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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

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4/26/18   8:17 AM