Where to Eat in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama
Where to Eat in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama -13 of the BEST places to eat at the beach. Dive bars, fancy white table cloth restaurants and everything in between. Make sure to bring your stretchy pants – SO much delicious food!! #travel #gulfshores #orangebeach #beacheats #restaurants
Where to Eat in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama
Last month I went down to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach for a long weekend with my friend Heather from The Food Hussy. We spent four nights eating and drinking our way around the area. We hit up 13 places in 4 nights! We ate SO much food! It was a tough job, but we did it for YOU! We wanted to be able to tell you all the best spots to eat when you head down to the beach for Spring Break.
We hit up dive bars, fancy white table cloth restaurants and everything in between. We ate at the best breakfast place in Alabama (according to Yelp & People magazine), drank the famous Flora-Bama Bushwacker, nachos, chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, steaks, bacon, biscuits, and SOOOO much more.
I got tons of recipe ideas for future posts. I even snagged the actual recipe for several of the things we ate. Be on the lookout for a yummy Bacon & Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuit in a couple of weeks. YUM!
This was my very first time going to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. I’ve lived in Alabama for a really long time, but we’ve never been to the Alabama beaches. I had an AMAZING time! SO much so, that I am already planning a trip back to take Chicken Legs. I also found out there is a wine festival in the Fall. YASSS!!!
Check out everything we ate below. Have you ever been to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Did we eat at your favorite spot? If not, leave me a comment with your favorite spot so Chicken Legs and I can check it out on our trip.
Stay tuned for next week’s travel post. I am sharing all about the AMAZING condo we stayed in. I even have a video tour for you!
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
My first stop at the beach was at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club.
I HAD to get a famous Bushwacker!
Seriously delicious!
Next up – appetizers.
We got an order of the Yacht Club Char-Grilled Oysters.
Gulf oysters topped with their world-famous Orleans cream, parmesan cheese, and butter.
We also couldn’t resist the Greek Shrimp Nachos.
Fried wonton chips smothered in a spinach-feta-cream sauce topped with grilled Gulf shrimp, tomatoes, crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, peppadews, banana peppers, green onion, & red onion
For entrees, we got the Hand-Cut Certified Angus Beef- Ribeye.
It was served with buttered baby Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled local vegetables.
Grilled Mahi Taco with house slaw, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and spicy mayo drizzle.
The tacos were served with french fries.
Lastly was the Chicken Pontchartrain
Pan sauteed chicken served with creamy cajun dirty rice and seasonal vegetables topped with a crawfish julie cream sauce. It was really good!
We were CRAZY stuffed, but we managed to make room for these Beignet Fries!
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
17350 Perdido Key Drive
Perdido Key, FL 32507
Phone : 850-483-6272
Flora-Bama
After dinner, we walked across the street to the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package store.
Fun fact about the Flora-Bama – you can go to church here on Sunday. They even have the bars open!
There are 5 different entertainment areas with music.
The main area has bras hanging from the ceiling! I did NOT donate my bra to the pile. LOL!
We got a tour of the bar from one of the managers.
The nightlight of the tour was seeing this liquor room. These are the most popular liquors in the bar. The bartender just has to push a button to dispense the alcohol. It some from this room. Saves the bartenders a ton of time!
The Flora-Bama is a super fun place. Grab a Bushwacker, listen to music, and watch the sunset on the beach. It really has it all!
Flora-Bama
https://www.florabama.com/
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, Fl. 32507
Phone: 251-980-5118
Sunliner Diner
Our first full day started at the Sunliner Diner.
Isn’t it cute?!?!!?
Isn’t it cute?!?!!?
We started the morning with some mimosas and biscuits.
The top right biscuit is the Bacon & Cheddar Biscuit. It also has ranch in it, so I deemed it a Crack Biscuit. It isn’t much to look at, but it was DELICIOUS! I begged the owner for the recipe & they shared it with me!! I’ll be sharing the recipe soon!
The other biscuit was the Glazed Cinnamon Biscuit. The icing makes the biscuit!
Entrees
Nashville fried chicken, farm fresh eggs, hash browns, and a classic biscuit.
You can get the chicken plain, spicy or super spicy!
The Corned Beef Hash is one of their specialties. It is enough to feed four people!
Tender house-made corned beef hash, green and red peppers, sweet Vidalia onion hash browns topped with two poached eggs, horseradish cream and served with a classic biscuit.
They also recommended the Chicken & Waffles.
It is served with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and hash browns.
They serve breakfast all day.
They also serve lunch, dinner, and MILKSHAKES.
I MUST go back for a milkshake!!
Sunliner Diner
http://www.sunlinerdiner.com
100 E. 2nd Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-937-6590
Tacky Jacks
We started the meal with some cocktails.
The Margarita and Bushwacker.
I liked Tacky Jack’s Bushwacker better than the Flora-Bama.
I mean, they are both good. I just preferred Tacky Jack’s.
I might need to go back and do some more taste testing! LOL!
LOOK at these nachos! OMG! SO good!! They are called Mexican Garbage.
They are the ultimate in Beef and Cheese Nachos. Corn tortilla chips topped with meat, two kinds of cheese, tomatoes, onions, black olives, sour cream, jalapeƱo peppers, and salsa.
Firecracker Shrimp
Lightly Breaded Shrimp fried and tossed in Asian Chili Sauce
Reminded us of Bang Bang Shrimp – really good.
Blackened Grouper Fish Tacos
Served in soft fresh flour tortillas with blended cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and Tacky Jackās special sauce. Served with chips & salsa.
The special sauce is kinda spicy. So if you are sensitive to heat, ask for it on the side.
The TJ Burger was hands down my favorite!
Two quarter-pound patties cooked to perfection on the griddle.
Served on a fresh butter toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, fries & chips.
I added bacon because everything is better with bacon.
Tacky Jack’s was fun and delicious!
Everyone was extremely nice. We had a great time!
There are three locations – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Fort Morgan.
We ate at the Gulf Shores location on this trip.
Tacky Jack’s
https://www.tackyjacks.com/home
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-948-8881
Perch
Dinner on our second night was at Perch.
It is located in the brand new The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
It is an eco-friendly hotel by Hilton.
We started the meal with some yummy appetizers.
Onion rings, deviled eggs & ceviche.
Entrees
Pork Chop
Apple Brined Pork Chop, Pecans, Roasted Apples, and Potato Puree
Triple Cut Grilled Sirloin
served with Potato Puree, Asparagus, Peppered Au Jus
Double-Smoked Pork Belly
Sliced Pork Belly, Tomato Bacon Jam, Balsamic, and Chimichurri Sauce
AMAZING!!!
The S’mores Tart was the perfect ending to the meal!
Perch at Gulf State Park
21196 East Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-541-6100
Ruby Slipper
We started the next day with brunch at The Ruby Slipper.
The mimosas are HUGE!!
The chef came out to talk to us about the menu and we ended up getting everything she recommended.
First up – the biscuits and gravy benedict.
All of their egg benedict’s are served on their biscuits.
This biscuit and gravy benedict was a monthly special. Keep an eye out for it.
The St. Charles Chicken Benedict is one of their specialties.
I HIGHLY recommend it. The chicken is crazy good.
The monthly stuffed French toast special was pecan pie.
OMG! It was stuffed with pastry cream and topped with pecan pralines.
It was to die for.
Lastly, we got the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
I’m not really a pancake girl, but I ate the heck out of these pancakes.
YUM! That glaze on top makes it!!!
One other item not to be missed is the Pig Candy.
This bacon is sent from heaven above.
You’ll want to get one order per person – trust me!
We went back to The Ruby Slipper Cafe for a private biscuit making class.
I’ll be sharing how to make the best buttermilk biscuits soon!
The Ruby Slipper Cafe
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-800-7470
Red or White
We stopped in at Red or White for appetizers.
Red or White is a wine shop that also serves delicious gourmet food.
We started with the Antipasto Board
2 Meats & 2 Kinds of cheese, Warm Olives, White Beans, Roasted Nuts & Baguette
Next up was the Bruschetta.
Half were topped with Housemade Boursin Cheese, Fresh Tomatoes, and Olive Oil
The other half was topped with Pimento cheese with cashews and bacon
I LOVED everything, especially this Pimento Cheese Bruschetta.
I will definitely be making a copycat recipe!
I want to drive back down to the beach just to eat this! GO HERE!
The owner told us they are known for their pizza.
I happen to live for pizza, so you know I’ll be taking Chicken Legs here soon!!
Red or White also sells TONS of great wines.
I bought a couple for Christmas gifts when I was in the store.
Red or White
The Wharf
4851#D128 Wharf Parkway
Orange Beach AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-2851
Playa
For our main course, we stopped in at Playa.
I started with the Pink Pineapple cocktail.
SO good! It was my favorite thing at Playa.
We got a few entrees to try.
First up, the Chicken Pasta – breaded thin chicken breast, cavatelli pasta, lemon caper sauce, shaved manchego. I would have preferred this chicken to be grilled, but it was good.
Playa Gulf Shrimp & Grits – sweet corn grits, ham, peppers
This was the first thing to go!
Red Fish on the Half Shell – roasted redfish, tomato & avocado salad.
It looks intimidating but it was easy to eat and delicious.
Playa
27842 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, Alabama
Phone: 251-981-9891
The Yard Milkshake Bar
No trip to Gulf Shores is complete without a trip to The Yard for a crazy milkshake.
We got a couple to share.
The Mermaid
Birthday cake ice cream inside a marshmallow cream dipped jar.
Topped with whipped cream, marshmallow cream, mermaid candy jewels, rock candy stick, and white chocolate mermaid tail.
The 5 Pieyow
Praline pecan ice cream in a chocolate iced jar.
Topped with whipped cream, crushed pecans, fudge and maple syrup drizzle, chocolate-dipped bacon and a waffle.
CRAZY!
The Yard Milkshake Bar
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-948-0121
Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets
I was super excited to eat at Buzzcatz. It had great reviews on Yelp.
It was actually rated the best breakfast place in Alabama according to Yelp & People magazine.
We ordered a bunch of pastries and went to town.
First up – homemade pop tarts. This was a sugar cookie pop tart. YUM!
The blueberry biscuit was ridiculously good.
That glaze! The chef said the blueberry biscuit is just their regular biscuit recipe with blueberries folded in. The sweetness comes from the glaze.
Buzzcatz is famous for their cinnamon rolls.
I can see why! LOOK at that pecan cinnamon roll!
I want one right now!!!
I really, really enjoyed the plain biscuit. It came with homemade blueberry jam.
SO simple and SO delicious!
We got one savory item, the quiche.
It was really good. I love quiche, and I would eat this quiche any day of the week.
I could have eaten the whole thing! YUM!
Buzzcatz needs to be on your list of places to eat!
Fun, funky, friendly and fabulously delicious!
Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets
25689 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL
Phone: 251-980-2899 (BUZZ)
The Gulf
I had tons of people messaging me that I needed to eat at The Gulf.
I’m so glad we decided to eat here. It was my favorite place!
We started with a few cocktails, because why not!?!?!?
We started with the hummus.
It is the best hummus I’ve ever eaten. The pita bread that comes with it is SO good!
I want this right now!
The burger and fries are simple and delicious.
You can never go wrong with the fried fish sandwich.
It was HUGE!
I got the Chicken Sandwich. It had two chicken tenders and it was topped with a yummy chicken finger sauce. I am still dreaming about this sandwich. I ate the whole thing! I was miserably full, but it was totally worth it!
The Gulf is right on the beach with great views.
It is the perfect place to relax with a cocktail and listen to music.
I can’t wait to come back!
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-424-1800
Voyagers
Dinner on our last night was at Voyagers Restaurant at the Perdido Beach Resort.
It was fancy!
We started with some appetizers – meat & cheese plate, wedge salad, and ostrich carpaccio.
Full disclosure – I didn’t touch the ostrich carpaccio. I wasn’t brave enough to eat it! LOL!
For entrees, we had the Manhattan Cut Steak.
The Perdido Stuffed Chicken
It was stuffed with spinach, roasted tomatoes, and fontina cheese and wrapped in bacon.
The Wagyu Tenderloin was delicious.
It came with this Mac & Cheese – YUM!
We finished the meal with a trio of desserts.
Bread pudding, creme brƻlƩe, and a chocolate hazelnut panna cotta.
Dinner at Voyagers is a real treat!
It is perfect for any special occasion!!
Voyagers
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-9811
The Southern Grind
We hit up The Southern Grind for breakfast before heading home.
I had lots of people on Instagram recommend The Southern Grind. I’m so glad we came!
You can’t go wrong with their breakfast scramble!
This JalapeƱo Potato Scramble was delicious!
We also got an order of french toast & bacon! YUM
I couldn’t resist giving the chicken biscuit with honey a try.
It was good, but I definitely preferred our other entrees.
I hear The Southern Grind has great gelato.
I will have to check it out next time!
The Southern Grind
22843 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Phone: 251-975-2883
I had such a fun time exploring all the delicious food choices in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
I am already looking at the calendar so I can bring Chicken Legs back!
I have a list going for our trip back:
Fin and Fork
Anchor Bar
Fishers
Bahama Bob’s for a Bushwacker
What are your favorite places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
What should I add to my list?!?!??!
Let me know in the comments!
Thank you to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism Board for hosting me on this trip. The tourism board planned and paid for the trip. I was not asked to share the trip on the blog. I chose to share the trip because I had a great time and thought my readers would enjoy reading about the trip.
Docs seafood has the best shrimp ever!! Lamberts in Foley is awesome too! Itās like Cracker Barrel x10!
Hello Steph, if you are still reading these, check these places out next time in that areaā¦ Tin Top @ Bon Secour, Sea and Suds on the beach (GS), S & S that will cook seafood to take home or you can cook (GS), Fishers on the Wharf (OB) fancy. These are our favoritesā¦ā¦. Tons more to choose from though! Thank you for the recs above!!
Big Fish and Villagio are our favorites…we have been going to OB for about 25 years. Fin and Fork has closed permanently. Like you, we also love Voyagers, for a fancy meal! And The Gulf for a great burger. Good to know about Red Or White, I did not know about that! Looks wonderful! Enjoyed your review. Now Im hungry. š
I have been going to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach since I was 2 years old; definitely some yummy places to eat! We love to go to Cosmos Restaurant and Bar, Wolf Bay Lodge, Doc’s has great fried shrimp and a tasty Bushwhacker, Big Fish, GT’s on The Bay has a great fish sandwich! I’m sure I could go on and on about places to eat lol
We love DeSoto's and Tacky Jack's. Can't beat Royal Oyster Bar for oysters and drinks, and their Sidewinder fries are awesome!
I love Sidewinder fries!! Must check out Royal Oyster Bar next time
All the ones already listed plus…Blues Burger best burger here. King Neptuneās has some amazing zydeco pasta. The Forge Pizza hands down best pizza around. Margarita Loco really good Mexican. Hazels or Kittyās Kafe have the best breakfast. The Diner near Tacky Jacks has great food. Dragonfly bar and grill in Daphne is a place to try. Those are some of my favorites. Oh and you canāt go home without the exprience of a throwed roll from Lambertās.
The Shrimp Basket was probably our favorite dive when we were there a few years back. The red beans and rice are the best I have ever eaten. Worth ordering and having them shipped back to your house! The blackened fish with shrimp etoufee was my favorite entree there. The other food they have is great too, but mostly fried.
Big Mike's is known for steaks but the best thing there is called the saltwater stack! Luna's, Lulu's, Acme Oyster House, and Original Oyster House. If you want a poboy to grab and take to the beach then hit up The Shrimp Basket!
Billās By The Beach in Gulf Shores. It is just west of the public beach. Their Berry Blast salad with strawberry lemonade vinaigrette is great lunch and beach food. They have a dark chocolate espresso
cake too which is beyond delicious. The Keg in Orange Beach is a hole in the wall where you donāt know the time of day but their burger and cheese fries are the best. At the FloraBama get the Solar Energy and Island Girl drinks. Cobalt has really good pizza and drinks. The bar outside is great too. Red Ruby Slipper is on Yelp where you can get on the list ahead of time. That cinnamon butter for their biscuit is addictive. In fact, I have someone who makes their own butters sold at local stores.
Pig out bbq is an absolute must for us every year. Nothing fancy, just delicious!! Highly recommend.
Lived in Gulf Shores 10 years and had vacation home there before living there. Best Mexican hands down is Cactus Cantina-they now have 5 locations. Acme Oyster and Tin Top has best oysters hands down. The Diner on 2nd Ave across from Tacky Jacks is great and Fish River Grill in Foley were always are go to spots. Look forward to moving back down there soon
We love Colbalt, Cosmos, and the Original Oyster House. The oyster house has awesome gator bites. Also Acme Oyster house is good. They have "Boo Fries" with roast beef, gravy, and cheese…I could eat those ALL DAY!!
The BBQ crab claws at Cosmos are a must!!! Our other favorite is Fishers-great atmosphere. We enjoy the casual dining because of the atmosphere so we always sit downstairs (they have fine dining upstairs). OMG- their burger is my favorite on the island. My husband and I always split a dozen raw and the burger. They have homemade onion straws on the burger that are to die for. The GULF is our other favorite. If you go in the summer you must try their berry side. They do homemade whipped cream and the chips that came with hummus-they saturate in powdered sugar. It's seriously delicious.
Mikee's is great. If you're wanting something that's off the beaten path and that the locals love, go to TinTop Bar and Restaurant near Bon Secour. It's FANTASTIC!!
Bushwackers are good but you haven't had a Dipnwacker yet. This delicious adult beverage can only be found at The Flying Harpoon 2 in Orange Beach. While you are there, try their one of a kind "Kernfish Krawbread"!
I think Mikee's has the best bushwacker. Lots of alcohol, and not too sweet with chocolate syrup.
My hubby and I absolutely love Bahamas Bob's!!! I ALWAYS order their Crab Cay Baked Whitefish. The fish is stuffed with crabmeat stuffing, topped with shrimp, and baked. Its to die for!! My hubby loves their royal reds!!
I live in Mobile & Orange Beach is basically our 2nd home, we're there all the time. Cobalt is a must! The tuna & avocado stack appetizer is really good. For dinner, you can't go wrong with the Bronze Gulf Grouper–in fact, this is what I order everytime,it's THAT good. I have never ordered their steaks but I hear they are great too. If you go at lunch, eat outside at the tiki bar if it's open & the weather's decent. Their fish sandwiches are good & so are their pizzas! Flippers at Bear Point Marina has great Bushwackers, much better than Flora-Bama or Tacky Jack's. If you have access to a boat, Pirate's Cove is right across the bay from Bear Point Marina & has the best cheeseburgers & bushwackers around (ask for a 151 topper on the bushwacker if you're feeling adventurous!). It is accessible by car but it's a bit of a drive from Orange Beach–it's technically in Josephine, AL. It is a dive, but is awesome for people & dog watching (it's dog friendly & there are dogs that live there also). Cosmo's has great food too. Have fun on your next trip!
LOVE all these recommendations! Thanks!
Cobalt's Happy Hour- Firecracker shrimp is sooo good.
Blu's Burger's are amazing! Best burgers ever!
These all sound great. I have gone down the last 2 years to Gulf Shores and will be there again this year. I have made a list and hope to enjoy.
ALL YOU CAN EAT boiled Royal Reda at The Undertow!!!! grilled corn in the husk, potatoes, drawn butter and homemade cocktail…. huge picnic like area in the back. WOW!
Mikeys!!!!
We loved Mikeyās tooā£ļø Our favorite!
Add Cobalt to the list. The food & view are both wonderful. Their shrimp & grits are the best ever.
What!! No comments about the Pink Pony.
We love the Nachos,however last year we were there, we walked out after waiting 15 minutes to even get a greeting!!!
Sea and suds has the best shrimp lunch for your money..and that view!!!
Putting Pink Pony on the list for next time – several people have recommended it
If y'all get tired of all that seafood, try Hog Wild. It's on 59 about 5-6 blocks from the beach. I've tried several items there and it's all been excellent. Best BBQ in LA!
I'm an orange beach local and agree you should add Big fish, Villagio, and Salt to the list. All are great with unique atmospheres and known for different things. I'd also add a hidden gem: Bayes grill next to the Marriott suites at the wharf. Creole inspired appetizers and entrees, never had a bad meal here.
The Gulf was my favorite!!! Although that Pork Belly was amazing!!!
Fish River Grill for Swamp Soup and The Pink Pony!!!! 2 must haves!!
oh yes!! Fish River Grill Swamp soup! I wasn't sold at first look, but after having a taste, I am a believer!!
I have had a house in OB for 30 years and finally finally we have great restaurants! You have definitely found some of the highlights, plus shown me some gems I didn't know about. Try Cosmo's, a long time local favorite, also Cobalt, Salt, and Flipper's. You might need more than one more trip ???? Hint, May and October are the best months to go
I'll add those places to our list! I LOVE going to the beach in the Fall. Not as hot or crowded!
Wolf Bay Lodge! My husband always has the fried flounder.
We love Wolf Bay Lodge. My husband always has the fried flounder!
Fish River Grill. They have a soup called swamp soup, it's green and literally looks like swamp water. Thankfully, looks are deceiving, one of the best soups I have
ever had. Alligator bites are definitely one of my other favorites here.
When you go to Fin and Fork go on Sunday for Brunch…they have BOTTOMLESS Mimosas! Get the Caribbean Grouper it is to die forā¤ļø And you must add Villaggioās at the Wharf on your list!
WHAT???? You know I'm in with bottomless mimosas!!!!
Fin and Fork was ok… def have the oysters, but dinner was basic. Nothing special.
I totally agree, nothing special.
Lunas on Canal…next to Buzzcat….tbe best steak on the Island is at Big Mike's on Canal the absolute best sushi is at Big Fish…ask for Mimi she is the best sushi chef…I agree Tacky Jacks has a good bushwacker but the best is at Flippers….and you must get someone to take you to Pirate's Cove…it's much more unique than the Bama
Big Mike's steakhouse, canal road, Orange beach. They have the best steaks hands down.
Big Mikeās is truly the best steak ????
????
Fin and Fork is hands down has the best seafood, and everything is amazing. Matt Ship (owner) knows what heās doing in the kitchen and has a long history in the food industry. Itās hard to pick because itās all so very good.
Kravers has the best seafood in Baldwin county and it isn't an over priced clip joint like most places at the beach. Fish river grill for everything else.
we have those crazy milk shakes in st augustine fl down town we had one a few weeks agonn they are crazy
We just got back from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, too. We were there Dec.26-31. Surely you didnāt miss eating at Docās Seafood Shack or Big Fish. We always have to have lunch at Wahlburgers. Next trip will include Paula Deenās new restaurant; it will be open by the next time we visitā-it will be next summer. Thereās a couple of places in OWA that we havenāt tried. Pick up an Island Clipper for good coupons, good places to visit and good places to eat.