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Complete guide to the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

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If you’re a regular reader (and I hope you are!!!), you know I’m a big fan of Alabama’s Beaches. As a regular visitor, I get to try new restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach every time I go. I have collected a few favorites along the way, the very best restaurants in Orange Beach, AL and Gulf Shores!

This post includes a list of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, updated every time I go. It’s categorized by meal for easier searching. If you try one of the restaurants on this list, please leave a comment with your feedback, too. AND, if you have a favorite place not on my list, let me know. I’ll try to get there next time!

Post updated November 2020 to reflect current status

Best breakfast in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

My daughter’s favorite meal of the day is breakfast! She loves her eggs over easy with a side of grits and crispy bacon. She chases it down with a tall glass of chocolate milk — and she will enjoy every bite! I’m more of a healthy breakfast girl, oatmeal with fruit or avocado toast, with a great cup of coffee. We’ve found a few places that make us both quite happy!

Best breakfast in Orange Beach

The Ruby Slipper Cafe, 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

The restaurant’s sunny decor and high ceilings are inviting, while the high backed booths balance the openness, creating intimate dining spaces. The Louisiana inspired menu offers sweet and savory breakfast items to please every member of the family.

We recommend:

  • Savory — a signature benedict (the peacemaker  lets you choose two),
  • Sweet — the french toast batons (french toast sticks made with brioche),
  • Sides — pig candied bacon (trust me on this one).

Brick & Spoon, 24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach

Serving an upscale southern menu in a casual atmosphere, Brick & Spoon provides diners a relaxed way to start the day. Ranked one of the top ten breakfasts in the United States by Travel + Leisure, we hesitate to recommend one dish over another. But, here’s what we had — and we loved every. single. bite:

  • The Caribbean Sampler — an egg dish that’s sweet and spicy. With jerk chicken, grilled pineapple, cheese and mango salsa, it really is a party for your mouth!
  • Stuffed French Toast Sliders — made with a battered french bread stuffed with cream cheese and fruit compote, then topped with fosters’ sauce, whipped cream and powdered sugar. It’s sweet — and filling!
  • Bananas in Pajamas — crispy banana egg rolls served with fosters sauce. This is fun for kids — awww, who am I kidding? You’ll love it, too!

Playa, 7842 Canal Rd, Orange Beach

This newcomer, a bit off the beaten path at Sportsman Marina, offers stunning views and excellent food! Not only that, they have special menus for people with allergies. The restaurant is the newest offering by Fisher’s Dockside, and is just as delicious — with equally attentive service in a laid back atmosphere. We enjoyed:

  • Spanish breakfast: Carnitas (braised and roasted pork) served over sweet corn grits with tortillas and two fried eggs. Ellie said the pork is sweeter than she expected, but very good, and
  • Breakfast toast: Avocado, cherry tomato, pickled red onion, cotija cheese and cilantro “salad” served over grilled Cuban bread. It was filling and satisfying, the slightly sweet, crunchy bread a great contrast to the creamy avocado.

Best breakfast in Gulf Shores

We have only had breakfast at one place in Gulf Shores, so far, because we usually stay at condos in Orange Beach, but this is a solid choice if you’re staying nearby.

Sunliner Diner, 100 E. 2nd Ave., Gulf Shores **Temporarily Closed**

Ellie rated the Southern Biscuit Sandwich at Sunliner Diner the best breakfasts she has ever had in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so good she would be willing to go back despite the long wait for food. For a fourteen year old not to complain about a 40 minute wait (after being seated), it’s an endorsement! I agree with her that the food here is delicious, though pricey. The atmosphere is incredible, very 1950’s diner! And, it’s the cleanest restaurant I’ve ever been to. Just don’t go if you have a tight schedule and you’ll enjoy it. We ate:

  • The Southern Biscuit Sandwich, a giant biscuit topped with fried green tomato, avocado, a farm fresh fried egg and Alabama White BBQ sauce. Ellie said this spicy white sauce is “THE BEST” sauce she’s ever eaten. She even used her finger to wipe the plate clean of every drop. My girl hates messy fingers.
  • The Chicken and Waffle Benedict, a crispy fried boneless chicken breast and a creole hollandaise on a waffle, drizzled with syrup. I love chicken and waffles, and this dish did not disappoint. I got a side of greens, which is a bowl of fresh greens, not dressed.

Best breakfast in Gulf Shores Al

Best lunch in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

When it comes to the best places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, it’s hard to pick just one. The best restaurants in Orange Beach are locally owned, dedicated to the culture and vibe of the Orange Beach Gulf Shores area. They take advantage of the scenery (hello, Gulf!), comforting southern cuisine and the relaxed atmosphere that makes the area so special.

Best lunch in Orange Beach (also good for casual evening dining)

The Gulf, 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach

Food + Location = Perfection.

We love The Gulf, a unique dining concept built entirely of shipping containers, one of the best Orange Beach restaurants on the water. It’s an unusual concept, though, so find a table and stake your claim (you might share a picnic table with others). Then get your food: either at the fish container or the taco/burger container. Everything at The Gulf is made fresh daily, and when a menu item runs out, that’s it for the day. Hence, my recommendation to eat there for lunch (a late lunch means smaller crowds). With a sandy play area, fire pits, and expansive views of the gulf, you can’t find better “decor.”

While the menu changes daily, the Gulf Burger and hand cut fries are always delicious! Other considerations include the fish tacos, homemade hummus and pita chips and the daily mojito!

Tacky Jacks, Gulf Shores: 240 East 24th Avenue and Orange Beach: 27206 Safe Harbor Drive

My daughter’s favorite for the atmosphere and friendly staff! With two locations on Alabama’s gulf coast, both waterfront, hang out at Tacky Jack’s to enjoy great food in a funky atmosphere. Built to look haphazard, the restaurant is actually quite organized! Lines can get long at prime dining times, so go for a late lunch or early dinner unless you don’t mind waiting. Both locations offer spectacular sunset views year-round — for free.

One of our favorites was the Mexican Garbage (beef and cheese nachos topped with tomato, onions, black olives, sour cream, jalapeno peppers and salsa). It’s large enough to share — a meal for three if you ask me! The Po Boys are also terrific.

Luna’s Eat & Drink, 25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach

Serving southern favorites that are hand crafted daily using fresh, simple ingredients with a touch of soul. This laid back restaurant offers airy dining and lots of TVs for watching the big game. The staff is attentive to allergy concerns. I ate here alone, something I don’t do often, and felt like I was having dinner at a friend’s house. The staff checked in on me regularly without smothering me. My cup never emptied!

The day I went, they had a Nashville Hot Chicken dinner that was pure perfection. It’s no longer offered as a dinner, but I can confidently recommend the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in its place.

Best lunch in Gulf Shores (also good for casual evening dining)

Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s, 200 East 25th Ave., Gulf Shores

Another great destination restaurant choice is Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. On the waterfront, relax and watch the boats cruise by, listen to live music or let the kids play in the sand. The “restaurant” also has a climbing tower (separate fee), shop, and beach games. Lulu’s is about more than dinner: take a break to enjoy family, fun and food!

One more thing, Lulu’s gets our TOP PICK for families with food allergies. With eight separate food allergy menus and a separate kitchen to prepare foods for those with allergies, Lulu’s gets it — and makes it easy to enjoy a meal out without worry

Our recommendations include the “Best of Alabama” fried green tomatoes, any of the burgers, Crazy Sista’s Pulled Pork Sandwich, and the Key Lime Pie.

A note: Reviews often state that Lulu’s is over-priced. If you are planning a quick dinner and don’t want to enjoy a relaxed meal, this might not be the place. If you’re want to kick back and enjoy family time, this is the perfect spot.

Picnic Beach, 128 E 1st Ave, Gulf Shores **Temporarily Closed**

Picnic Beach might be my best late night find as well as lunch! It’s certainly my favorite of the Gulf Shores restaurants! Even though it’s located across the street from the beach, you won’t miss it. Walk up the turf covered stairs into the white, shiplap sided building to order at the counter. Then grab a seat and play a board game while you wait. It’s so relaxed, you could make an evening of it. If weather is nice, there’s outside dining, also on fun turf, under Edison bulbs. Everything about this place makes me smile! And, when I go back to Alabama’s beaches, I’ll be eating here again! We got:

  • The bison burger with potato salad. Ellie loves bison burgers. Who knew?
  • The tuna poke protein bowl with tri-colored quinoa, the best tuna poke bowl I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few),
  • Juices and smoothies!

“Fine” dining in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

I put this header in quotes, because while the places I’m about to list offer a more sophisticated menu, they’re also quite family friendly restaurants. You’ll find people dressing up a bit, but they are not stuffy! Kids are welcome — wanted, in fact. Maybe that’s the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach secret — it’s all about family here.

Fisher’s Dockside, 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach

**Open, but call ahead for seating. 251-981-7308**

Two restaurants in one, Fisher’s offers a casual dining experience downstairs (dockside) — where flip-flops and shorts are expected. Situated on the waterfront, marina views, grassy lawns and wide docks provide the decor at this open air restaurant. While the atmosphere is decidedly casual, the cuisine is still top-notch. Fisher’s Dockside serves burgers, seafood, salads and sandwiches — and some amazing appetizers.

Fisher’s Upstairs (that’s the name) is decidedly more fancy with linen tablecloths and draperies, reclaimed wood, graceful chandeliers. Don’t let that fool you, though, they also have porthole windows looking into the kitchen — watch the chefs cook your steak or seafood dinner!

Both Fisher’s Upstairs and Dockside are recommended by Southern Living Magazine — and me! When eating Dockside consider: Boudin Balls, Fried Green Tomatoes, anything with grits or the special of the day (best red beans I’ve ever had!)

Voyager’s, Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach

Voyager’s is another of my daughter’s top picks — she feels so grown up when we eat here, thanks to the upscale decor (sparkly chandeliers) and phenomenal wait staff. They treat her like royalty and she soaks it up!

Even with the white glove service, Voyager’s maintains a friendly, comfortable vibe that welcomes adults and children warmly. We really relax and enjoy dinner here — part of that Alabama Gulf Coast magic!

As to the food, the restaurant is committed to using traceable seafood (they’ll tell you exactly where your fish came from if you ask) and fresh local ingredients. I am particularly fond of the menu’s creativity — unique without being weird. Recognizable flavors used in unusual, but tasty, combinations.

My recommendations include: Pork “Secreto,” a house specialty, the Shrimp and Grits (I am allergic to shrimp — sadly — but others at the table raved about it), and the Gulf Coast Bouillabaisse (same comment — but the smell — oh my!). Of all the places I ate last year, Voyager’s Ostrich Carpaccio earned my “best bite of the year” award, so I have to include that as well.

Most restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are locally owned, delivering local cuisine you’re sure to enjoy. This is hardly an exhaustive list, but it includes my favorites — I’m sure you’ll enjoy them too!

If you’ve been to Alabama’s beaches, recommend your favorite restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. I’d love to check them out!

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Comments

  26. Michelke says

    We are looking for all you can eat crab legs near gulf shores and a fresh market that serves precooked crab boils to take back to our beach house. Can anyone help us out? Also, what are the best restraints that the locals visit? THANK YOU

    Reply

    • Karen Dawkins says

      I am allergic to shellfish, so I do not eat at seafood restaurants. Lartigue’s is a good bet for markets. Doc’s Seafood Shack is popular with locals. Fisher’s is popular with locals and visitors, both. Crab legs are not the specialty in this region as they are known for their local oysters. I hope this info helps.

      Reply

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  62. deals says

    One of our top picks was the Mexican Garbage (hamburger and cheddar nachos finished off with tomato, onions, dark olives, sharp cream, jalapeno peppers and salsa). Its huge enough to share a supper for three if you were to ask me! The Po Boys are additionally fantastic.

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  94. Donna says

    We look forward to trying Woodside in the Park…the area is so beautiful, and so clean. The Lodge (Hilton Property) will be our next weekend destination. Very interested in checking out their restaurants, and hope that the property will do well. It is so beautiful!

    Reply

  95. Donna says

    Thanks for writing about places to eat in the Gulf Shores area. I certainly would agree with a few of your observations. Fisher’s Upstairs, definitely worth the money and time. Lulu’s is overpriced – and the food was sub-par, but the family experience with the sand and toys/ attractions for the children is worth the visit. Got to try the Gulf next time. We were disappointed with The Steamer. Royal Reds were over cooked, and potatoes were undercooked.

    Reply

  97. Oliver Ray says

    I really appreciate the time you take to write about every beach restaurant. It helps my wife and I discern which one we really want to go while on the beachfront. I would love to try a few of the restaurants and see how good they really are at maximizing the experience of the ocean view.

    Reply

    • Karen Dawkins says

      Wow. Thank you. Every time I write, I want to help readers know what to expect when they travel. Please let me know which restaurants you end up trying and what you think of them!

      Reply

  98. Mary says

    There are actually 3 Tacky Jack’s locations. #2 is at the west end of the island near the ferry. It sits on Mobile Bay and offers the most spectacular sunsets.

    Reply

  99. Alabama Traveler says

    C’mon, don’t use the word “Complete” in your article and title when you only list a few places. There are 100s of places to eat there and there are some closing and opening all the time. A daunting task to track them all.

    Reply

    • Karen Dawkins says

      I see your point. I used the word complete in the sense that each review is thorough. I do add restaurants every time I try someplace new and amazing. I’ve had to delete a couple that closed, as you pointed out.

      Reply

  100. Emily says

    Have you tried Big Fish or Anchor in Orange Beach? I’m surprised these two locally owned, off the beaten path places aren’t on the list. They may miss the mark for family or budget qualifications, but you should definitely try these two local favorites!

    Reply

  101. Jay says

    Sorry, you missed the best dinner..Fin & Fork. The Shipps family is well known for Shipps Harbour Grill, and the new venture is just as great.

    Consistency, every time we go, and that is very very often. Simply the Best prepared steaks Seafood and even sushi that you will find anywhere around this area. I have tried all your other dinner restaurants you listed with the exception of voyager’s which I hope to try someday but it is hard to drive past Fin and fork to get there!

    Reply

    • Karen Dawkins says

      Jay, You try Voyager and I promise to go to Fin and Fork next trip! My daughter LOVES sushi, so I know she will be excited to go! At Voyager, get the ostrich carpaccio. SO GOOD!

      Reply

  102. Peggy Jones says

    We love Fin and Fork…Can’t believe it’s not on your list. I do love the rest of named restaurants too, can’t disagree with you on those…..Yum!

    Reply

  103. Sharon says

    Fin and Fork is my absolute favorite!
    Local’s Favorite
    Seafood Platter
    I’ve never had bad, or even good food there-it has all been GREAT!!!

    Reply

  104. Tamara says

    This reminds me of all the great food I’ve had down there and makes me want to plan a trip! LuLu’s, Fishers, Brick and Spoon and the Gulf are my favorites.

    Reply

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