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What Makes Dining Out So Much Fun? Pensacola is one of the best cities to dine out in. With plenty of diverse dining options, great weather for eating outdoors year-round, and affordable prices, we pride ourselves at O’Brien’s Bistro on being one of the many excellent restaurants in Pensacola to grab a bite to eat. But what exactly makes dining out so fun? As it turns out, there are plenty of factors that all contribute to having an excellent time when going out to eat here in Pensacola.   The Atmosphere Is Unmatched One of the main reasons that dining out is so fun, especially here in Pensacola, is the unbeatable atmosphere. Oftentimes, in today’s busy world, meals are eaten in cars, at desks on a quick break, or rushed while sitting mindlessly in front of the TV. What makes dining out the perfect alternative is the atmosphere we create. Soft-lit candles, relaxing music, the gentle hum of conversation, as well as the delicious smells coming from the kitchen all contribute to making dining out so fun.   It’s A Great Time To Connect With Friends And Family It’s not often that we get to spend a long, quality meal with friends and family. Dining out is the perfect venue for that opportunity. Going to a restaurant gets everyone out of the house, and can make a normal weeknight feel like a special occasion. There’s a reason why dining out is much preferred over hosting a dinner party, it allows you to connect with your friends and family without the pressure of having to make a meal and clean up. When dining out, you can leave the hard work to us and simply enjoy connecting with your loved ones.   Dining Out Gets You Out Of Your Comfort Zone Having a meal out is so fun because it allows you to take risks and gets you out of the mundane everyday feeling that spending the night in your house can sometimes take on. Dining out breaks up the routine and prompts you to try new things. At O’Brien’s we pride ourselves on our delicious variety of dishes, ensuring that you can try something new that you’ll love every time you dine out with us.   Happy Hour Deals That Can’t Be Beaten One of the perks of dining out is creating an exciting after-work routine, without having to spend much money. Recently, O’Brien’s was proud to bring our happy hour to diners in Pensacola, offering half off glasses of wine and well drinks, $2.00 off of each beer, and 25% select call liquor. Our happy hour is a great opportunity to meet up after work, classes, or just get the night started right with deals you can’t miss from 4-6 PM.   Come By For A Drink And Have A Night Of Fun At O’Brien’s Bistro O’Brien’s makes dining out fun, whether you are in the mood for appetizers and drinks, or a delicious sit-down dinner with friends in family. O’Brien’s even offers private dining for parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, family reunions, and other events where you want to have fun in your own private event. With our extensive wine list, and delicious cocktails, O’Brien’s Bistro is the perfect place to unwind, but make sure to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.   There are many reasons why dining out is so fun, but it’s the most fun of all gathering friends and family at O’Brien’s Bistro. Make a reservation online today to join us for a night out you won’t forget.  

Planning a party is a fun and exciting thing to do, but it can also be super stressful. You have to decide where to host the event, what kind of food to have, accommodate different needs for a bunch of people, and still find time to enjoy the shindig you put together! To plan your next private event or special occasion, you’ll need to know a few things to make it memorable. If you’re looking for a great suggestion without a lot of hassle, considering hosting at a restaurant. Let’s just into the meaty details! Location, Location, Location One of the first things you have to decide when it comes to planning a party is the location. Gathering at someone’s house may seem like the most convenient option but there can be a few headaches that come with a crowd pulling up in your driveway. Your friends, family, even your co-workers probably live on different sides of town or even the next town over, if not further away. Driving over to someone’s house is not always an easy option. The other downside of hosting a party at home is the parking situation. Once everyone has arrived, you will have to worry about cars lining up and down your street, potentially blocking in your neighbors’ cars. You have probably had to deal with the stress of finding a place to park when attending someone’s house party. Hosting your next party or private event at a venue addresses these two issues. You can choose a venue that is centrally located, and your guests will have an easier time finding it. And everyone will have plenty of space to park. Customize A Menu To Match Your Style Choosing one of your favorite restaurants for your party or private event means you get to eat their delicious food. You can work with the restaurant staff to customize a menu for your event to accommodate any dietary needs and take the stress off yourself from any grocery shopping and cooking.  At O’Brien’s Bistro, we proudly use fresh local healthy food in our recipes so your gathering will have the best menu in Pensacola. We can help you pick out appetizers, entrees, desserts, and signature cocktails to match the vibe and style of your event. You can sit back and enjoy the party you’ve planned knowing everyone is well-fed and having a great time! And the best part? No post-party clean-up! Imagine going home after a night of fun and festivities to your kitchen still clean, no dirty plastic cups and plates and cutlery lining every surface, no overflowing trash bags. Make Any Occasion Special We want to help you make any occasion special for you and your guests. Whether it be a holiday party, a birthday, a reunion, a baby shower, a rehearsal dinner, or you just have something you really want to celebrate with your loved ones, we want to help you make that happen. We offer private and semi-private spaces in our restaurant to accommodate everyone in your party to feel comfortable and at ease. O’Brien’s Bistro is conveniently located in Cordova Square on Bayou Boulevard, just south of the Cordova Mall. Contact us and let us know how we can help. We can handle parties of all sizes. Plus, the food will be amazing and you won’t have any mess to clean up afterwards.

At O’Briens Bistro, we pride ourselves on being a high-quality restaurant, with fresh and delicious food designed by our owner and chef to leave you full and happy. But we are often asked, what it means to be a bistro. Many people confuse a bistro as specifically being a french restaurant but the history of this kind of restaurant is much more global and interesting than that simple definition. Read on to explore exactly where the term bistro came from, and how it’s being used today.  The Origin Of The Word Bistro As with the etymology of many common terms, it is not entirely certain where the term bistro comes from. A bistro is most commonly associated with upscale, often french cuisine, and this is fitting due to the fact that the word bistro most likely originated in France. Etymologists identify the first uses of the term bistro in France in the early 19th Century. Bistro was originally conceived as French slang that referred to a little cafe or wine shop. This slang term was co-opted by the French from Russian invaders during the 1814 occupation of Paris. The term bistro was a mispronunciation of a similar Russian word that meant “hurry” something that Russian soldiers would often shout at cafe and restaurant owners during this occupation. Some etymologists argue that the term bistro has nothing to do with the Russians. Instead, the word stems from the french “bistraud” which roughly translates to “wine seller’s assistant”. Regardless of the specific origin, this French term has been used all over the world and has become incredibly popular.  What Bistro Has Come To Mean In The 21st Century Nowadays, the etymology of the word bistro has evolved yet again in America. Generally, American bistros are very different from the small cafes and wine shops of France. In America, the term bistro is generally used to illustrate to customers that a restaurant is somewhat upscale, but not stuffy, and often features high-quality, classic cuisine. It’s not uncommon that the food served in American bistros is inspired by European cuisine and features classic cooking techniques to create a dining experience that feels modern but still upscale. What The Word Bistro Means To O’Brien’s At O’Brien’s Bistro, we pride ourselves on bringing these ideas of creative, fresh, and continental bistro fare to Pensacola. To us, a bistro is showcased in the care and effort that is put into every dish. We specialize in creating dining experiences where everyone will enjoy exciting new dishes in a way that still feels familiar. Our bistro menu is full of dishes that incorporate flavors and techniques from all over the globe. To us, being a bistro means that you will receive the best service in a beautiful upscale environment, and enjoy food that you will want to come back for again and again. O’Brien’s Bistro is proud to help the term bistro evolve in a new and delicious way. For your next meal, private party, or special event consider our bistro for an excellent experience every time. Contact us by phone during normal business hours or reach out to us using our contact form. We would love to feed you, your family, your friends, and their friends!

Sunday Brunch is a Pensacola tradition. From families looking for a delicious treat to college students looking to recap Saturday night’s events, brunch is a weekly meeting for many people to let the mimosas flow and enjoy the last moments of the weekend before Monday morning shocks you back to reality. Here at O’Brien’s Bistro, we offer a delicious brunch. With Pensacola favorites like Shrimp and Grits and Crab Cakes Benedict. Plus, other classics like Belgian Waffles and an array of tasty omelets. While we love inviting you into O’Brien’s bistro every Sunday for brunch, recently we stopped to wonder, how did Sunday brunch become such a popular tradition? As it turns out the answer is more complicated than you might think.    Brunch’s British Origins As with many things that become immensely popular, lots of people like to take credit for being the first one to think of it. This is no different with brunch. From the Brits to the Catholics, to the Hollywood silver screen stars of the 1930s the origins of brunch are all over the place. What we do know for sure is that the first written usage of the word “brunch” does belong to the English. In 1895 author Guy Beringer wrote an article in Hunters Weekly entitled “Brunch: A Plea,”. There, he argued that the lavish meals that had become common before upper society hunts were too heavy. He suggested that the meal should be lighter fare. His words are still relevant today as he describes brunch as a meal that should be sociable and talkative. You could find this attitude in today’s brunches in Pensacola, with close-knit groups of people chatting over light sandwiches, egg dishes, and salads, as well as some delicious heavier fare too. But this English hunting breakfast wasn’t the only popularization of a midday breakfast meal enjoyed with friends and family.    The Devout Side Of Brunch  The origins of brunch as a meal could have also started with devout Catholics who practiced a custom of fasting until the end of the traditional Sunday mass. After this long fast, it was custom to gather with family and friends and have a large mid-afternoon meal.  But the Catholics aren’t the only group with a large and devout following to have possibly popularized brunch. Back in the 1930s movie stars would take trains across the country from New York to Los Angeles and would often insist on stopping in Chicago for a mid-afternoon meal. This practice then became fashionable in the big cities, with New York restaurants suggesting that they popularized it. This could be true as well given how some popular dishes, like bagels and lox, are New York specialties.   Brunch Today Though movie stars, New Yorkers, and British hunters all have a claim to the origins of brunch, it may have been something as unexpected as World War II that caused it to be such a standard in America today. As American women entered the workforce post-war, their time at home began to become more valuable. Why waste it cooking a large breakfast when they could go out and enjoy quality time with their family? Additionally, the post-war economic boom boosted most people’s bank accounts. This made this kind of regular eating out was financially possible. In that way, the simple concept of brunch becoming immensely popular serves as a kind of mark of progress in society. Today it is more popular than ever. It is a time to connect with family or friends, recap the week, and prepare for the upcoming one. Brunch is more than just a meal, it is a tradition that provides comfort. It can be a mainstay in tumultuous times, plus it is just plain delicious.  Whether it originated in the U.K. or Chicago, there’s no denying that the best brunch for your family and friends is right here in Pensacola at O’Brien’s Bistro. O’Brien’s is happy to welcome you for your first time, or welcome you back for your weekly tradition. Our Sunday brunch is from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Reserve your table today.

With September 21st marking the official start of the fall season, O’Brien’s Bistro is prepared for the season, with dishes that are sure to put you in the mood for falling leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, and all the other special moments that autumn has to offer. Take a look below at a sampling of ten dishes from our menu that are perfect for autumn. Baked Brie Autumn is a season of appetizers. From wings and mozzarella sticks served during Sunday NFL games, to the meticulously prepared thanksgiving charcuterie boards, every family has their perfect fall appetizer. We would like to share ours with you. Start your meal with creamy baked brie, topped with pecan sauce, and served with French bread. This is sure to be the perfect appetizer for autumn. Roasted Beet Salad It only makes sense that autumn is an amazing time for fresh salads. Our roasted beet salad features balsamic marinated roasted beets, crisp red onions, fresh mozzarella, pecans, and seasonal berries. This salad truly is the ideal marriage between summer and fall. Creme Brulee French Toast Brulee is the most important meal of the day, at least at O’Brien’s. A perfect fall day starts with our rich French Toast. Soaked in creme brulee egg batter and served with smoky andouille sausage or bacon, this is a dish you want again and again. Classic Southern Breakfast If you are craving an even heartier fall breakfast, start your day with our classic southern breakfast. Three eggs any style, a toasted English muffin, potatoes, and your choice of bacon or Andouille sausage, will surely help fuel you through a beautiful fall day of hiking, apple picking, or just relaxing at home. Three Cheese Eggplant There is something about fall that calls for deliciously balanced, artfully prepared food that is reminiscent of seasons past. Our traditional three-cheese eggplant combines sauteed eggplant, with marinara and a blend of feta, provolone, and parmesan, and is served over angel hair pasta. This perfect fall dish will have you feeling like you are enjoying a crisp fall day in Italy, without ever leaving Pensacola. Bistro Burger While summer barbecues may be over, you can enjoy a perfectly grilled burger in any season at O’Brien’s Bistro. With a delicious custom blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib meat, and  classic burger toppings, our bistro burger is sure to have you feeling like it’s summer on a beautiful fall day, Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Autumn almost demands comfort food, and is there any comfort food better than mac and cheese? How about mac and cheese made with pillowy potato gnocchi. This fall dish is sure to warm you up, with creamy three-cheese sauce, soft potato dumplings, and crispy panko bread crumbs on top. All you need to go with it is a mug of cider!  New Orleans Shrimp and Andouille Honoring one of the most haunted cities in the world, spend spooky season enjoying our New Orleans Shrimp and Andouille. This perfect autumn dish combines fresh Gulf shrimp with spicy Andouille sausage, tossed in a creamy sauce with veggies and penne pasta. It is frightfully delicious. Almond Crusted Mahi Mahi You’ll find the perfect light fall dinner in our almond-crusted Mahi Mahi. Fresh fish crusted with almonds and pan sauteed, then topped with our buerre blanc sauce and served with veggies and rice pilaf. If you think that seafood isn’t the right meal for autumn, this dish is sure to prove you wrong. Roasted Double Bone Pork Chop Finally, it simply does not get more autumnal than our roasted double-bone pork chop. This delicious, 12 oz piece of succulent pork is finished with a sweet potato mash, a vegetable medley, cinnamon apples, and a cider reduction sauce. After a long autumn day, this is the perfect meal to start the season off right.   Come into O’Brien’s Bistro today to enjoy these amazing fall dishes. Maybe you want to see a few other options, check out our Brunch Menu, Lunch Menu, or our Dinner Menu. If you need to contact us for any reason, call us or fill out our contact form. We look forward to meeting you and serving you a delicious meal you’ll never forget.

Pensacola, Florida is home to some of the most interesting and diverse restaurants in the panhandle. Each restaurant is different from the next in ambiance, history, and overall dining experience. However, one restaurant in particular stands out in this ever-changing town and that is O’Brien’s Bistro. This charming, Pensacola-favorite has been serving up fresh, locally sourced food and fine wine since 1999, and has continued doing so after being purchased by owners David and Lucia Greenfield in 2017. New Improvements David and Lucia have continued the bistro’s excellence since purchasing O’Brien’s and have made some exciting improvements. New Outdoor Patio Addition Dog-Friendly COVID-19 Precautions Serving Alcoholic Beverages The outdoor patio let’s you dine in an open-air feel where you can soak in the sun or stars (depending on the time). Providing a unique dining experience, the outdoor patio has quickly become one of the most sought after features of O’Brien’s Bistro. O’Brien’s has also recently started serving other alcoholic beverages and are in the process of adding a full bar inside the restaurant. “The bar will be attached to the restaurant next door and will be the first thing you see, off to the right-hand side,” says David. This renovation is estimated to be complete around Thanksgiving. Handling COVID-19 The Coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the nation this year has impacted residents and business in Pensacola, but the staff at O’Brien’s isn’t slowing down. “Inside the restaurant, we’re at 50% capacity and the tables are spaced to abide by social distancing and CDC guidelines,” says David. “All of our tables are cleaned and sanitized by the staff after each seating, as well as sanitizing various parts of the restaurant.” David added that each staff member wears a face mask while inside the bistro and wash their hands frequently. Hand sanitizer is also available in restrooms and at the front entrance. O’Brien’s is still serving the full menu, complete with daily chef’s specials and fine wine recommendations. Make Your Reservation Today! For a unique dining experience with fresh, made-to-order, locally sourced food, be sure to visit O’Brien’s Bistro. We are located just East of the Cordova Mall on Bayou Boulevard! To make a reservation, contact us as soon as possible to make your night a night to remember.

Some people have told us we sound like we’re an Irish restaurant. I mean, O’Brien’s is as about as Irish as it gets. And we feel flattered. But the truth is that we serve a variety of foods from a number of countries. Our continental foods are delicious and come from all over the world. Extraordinary Continental Fare If you have food indulgence on your mind, come to O’Brien’s Bistro and satiate your senses and desires with scrumptious food. Our menu is seasonally and internationally inspired. We all just love food – different types of food, from all over the world. Whether it’s a small date or a get-together, get your reservation with our easy and quick online booking service. Experience the magic of a continental cuisine with a range of delicious foods prepared just for you. We have private dining options for corporate events and networking meets. Our dining space has a professional setup and is ideal for business conferences or client collaborations. If you’re looking for lip-smacking meals, delicious appetizers, or yummy beverages, head to O’Brien’s Bistro. Our warm and affectionate environment, wide menu choices, and tasty food will make us your favorite restaurant and we’re sure of it. We buy local and fresh products to make sure you get the best and healthiest foods at our restaurant. We have a deep and profound love for delicious food, just like you. This love inspires us to create some unique and tasty dishes for our customers. We love experimenting and this is why we haven’t limited ourselves to a particular range of foods. Instead, we get ideas from all over the world to make sure we serve a wide range to our customers. Choose any dish from our wide array of preparations and we’ll make it for you, with love. Looking for the perfect place for your first date or a family get-together? Visit us at O’Brien’s Bistro.