Once part of the “chitlin circuit” where artists such as Tina Turner and Sam Cooke performed in the 1960s, Five Sisters Blues Café is located in the newly revived “Blocks” neighborhood, formerly known as the “Harlem of the South.” The restaurant is located on the former site of Gussie’s Record Shop and WBOP Radio Station.
In 2018, the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood received a Mississippi Blues Marker (located directly outside Five Sisters) to celebrate the rich blues history of Pensacola.
General Manager Chris Stevens is keeping the flame alive for this family-owned business, which blends the best soul food, music, and a welcoming community experience, apparent from the moment you walk in the front door. Chris has worked his way from busser and server all the way up to general manager and his love of hospitality is palpable.
The brick walls are a tapestry of concert posters, old photos and 45 records with live blues music a mainstay in the background. The musical history here is significant but so is the role this establishment has played in southern cuisine. Dishes from original founder, Cecil “CJ” Johnson, are still menu signatures—southern fried chicken, pork chops, fried green tomatoes, and yams—but with contemporary and regional twists.
This episode is part of our original series, “Florida’s Table,” produced in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA.
