The best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Gulf Shores, located on the coast of Alabama, is a beautiful city with sparkling white beaches and inviting warm waters. During your stay, you can enjoy a range of enjoyable activities and delicious food. The dining options are diverse, offering high-end restaurants, casual dining, family-friendly options, live music, outdoor seating, and stunning views of the coast. Indulge in an abundance of pizza, stacked subs, creamy ice cream, and delectable fresh seafood. We have compiled a list of the top restaurants in Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach.
King Neptune’s
King Neptune’s offers just about any kind of seafood dish you can imagine. However, it is specifically a local favorite for steamed seafood. It is also close to a number of attractions in the area.
Why eat at this Gulf Shores restaurant?
If you love seafood, then this is one of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores for you. Nothing about this eatery is pretentious. They have a simple approach to all things like parking, staff, the rustic setting, and outdoor dining.
What to Eat
Start your meal off with Seafood Nachos, which are also great for sharing. Your nachos will be loaded with green onions, banana peppers, shrimp, diced tomatoes, cheese sauce, and seasoned crawfish. The Steamer Sampler Platter is also great for sharing. You get steamed new potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, a crab leg, 1/2lbs shrimp, and 1/2lbs Royal Reds.
Shrimp Basket
The Shrimp Basket is within walking distance of many tourist attractions and shops and has stood since 1993. The restaurant itself is full of family fun and delicious food.
Why eat at this Gulf Shores restaurant?
There is something at the Shrimp Basket for everyone, and is a great place to eat in Gulf Shores for everyone. The absolutely delicious food includes delectable options for children, as well as an oyster bar for adults. The setting is casual, and the staff are fantastic.
What to Eat?
If you are out with your family, the Chicken Breast Platter is a great option. Shrimp slaw, corn fritters, and hush-puppies are served with a choice of grilled or blackened chicken. Their house specialties are particularly enjoyable, including fries, shrimp slaw, and hush-puppies with Mahi-Mahi Tacos.
The Original Oyster House
When it comes to Gulf Shores restaurants, The Original Oyster House is a local favorite that has been in business since 1983.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant
This is a great place to relax and spend some time with family and friends. The rates are affordable, they cater to special diets, and they have dishes for children. The menu is quite impressive, featuring things like salad-based entrees, hand-shucked oysters, and a number of Cajun specialties.
What to Eat
The Natchitoches Crawfish Pies are a great way to experience the authentic flavors of Louisiana. A creamy rémoulade and seasoned crawfish nestled in a pastry crust. The Green Tomato Stack and Crab Cake is a traditional house favorite. Thick-cut fried green tomatoes and a crab cake are smothered in Conecuh sausage cream sauce.
Sassy Bass Island Grill
Some of the Gulf Shores restaurants on our list have unique features; this one is built on the beach. The views of the Gulf of Mexico are unbeatable.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
The excellent full-service catering at the Sassy Bass Island Grill makes it one of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores to visit on your birthday. The menu can be completely customized, packages can be designed to meet your budget, presentations are creative, the venues are private, and there are buffet options.
What to Eat
The Hawaiian Omelet is a delectable way to sample a tropical-themed flavor for breakfast. This omelet is loaded with onions, diced span, and green peppers, served with butter, pineapple garnish, hash browns, jelly, and toast.
A good brunch option is the Island Eggs Benedict. Think grilled shrimp, a crab cake, hollandaise sauce, poached eggs, ham, and a stack of hash browns.
Gulf Shores Seafood
Gulf Shores Seafood is not only a restaurant; it is a market as well. You will find this establishment next to an amusement park by the name of Waterville USA/Escape House.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
The friendly staff and delicious seafood dishes prepared fresh on-site are some of the best in the area. There are great platters for groups suitable to every occasion, amazing desserts, and a brilliant ambiance.
What to Eat
If you are there with a friend or partner, try the Low Country Boil for two. You choose your seasoning and get six potatoes, two sausages, two ears of corn-on-the-cob, and one pound of large shrimp.
Gulf Island Grill
Yet another seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores is the Gulf Island Grill. It has been in operation since 2003 and is well-liked by locals.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
The Gulf Island Grill serves amazing seafood that can be enjoyed with a delicious cocktail. The interior is decorated beautifully with large windows, wood accents, and an island theme. The alcoholic drinks are inventive and delicious, the pasta dishes are amazing, and there are many tropical-themed dishes and tantalizing appetizers.
What to Eat
We would recommend the house specialties or the Baby Back Ribs. You can choose between barbecue, honey, jerk, or mango sauce, while the two pounds of ribs are served with slaw and fries. If you love pasta, the Seafood Pasta is a particularly attractive choice. A parmesan sauce is served over onions, steamed shrimp, sauteed peppers, crawfish tails, and penne noodles.
Fresh Off The Boat
You will find Fresh Off The Boat at the SanRoc Cay Marina. It is one of the most well-respected Gulf Shores restaurants in the area.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
Along with delectable seafood dishes, you can expect a busy bar, live music, and breathtaking views of the waterfront. Staff are always willing to help, and dishes prepared from fresh, locally farmed ingredients, are enjoyed at either indoor or outdoor dining areas.
What to Eat
One of their signature entrees is the Pecan Crusted Redfish. It is served with stone-ground cheddar grits, sauteed green beans, and peach-pineapple chutney. If you are looking for a delicious steak dinner, their 14oz Chargrilled Angus certified Ribeye is one of the best in Gulf Shores. The steak is served with garlic herb butter, white cheddar-garlic mashed potatoes, with sauteed asparagus.
Picnic Beach
By far, one of the best Gulf Shores restaurants is Picnic Beach, where you can have seafood specialties and premium-quality meats. After your meal, you can walk to the Public Beach in Gulf Shores.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
Picnic Beach serves some of the best food in Gulf Shores. The expansive menu covers sharing plates, vegan options, entrees, sandwiches, and fresh salads. The space is beautiful to behold, with many windows, picnic tables, faux grass, and well-lit interior seating.
What to Eat
If you want something filling and healthy, try the Tuna Poke Bowl. Crispy onions, lime soy, cucumbers, radishes, avocados, pineapples, sesame seeds, smoked tomato aioli, jasmine rice, seaweed, and tomatoes, all served in one delicately balanced bowl. You can also order the 1/2 Shrimp Boil if you’re in the mood for something decadent. A cocktail sauce drenches corn, Conecuh sausages, red potatoes, and remoulade.
The Hangout
Another seafood-centric menu is served in a lively dining establishment that has been open since 2008.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
This restaurant serves the best lunch in Gulf Shores. Share the experience with friends, a partner, or your family. Events are held here throughout the year; there’s live music, open-air al-fresco dining, and a colorful setting. There are signature cocktails, child-friendly meals, and meals fit for special diets.
What to Eat
The Grouper Platter is the house specialty. The fried wild-caught Gulf grouper is served with french fries, coleslaw, and chipotle aioli. If seafood isn’t quite your speed, then try The Lifeguard. Two beef patties are served with homemade pickles, a fried egg, cheddar, thick-sliced bacon, and onion straws.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores
Lucy Buffett’s Lulu diner, or Lulu’s Gulf Shores, opened its doors in 2004. Tourists and locals love the good food and nightly live music at this lively eatery.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
There is a great deal on offer at this locally owned establishment. Live music is played every night, and the menu is stocked full of delicious meals. In addition to the great food, there are a number of other attractions at the restaurant to enjoy. There are caricature artists, a ropes course, and an on-site arcade.
What to Eat
The Nachos are a great appetizer to share. These are loaded with homemade salsa, queso, tomatoes, melted cheddar, and jalapenos. The Key West Bowl is equally fantastic. You choose your meat topping, which is served with black beans, veggies, and Cuban yellow rice.
The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
The Beach House in Gulf Shores serves a delectable combination of American fare, seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails. The casual atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients make for a perfect combination where you can enjoy good food with good people while sitting outside on the patio.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
The prices at this restaurant are amazing, and their happy hour special is particularly enticing. Enjoy an appetizer for only $5 while sipping on discounted cocktails between 2 pm and 6 pm daily.
What to Eat
“The Burger” on their menu is quite popular, along with various wraps, sandwiches, and entrees. For dessert, try their Key Lime Pie while sipping on signature cocktails.
Sea N Suds
The family-owned Sea N Suds has been in operation since 1975. It is a fantastic place for family fun and great food.
Why Eat at This Gulf Shores Restaurant?
This restaurant is dedicated to family-fun and sustainable practices. The food is always fresh and inviting. It is a great place to meet friends and make memories.
What to Eat
Start your meal with raw oysters by the dozen. Their main courses have a wide selection, and if you do not like shrimp or fish, try their Chicken Finger Dinner instead. Their selection of Sandwiches and Burgers is equally tantalizing.
Orange Beach Restaurants
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
This is one of the most popular restaurants in Gulf Shores for seafood. The strong Southern roots ring true.
Why Eat at This Orange Beach Restaurant?
If you’ve explored all the run-of-the-mill restaurants in Gulf Shores and want to try something more unique than Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar is for you. The artwork and colorful interior offset the delicious seafood and fresh fish. The fare is budget-friendly and features strong Southern influences with internationally-inspired dishes, including sharing platters and desserts.
What to Eat
If you are having lunch, the Catfish is a great option. The farm-raised catfish filet is crusted in Andouille and served with Yukon gold potatoes, vegetables, and meunière sauce. The Black-n-Bleu Shrimp is also a must-try. A herb and garlic tortilla filled with Romaine lettuce, applewood bacon, a bleu cheese dressing, red onions, and blackened Gulf shrimp.
The Sugar Shack & Cafe
At the waterfront known as The Wharf, you will find an authentic American restaurant known as the Sugar Shack & Cafe.
Why Eat at This Orange Beach Restaurant?
As far as casual dining options go, this is our top pick for entrees and snacks. The affordable prices and laid-back settings, along with the specialty candies, fast service, and great staff, make the stop worthwhile.
What to Eat
The Loaded Fries are great for sharing. Choose between toppings like sour cream, chili, jalapenos, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Their best-selling Fudge is a great way to satisfy even the stickiest sweet tooth. Flavors include Peanut Butter Cup, Sea Salt Caramel, Turtle Cheesecake, Oreo, or Dark Chocolate Coconut.
The Ruby Slipper Cafe
The Ruby Slipper Cafe, although a chain restaurant, specializes in brunch and does not disappoint! Their exciting and inventive brunch menu is strongly inspired by New Orleans cuisine and culture.
Why Eat at This Orange Beach Restaurant?
The Ruby Slipper Cafe is dedicated not only to delicious and exciting brunch meals but to meeting your dietary requirements to the best of its ability. Although their menu is not specific on dietary options, servers are trained and eager to assist you in navigating the extensive menu to find the best options to suit your individual needs.
What to eat
Their Southern Breakfast is particularly popular. Think buttermilk biscuits, fried green tomatoes, Applewood-smoked bacon, stone-ground grits, and two eggs made the way you like them. They have a wide selection of Eggs Benedict, including the Bayou Shrimp Eggs Benedict, which is a particularly decadent option. If you’re looking for something sweet, the White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes are to die for.
Pair your brunch with a breakfast-themed cocktail. Their Award-Winning Bloody Mary or the very special Bacon Bloody Mary, made with Applewood-Smoked Bacon infused vodka.
Luna’s Eat & Drink
The strong Southern influence of the menu at Luna’s stands true. It is a family-friendly establishment where patrons often engage in indoor games while enjoying their meals.
Why Eat at This Orange Beach establishment?
They have a wide range of entertainment options, including large TV screens and a grassy courtyard. Their large portions and generous atmosphere are perfect for a long lunch.
What to eat
Their lunch menu is full of mouthwatering coastal-inspired dishes that are perfect for summer months. Try the Crab Claws, or take a look at the dinner menu for heartier options.
Closing Thoughts on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Restaurants
The Sunset Cork Room was a favorite among locals, especially for its white BBQ sauce, until it permanently closed recently. But do not let that sway your decision. There are many amazing Orange Beach and Gulf Shores restaurants to choose from. Anything from casual to upscale dining options are available. The food and atmosphere at these restaurants are relaxing.
Remember that during the busy season, the wait time will be slightly longer than during off-season periods. Do not hesitate to sip on a cocktail like a pina colada or something more exciting and bespoke while you wait. Enjoy your cocktail and meals indoors, or make use of the outdoor seating in warmer months.
We hope this list of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants has made your decision a little bit easier.
