FL's "Most Historic" Fast Food Diner, Jerry's, Serves Southern Comfort Food & Fried Cheese Curds

Photo byQuick fix, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Florida has plenty of historic restaurants that are part of some of our childhood memories. Examples are Andy's Igloo, The Columbia, and Versailles.

However, I don't think any of the above serve cheese curds. But there is one of Florida's restaurants that has been called the state's "most historic" fast food, that has some unique offerings in a nostalgic, old-school setting that some Floridians find irresistible.

About Jerry's Drive-In: This restaurant first opened in 1939, and it's always been known for its affordability and southern-style cooking.

When you walk in the door, you'll be comforted by the fact that the decor hasn't changed much over the years. It's like walking into a vintage diner.

Plus, Jerry's offers classic comfort foods that are hard not to like such as patty melts, milkshakes, banana splits, seafood platters, fried pickles, meatloaf sandwiches, and pimento burgers.

And Jerry's has something that Floridians might be surprised to find - fried cheese curds, which you most commonly see in the northern United States and Canada.

Love Food named Jerry's Florida's "most historic" fast food joint in February of 2024.

Florida Feedback: Pensacola patrons give Jerry's 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers say the seafood is fantastic and most comment on the vintage vibe.

A reviewer named Keith wrote:

"Opened in 1939 and still has an old school vibe to it, but in a good way. Lots of options on the menu. Very attentive waitstaff. Cash only, but there is an ATM. Cheeseburgers, fries, gravy fries, and BBQ sandwiches were all good. We all like the Jerry's sauce. Would recommend for a casual bite to eat in a laid-back atmosphere."

How Are The Prices?: As you might expect from a diner, prices are reasonable. According to a menu posted online in late 2023, the seafood dinners range in price from $13.95 to $15.95. A patty melt is $6.70 and country steak is $11.95, to give you a few examples.

This restaurant doesn't take anything but cash. However, there is an ATM on the premises. You can find Jerry's at 2815 E Cervantes St. in Pensacola.

The author is not affiliated with Jerry's or any other restaurants.