Pensacola’s dining scene is about to get a major boost with the upcoming opening of Bushwacker’s Landing, a brand-new seaside attraction near the Theo Baars Bridge on the mainland side.
Located at 13515 Canal Drive, this family-run restaurant is scheduled to open its doors in mid-July, bringing a ombination of great food, stunning water views, and maritime convenience to the Gulf Coast.
Owned by McClellan Family
Bushwacker’s Landing is the brainchild of Sean and Jennifer McClellan, with backing from Sean’s father, Pat McClellan, who brings considerable hospitality experience as one of the owners of the legendary Flora-Bama bar and music venue on the Florida-Alabama border. For Sean, this marks his first independently owned restaurant venture, building on the family’s rich tradition in the hospitality industry.
- The restaurant’s charming name has a heartwarming backstory—it’s inspired by the McClellan family’s late yellow Labrador, Bushwhacker, who was named after the famous cocktail that originated in the Virgin Islands. According to Sean McClellan, the drink itself was named by the bartender who invented it, after their own dog named Bushwacker, creating a delightful full-circle moment for the restaurant’s identity.
Sprawling across two acres of prime waterfront real estate, Bushwacker’s Landing offers a setup that combines rustic charm with modern amenities. The centerpiece is a 2,400-square-foot wooden pavilion that houses 128 seats in a large, open-air patio designed with families in mind. The stunning water views provide the perfect backdrop for any dining experience, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special evening out.
- The unique layout features two food trailers, a shipping container bar, and a merchandise trailer surrounding the main pavilion, creating an eclectic and relaxed atmosphere that captures the spirit of coastal dining. A boardwalk extends from the pavilion directly to the marina docks, making the transition from boat to table seamless for waterborne guests.
One of Bushwacker’s Landing’s standout features is its commitment to serving the boating community. The venue will include nine dedicated slips at the marina for day-use boaters, along with additional pull-up spots that make it easy for guests to dock and dine.
- The menu features classic favorites and fresh seafood options—grilled burgers, crispy wings, tender chicken strips, fresh oysters, seafood baskets, sandwiches, and salads.
- The beverage program will have six draft beers alongside a rotating selection of canned beers and seltzers to keep things fresh and seasonal. The cocktail menu promises exciting new takes on classic drinks, all made with fresh juices and quality ingredients.
- True to its namesake, Bushwacker’s Landing will feature frozen Bushwhackers as their signature drink—a delicious rum-based cocktail with rich coffee and chocolate flavors that perfectly embodies the laid-back coastal vibe. The drink pays homage to both the family’s beloved pet and the cocktail’s Virgin Islands heritage.
Hours and Opening Timeline
Bushwacker’s Landing will welcome guests with convenient hours designed to accommodate both weekday and weekend visitors. Monday through Friday, the kitchen and bar will operate from 10 a.m to 9 p.m., while weekends extend the fun with 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours.
The restaurant is planning a soft opening in mid-July to work out any initial kinks and ensure everything runs smoothly. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for early fall,
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