Dat Cajun Pearl Restaurant Bringing Upscale New Orleans Flavor to Downtown Panama City |
The team behind Dat Cajun Place is preparing a more intimate, refined Cajun dining experience inside the historic Mashburn Building. |
Historic Downtown Panama City is about to get a taste of New Orleans elegance.
Dat Cajun Pearl, a new upscale Cajun restaurant from the team behind Dat Cajun Place, is preparing to open on the ground floor of the historic Mashburn Building at 436 Harrison Avenue. The restaurant is currently expected to welcome its first guests in spring 2027.
While Dat Cajun Place is known for its relaxed atmosphere, hearty portions, live music and Louisiana favorites, Dat Cajun Pearl is being planned as a smaller and more refined dining experience. The concept will blend New Orleans charm with coastal sophistication, creating a destination for date nights, celebrations and leisurely dinners in the heart of downtown.
Early announcements describe the restaurant as an upscale Cajun experience featuring premium Gulf seafood and the bold Louisiana flavors that have helped make Dat Cajun Place a local favorite. A complete menu has not yet been released, but diners can likely expect the new restaurant to build upon the owners’ experience with oysters, seafood and Cajun cooking while presenting those flavors in a more polished setting.
From a Local Cajun Favorite to Fine Dining
Dat Cajun Place began with a mission to bring Louisiana-style cooking, live music and a welcoming community atmosphere to the Panama City area. Its current menu includes a fresh oyster bar, seafood baskets, po’boys, burgers, salads and rotating specials.
Dat Cajun Pearl will represent a new chapter for the restaurant group.
Owner Trudy White told WJHG that Historic Downtown Panama City’s continued growth helped attract the business to Harrison Avenue. New streetscape improvements, ongoing redevelopment and the restoration of the nearby Martin Theatre are helping transform the district into an increasingly active destination for dining, entertainment and nightlife.
The Mashburn Building should provide a dramatic backdrop for the restaurant. Built during the 1940s, the structure was once home to the Chavers-Fowhand Furniture Store and Holland’s Dress Shop. The building’s first floor features approximately 22-foot ceilings, giving the future restaurant an opportunity to create a spacious and distinctive dining room.
Dining Inside a Downtown Landmark
The four-story, 27,000-square-foot Mashburn Building is being restored as a mixed-use development featuring industrial-style residential lofts, commercial space, a restaurant and other amenities. Its design preserves elements of the building’s history while introducing exposed brick, concrete floors and contemporary finishes.
Developers are also considering a rooftop bar or lounge that could offer views across Downtown Panama City and toward St. Andrews Bay. Although that portion of the project has not been finalized, it could eventually add another memorable food-and-drink experience to Harrison Avenue.
The combination of an atmospheric historic building and an upscale New Orleans-inspired restaurant could make Dat Cajun Pearl one of downtown’s most anticipated dining openings.
For local food lovers, it promises something different from the casual seafood houses and oyster bars found throughout the area: a chance to enjoy Gulf seafood and Louisiana flavor in a setting designed for a special evening out.
Dat Cajun Pearl is expected to open in spring 2027 at 436 Harrison Avenue in Historic Downtown Panama City. Since the restaurant remains under development, its menu, operating hours and official opening date are subject to change. |
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25 Comments
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If the menu is like Dat Cajun Place, I’m in! Hope they post it soon.
Hope they do live jazz nights. That would be perfect.
Gulf seafood and Creole in one place? Yes please!
I like that they're keeping some history with the building. Can't wait to see it restored.
A little worried it’ll lose the fun of Dat Cajun Place if it’s too fancy.
Wish they were opening sooner. My mouth’s already watering.
I like the exposed brick and old ceiling. Hope they keep it cozy, not too fancy.
Upscale usually means $$$. Hope the prices aren’t too high for locals.
Glad they’re aiming for something elegant. Panama City deserves it!
What’s the parking going to be like? Harrison Ave gets packed.
Love the idea of a date night spot. Downtown has needed something like this.
As long as there’s crawfish, I’ll be there. Bring on the spice!
I miss Holland’s Dress Shop! But a nice restaurant is great for downtown.
Never had NOLA food done fancy before. Can't wait to see what it’s like.
I’m glad they’re preserving the history. Downtown is really coming back alive lately.
Dat Cajun Place has the best gumbo, hope they put it on this menu too!
A rooftop bar would be awesome. Fingers crossed they add that!
Never been inside the Mashburn Building but sounds beautiful. Nice addition to Harrison Ave.
Not sure about upscale Cajun. I like it messy and spicy!
Downtown needs more fine dining. Glad to see this coming.
Hope they still have oysters like the original place. Can't beat those.
Dat Cajun Place is our go-to. Looking forward to the new spot!
2027 is so far away! Wish it was opening sooner.
Mashburn Building has a cool vibe, hope the inside is nice too.
Excited to try this when it opens! Love the idea of something fancy downtown.