The call: Walk to Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille at 997 S. Palafox St.—it’s the clearest verified open-now downtown choice, with food, bay views, and an easy walk from the Palafox core. Their current post lists Sunday 10 AM–9 PM; brunch runs until 3 PM. Jaco’s updates

Real-time local factors

• It’s Sunday at about 2:30 PM, and Jaco’s is verified open through 9 PM today.
• You’re in the narrow late-lunch window; many downtown kitchens pause or switch menus around 2–4 PM.
• Jaco’s is at the south end of Palafox by the marina—roughly a 10–15 minute walk from Plaza Ferdinand.
• Waterfront seating is the move if it’s comfortable outside; ask for a table outdoors when you arrive.
• Downtown is very walkable, and Palafox Pier/Plaza de Luna is also a good nearby post-meal stroll.

Runners-up

• Fish House — go here instead if you want a classic Pensacola seafood stop; its published listing says it opens at 10:30 AM, but confirm kitchen status before the walk.
• Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas — better if you want a smaller, more casual Palafox-area bite; it’s closer to the central blocks, but I can’t verify today’s late-afternoon hours.
• Brother Fox — choose it if you’re actually planning a later dinner; live reservation listings show availability this evening, not a reliable open-now confirmation.

What flips this — if you want to stay in the middle of Palafox rather than walk south to the water, pick Fish House only after a quick call confirms the kitchen is still serving.

👉 Are you closer to Plaza Ferdinand or already down by the marina?