Carmen’s Lunch Bar is always on the top of my list when visiting Pensacola. It’s a favorite little neighborhood place that is always inviting, warm, and friendly. In addition to featuring a different take on lunch, and a superb meal, I seem to enjoy ordering the same outstanding things each time. I know I should branch out more because my lunch companions are always oohing and aahing about their selections too.

The story behind Carmen’s is one of the centerpieces of downtown Pensacola’s resurgence. When Quint and Rishy Studer began investing in the revitalization of downtown, they picked the old boarded-up building at 407 South Palafox Street as ground zero to start. During the renovation, there were challenges attracting a business to the building, but it is now the location of Bodacious Shops.

With an offer of free rent for a year, several businesses vied for the space. The winner was Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas. Carmen’s has indoor counter seating and outdoor sidewalk cafe tables along Palafox Street. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM. Dogs on leashes outside are welcome, too. Either way works for a pleasant casual dining experience. The wait staff is always excellent, friendly, and full of good cheer.

Here is my go-to; I always start with Carmen’s soda bread and perhaps one of their fine imported beers. There is just something about that bread… I won't go through the whole menu, but my usual choice is the excellent Thai Yellow Curry Crab Chowder. Wow! Make sure you dip to the bottom for the succulent blue crab meat, always a healthy portion. 

My main entree is the Spanish Crab Melt with local jumbo crab meat, chorizo sausage, Manchego cheese, lemon, and saffron with arugula. I really can’t recall what my other lunch companions have had through the many times I’ve dined at Carmen’s, but there has never been a disappointed friend or wife when done.

Carmen’s has gluten-free options, desserts, and lots of extras from which to choose. There is usually a daily special. The menu offers excellent Tapas, Plates & Pies, Salads and Soups, and special Ciabatta Sandwiches. The fare combines fresh, local ingredients with European, Spanish, and South American flavors.

Stop by Carmen’s. Meet the owner, MariCarmen Josephs. She says her culinary influences came from both her mom and dad. Her mom taught international cooking classes and catered locally in Pensacola for over 40 years. “She always focused on international cuisine, and I began catering with her as a young girl. She introduced me to the joy of cooking and making people happy through food!” says MariCarmen. “I learned to understand and appreciate the cuisine of Spain, France, Morocco, and India while traveling with my father to Spain as a teenager.” 

Carmen’s is celebrating ten years this year and going strong. They are an essential piece of the puzzle that brought new life to Pensacola’s downtown scene. I promise you will have a memorable experience and won’t be disappointed!