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s the multi-billion dollar pet industry so clearly
demonstrates, dogs are certainly enjoying their
day out, enjoying the good life from the coziness
of their couture carriers as their personalities
sparkle and shine in the glow of blinged-out collars. From
gluten-free gourmet treats to high-end refrigerated foods,
there’s nothing too good for our four-legged pups, and we
truly enjoy spending time out with them anytime we can.
Naturally, time out with the puppies isn’t always possible—
especially when you’re going out for a bite to eat. But rather
than making diners leave their best friends home while they
hit the food scene, local couple Ron and Heather Kilpatrick
took the proverbial ball and ran with it, opening a fun,
causal restaurant where the guest list isn’t limited to those
with two legs and naming it for their own beloved barker, a
12 year-old Labrador named Lucy.
Open since September 2016, Lucy’s in the Square set up
for service in one of downtown’s old century homes, which
played ideally into the whole concept of hominess that the
Kilpatricks wanted their guests to feel during each visit.
Rather than limiting seating to their interior dining room,
however, Lucy’s really plays up the interest in their outdoor
space, where guests can relax and dine in the company of
their dogs, breathe in the fresh air breezing through the
streets of downtown, and chill out to some of the area’s best
local musicians during their bi-weekly live music sessions.
“We really wanted Lucy’s to be a place for people to mingle,
relax, and unwind as they enjoy great, fresh, shareable
foods, a large selection of craft beers, and a versatile wine
menu,” Heather explains. “As dog-lovers ourselves, it
was really important to us that everyone feels as though
we’re pet-friendly and that we welcome them with open
arms. Our guests enjoy that, and we love seeing our guests
happy.”
Keeping their guests happy in heart is important, of
course—but as a restaurant, their greatest success relies
on the strength of their menu, and their menu is certainly
strong. However simple it might seem, the flavors are
anything but, as they use the freshest ingredients to scratch
make nearly every item they serve. From seasonal signature
soups and salads to fresh-fired flatbreads, gourmet grilled
cheeses, and unique tacos, Lucy’s offers shareable plates
and entrees so delicious they could make even the biggest
foodie come to heel. “We strive to offer a menu with an
abundance of flavors, and that really is the result of the fact
that we use the freshest ingredients and that everything we
make truly is made with heart,” says Heather.
All heart—but plenty of bite, as Lucy’s has become a
local favorite for their hearty Tomato and Roasted Red
Pepper Soup, their creamy house-made guacamole, and
their spiced-up Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos. From the
earthiness of the Wild Mushroom Flatbread and the layers
of Tex-Mexiness piled high atop crunchy tortilla chips in
the Yardbird Nachos to the selection of specialty cheeses
and meats on their Charcuterie Board, Lucy’s is marking its
territory on Pensacola’s food scene, and guests are happy to
story by
Liesel Schmidt
photos by
Kristina Wright
38 | VIPPensacola.com
38-39 Swizzle Lucy's.indd 1
4/26/18 8:17 AM