REDHOTDINING

By Bradley “Beej” Davis, Jr.

SaBai Thai on Jefferson

130 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola; 850-741-4618; sabaionjefferson.com

Tucked away lovingly in Southtowne Apartments, SaBai Thai on Jefferson is a family owned and operated restaurant offering terrific Thai food and friendly service. What makes this spot red hot? The menu offers delectable Wok noodles, Thai curries, tangy soups, fried rice and salads, as well as authentic specialty selections and smaller-portion lunch specials. Carry out or dine-in, call for a reservation because this quaint spot fills up quickly, but you’ll always be served unique and authentic Thai fare and a remarkable dining experience.

Hot Spot Barbecue

901 E. La Rua St., Pensacola; 850-497-6060; hotspotbarbecue.com

Nothing says hot more than having hot in your name!

Opened in June 2013, this family operated spot on 9th Avenue is serving some of the absolute best Southern-style barbecue in town. On the menu you’ll find only the finest meats and ingredients, specially seasoned with Hot Spot’s special dry-rub and carefully cooked in one of the on-site, outside smokers. Positively nothing is deep fried, and you can always expect service to be friendly and red-hot fast. Fun fact: Hot Spot’s combination of recipes come directly from family members and friends. Rumor has it they also have one of the best lemon pies in existence.

George Bistro + Bar

6205 N. 9th Avenue, Pensacola; 850-912–4655; georgebistroandbar.com

Nestled just a bit north on 9th Avenue is the Southern charm of George Bistro + Bar. You’ll probably be tempted to cop a squat on the front porch swing, but upon arrival, the true hospitality happens the minute you walk through the door. Friendly greetings and service are staples of the establishment, rivaled only with George’s respect for ingredients, which is paramount in telling the personal story of each dish. What are the stories of these dishes? Well, perhaps it’s their origins having been influenced by travels through Europe as well as the proprietors’ time living in New York. Naturally, George uses not only the freshest ingredients for their fare, but also for their hand-crafted coffees and cocktails.

Kohn’s on Palafox

34 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola; 850-912-6762; kohnsonpalafox.com

Positioned on South Palafox Place since 2014, Khon’s boasts an extensive menu. Want a hot spin on Pad Thai? It’s one of the many outstanding and consistently delicious items on the extensive menu of authentic Southeastern Asian cuisine. And don’t forget about the full sushi bar! Speaking of sushi, who’s at the helm of Khon’s creations? None other than executive chef Dot Chap who hails from Bonsai at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. Don’t worry about finding the perfect beverage to accompany your meal, as Kohn’s also offers an array of craft beer, sake cocktails and wine. Inspired by the Gulf Coast’s “relaxed vibe,” your restaurant experience takes place in a modern, welcoming atmosphere.

Restaurant IRON

22 N. Palafox St., Pensacola; 850-476-7776; restaurantiron.com

There’s a saying: “Strike while the iron’s hot,” and with its Southern flare and a contemporary twist, the Restaurant IRON dining experience elevates Downtown Pensacola’s culinary offerings to a new standard. Seasoned executive chef Alex McPhail touts the restaurant’s theme as locallysourced, hand-made and detail-focused for every recipe. You’ll often see him and his incredible kitchen team preparing your meal in the open kitchen that is then perfectly presented by a knowledgeable and professional staff in a comfortable, yet elegant, southern-inspired setting. This is certainly a red-hot dining destination for a special occasion or to simply savor one of Pensacola’s premier establishments.