Best Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Restaurants!

Today we are sharing Restaurants in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach you need to try! These are our favorite restaurants we have tried in Gulf Shores and would happily go back to!

Gulf Shores Restaurants

I can't wait to hear what you think about these Gulf Shores Restaurants you need to try!  One thing is for sure you are not going to go hungry in Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Trust me on this! We live in Gulf Shores and love visiting our local restaurants.

I know that many of them are actually in Orange Beach but adding Orange Beach to the title made for a really long title and quite a mouthful.

One thing I really enjoyed about dining in Gulf Shores was the southern hospitality! I was so impressed with how friendly and welcoming everyone was from our servers to the people we met in restaurants.

Plus you just can't go wrong with Southern food served near the beach. Now that we live in Gulf Shores we will be adding to this list of Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Al frequently.

I hope you have your stretchy pants ready because I can guarantee you will not go hungry in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama!

This list is the restaurants that we have fallen in love with and would happily return too.

One thing I want to mention is we visit these restaurants as regular customers most of the time. The restaurants do not know that we are writers. Our goal is to make sure you have the best experience possible when you visit a restaurant.

If we have a bad experience, bad food or really anything odd we simply leave them off the list. We want to make sure that when you visit a restaurant and spend money you are getting the best experience possible!

LuLu’s Gulf Shores 

Lulus is a Gulf Shores tradition for a reason! Serving amazing food and drinks right on the river! You can’t go wrong with a meal from LuLu’s! Their Key Lime Pie made our must-try sweet treats in Gulf Shores list!

Make sure and give yourself a bit of time just in case there is a wait to get into the restaurants. Plus you want to have time to check out all of the activities that are available on-site including the cool gift shop, sand area and kids play area.

All allergy menu items are prepared in a separate kitchen that is overseen by a member of management.  LuLu's goal is for you to be able to enjoy your vacation without having to stress about what is being served to you.

Enjoy great water views of the Intracoastal Waterway. This is one of our favorite Gulf Shores Restaurants with a water view.

LuLu's is owned by Lucy Buffett, sister of Jimmy Buffett.

Time Saving Tip - LuLu's is taking limited reservations right now. Hop online and make a reservation up to 2 weeks in advanced.

Address: 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL US

Phone: (251) 967-LULU (5858)

Check out the Bama Breeze Cocktail Recipe from LuLu's!

Sunliner Diner

The Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores transports you back to the 1950s and the days of carhops, cool Catz, and so much more! You don't want to be a party pooper and miss a visit to the Sunliner Diner!

One thing to know is you should plan for your meal to take a bit of time. This is a restaurant that does not move in a super fast speed.

We heard from a friend who went a few days after us that it took 45 minutes to get her order taken.

While we were there it took a bit but not that as long as our friend experienced. Definitely, plan to spend time enjoying the atmosphere and time together when you head to the Sunliner Diner.

Menu items not to miss:

The Sunliner Diners menu has great burgers!

Big Tickle Party Milkshake - This is a shake for the adventurer! Let us dazzle and surprise you. You won’t be sorry. You choose chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla ice cream and leave the rest up to us.

The 1950’S Cereal Yum Milkshake - Choose Trix with vanilla ice cream or Cocoa Puffs with chocolate ice cream. Complete with a banana on top for a perfectly balanced breakfast!

Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Crispy fried bone-in chicken breast served with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans. Hey, it’s fried fresh and worth the wait!

Address: 100 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 937-6590

Original Oyster House

The Original Oyster House is a family tradition for many visitors to Gulf Shores. During our visit, we loved seeing huge families eating together and laughing together. They offer everything from oysters, I know that is a shock with the restaurant name to a giant salad bar and local fish entrees.

We heard that their Key Lime Pie is amazing! We were so stuffed from dinner we couldn’t even manage a bit of dessert. Which is saying something about how much my Husband lives for key lime pie.

Address: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone:  (251) 948-2445

The Hangout

This epic Alabama Beach Bar is the perfect place to relax and soak in the Gulf Coast atmosphere.

This Gulf Coast Beach Bar is family-friendly fun during the day, and a great live music party at night.

Menu Highlights:

The Hangout offers an amazing menu including Gulf Seafood, chicken nachos, Hangout Wings, Fried Green Tomatoes, and those are just the appetizers.

Main entrees include seafood boil, grilled shrimp skewers, smothered Mahi-Mahi, crawfish boil, Fish & Chips, and more.

Address - 101 E. Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores, AL

The Hangout is located next to best beach of Gulf Shores right at the end of Highway 59. You can't miss the light up sign.

Tacky Jacks

So Tacky Jacks is pretty well tacky. Lol! This restaurant specializes in a beach bum vibe with quite interesting décor. You can write on a piece of duck tape and stick it all over the restaurant.  Everywhere you look there are messages from previous guests stuck to the wall.

This restaurant has the look of a bit of a party scene with bucket drinks and bright colors. We had breakfast at Tacky Jacks but did hear that it can get very festive as the day goes on.  There are three Tacky Jacks in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area! You can't miss the restaurant with its vibrant colors and fun decor.

The restaurants have events including live music and epic views!

Menu items not to miss:

Address:

Tacky Jacks Orange Beach - 27206 Safe Harbor Dr. Orange Beach, AL 36561

Gulf Shores - 240 E 24th Ave Gulf Shores, AL36542

Fort Morgan - 1577 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone:

Orange Beach - (251) 981-4144

Gulf Shores - (251) 948-8881

Fort Morgan - (251) 968-8341

Hours:

Orange Beach - opens at 7 am

Gulf Shores - opens at 7:30 am

Fort Morgan - opens at 8 am

Kitty's Kafe

Kitty's Kafe in Gulf Shores is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch! You can't go wrong with the southern comfort food they serve at this Gulf Shores restaurant.

This cafe is a local favorite!

Menu Items not to miss:

Breakfast Burrito - Scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, with grits or potato

Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon, Crab Cake, or Fried Green Tomato

Daily Special with 1 meat and 2 sides - Meat options include chicken dumplings, chicken livers, meatloaf, country fried steak, smothered pork, baked or sauté chicken, hamburger steak, pork chops, fried chicken or beef tips.

Side options include green beans, lima beans, speckled butter bean, field pea, turnip green, steamed cabbage, mashed potato and gravy, mac and cheese, baked sweet potato, squash casserole, fried okra, fried green tomato, onion petals, broccoli salad, cucumber salad, cole slaw, fries, and more.

Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Parkway, Suite 100, Gulf Shores, AL. 36542, United States

Phone - 251.948.5233

Crico's Pizza and Subs

If you are looking for great pizza in Gulf Shores, look no further than Crico's Pizza & Subs! They offer specialty pizzas, salads, and subs.

Menu Items not to Miss: Cricos Pizza and Sub menu include a build-your-own pizza option, specialty pizzas, subs (served hot or cold), Salads made to order, Cricostix (breadsticks), Chicken Wings, and sides.

Supreme - Pepperoni, Beef, Sausage, Onions, Mushroom, Green Peppers

Crico's Favorite - Pepperoni, Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Jalapenos, and Onions

All Meat - Pepperoni, Ham, Beef, Sausage, and Bacon

Crico's Flying Pig Stix - Bacon, Chicken, Cheddar Cheese with ranch dressing.

Address - 309 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone - 251-948-3100

Efe's Greek Kitchen

Efes Greek Kitchen Gulf Shores offers drive-through Greek food right in the heart of Gulf Shores.

Menu Highlights:

Chicken Pita Combo - Grilled chicken served on pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Comes with Fries.

Gyro Combo - Mix of lamb and beef meat served on pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Comes with fries.

Falafel Wrap Combo - Fried chickpeas on pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and hummus. Comes with fries.

Address - 1550 Al-59, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

Phone - 256-342-1000

Lauria's By the Beach

Lauria's by the Beach is an Italian Beach bar in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

This is a great spot for good food, a casual atmosphere, and to relax during your beach vacation. They have some great card games that we played while waiting for our food.

Menu Highlights: Specialty bagel sandwiches, flatbreads, meat and cheese charcuterie board, and the giant pretzel!

Pink Pony Pub

The world-famous Pink Pony Pub Gulf Shores beach bar is located feet away from the sugary white sand the Gulf Coast is known for!

Located on the main drag in Gulf Shores, you can't miss the pink exterior of this beach bar!

Menu Highlights: The Pink Pony Pub Menu features seafood including fresh gulf shrimp, gumbo, oysters, chicken fingers, burgers, buffalo wings, and epic frosty beverages!

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp, Fresh Crab Claw Basket, Sandwiches, Fresh Gulf Fish Basket, and don't miss the homemade Key Lime Pie!

Address - 137 E Gulf Place, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Phone - 251-948-6371

The Yard Milkshake Bar

The Yard Milkshake Bar in Gulf Shores is the perfect dessert spot after a great meal.

Huge milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, and edible cookie dough that tastes amazing!

The milkshakes are Instagram worthy vacation photos!

The Yard specializes in crazy specialty milkshakes that will make your jaw drop when you see them. Even after many visits to the Gulf Shores location we are shocked at how big they are.

Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

Phone - 251-948-0121

Foam Coffee

If you are looking for a great coffee, avocado toast, and seasonal toast flavors this is the cute hipster coffee Gulf Shores Coffee shop you do not want to miss!

A little off the beaten path this cute coffee shop is one of our favorite places to relax with a great coffee or chai tea latte.

Menu highlights:

Drinks - Café au Lait, Cortado, Cappuccino, Cuban Latte, Chai Tea (so good),

Wellness Lattes include Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, Beetroot latte, Chagaccino, and loose-leaf tea.

The toast flight is fantastic! We loved the Nutella toast with strawberries, peanut butter toast with bananas, and avocado toast!

Address - 313 East 22nd Avenue, Gulf Shores, Al

Phone - 251-948-0660

Surfside Pizza

Surfside Pizza has locations in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This is one of our favorite local pizza restaurants.

They specialize in thin crust pizza with a Beach Boys theme. As I type up this post I am thinking about how I am going to convince my husband we need pizza night again tonight.

Surfside Pizza has three sizes of pizzas, subs sandwiches, salads, breadsticks, garlic, bread, and wings. For dessert, you can grab a slice of New York-style cheesecake.

Address - There are three Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Surfside Pizza Locations

Downtown Gulf Shores - E 2nd Street, Suite J, Gulf Shores, AL  36542

West Beach Gulf Shores Surfside Pizza & Ice Cream - 520 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Orange Beach - 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, Al 36561 in the Rouse's Shopping Center

The Ugly Diner

The Ugly Diner is a local favorite! When we first moved to Gulf Shores we asked around to find the best local breakfast spot.

The Ugly Diner was mentioned to us multiple times! This little diner is a must visit! The friendly staff had us laughing and soaking in the good atmosphere of being on the Gulf Coast.

Menu Highlights:

Shrimp and Grits - Gulf Shrimp, Bacon, Tomatoes, Chives, specialty sauce with creamy gouda grits.

Biscuits and Gravy - How can you go wrong with 2 biscuits smothered in house made gravy.

Country Fried Steak and Eggs - 2 eggs, country fried steak, home fries, and toast.

Steve's Famous Burger - two ½ pound burger patties, American and Swiss cheese, Sauteed mushrooms, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion. Served with French fries and a pickle.

Banh Mi Sandwich - Pork, cilantro, cucumber, pickled radish, pickled carrots, jalapenos, and special sauce.

Address - 2200 E 2nd St, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States

Located in a small shopping center near China Dragon and Surfside Pizza.

Phone - 251-224-3182

Happy Pappy's Coffee House

Happy Pappys Coffee House is a locally run Gulf Shores Coffee Shop that features great coffee, pastries, and so much more!

This family-run coffeehouse is a place you will want to relax with a good book or catch up with friends.

Menu Highlights: Authentic Greek pastries, delicious coffee espresso drinks, tea, and more.

Address - 1550A W 2nd St Unit 5, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Phone - 251-967-2779

Wacked out Weiner

If you are looking for a fun lunch in Gulf Shores check out the Wacked out Weiner! They offer Nathan's ORIGINAL All Beef Hot Dogs with over 40 fresh toppings available to customize your order.

This fun lunch restaurant is located near Target and The Yard Milkshake Bar making it really easy to find.

Menu Highlights - You can customize your hot dog with over 40 fresh toppings or order one of these great specialty dogs.

Wacky Macky Dog - Hot dog topped with mac-n-cheese, and bacon

Frito Pie Dog - homemade chili, cheese, onions, Fritos, and Sour cream

Beach Dog - Pineapple, bacon, and BBQ sauce

Bacon Ranch Dog - Bacon and ranch dressing

Reuben Dog - Swiss Cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand island dressing

Backyard Dog - Baked beans, spicy mustard, bacon, onions, homemade coleslaw, Jalapeños, and BBQ sauce.

Chili Crunch - Homemade chili with fried onions

Rajun Cajun - Jalapeno relish, red pepper relish, jalapenos, spicy mustard, Weiner sauce, and Weiner dust.

Chicago Dog - Mustard, onions, sweet relish, diced tomatoes, sports peppers, dill pickle, celery salt.

Gulf Shores Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Parkway #340, Gulf Shores, 36542

They also have locations in Foley, Robertsdale, and Daphne.

Bleus Burger

This local burger restaurant has a New Orleans vibe with a huge burger menu plus chicken, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Their appetizer menu is amazing! You need to try the giant Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese and the cheese flight with three different toppings. So good!

Menu Highlights

Boogie Woogie Burger - Beef Patty, Bacon, Smoked Cheddar, Leaf Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Dill Pickle & Bleus Sauce on Brioche. Served with fries.

Highway 61 Burger - Beef Patty, Smoked Cheddar, Bacon, Candied Jalapeños, Arugula, Crispy Onions, House BBQ on Brioche. Served with fries.

Burnt End Melt - Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends, Gouda Mac, BBQ Sauce on Toasted Sourdough. Served with fries.

This is one of my husbands favorite things to order! He said the flavor is amazing!

Burnside Burger - Beef, Pepper Jack, Potato Hash, Bacon Infused Maple Syrup, Over-easy Egg, Brioche. Served with fries.

The Dirty Mac - House Smoked Pork Shoulder Atop Smoked Gouda Mac, BBQ Sauce, Pickles

Seafood Mac - Blackened Shrimp Atop Gouda Mac, Shaved Parmesan, Peppadews, Hot Crab Cream.

Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Suite 240, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Located in Pelican Place shopping center near Target

 

Orange Beach Restaurants

These are the restaurants in Orange Beach, Al you do not want to miss! From fine dining to Alabama Beach causal these restaurants serve up the best of gulf cuisine! You can't go wrong with fresh gulf shrimp, fresh mahi-mahi, or bread pudding.

The best places to enjoy a waterfront view, oyster bar, and even an arcade!

CoastAL 

Coastal Orange Beach is the hot new Orange Beach Restaurant and Bar that you will want to visit! Offering epic views, delicious food, and great cocktails, this is a must visit restaurant.

My husband said the Coastal Chicken Sandwich was unbelievable. He is still talking about the Bushwacker Tiramisu and how epic it was.

There are two Orange Beach Restaurants at Coastal. The Coastal Beach Bar and Coastal Restaurant.

They both offer great menus and epic views.

Address - 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

At the intersection of State Road 161 & Perdido Boulevard

Phone - (251) 240-6001

Cobalt Restaurant

Cobalt Restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama, is the perfect place for lunch or dinner on the water! Their menu is filled with gulf seafood, sandwiches, and delicious options you will have a hard time choosing from.

Menu Highlights: Each of the menus highlights the contemporary coastal cuisine and authentic dishes created by renowned chefs. I will tell you that you are going to want to visit Cobalt Orange Beach multiple times there are so many delicious options to choose from.

Firecracker Shrimp - Lightly dusted bay shrimp fried and tossed in spicy remoulade sauce.

Oysters - Raw, Creole Casino, Garlic Parmesan Chargrilled, Rockefeller, or a combo of all three with grilled French Bread.

Cobalt Caviar - a  refreshing blend of black beans, edamame, corn, red onion, Roma tomatoes and cilantro tossed in a light vinaigrette and served with corn tortilla chips.

Epic Cobalt Beast Burger - a blend of elk, wild boar, wagyu and bison blackened and topped with bleu cheese, bacon and caramelized onions. Served on a brioche bun with garlic aioli.

Address - 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Al

The restaurant is under/next to the Perdido Bay Bridge and the Caribe Resort.

Phone - 251-923-5300

The Gulf Orange Beach

The Gulf Orange Beach offers amazing food, epic views, and a casual atmosphere perfect for a beach trip!

The Gulf Restaurant is the perfect spot for date night, a group of friends, family, or on your own. The unbelievable backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, paired with the fun atmosphere of the restaurant, is truly one of my favorite things.

Menu Highlights: The menu changes daily depending on what fresh seafood is available. That being said, there are staple dishes that are served all the time.

Loaded Fries - Fresh Cut Fries Topped with Queso, Chopped Bacon, Green Onion

Gulf Double Burger - 2 Natural Beef Patties, Lettuce, Tomato on a Brioche Bun with Garlic Aioli

Shrimp Tacos - Blackened Gulf Shrimp and Sweet-Chili Aioli with Pineapple Slaw, Diced Tomato, Cilantro, and Lime

Address - 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach AL 36561

Phone - 251-424-1800

Ginny Lane Bar and Grill At The Wharf

Ginny Lane Bar and Grill is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, offering casual dining for Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner.

We have really enjoyed all of our meals at Ginny Lane. Great flavor and menu options.

Menu Highlights: The menu ranges from soups and salads, burgers to pasta dishes and fish dishes.

Gulf Shrimp and Grits - pork belly, cheddar grits, creole cream sauce, and tomatoes.

Shrimp Scampi - Angel Hair Pasta, Roasted Tomatoes, asparagus, White Wine Garlic Butter.

Asian Chicken Salad - Grilled chicken, lettuce, Red Cabbage, green onion, carrots, Mandarin Oranges, Crispy Wonton Strips, Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette.

Don't miss dessert with key lime pie, white chocolate bread pudding, or lava cake.

Address - 4851 Wharf Parkway Suite 106, Orange Beach, Al 36561

Phone - 251-224-6500

OSO at Bear Point

Oso at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach offers casual dining on the water. Delicious food with a view that is hard to beat.

OSO Early is the perfect Orange Beach breakfast restaurant! The food is unbelievable! Honestly some of the best food in Orange Beach.

Menu Highlights: Gumbo, Fish tacos, Beef tacos, salads, Papa Oso Cocktail, and so much more!

The Porker Bowl - Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, charred pineapple salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fried onions.

Oyster and Shrimp Po boy - Fried oysters and shrimp, shredded lettuce, tomato, all topped with remoulade sauce.

Bushwacker Pancakes - Three espresso chocolate pancakes with Kahlua Chocolate, Rum Caramel and Coconut Cream.

Southern Loco Moco - Country fried steak, fried eggs, brown gravy, potato hash, hollandaise, and fried onions.

Address - 5749 Bay La Launch Ave, Orange Beach, Alabama

Located at Bear Point Harbor, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone - 251-345-6738

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets

Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets in Orange Beach, Alabama is a favorite for locals and visitors. They offer an amazing breakfast/brunch menu and lite lunch items. Don't miss their in-house made bakery items.

Menu Highlights:

Breakfast Hollah - choose a hollah with eggs and cheddar cheese, ham and cheese (no eggs), seasonal vegetables, or with bacon, sausage patty or split link sausage. The housemade Challah dough is filled with delicious goodness.

BuzzCatz breakfast platter - two eggs, your choice of breakfast meat, biscuit or toast, and choice of grits or red potatoes.

Fold it or Wrap It - Made to order breakfast burrito or breakfast quesadilla with egg, cheese, red pepper, and onion. Add meat, salsa, or sour cream.

Address - 25689 Canal Road Ste. A, Orange Beach, AL

The restaurant is located on Canal Road in Cosmo's Courtyard.

Phone - 251-980-2899

Luna's Eat and Drink

Luna's Eat and Drink in Orange Beach, Alabama is a southern coastal kitchen and taphouse with amazing food and drinks!

This is one of the best Orange Beach Lunch restaurants! Their meat and three lunch special is epic! You can choose from Nashville hot chicken, meatloaf, hamburger steak, pork chops, the daily catch, and more. Pair this with 3 epic southern side dishes, and you will not leave hungry!

Menu Highlights: There are so many epic things on the menu it is hard to pick just a few.

Pimiento Hushpuppies with housemade blueberry pepper jelly

Beer Cheese Dip - A creamy blend of Swiss, cheddar, and dark beer. Served with soft pretzel bites

Luna's has a great Gluten-Free menu designated on their website. Options include Crab and Artichoke Dip and Deviled Eggs for appetizers.

Address - 25869 Canal Rd Suite B, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone - 251-980-5862

 

 

Fisher's Orange Beach - Closing November 7, 2023

We just learned that Fisher's Orange Beach will be closing on November 7, 2023

Dockside Restaurant

Looking for an upscale lunch that won’t break the bank but tastes amazing! Check out Fishers Dockside! One of the things we loved about this restaurant is seeing their James Beard award-winning chef working on the TV so guests would have a tv to watch. This is southern home cooking that you will love.

Chef Bill Briand told us that the recipes are passed down from his Mom and are full of comfort food along with seasonally appropriate dishes depending on the weather. You can’t go wrong with the shrimp and grits!

Menu Items not to miss:

Shrimp and Grits - Half dozen gulf shrimp, stone-ground yellow grits, Tasso tomato Gravy

White Chocolate Coconut Bread Pudding

Address: 27075 Marina Rd #100, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 981-7308

If you are looking for a bit more of a fine dining atmosphere head upstairs to Fisher's Upstair restaurant.

Get On The List! Call ahead for Dockside seating (251) 981-7308

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11 am - 10 pm
Sunday Brunch: 10 am - 2 pm

French Toast Batons - Brioche French toast sticks, fried and tossed in cinnamon sugar

The Ruby Slipper - Orange Beach

Do you love eggs benedicts? This is the restaurant for you! They offer amazing eggs benedicts in flavors you probably haven’t seen before. This is not your normal eggs benedict.

Pictures a benedict with pulled pork or one with corned beef. They also offer chicken benedict and more.

Try the Shimp Boogaloo Benedict or the peacemaker that lets you pick any two signature benedicts.

Not really a benedict person don’t worry they have a full menu! Their French toast looks like a giant plate of French toast Jenga and is pretty darn fun to eat!

Menu item not to miss:

BBQ Shrimp and Grits - Sauteed Gulf shrimp with beer & rosemary butter reduction, over creamy stone-ground grits, served with a buttermilk biscuit

Chicken St. Charles - Fried chicken breast served over a buttermilk biscuit, topped with two poached eggs, finished with a pork tasso cream sauce

Bananas Foster Pain Perdu - French bread-based French toast with rum-flambéed bananas & raisins

Bacon Praline Pancakes - Classic buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon pieces, toasted pecans topped with warm praline sauce

Address: 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 800-7470

Hours: 7 Days a Week: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Southern Grind Coffee House - Orange Beach

I could easily visit The Southern Grind Coffee House daily and love it every time. This is a coffee shop/restaurant you do not want to miss! The Gulf Coast beach decor is amazing and the best part is most of it is for sale so you can bring it home with you.

I told John that at some point when we have a beach home in Gulf Shores we will be decorating it with all the amazing things we find at The Southern Grind. I am guessing you did not come to this article for home decor so let's talk about the delicious food, to die for salted caramel cookies, and coffee you can find at The Southern Grind!

Menu items not to miss:

Salted Caramel Cookie - so good I had to mention it twice

Breakfast - biscuit or croissant sandwich, Belgian waffles, French toast, avocado egg melt...all of it...amazing!

Lunch - Bourbon chicken sandwich, chicken club panini, hummus veggie bagel, jumbo lump crab cake sandwich

Gelato - 18 flavors of gelato to choose from

Frappes - So good on a hot summer day! These sweet cold drinks are the perfect break and treat when you leave the beach.

Address:

The Wharf -  Main Street Suite 116, Orange Beach, Al

Hotel Indigo - 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Al

Phone:

The Wharf - 251-923-3265

Hotel Indigo - 251-975-2883

Hours: Open 6:30 am 7 days a week

Fresh hot beignets

Bananas in Pajamas - Bananas wrapped in egg rolls, fried, served with banana foster sauce

Brick & Spoon - Orange Beach

As soon as we heard that Brick and Spoon had been voted one of the ten best breakfast restaurants in the United States we knew we had to go!

I have to tell you that Brick & Spoon did not disappoint! We could have easily had breakfast here every day during our visit and not run out of things to order. Every time a waitress walked by with a plate we were adding new things to our must-try list.

Brick & Spoon is known for their bloody mary's! We visited on the 5th of March and 118 of them had already been consumed in the 1st four days of the month! We saw many diners enjoying them during our visit.

We sadly skipped trying one since we were due to get to the Mardi Gras parade and didn't want to get started too early on a day we knew would include a few Hurricane cocktails. They also have a great mimosa!

We started our breakfast with bananas in pajamas because how can you not order bananas in pajamas. The name is just too fun! We also had fresh hot beignets that were beyond delicious. I would go back just for the beignets.

I enjoyed the breakfast tacos while John had the bayou benedict which was amazing! We left so full and happy! This was one of our must-visit breakfast restaurants in Gulf Shore/Orange Beach!

Address: 24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 981-7772

Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Margherita Pizza - Marinara, Roasted Garlic,Tomatoes, Fresh Basil

 

Villaggio Grille - The Wharf, Orange Beach

Villagio Grill is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach and served delicious Italian meals! You can't go wrong with lunch or dinner at this great restaurant. You can enjoy a penny cocktail with your meal. Yes! Your first cocktail is a penny if you order a Cosmo on the Rocks, Gin Punch or Villaggio Breeze!

The fruit and cheese charcuterie platter was delicious. I could have easily just enjoyed that for lunch but we all know that didn't happen. The Margherita pizza was fresh and flavorful.

It was large enough that I ended up taking most of it back to our Eagle Cottage at Gulf State Park to enjoy later in the day.

John enjoyed the fish of the day which was Mahi Mahi and said it was one of the best pieces of fish he had enjoyed anywhere.

He had to keep putting his fork down on his plate to slow down eating the fish so he could savor each bite.

Villaggio Grille knows how to cook seafood!

Address: 4790 Main St f108, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 224-6510

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm

Friday - Saturday: 11 am - 10 pm

Cosmos Orange Beach

We visited Cosmo's Restaurant after enjoying our Gulf Shores Dolphin Tour. We were so hungry and excited for a great meal.

Cosmo's was recommended to us from a local friend who said that it was one of their favorites. We could see why they loved it so much.

The service was great and the restaurant has a laid back relaxed vibe that is perfect after a day out on the water or at the beach.

The restaurant was filled with locals enjoying dinner and seeing each other. John enjoyed the Mahi Mahi sandwich and said it was great. I have to admit that I had the Fettuccine Alfredo and took a break from Southern Comfort Food for some Italian comfort food instead.

Menu items not to miss:

Cheese dip - Made with local Sweet Home Farm cheese. A silky blend of Swiss, Parmesan & locally made Elberta cheeses. Topped with feta & roasted tomato relish, served with pita chips.

Address: 25753 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 948-9663

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:00 p.m

Creole Shrimp and Grit Cakes Ducks Diner Orange Beach Al

Duck's Diner - Orange Beach

We enjoyed breakfast at Duck's Diner on our final morning in Gulf Shore/Orange Beach. It is probably a good thing we went on our last day or we may have been there every morning of our trip.

John said the Creole Shrimp and Grit Cakes was one of the best breakfasts he has had anywhere in the world. The server joked that he could drink the creole sauce straight from the pan and John agreed. It was that good!

Duck's Diner is super casual and great for families. The restaurant is located in Orange Beach and really easy to get to. There is a ton of parking in front of the restaurant. This is definitely a breakfast spot not to miss during your trip to the Alabama Beaches!

Menu Items not to miss:

Creole Shrimp and Grit Cakes - Grilled shrimp over fried grit cakes infused with gouda cheese, topped with grilled tomatoes, and drizzled with a homemade creole sauce!

Biscuits and Gravy

Address: 4560 Easy St, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 948-9191

Hours: 7 am to 1:30 pm

Epic breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - Don't miss these local breakfast hot spots with delicious brunch/breakfast options.

Vinny's Pizzeria

Vinny's Pizzeria at The Wharf offers great pizza and calzones in a great location. Available for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery.

Menu Highlights - The pepperoni log! Honestly, if you like pepperoni you need to order this!

Meat Toppings available - Pepperoni, sausage, ham, sliced meatballs, bacon, chicken.

Vegetable toppings - Pineapple, onion, mushroom, black olive, green pepper, banana pepper, jalapeno, tomato, and spinach.

Address - 4651 Main St, Unit K-1, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Next to the Wharf Ferris Wheel.

Phone - 866-743-7669

Kayden's Ice Cream & Candies

I mentioned an Orange Beach Restaurant with an arcade and Kayden's is it! Ok, it is not a full restaurant but they do have epic ice cream and desserts!

Plus they have a great arcade perfect for rainy days or when you need a break from the sun and heat.

Address - 25241 Perdido Beach Blvd, Unit 107, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone - 251-923-5500

Flora Bama Yacht Club

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club on Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.

Technically the restaurant is in Florida and not Orange Beach but the Alabama State line sign is in the parking lot near the restaurant so I figure it is close enough to count.

Menu Highlights - Flora Bama Yacht Club serves Island Time Oysters which are locally grown in the Gulf Waters surrounding Dauphin Island, Alabama

The menu is filled with fresh seasonal ingredients, seafood, burgers, and so much more.

Address - 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Florida, 32507

Phone - 850-483-6272

I feel like you would honestly have to try to go hungry in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. There are so many restaurants to choose from!

We talked with quite a few locals during our trip and they all gave us a huge list of favorite restaurants.

Everything from fresh oysters to pizza was on the list.  This city truly has something for everyone.

Fort Morgan Restaurants

These restaurants in Fort Morgan are just down the road from Gulf Shores and easy to reach.

Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill

There is also the Sassy Bass which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with giant fishbowl drinks.

We enjoyed a great breakfast at the Sassy Bass and would love to go back for dinner and a drink. The owner was super chill and so nice during our visit. It was great hearing about their menu and the love that has gone into creating each of their restaurants.

Make sure and try the porridge! It is not what you expect at all.

They have a great breakfast buffet that has been rated one of the top buffets in Alabama.

Menu Items not to miss:

Savory Porridge - 3 Eggs scrambled in beef pork n’ oatmeal & home fries, with toast, butter, and jelly

Shrimp n’ Gouda Cheese Grits
Succulent shrimp sautéed over Gouda cheese grits covered with a creamy bacon, mushroom gravy

Sassy Bass has four different restaurants in Gulf Shores! If you try all of them and keep your receipts you can turn them in at the last restaurant to be entered to win a prize.

Amazin Grill Address - 5160 Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone - 251-975-1010

 

 

Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club

Oh my yum! Coast offers a menu that is focused on Gulf Cuisine including fresh fish, oysters, and shrimp. They even have a sushi menu. The Caprese pasta was filled with fresh basil and tomatoes.

The Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club is located at Spectrum Resorts but is open to anyone who wishes to dine there. The view from the deck over the Gulf is spectacular! This was one of our favorite places to watch the sunset.

Don’t miss the key lime tart for dessert! It made our must-try Best Desserts in Gulf Shores list for a reason.

Address: 453 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 224-3600

Restaurants we have heard great things about

Now that we live on the Alabama Gulf Coast we are super excited to try more local Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Restaurants.

These are the best restaurants we haven't made it to yet but have heard great things about.

• Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort
• Sea-n-Suds
• Burro Azul

Nearby Foley, Alabama Restaurants and eateries include - Bagel Boy, Lambert's Cafe, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at OWA,

Additional Gulf Shores Resources

Wondering what else to do during your vacation to Gulf Shores?

Check out our top things to do in Gulf Shores for great vacation ideas!

Sail Wild Hearts Dolphin Cruise - a great way to get out on the water and watch dolphins.

Gulf State Park Campground - Check out this epic state park campground in the heart of Gulf Shores.

Gulf State Park - All of the epic things to do in Gulf State Park including Gulf State Park Pier 

Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!

Best local coffee shops in Gulf Shores - Grab your favorite coffee or tea at one of our favorite local coffee shops.

Best Ice Cream Shops in Gulf Shores - If you are looking to cool down on a hot day make sure to check out these epic local ice cream shops.

Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

We have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Gulf Shores Visitor Bureau for hosting our trip