Blue Dot — Restaurant in Pensacola

Blue Dot is what it is. If you're not looking for this, then don't go there. If you're expecting something else, then don't go there. If you're half dressed, then don't go there (they have a dress code).

So what is Blue Dot? It's a old school, hole in the wall burger joint that does things their way and only their way. They've got burgers done one way and on some days they have ribs. They are cash only. Often there is a line and a wait. The man comes out and takes your burger order. When he gets everyone he goes in the back to help put them together. He comes out with your burgers and asks if you want chips or a soda and takes your money. It's his place and he does it the same way he has for 30 years and I respect the hell out of that.

About the burger: The patties are hand-formed and fresh and seasoned with, I'm guessing, salt and pepper. The bun is your standard over-sized grocery store bun that's been toasted to almost a char on the inside. The condiments are mayo, mustard, diced white onion and a slice of tomato that's been seasoned with salt and pepper. That's it. That's how it comes. Up until today I'd never heard someone ask for tomato and onion only or hold the mayo. That was a first from my experiences.

The burger, like the restaurant itself, is what it is, and that's an always consistent, old-fashion hamburger that is delicious.

Today was the first time I'd gotten a double. It was the first time I'd seen a double on the menu. The double was too much meat. It was good and all, but too much for me. I'll stick with the regular size. I also saw that you could get it with bbq sauce. I'm not sure what I think about that.

So here's my suggestion. Show up in a full t-shirt and actual shoes. Have cash. Order a hamburger, when he asks if you want anything else, get a cola and some lays chips. Pay the man and enjoy a very tasty little piece of Pensacola history from a place that's been open for...

Ok.. listen up. I have a co-worker from Pensacola who recommended Blue Dot during my one day visit to a flight academy. Keep in mind, I live in Atlanta, Georgia. He built up the legend of Blue Dots to where I knew I had to try it for myself. I called the restaurant to place my order and the recording said they're busy And Don't bother leaving a message. Hmm.. I thought. So, I decided to just show up only to find a closed/ sold out sign on the window.. what! Who does this? Who runs out of hamburgers and closes mid day? I sat there in bewilderment, wanting to really see what the rave was all about. I then reluctantly sought out a Whataburger for the 1st time, then headed back to Atlanta. I told my co-worker what happened. He then offered to have his mother bring Blue Dot burgers for me and my two sons the following weekend during her visit. He assured me, they travel well. I said ok. I picked up the burgers after atleast 24 hours of refrigeration, and traveling interstate. My youngest son and I warmed up our burgers, while my oldest son ate his cold. Without question, we all agreed that these were the best burgers we ever had! Despite the wait, the travel and even having to reheat 2 out 3, no other burger including a hot Whataburger compared. By the way, we're real foodies and we've had great burgers from all over. Also, my teenager who ate the cold burger is crazy picky and for him to say it's the best ever, is good enough for 5 stars alone! The simplicity and purity is mind blowing! We will be placing more long distance orders soon. You guys are amazing! The legend now...

I had lived in Pensacola for 25 years, and I never went to the infamous Blue Dot. It took me moving away and coming back to visit eight years later in order to finally come. And I instantly regretted all those 25 years of never being here before. It was so good.

The building has that iconic look to it. They don't make buildings like that anymore. Stoic, blue, welcoming. You enter and there's just tables everywhere and a counter you walk up to to order. Lots of welcomes echo from the back where everyone was husting and bustling.

Blue Dot's key to success has been its simplistic menu. Burgers and ribs and that's pretty much it. So I ordered one of each. Just a simple burger, no fancy fixins. But chocked full of flavor, tasted like it was cooked right on the coals. And a nice steamed bun. Very good. Very worth the price.

And then I went a little too far. Not only did I order the ribs, I ordered the whole slab option. Sounds like a good idea at the time. Turned out to be a great idea. Dinosaur ribs in a big pan dowsed with a yummy sauce. No unrendered fat that got in your way, and plenty of tender meat. Bite, dip in the sauce, repeat until done.

Overall, place has earned its legendary status. Efficient service, amazing food, a good place to show your friends from out of town. Will...