake and apologized. We waited. And waited. Other diners at our table completed their dinner. Still no remake. A new promise a few minutes later, more waiting - and then finally it came out - COLD again. I mean the sauteed/grilled fish was not even remotely warm nor hot (doubly unwanted). SMH. The manager and chef did come out to apologize, we declined another remake. They did offer a weak explanation that they were understaffed, and then asked us 'to not hold it against them'! Being a sauteed dish this needed kitchen-expeditor service to coordinate it with the fryer team. I suggest that any remake dishes are immediately handled by the exec chef PRONTO to right the sinking ship, (that may have happened here, IDK) but made no difference. They did comp the bill which was appreciated. As for the rest of the mostly-fried food order, it was 'Meh' - nothing that warrants their prices, and in no way special from competition. I DID tip our server, she tried. Many others have reviewed this place highly, I can't deny they may have had a great time however our experience was substantially different and...

If I could give more stars I would! From the minute we walked onto the deck, we knew we were in the right place! We were greeted immediately by Robert because they were just opening the doors and weren't quite open yet! No problem though, we were ushered right to the hostess stand where the sweetest smile greeted us. Cailon was genuinely happy to see us and offered us any seat in the house! We chose the deck to enjoy the outdoors before the storm came!

Surprisingly, she took our drink orders! Usually, we're just sat and told someone would be with us shortly, so this was a very welcome surprise. She told us they were a team and if we needed anything to ask anyone we saw! Wolf came right away and introduced himself, he was very friendly, outgoing and attentive, providing excellent service our entire visit. We ordered the mashed potato bites and coconut shrimp for appetizers, both were delivered hot and fresh and were delicious! I had the trigger fish tacos and hubby had the crab stuffed trigger fish special and both were outstanding! All of the food was perfectly cooked and seasoned and delivered quickly, hot and fresh.

Robert came by and chatted with us for awhile and really made us feel at home. He not only shared a bit of his story with us but seemed genuinely interested in ours. Because of the staff, and the great food of course, we highly recommend Shaggy's and will...