"This is going to be a long review, please bare with me! Southern National saved our date night and here 's why...My boyfriend and I drove over from Pensacola to enjoy a rare Friday evening off together. We initially made reservations at a different restaurant but left shortly after being seated — feeling less than thrilled (it was just 'off ' from the moment we walked in, the greeting was lack luster, our seating was weird, there was no music playing, it just didn 't feel right). In search of a better experience, we landed at Southern National. I am so grateful! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a smile and were well taken care of. After taking a seat at the bar, we admired a well-curated selection of spirits and cocktails and perused the menu selections. To start, we ordered the Southern National signature cocktail (a riff on a Manhattan) and an order of the Johnny Cakes. We followed that up with the Pork Belly and NY Strip and finished with the toffee cake. We also imbibed with bourbon, then port and after-dinner cocktails as well. The entrees were fantastic! Each flavor was carefully considered and paired beautifully with our cocktails. The arugula, field peas, onion marmalade and parsnip purée that accompanied my candy-like pork belly was truly amazing. The steak was perfectly cooked and the fennel, crawfish and cream sauce was just outstanding. We had such a great experience. Big thank you to Will for helping to make our date night such a great one. Haley was also behind the bar and we really appreciated both her and Will 's attention to detail. They were engaging, knowledgeable, and ever so hospitable. The space is beautiful. The descriptors that come to mind: cozy yet modern, fresh and inviting. Laid back and simultaneously upscale. The lighting and decor compliment the cuisine and the overall aesthetic very well. The menu itself: the perfect amount of options! Everything from the small plates to the cocktails to the desserts is composed with great consideration. I 'm a southern girl with a penchant for bourbon and great food. I love the authenticity of this place, nothing was forced and every detail shined. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend stopping in to enjoy an incredible dining experience. We will definitely be back!"
