Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a foodie road trip, these are the best places to eat in Gulf Shores that you don’t want to miss.
When it comes to coastal food destinations, Gulf Shores, Alabama, delivers in a big way. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to beachfront dining with sunset views, this charming beach town is packed with flavor.
If you are looking for somewhere to visit this summer, let me tell you about some of my favorite places in the world to visit -- Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
It has been our vacation spot for years, and we have eaten at MANY restaurants while there. If you are staying in any of the Alabama beach houses, these restaurants are just a hop, skip, and jump from most of them.
This post was originally published in 2016. I have recently updated it with more suggestions from the locals in Gulf Shores, as well as my own favorites from when we first visited.
Of course, this list is just my preference for restaurants. I am not a local -- but at the bottom of this post are a ton of restaurant faves from the locals that actually live in Gulf Shores!
10 Best Places to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
These are not in any particular order -- just numbered from 1-10. All of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores are on this list, though, so don't forget to use this on your next beach vacay to Alabama
#1 Brick and Spoon
Brick & Spoon is known for the Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar, but for me, it was those amazing breakfast tacos and shrimp and grits that held my heart.
It's a quaint little restaurant on the Orange Beach side, located on Canal Drive. Lots of fun there, and the food again is just simply mouthwatering.
Find their current menu options and locations by visiting the website here.
#2 The Gulf
When I think about the best places to eat in Gulf Shores, The Gulf has definitely been a favorite spot. I love the outdoor seating and beautiful Gulf front view.
The food is amazing and fresh, and the music cannot be beaten. You never know what old vinyl record they will play. When we visited, I jammed out to Urban Cowboy!
The restaurant is eclectic too -- it's made out of shipping containers. It is located on the Orange Beach side.
Follow their Facebook page to keep up with new menu items and when they have local hangout nights with live music, etc.
#3 Villaggio Grille
If you want to have a more upscale dining experience, then Villaggio Grille will fit the bill for you. We ate there on a date night, and the food was phenomenal.
For romance and one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores, my choice would be this one. It is very romantic here, especially if you go in the evenings. It is located in the Wharf at Orange Beach and offers some great food choices. I suggest the pork chop; however, my husband loved the Paparadelle Pasta.
#4 The Hangout is one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores
I loved the Hangout when we visited. It is right in the heart of Gulf Shores and offers SO much for the family! It is right on the beach, so if you have spent the day swimming and tanning, but you are starving, just walk right in and grab a bite to eat.
There is a lot of nostalgia hanging on the walls of The Hangout. We had so much fun looking at the old tin lunchboxes and Pez dispensers. They even have a little shopping store there as well.
The food is great, but the atmosphere is the best. Lots of fun and games all around the restaurant. It is definitely a place you do not want to miss.
#5 Ginny Lane Bar and Grill
I met with the tourism board here for lunch at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill to discuss the best places to eat in Gulf Shores, and let me just tell you, I will be going back here on my next visit to Gulf Shores. It is located in the Wharf in Orange Beach. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but once you walk in, you will be blown away.
They have a live band on the weekends and some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life. The prices are very low.
If you have been out for a day of shopping at the Wharf, then you will want to make sure to stop in here and eat. You will not be disappointed.
#6 Lulu's is a definite for one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores
Lulu's was a great spot for us to eat at. We tried it during our first visit to Gulf Shores, and I immediately fell in love. Dinner was amazing with live music and open windows.
We sat where we could see the water and enjoyed delicious food. The best part? The key lime pie. Holy moly! It is simply amazing.
They offer so much for the family to do here because they have a ropes course outside, sitting areas for family members, and a fun shop with all kinds of Lulu gear available.
#7 Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe
Bahama Bob's has some amazing seafood and some of the best margaritas on the planet! The atmosphere is perfect for dining on the beach.
It's been a favorite of the locals and tourists, and nothing beats the view of the beach when you sit outside on the covered porch. (According to the locals, the beach view is now gone, and a high-rise is in its place, but the food is still amazing.
#8 The Original Oyster House
The Original Oyster House serves the best seafood available, using only quality raw ingredients and preparing them consistently to our specifications, ensuring the same experience every visit.
The Original Oyster House menu features an impressive variety of fresh local seafood, steaks, chicken, salads, and pasta. It has always been deemed as one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores.
Simple but flavorful blends of spices and sauces complement fresh catches, gulf oysters, and authentic Southern classics, including their homemade seafood gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, and the local favorite "Blackened Mahi down on the Bayou," just to name a few.
#9 Tacky Jack's
We have been to two of the different Tacky Jack locations, but my absolute favorite is the one located on Canal Road in Orange Beach.
When we ate there, we got the outside seating so we could watch the boats coming up and down the canal, and it was so awesome.
This location also has you writing your name down on colored duct tape and sticking it all over the restaurant. it is very colorful and eclectic, and it is awesome.
We had breakfast here, but it is definitely on our agenda to go back and have one of the mouthwatering steaks they brag about!
#10 Matt's Homemade Ice Cream
To wind up my list of restaurants, I would be doing you all a disservice if I did not share about Matt's Homemade Ice Cream.
The desserts here are out of this world. They offer every kind of shake known to man, and the homemade ice cream flavors will simply melt in your mouth.
Don't Miss These Local Favorites for the best places to eat in Gulf Shores
Okay -- the locals who live in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area keep telling me that these are some top-notch places to eat when visiting the area -- so be sure and check out these places as well!
- GTS on the Bay
- Wolf Bay
- Gulf Shores Steamer
- Tin Top
- Fishers at Orange Beach
- Cobalt, The Restaurant
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- Big Fish Restaurant
- Cosmos Restaurant and Bar
- Montego's Cafe and Bar
- Shrimp Basket
- Sweet Cone Alabama
- Flippers
- Big Mike's
- Derailed at the Oasis Travel Center
- Fish River Grill
- Louisianna Lagnappe
- Moe's Original BBQ
- Kitty Cafe
- Duck's Diner
- Bubba's Seafood
- Hope's Cheesecake
- Live Bait
- Pink Pony
- YOHO Rum and Tacos
- The Diner
- Luna's
- Butch's Bistro and BBQ
- Fishing Hole
Which Restaurant Will You Visit First?
Now that you know my list of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores, which one will you eat at first? I would love to hear!
I didn't get much further down past "Bloody Mary bar" before my mouth began watering, but then i saw the pictures of Ginny Lane's food and mouth started watering again so.... what a good post. Thanks for sharing!!
That food at Ginny Lane is PHENOMENAL. Seriously I want to recreate it at home it was so good.
Ginny Lane was amazing!
Build your own Bloody Mary?!? I'm in!
That is what everyone says when they visit there!
Great list.....made me hungry.
Yum, all these sound delicious! This list has some of my favorite things -- breakfast burritos and ice cream!
All these places sound amazing but if i had to choose one it would have to be Bimini Bob's.
Where is Bimini Bob's now? We loved that place, but it left the Warf location I think late fall of 2015.
Not sure. Someone else said they had closed, so I am not sure. I hope not! I LOVE their food.
You left off the very best spot! The Original Oyster House located in Gulf Shores is the very best!!!
That is on my list for when I return this year in 2016! Thanks for the tip!
I have heard of that. Going to be hitting it up the next time we are there.
@Jeri, I used to work there and everything is frozen except for the raw oysters
LuLu's and Tacky Jack's are WAAAAAYYYYYYY overrated. They are "fun" places, but if it's the food you care most about, don't waste your time.
I thought the food there was delicious and what we bought was no more money than anywhere else we have eaten at before. I guess it is to each his own then huh?
I SO agree! Tourist traps for sure!
Food is much better, in my opinion, at Fishers, Cobalt's, Fisherman's Corner, Shipp's Harbor, Another Broken Egg!
I totally agree! We visit the Gulf Coast at least twice a year and they are very typical tourist locales. If you really want a taste of the local fair try Cobalt, Shipps, Tin Tops, Fishers (upstairs and down), Sea N Suds, Big Fish, and Gulf Shores Steamer. Skip the Hangout (unless you have small kids the food is awful), Tacky Jacks breakfast is good but dinner is nothing to write home about, and Lulus is good for atmosphere.
I totally disagree! Both are very good!
I'm really surprised Cosmo's didn't make the list. I love how fresh the food is at Cosmo's.
Someone else mentioned Cosmo's. Now -- I am definitely intrigued. Thanks!
This list missed the best place, Sea N' Suds.
I will have to check it out Lucy! Thanks for the shout out about it.
And Wolf Bay! A gulf Coast seafood icon since the 1970s!!!
Thanks for letting me know! I will be sure to add them to the list. What is your favorite thing to eat there?
One of our favorites not on the list is Steamers.
I have never heard of that place either. Man! There are a lot of great eateries in Gulf Shores. Adding it to my list for this year.
Steamers is a must
I will be sure to add them to the list! What is your favorite food to get there?
Royal Red shrimp The BEST
I will be sure to get it added!
Have eaten at Ginny Lane and Village , your review was right on. Look forward to reading more of your posts .
Thanks George! Glad you liked it and agree!
You left out my very favorite place to go. Cosmos!! It is fabulous. I haven't eaten anything from there I didn't love! Definitely at must in Gulf shores.
I have never heard of this place. I will definitely have to check it out April! Thanks!
Bimini Bob’s is no longer here. I wouldn't recommend the food at the hangout, just the location 🙂
The next time you're down here try the new restaurant at the Wharf, Montegoes.
Thanks Bob! I will add it to my list of must try places.
The Tacky Jack's you have pictures is actually the one on Gulf Shores rather than Orange Beach.
Yes I know. That is the one we ate at. I have been to the one in Fort Morgan as well and will be hitting the Orange Beach one up when we return in the fall.
Good list, however, Bimini Bob's is closed. With one of the top chef's in the South, a must visit in Orange Beach, is Fisher's located at beautiful Orange Beach Marina. Eating dock side or dining upstairs, chef Bill Briand is amazing.
I keep hearing about Fisher's 🙂 I am definitely going to be eating here on our trip this fall.
When is the gulf open it was closed whenever we went by. Fri- sun never saw a single person there. This was a few weeks ago. Maybe they just happened to be closed the weekend we were there.
Really wanted to try it but went Lulus instead.
Not sure why they were closed. You can check their Facebook page and find out the details of when they are open. There might have been some remodeling or something going on. Lulu's is a great choice too!
Honestly, I don't understand the obsession with the Hangout. Hideous food, horrible staff, insane prices for what you get. Skip the tourist traps.
I thought it was great and my family and I really enjoyed it. Sorry you did not have a great time there. Maybe one of the other restaurants are more to your liking 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
We’ve vacationed in OB for years and these are our current favorites 🙂
Cobalt
Shrimp Basket (OB Perdido Beach Blvd)
Doc’s across from Phoenix West
Sweet Cone Alabama by Shrimp Basket in OB-FABULOUS ice cream
Flipper’s
Big Mike’s-best steak ever! Go early-like when they open at 4:30-and be prepared to wait!
Fin & Fork-have not personally eaten here but my daughter and her fiancé said it is amazing!
Doc’s across from Phoenix West is pretty new. The best fried shrimp and oysters we’ve had in years! So good we ate it twice during our spring break week.
Be sure to check out Fish River Grill! It's my favorite... I especially like their dessert called "The Sweet Thang."
Awesome! Thanks Rhonda for the suggestion. We will add it to our list.
Loved eating there. I had the frog legs! Will definitely be going on our vacation this year.
Fishers and Shipps Harbour are my two favorite places down here. To me LuLus and Tacky Jacks are average food with fun atmospheres. I stay away from the touristy areas during the summer, but I will go to all those places on the main strip during the fall and spring.
Big Fish and Shipp's Harbour Grill weren't on the list and they are favs of ours!
Thanks I will have to check them out on our run this time around!
We love Louisianna Lagnappe! Yummo!
I've been to most of these. All are great. Was hoping Moe's Original Barbeque had made your list of Top Ten. Fantastic meats and side dishes (the grits casserole on Wednesdays is out of this world) ! A tradition for us to eat at Moe's !
Great list! Sea-n-Suds and Doc's are our family's absolute favorite. We've been eating there for 20+.
I guess things have changed since this comment because Sea & Suds was terrible and the food we had at Doc’s was rancid!
Not on the Gulf but, but ever so close and certainly worth the drive Jesse's and TheTin Top!!!
Check out Cosmo's, Big Fish (Emeril goes there) excellent for dinner and Kitty Cafe and Ducks diner for breakfast. We have been going to these local places for years!!
Lots of good food options here. Everything looks delicious.
We would pick the Hangout or Tacky Jack. Loving finding unique and interesting new places to eat.
A town that offers both a build your own bloody mary bar AND great jerk? Sounds fantastic!
Wonderful list of restaurants, each looks better than the other.. The food looks spectacular, but what really floored me was Matt's homemade ice cream.
Good list. That fish tank is cool. Good way to kill some time watching the fish while you wait.
5 Ginny Lane Bar and Grill to start with and the Matt's Homemade icecreams to end with. Nice collection of eat outs . And well described too 😀
I highly recommend people to ask locals where the best places to eat are. Some of these places are ok. Bimini Bob's and the Hangout are on the tourists only like it lists. Seafood is nowhere near fresh. I leaned my lesson in reading reviews on my trip to Panama city. Living on the coast and having fresh local seafood makes a person picky and disappointed at the same time.
Bubba's Seafood and Hope's Cheesecake are our top Gulf Shores picks! I'm excited to try Matt's homemade ice cream when we go down again in 3 weeks!
Mikees and Bahama bobs are AMAZING!!!
I love Live Bait, some of the best friend white fish I have ever eaten. I also like Flippers. Every meal ends with a free scoop of homemade ice cream which is delicious!
Wow. You missed Pink Pony that is right beside The Hangout. At night, it's a full blown bar, but during the day, the hamburgers are to die for, and the view is ...ah!
That fresh seafood at Bahama Bob's looks fantastic. That would be my top pick!
The palm trees, the seafood, the ice cream.... oh man, just the photos have me breathing a sigh of relaxing relief! Now I want to vacation. 😉
There is something for everyone it seems. I would love to try the food Lulu's and The Hangout first.
These are really great recommendations! Thank you so much!
I am all about the food when I vacation. I always love to eat at places that we do not have up here in the North.
Tried LuLu's once, and my husband got sick.
I am so sorry about that Dena! We had that happen once when we ate at Logan's Roadhouse. We still go there though even though hubby got sick once. It was just a fluke thing. Maybe you can give them another try.
Brick and Spoon - yes. Ginny Lane and Villagio - also good. As a local, the rest of this list is just a really weird flex. Locals avoid most of these places.
Hi Caroline -- as you can tell from my blog description -- I am from KY so I am not a local. our family visited there a few times and these are the restaurants we love. I will be sure to note that in the post so locals don't think I am from there.
All these yummy food! This is definitely a place I should visit!
I'm curious why the article says it's recent but all of the comments are from 2016-2018?
Hi Amy -- I forgot to add that the post was originally published in 2016. I have added that line. Thanks so much for catching that!
Now there’s a new place at The Wharf. It’s owned by Ginny Lane & Villagio’s. It’s called YOHO Rum and Tacos. It’s great. The tacos are big, so don’t expect to have to order 2 to have enough. The fried chicken taco is number 1 on our list.
I am adding this one to the list!
So hard to pick a favorite! Loved seeing all the pictures and the amazing food you had !
I don't live too far away - this place is on my radar for summer!
Next time try GT’s on the Bay. It’s on Canal Rd in Orange Beach. You will not be disappointed! I agree with all of your choices but this place is delicious with a beautiful view!
Thanks! I will be sure and add it to the post.
It really looks like there are so many delicious food options! You won't have to worry about not getting a table.
I ate at Bahama Bob's this Spring and unfortunately there was a high rise condo being built right smack in between the patio and the beach. Very upsetting. The food is delicious nonetheless. I had the grilled scallop dinner. It was so good I had to call my husband after and apologize for eating without him.
I don't know which place I want to try first! They all look so yummy! I can't wait to visit now
This is a great post! I want to go on a vacation and the beach is sounding like the best place to go! Thanks for the tips!
Of the restaurants we tried in 2018 Big Fish was the best with Fin and Fork second. Sea and Suds used to be ok but was the equivalent of eating bad fast food the last time we visited. The food at Doc’s was inedible: Royal Reds tasted like they were old and the potatoes and corn tasted rancid! I might also add that the restaurant was nasty...from the dirty sticky floors and tables to the disgusting basket of condiments they leave on the tables. And don’t get me started on our view of the rotted parts of the building through the dirty windows.
Seems to be a nice and mellow place to stay. Perfect when you want to quickly disconnect from the city. I'd like to pay a visit sometime.
The Diner in Gulf Shores is a must. It's off the beaten path, and not many know about it. Located across the street from Tacky Jack's, the food is phenomenal!! We discovered it a few years back and make sure to visit each and every trip!
I will have to definitely check that place out next time I visit.
Cool that they have lots of options. Love to try that homemade ice cream ! =)
We just got back from Orange Beach and I agree with your list! We just tried Luna’s for the first time. It was wonderful! Check it out the next time you are there!
I will have to check it out next time I am there!
I was interested to see the list and was very disappointed. Even with the “2019 update”, the majority are tourist traps with frozen fried food. Next time you come, get an actual local to show you places.
Hi Courtney__ I am sorry you are disappointed, but as I pointed out in the post -- I am a tourist. I don't live there. I am sharing the restaurants that my family enjoyed. However, I have started a local favorites section and would be happy to add in any restaurants you feel needs to be on my list.
Butchs Bistro and BBQ on Sorrento serves up award winners every day as does Fishing Hole on Brent St. Again, top food choices!!! Our go tos!
I will be sure and add them to the list!
Francos is a local favorite. Veal picatta is the best. Also Sea and Suds for raw oysters!
We’ve been going to Gulf Shores for 11 years...agree with you about Original Oyster House, Bahama Bobs. We also enjoy Fishers, both restaurants, Ruby Slipper for breakfast, Big Fish. Or go to Gulf Shores Seafood and have them steam some shrimp for you and take back to your condo. While your there pick up fresh cocktail sauce and your set for a day on the beach. Do go to Hope’s Cheesecake, but buy a Key Lime Pie for desserts for your stay! Delicious.
The Gulf - the setting is gorgeous, but it’s counter service with longs lines and the food is not worth it. The Hangout is great place if you have children or teen, food average. Lulus is a tourist trap - and there are much better places to eat in the area.
Also try Boiled Peanuts, can pick up at the Burris Farm Market in Foley. Enjoy!
I now spend the winter there in Gulf Shores and one of my favorite places is Sassy Bass Amazin Gril on Fort Morgan Road! Interesting place with really good food. Breakfast is very popular!
I will have to check that out next time I go!
The Original Oyster House, Fish River Grill, and Tin Top, are our favs. Also, King Neptune’s and Shrim0 Basket!
Oooh! I think those are on the list. Thanks for sharing!
You left out the 2 best ones...Mikee's and King Neptune. Granted there is nothing fancy about them but the food is great.
Thanks, Carol. I will have to add those to the list.
Brick & Spoon. Been there, going back!!
One of the best restaurants. Their shrimp and grits for breakfast is amazing.
These are all tourist traps
Well Kendall, considering I am a tourist, these are the restaurants I found appealing. But you will also notice that I have a HUGE list of local favorites on here as well.
1.BahamaBob’s is ok but no view… condos built smack dab in front of it
2. Tacky Jacks OB…great view … food is overrated.
3.LuLu’s food is abysmal. All frozen. Only reason she has a restaurant is bc of her famous brother.
4. The gulf has an Amzing atmosphere and view. Guacamole is great but chips go stale before they get eaten bc its outside . Grouper sandwich is lame.
5. Villagios is great. The crabcake Benedict is amazing
BEST OVER ALL —
-LUNA’s. Best real food. Best service.
-BEACH CLUB. Great lunch and prices
-DOC’S BEST fried chicken/shrimp
-TIKI BAR at sportsman’s Marina…view and burger amazing
We love Wolf Bay and Cotton's!
Those are some great places!
FYI… Fin and Fork is no longer open in this area. They do have a new location in Pensacola, FL. Their food is worth the hour drive.
I also recommend Derailed at the Oasis Travel Center off I-10. One exit east of the Baldwin Beach Express/Bucc-ees exit
Thanks! I will update the post!