26 Jul Gulf Shores Restaurants: The Best Dining on Alabama’s Coast
Gulf Shores Restaurants: The Best Dining on Alabama’s Coast
- // Alabama, Destinations
While the coastline might be small — it’s just 32 miles — it truly is unforgettable. Alabama’s seaside towns, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, have sugar-white soft sand, laid-back Southern charm, watercolor sunsets, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the world!
One of the most common reactions I get when I say that I spent my summer vacations on the beaches of Alabama is, “Wait, Alabama is on the ocean?” Y’all, it totally is.
The beach was just a few hours away from where I grew up — so we easily made weekend trips to relax and unwind and play in the sand. My mom, dad, and I would load up the minivan and head down to the coast after school on Friday. Then we would squeeze out every last ray of sunshine before we headed back home on Sunday.
As the years passed, building sandcastles and running from waves turned into reading the waterlogged and crinkled pages of a YM magazine and trying desperately to achieve a golden brown tan. (I was young and naive; this freckled pale skin will never tan and now I know to nourish and protect it!)
Even though we were on vacation, we always woke up at dawn to see the sunrise and have the first crack at sand dollars, sea shells, and anything else the ocean had washed up overnight. We’d head back to our condo which seemed to look all the way out to the edge of the earth, and whip up a simple breakfast to save room for our delicious seafood lunch or dinner.
Now that I’m “grown up,” I keep coming back to Alabama’s beaches — in large part because I crave the delicious seafood that the local Gulf Shores restaurants serve up! I’ve traveled to a lot of countries and seen a lot of beaches but there’s simply nothing that compares.
So, after 36 years of visiting and loving Alabama’s beaches, here are my recommendations of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you’re craving seafood, BBQ, or a decadent ice cream treat, there’s something here for you.
The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Skip Ahead
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Steamed Platters of Fresh Seafood
Gulf Shores Steamer
Located right before Perdido Pass (the bridge that takes you into Florida), you’ll find a little shopping center filled with cute shops, restaurants, and a marina.
This is also the home to Gulf Shores Steamer, a local restaurant which serves some of the best seafood that Drew and I have ever eaten. There is one caveat though — you won’t find any fried food. Like at all.
But if you want a steamed platter of crab legs, oysters, Royal Reds*, and clams this is the place for you. We usually get the Bay Steamer or the Small Steamer Platter. Both are a really good deal for the money. But again, don’t go here if you want fried anything or a steak.
Location: 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd # 115, Orange Beach, AL 36561
What the Heck is a "Royal Red"?
A Royal Red is the kind of very large shrimp that is only found in the Gulf of Mexico. They are probably better compared to a lobster or bay scallop because of their size and delicate, almost sweet flavor.
Be aware that they do come served in their shell with their heads on, but just pinch ‘em at the neck area and twist from side to side. The head will pop right off.
Learn more about Royal Reds and other delicious seafood from the Gulf Coast.
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Where the Locals Eat
The Galley
We have tried this Gulf Shores locals’ restaurant a few times and they’ve never disappointed.
This restaurant is off the beaten path which is perfect for when you want to avoid the tourist crowds and pricier food that’s common as you get closer towards the beaches.
Since the restaurant is on the shore of the Bon Secour River, you can kayak right up to a dock and have a great meal and a cold beer before paddling back down the river towards the bay.
Their fried shrimp are big and meaty with a good, crisp, salty batter that wasn’t too heavy. I highly recommend giving them a shot to see a little local flare and get out of the tourist scene.
Location: Co Rd 10, Foley, AL 36535
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Budget Dinner
The Shrimp Basket
This casual chain of seafood restaurants started in 1993 with one restaurant in Gulf Shores. Now they have close to 30 locations across five states.
Get an order of the corn fritters as an appetizer. They take delicious, sweet corn pudding — then roll it into a ball and deep fry it. For your main, you can’t go wrong with a fried shrimp basket or an oyster po’boy.
Location: There are many in the area. Head to their website to find one close to you!
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Atmosphere
The Gulf
Basically across the street from the Gulf Shores Steamer is The Gulf, a fun and funky restaurant and bar right on the water. With its cool and modern shipping containers, reclaimed, recycled and salvaged building materials, and inflatable white furniture, this place will truly make you question how the “Redneck Riviera” could be so trendy.
Pull up a comfy lounger and stay awhile on their outdoor deck and listen to vinyl tunes playing all day long. This is the perfect spot to grab a tasty burger or beer battered fish sandwich and wash it all down with a local craft beer.
Location: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Oysters
Acme Oyster House
I was a little hesitant to eat at Acme, mainly because it doesn’t really have any local ties; it’s actually a New Orleans institution! But my dad sung its praises and what daddy likes, daddy gets.
One evening after Drew and I painted every last wall inside my dad’s new house, we couldn’t think of anything tastier than pulling up to a bar, drinking a beer, and eating some raw oysters. Since Acme was right down the road, it won out — and I was seriously impressed!
Their raw oysters are so freaking good that we actually went back again before we left. Dad really likes their chargrilled oysters which come with an herb butter sauce and are topped with special garlicky cheeses. Drew and I really preferred to keep it simple with a dozen raw ones and plenty of their homemade cocktail sauce which has a kick to it thanks to an extra spoonful of horseradish.
Besides the raw or chargrilled oysters here are some other menu items you should try:
- An oyster shooter: A shucked oyster with cocktail sauce and vodka served in a shot glass.
- Seafood Étoufee (the restaurant does come from New Orleans!)
- Fried Peacemaker PoBoy: Golden fried oysters & shrimp, seasoned to perfection, with Tabasco infused mayo
- Fried Half and Half Platter with Fish and Shrimp
Location: 216 East 24th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Bar-B-Que
Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que
This small BBQ franchise has several locations spread out over the United States, but the boys who turned smokin’ meats into their business originally hail from Alabama. So where better to get Moe’s real southern BBQ than its homeland?
Moe’s is famous for their Alabama-style hand-pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, and Memphis-style dry rubbed ribs. And don’t leave without trying plenty of their tasty southern sides and famous banana pudding.
Start with the Pimento Cheese & Chips (but upgrade to their house-made pork rinds; they are so good, you’ll wanna smack your mama). Then move on to the Sampler Platter (serves 2-3 people) which includes a quarter pound of pork, chicken, sausage, turkey, 3 ribs, 4 wings, 3 sides and 2 pieces of cornbread and 2 drinks.
Moe’s has two restaurant locations near Gulf Shores (in Foley and Orange Beach) so you’re never far from delicious southern BBQ.
Orange Beach Location: 25603 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Foley Location: 20733 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL 36535
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Scoops
If you don’t have time to wait in line at The Yard (see below) but creamy, delicious, old-school ice cream is the only thing that will hit the spot, then you gotta get over to Scoops. They have been serving up ice cream in Gulf Shores since 1980 (they actually just sold the business in February 2020; hopefully the new owners don’t change much!) and will get you in and on your way with a tasty treat in no time.
The best bang for your buck is the “Build Your Own Sundae” and, my personal favorite, the “Hot Fudge Brownie Delight.” A sundae with six scoops of ice cream and two toppings — a treat that’s more than enough for two people — is less than $6. Drew has a sweet tooth and this is definitely his favorite place in the area!
While you’re there, grab one of their souvenir t-shirts (complete with Britney Spears references like “Scoops, I did it again!”). They are cute and priced just right.
Location: 601 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Best Gulf Shores Restaurant: Insta-Worthy Dessert
The Yard Milkshake Bar
If you’re looking for Insta-perfect food pics you have to go to the Yard Milkshake Bar in Gulf Shores. The gigantic milkshakes, perfect for sharing, come in a souvenir mason jar and are almost too picture perfect to eat…if only they weren’t so tasty!
They announced on July 17 that they are moving to a larger location in the fall. This will definitely help them deal with the crowds (and stop some of the negative reviews). If you’re going at a popular time, like say after dinner, be prepared to wait for an hour or more.
Location: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #330, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (they will be moving in the fall).
Update November 12, 2019: The Yard just got a deal on Shark Tank! Read & watch here.
Other Helpful Recommendations
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links.
What You Can Expect to Pay in Gulf Shores, Alabama:
> Lodging: $100 (wallet-friendly) vs $300+ (average) per night.
> Coffee: Around $4
> Dinner: $90 (two people) Wine, Appetizers, and Seafood Main Courses
> Beer: $7
Recommended Lodging Options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama:
- Perfect for Couples — Everything you need in the perfect location: Tidewater Condominiums (from $150 / night)
- 10 floors up with wraparound views (sleeps 4): The Phoenix (from $141 / night)
- Whole home on the beach (SO CUTE!) — (sleeps 8) Hammock Dunes A (from $336 / night)
- Beachfront with an onsite restaurant and free bikes: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel (from $192 / night)
- Island Pancake House and beach views! Best Western on the Beach (from $203 / night)
- Free daily breakfast on the beach: Best Western Premier – The Tides (from $229 / night)
- Full kitchen with an indoor pool (sleeps 6): The Shores at Orange Beach (from $337 / night)
- Beautifully updated condo on the beach (sleeps 8) The Caribe Resort (from $248 / night)
- The Whole House, Y’all — Bring all your friends! (Sleeps 22!) Beachfront Bliss (from $807 / night)
Resources to help your Travels
As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah.com) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travels. Thanks for your support! — Sarah
Booking.com – For booking hotel rooms.
Tours by Locals and GetYourGuide.com – For finding high-quality tours around the world.
VRBO – For renting homes across the world.
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