By: Chris Andrews

On a picture-perfect Thursday afternoon in early September, Zeb Hargett and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch in downtown Mobile. The air had that feeling that fall was around the corner, and the downtown streets were alive with people strolling, chatting, and enjoying the day.

When the weather is this nice, I like to park a few blocks away just so I can wander through Lower Dauphin Street Historic District before heading to my destination. Penton’s Bistro sits just one block from Cathedral Square, directly across from the historic Saenger Theatre. For those who prefer convenience, there’s a paid parking lot right across the street, but I’ll take the scenic walk every time.

Longtime Mobilians may remember this location as Cafe 219, a staple for over two decades at 219 Conti Street. The building itself dates back to the 1880s, and stepping inside, you can feel its history blending seamlessly with the fresh energy that Penton’s has brought since opening in January 2024. What looks at first like a cozy bar and dining room quickly reveals itself to be much larger. One room leads to another, and another, allowing the restaurant to seat over 100 guests. That capacity comes in handy on nights when the Saenger hosts a show.

Penton’s Bistro is the vision of Chef Jeremy Penton alongside owners David and Criss Perry Crowder. The Crowders bring a warmth and professionalism to the front of the house, while Chef Penton commands the kitchen with a blend of his long-time expertise and Gulf Coast roots.

Chef Penton has been part of Mobile’s dining scene for years, heading up kitchens like Moe’s BBQ and The Royal Scam, while sharpening his skills alongside Michelin-starred chefs along the way. The Crowders knew of his talent, and when Cafe 219 closed in late 2023, they seized the opportunity to team up. Together, they launched Penton’s Bistro and the King Bleu Corner Bar, named after the Crowders’ beloved dog, Bleu.

The partnership works: the Crowders make you feel welcome the moment you step in, while Penton ensures what lands on the plate is both familiar and elevated. The lunch menu is full of Gulf Coast favorites with Chef Penton’s unique spins. There’s New Orleans-style seafood gumbo, red beans and rice with Conecuh sausage, burgers, po-boys, and muffalettas. But it’s often the specials that catch my eye.

This time, Zeb and I both went for the Blackened Redfish Po-Boy - a generous portion of fresh redfish tucked into soft French bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and house-made remoulade.

Zeb took one look and said, “That’s a healthy redfish!” He was right. The sandwich was anything but skimpy. For sides, I went with the squash and zucchini casserole, a weekly special that reminded me of family recipes but with Penton’s polish. Standard sides like fries, coleslaw , and potato salad are always available, but I recommend checking what the special of the week is. That extra creativity on the sides is something Penton undoubtedly carried with him from his time at Moe’s BBQ.

If lunch is casual comfort, dinner at Penton’s is a chance to dress things up. The bistro glows in the evening, making it ideal for a date night or a pre-show meal before heading across the street to the Saenger. Highlights from the dinner menu include Seared Scallops, Blackened Redfish, not on a po-boy but served over garlic cheese grits and asparagus topped with Conecuh Crawfish Creole cream sauce. Large, Bone-In Pork Chops, 8 oz. Filets for the steak lovers, and the Wagyu Blend Bistro Burger are just a sampling of the dinner menu. It’s an impressive menu that proves Penton’s isn’t just another downtown lunch spot, this is a destination restaurant!

Great food can make you come back, but great service makes you feel like family. At Penton’s, you get both. Our server Josh was as knowledgeable as he was friendly, guiding us through the menu and sharing suggestions with the confidence of someone who clearly loves the place. By the end of the meal, you feel like you’ve known him for years. That kind of service is a hallmark of the Crowders’ leadership in hospitality and sets Penton’s apart in Mobile’s dining scene.

No visit to Penton’s is complete without trying the bread pudding, which recently won the 2025 Nappie Award for Best Dessert in Mobile. Warm, soft, and topped with bourbon caramel sauce, it’s everything you want a Southern dessert to be. And if Sunday is your day for indulgence, Penton’s also offers brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu rotates but expect Gulf Coast favorites, creative specials, and the kind of easy atmosphere that makes Sunday brunch one of the best meals of the week.

Mobile’s dining scene has been on the rise in recent years, and Penton’s Bistro is proof that the city is attracting both culinary talent and loyal diners. Whether you’re grabbing lunch with a friend, enjoying a date night, or stopping in before a show, Penton’s offers the full package: history, hospitality, and flavors that feel both rooted and inspired by the Gulf Coast.

If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor - take the walk through Cathedral Square, step inside 219 Conti Street, and see why Penton’s Bistro has quickly become one of downtown Mobile’s must-visit spots.