Where to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: 25 Spots for Every Meal in Alabama’s Beaches
On my first trip to Alabama’s Beaches, I had no idea how much of a foodie destination it was. From locally caught oysters to specialty drinks to beloved nationwide chains that originated here.
While you probably won’t have a bad meal if you just stumbled upon restaurants and ate wherever you landed, the planner in me couldn’t let you go without giving some real recommendations.
So, here’s exactly where to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop, lunch right on the sand, elevated seafood dinner, or even mouthwatering dessert.
Map of Where to Eat in Alabama’s Beaches
Top Breakfast Spots in Alabama’s Beaches
1. Sunliner Diner
This might be unique to me, but I had an intense 50s phase in high school so old-fashioned diners are my jam.
I LOVE the retro booths, the 50s music, and a simple menu with classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
Sunliner Diner, with locations in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, scratches that itch and then some.
Try their Belgian waffles!
2. City Donut
Local donuts are always a win and there’s something so nice about getting a dozen and munching on them throughout your whole beach vacay.
City Donut is locally owned and serves up some incredible freshly made donuts from scratch.
My favorites are always maple yeast donuts or chocolate cake donuts with peanuts on top! Breakfast or dessert? In Alabama’s Beaches, it doesn’t even matter 😉
3. Southern Grind Coffee House
I love a local coffee shop and the one that has me coming back every trip is Southern Grind Coffee House.
They have a full breakfast and lunch menu and of course, lots of coffee drinks.
Their most iconic blend is their Beachwhacker, which is based on Alabama’s Beaches famous drink, the bushwhacker. It’s a coffee, chocolate, coconut drink so the coffee is flavorful and lends well to sweet creations like flavored lattes.
4. Woodside Restaurant
Tucked away inside Gulf State Park is Woodside Restaurant. They serve classic American breakfasts like egg plates, biscuit sandwiches, and griddle items.
What’s really special though is the vibe. Because it’s in the state park, it feels intertwined with nature and kind of feels like you’re in a camping cabin.
It’s the perfect spot to start your day before exploring Gulf State Park.
Related read >> How to Spend a Long Weekend in Alabama’s Beaches (visiting Gulf State Park is on this itinerary!)
5. Duck’s Diner
My final breakfast recommendation is Duck’s Diner, a local favorite and underrated gem.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss spot with a stellar breakfast menu, this is the one.
Just note that they can get very busy, especially on weekends, because it’s just that beloved.
Where to Eat Lunch
6. Beachside Blankets
One of these lunch spots is not like the other. Beachside Blankets brings lunch to you on the beach via a lovely picnic.
You do need to make reservations ahead of time so they know when and where to set up your personal picnic.
This is such a fun alternative to packing a lunch for a beach day.
When my group enjoyed lunch on the beach with Beachside Blankets, the meal was a charcuterie board spread, so perhaps not the most filling for some and maybe better suited for adults with more advanced palettes.
Still, I’d say it’s a worthwhile experience (otherwise, I obviously wouldn’t recommend it) and a super fun and beautiful way to enjoy your beach day with less worry about planning meals.
Plus, they take care of the clean up, so you can just go right back to enjoying your beach day!
7. Lauria’s by the Beach
One spot I loved after hopping off the plane direct to Gulf Shores (everyone say, thank you Allegiant for easy regional flights), was Lauria’s by the Beach.
This small restaurant had such a great lunch menu. We enjoyed their Baked Brie charcuterie board, which was divine, and a sampling of their Italian Bistro menu.
I loved their Baked Meatballs and their Pizza Sub.
They also had a full drink menu if you want to kick off the party stat.
8. Bleus Burger
Sometimes a girl just needs chicken tenders and despite having “burger” in the name, Bleus Burger had some of the most delicious chicken tenders I’ve ever had.
And their fries!! YUM.
Don’t worry, their hand-crafted smash burgers are just as good, so if you’re looking for some classic burgers and fries type of lunch, this is the perfect spot.
Plus, they’re blues music themed, so the decor and background music is so fun!
9. Lulu’s
Owned by Lucy Buffett aka Jimmy Buffett’s sister, Lulu’s is a great family-friendly restaurant. It’s open air and along the water so you can enjoy the breeze.
They have some attractions as well including a ropes course, arcade, and even a caricature artist.
I had their fish tacos and they were perfect for lunch!
10. Cobalt, the Restaurant
Located right on a marina, Cobalt is a great spot if you want to enjoy a little boat-watching with your meal.
They have plenty of outdoor seating and are known for their oysters. I’m a fan of the garlic parmesan chargrilled oysters, but you can try a variety or even order a combination, kind of like an oyster flight.
11. The Gulf
The Gulf is one of the best restaurants located right on the beach. I mean seriously, the tables are literally in the sand.
They’re more of a quick service restaurant so you can spend more time soaking up the sun and relaxing.
Try their loaded fries, which are my favorite!
12. The Hangout
If you’re wanting to turn up the party, The Hangout is for you. They’re located right on the beach and the servers are constantly leading dancing and group activities to music.
They host a big music festival each year, so you know they know how to get lively!
I’ve loved their burgers and I’ve especially enjoyed my meal sitting along the edge to admire the beach views.
Must-Try Dinner Restaurants
13. Zeke’s
Time to settle in for some seafood. Zeke’s is located right on a boat marina and has some incredibly fresh fish.
I LOVED their shrimp scampi and honestly everything on their menu looked so good. I was practically drooling over my friends’ plates.
I recommend pairing your dinner with a sunset cruise from Dolphin Tales, which leaves from the marina right here.
14. Coast
Located at Beach Club, Coast is a beautiful and chic dinner restaurant with a farm fresh coastal cuisine with Gulf specialties like Blackened Gulf Tuna.
Our group’s favorite was the Lavender Lemon Drop drink, a light and slightly sweet martini that paired well with everyone’s meals.
And don’t forget dessert!
15. Villaggio Grille
At the Wharf, Orange Beach’s premier entertainment and shopping complex, grab dinner at Villaggio Grille, an Italian Seafood fusion restaurant with a specialty wine menu.
I opted for a margherita pizza made in their stone fire oven and phew, this pizza was delicious!
Pair your Villaggio Grille dinner with drinks from 8 Reale, Orange Beach’s only speakeasy and number 22 on this list!
16. Bolo Restaurant
Bolo Restaurant is the perfect blend of a seriously high quality menu of hand cut steak and seafood in a pretty laid back atmosphere.
Don’t skip the appetizers here. Try the Tequila Lime Gulf Coast Shrimp and Raw Gulf Coast Oysters.
And of course, you can’t go wrong with any of their steaks. Be sure to choose an “enhancement,” like mushroom peppercorn cream sauce, to elevate your meal even more.
This is my pick if you’re looking for a date night spot!
17. CoastAL
CoastAL really is wonderful any time of day (even breakfast!), but dinner is extra magical if you can catch the sunset.
It sits right on the beach and has lots of space so you can enjoy your dinner and then move to the bar to keep the night going.
The one thing you HAVE to try is their bushwhacker tiramisu. It’s a dessert based on the drink and has bushwhacker soaked ladyfingers. SO. GOOD.
18. Cosmo’s
The meal I think about again and again is from Cosmo’s Restaurant. And hey, it’s award-winning, so can you blame me?
It’s their banana leaf wrapped sea bass and I swear you’ve never experienced a melt-in-your-mouth fish dish quite like this.
Trust me that you’ll want to add this one to your itinerary!
19. Big Fish Restaurant
If you’re looking for a slightly different take on local seafood, Big Fish Restaurant was one of my favorites.
They’re known for incorporating local fish into an Asian menu including sushi, stir fry, and fried rice.
I had their fire cracker shrimp fried rice and it was packed with flavor. It was a welcome switch up in preparation style.
Don’t Skip Drinks and Dessert
20. The Yard
Something about the beach always has me craving ice cream and cold sweet treats. The Yard hits the spot!
This nationwide chain actually started here in Gulf Shores and when they opened they used to have lines around the building. That’s how good it is.
I always make it a point to sample something new off their menu every time I’m visiting and not one thing has been a disappointment.
Try their crazy milkshakes (in a souvenir jar) or their sundaes. You really can’t go wrong.
21. Matt’s Homemade Ice Cream
For more traditional, packed ice cream with a variety of flavors, Matt’s Homemade Ice Cream is a favorite.
They have over 60 flavors made in small batches with generous scoops for a satisfying treat!
22. 8 Reale Speakeasy
Transitioning to drinks, there’s one spot that’s just so special that I think you have to try to visit. 8 Reale is Alabama’s Beaches only speakeasy and it’s a cocktail lounge that I guarantee will impress you.
It’s located in The Wharf adjacent to a jewelry store. There’s a big vault door and you need the ever-changing code from their social media to get in.
Once you get in, enjoy their beautiful handcrafted cocktails made with such care and attention. I highly recommend watching your bartender at work because it’s seriously an art!
23. Icehouse Taproom
For a low key drink spot, visit Icehouse Taproom, which is a local dive bar on the lagoon side of the water.
They have live music, fun swings, and a ton of local beers on tap.
While their specialty is certainly their drinks, they also have a food menu so you could also come here for lunch or dinner. Check out their happy hour deals too!
24. Flora-Bama
One of the most popular bars and live music venues is the Flora-Bama. It’s an icon for a reason.
They opened in 1964 and have kept the party going ever since.
You can visit any time of day and enjoy their frozen bushwhacker. It’s blended and delicious!
Plus, catch a live performance whether it’s on the beach or in the dueling piano room.
25. Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
As a sampler of bushwhackers, I can confidently say my favorite bushwhacker comes from Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails.
It’s blended, frozen, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, theirs has peanut butter so instead of a simple chocolate, coffee, coconut palette, your bushwhacker has a slight salty, nutty balance.
Try it for yourself and see what I mean.
Thank you to Alabama’s Beaches for hosting me and sponsoring this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own.
Planning a trip to Alabama’s Beaches? These posts will help:
- Ultimate itinerary for visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama (for when you need a break from the beaches)
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