Review: Peg Leg Pete's Restaurant in Pensacola Beach, Florida

After a long day on the beautiful Emerald Coast, Peg Leg Pete's is a great spot to relax, enjoy a cold beverage and get some delicious seafood.

On two separate visits to Peg Leg Pete's, I experienced friendly and efficient service and a great meal at a good value.

For a starter, try the cajun shrimp. Unlike standard "popcorn shrimp," these little guys are dipped in a cajun batter and served with a cajun sauce for dipping. The sauce really makes them - spicy, but not overwhelming.

Or, you can't go wrong with some oysters on the half shell. I prefer mine lightly steamed, but Peg Leg Pete's serves them in several baked options, or you can always go raw.

If you're in the mood for a sandwich, definitely try the Grouper Sandwich. The fish is fried, but it's got just the thinnest layer of batter and is mostly hearty, flaky fish. It's served on a delicious toasted hoagie roll with a bit of lettuce and tomato, with tarter sauce on the side and french fries.

If you can't make up your mind, the Mixed Grill is an excellent choice. Get your fill with a mix of jumbo shrimp, fresh gulf grouper and large sea scallops, all basted and chargrilled. The seafood was all incredibly fresh and a good size. No baby shrimp or scallops here! Finished off with rice pilaf, vegetables and a slice of garlic toast, this was a very filling meal at an affordable price ($19.95).

On a side note, one of my guests is on a gluten-free diet, and even he was happy with his options. He tried the double chicken breast, marinated and chargrilled and served with rice pilaf, mixed vegetables and corn on the cob. The meal traditionally comes with garlic toast, but upon learning of his dietary restrictions, the server offered to give him half an ear of corn in lieu of the toast.

The atmosphere is very casual - flips flops are more than welcome. There are options to eat outside or inside, and there's often live music at the downstairs bar, the "UnderWhere Bar." There is also a children's play area in the sand.

Peg Leg Pete's is a great spot to relax and enjoy time with family or friends in the evening, but be prepared for a bit of a wait, particularly on busy weekends in the late spring and summer. We waited about 45 minutes for a table on a Saturday night. But, there is plenty to see and do, and you'll be called for your table with a pager.

Lunch time is a great time to visit, too. There was no wait for lunch when we visited, and the service was superb.

Peg Leg Pete's is a must-visit next time you are in Pensacola Beach. Peg Leg Pete's is at 1010 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, Florida, 32561.