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Gulf Shores, Alabama is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Gulf Coast of the US. It boasts the breathtaking white sand beaches of Gulf State Park and fascinating historical sites.
A visit to Gulf Shores will have all that you are looking for in a vacation destination. Among all the fantastic sites, you are going to need a place to sit back, enjoy a drink, and have some delicious local cuisine. Let’s explore some of the best Gulf Shores restaurants!
Gulf Shores Steamer
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd, Suite 115
Orange Beach AL, 36561
Most of us think deep-fried when we think of seafood. But you won’t find that here. Boasting prestigious awards such as Top 3 Restaurants in Southern Living and Top 20 Seafood Restaurants in Coastal Living, they know what they are doing at Gulf Shores Steamer.
Sit down to shrimp, Alaskan Snow Crab legs, and oysters. They also have steaks, burgers, and chicken dishes for the non-seafood eaters in your party.
If you are visiting Gulf Shores for a fishing trip, Gulf Shores Steamer will prepare your catch for you. What fisherman doesn’t love to sit down to the catch of the day, especially when prepared by a fantastic local chef?
Tacky Jack’s
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Another place that will prepare your own fresh catch for you is Tacky Jack’s. Or enjoy some of the favorites from their menu, such as the Gator Bites (fried or blackened) or the Crab Claws (fried or steamed.)
Tacky Jack’s has been part of the Orange Beach community even before it became a vacation destination. They have been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since the late 1980s. Enjoy their wonderful view and family-friendly environment.
Foodcraft
21196 East Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Enjoy a locally brewed beer or handcrafted cocktail while you watch the waves. This moderately priced, family-oriented beachfront restaurant is a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
The chef here was classically trained at the Culinary Institutes of America. He loves to serve entrees using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You will get a real taste of Gulf Shores, AL at Foodcraft.
Mikee’s Seafood
205 East 2ND Ave
Gulf Shores, AL
A family-owned and operated casual dining spot, Mikee’s Seafood offers all the great ocean fare that you would expect. You can also get some fun throw-backs like fried green tomatoes.
Mikee’s is a moderately priced, family-friendly spot for a great seafood lunch or dinner. They also offer steak, chicken, and pasta so that everyone in your party will be happy at Mikee’s.
Don’t skip out on the most important meal of the day while on vacation. Gulf Shores offers some fantastic fare that will get your day started right.
The Ugly Diner
2200 East 2nd St.
Unit E
Gulf Shores, AL
Start a day of sightseeing with a hearty meal from this curiously named place. The whole family can fill up on wonderful breakfast selections, including shrimp and grits at The Ugly Diner. You can get big helpings and a small bill at this spot where the locals come.
But if you’re eating light for breakfast, don’t forget to come back for some Country-fried Steak, Chicken and Dumplings, or a good ol’ Sloppy Joe.
McClure’s NY Bagel and Sandwich Shoppe
4575 Orange Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, Alabama 36561
McClure’s features breakfast sandwiches on a wide variety of New York-style bagels. They make their bagels daily and serve them with homemade flavored cream cheeses.
You can also enjoy a breakfast sandwich served on an amazingly fresh bagel. They are more than bagels, though. You can get a full breakfast plate at McClure’s, and you won’t go away hungry.
Some of their moderately priced offerings include the Bagel Benedict, a fun twist on an old favorite. Choose grits, fruit, or fries on the side.
If you’re not hungry for bagels, enjoy the French Toast Platter or the Philly Cheesesteak Scramble.
Lickin’ Good Donuts
229 East 20th Ave
#14
Gulf Shores, AL
We eat with our eyes first. If you want to see some scrumptious treats, visit the Lickin’ Good Donuts Facebook page. You’ll see some amazing creations, including the Mermaid Donut. You will also see lots of happy customers.
Head over to their location for donuts that are made fresh daily. They are a little off the beaten path but worth it.
Gulf Shores has a variety of places that serve lunch and dinner. Most of us are looking for a quick bite between vacation activities. You won’t settle for fast food, though, when you see what Gulf Shores has to offer.
The Sammich Shack
2429 E 2nd St
Gulf Shores, AL
Grab a mouthwatering sandwich at The Sammich Shack. The name alone makes you want to go check it out. Testimonials on their website tell us that The Sammich Shack is a place the locals visit. It’s a bit of a hidden gem that tourists will love too.
The menu here goes beyond sandwiches too. There are salads fit to make a meal out of. Their delightful kid’s menu features classics like grilled cheese or a PBJ on white bread served with goldfish crackers.
Hog Wild Beach & BBQ
911 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL
Want a quick bite of southern barbecue? The couple that owns and runs this place has a barbecue in their veins. They offer slow-smoked, dry-rubbed pork, beef, and chicken.
Get everything homemade from the sides to the sauces at Hog Wild Beach & BBQ. They have moderately priced meals, from beautiful brisket platters to succulent, smokey wings.
The kids will always find something they will love to eat on the Little Piggies menu. They also offer large meals for family-style dining.
Amelia’s Deli & Catering
2200 E 2nd St. Suite A
Gulf Shores, AL
Amelia’s is a sweet little sandwich shop that has been in Gulf Shores for over 25 years. You can get classic Club Sandwiches, Reubens, and Roast Beef.
Or enjoy some melted goodness on their Glorified Grilled Cheese. Choose from Swiss, cheddar, or provolone, and add ham, turkey, and tomato as you please.
You can also hold the meat of their Veggie Health Nut on wheat. Sandwiches are about choices, and you will certainly find what you are looking for at Amelia’s.
From oyster bars to ice cream shacks, Gulf Coast has you covered for drinks and desserts.
The Perch
21196 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL
This moderately priced bar will captivate you with an amazing ocean view. The Perch Bar and Terrace specialize in appetizers and small plates served alongside their handcrafted cocktails.
A broad wine collection offers something for everyone. They’ll mix up classic cocktails. Or you can try an original such as the Alabama Mai “Tye” or Gulf of Mojito.
Share a Cured Meat and Cheese Board or sample the Lamb Lollipops and Honey Roasted Carrots. Or try something out of the box and get the Spanish Style Braised Octopus.
Plan ahead for cocktails and appetizers beside the ocean here, though, because they are only open Wednesday – Sunday.
New Orleans Original Snoballs
320 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL
Enjoy a frozen treat at this stand on E Beach Blvd. First, don’t confuse a Louisiana Snoball with a snow cone. The ice is much more finely shaved and compacted so that it holds onto the flavor syrup—no flavorless ice with sad puddles of syrup sitting at the bottom of your cup. Don’t worry! They have ice cream, too, if a snoball isn’t your thing.
You can enjoy a quick dinner before dessert with New Orleans Original Snoballs too. Try another original Louisiana dish: the muffuletta. This is an Italian cold-cut sandwich served on a round loaf of sesame seed bread originally concocted by Italian immigrants in New Orleans.
The Flying Harpoon
112 Windmill Ridge Rd
Gulf Shores, AL
The Flying Harpoon is what you picture when you are looking for fresh seafood and cold beer. The building sports an elevated deck seating area that is festooned in Mardi-Gras lights. You might catch some live music as well.
Pull up to this beach-side gem and enjoy dining indoors or out. The Flying Harpoon is budget-friendly, with a menu that tops out at about $24.
If you are in for something spicy, try the Buffalo Shrimp or Sriracha Tuna Dip. Or try a new twist on an old favorite with the Crab and Crawfish Cakes.
Enjoy original drinks here as well, the Rugau Bayou Bloody Mary and the Poon Tang. Yes, that is Tang, like the 1960s astronaut drink.
Book a Trip to Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, Alabama has so many amazing experiences to offer any vacationer. Whether you love the beach, nightlife, nature and the outdoors, or historical sites, you will love your visit to Gulf Shores.
No vacation is complete without wonderful dining experiences. Gulf Shores has everything to offer for every meal of the day. Visit great bakeries and diners to start your day. Enjoy real southern barbecue and fresh seafood.
Then watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while sipping a handcrafted cocktail or locally brewed beer.
Book your trip and accommodations at the Gulf Shores today!
Header image photo credit: Theresa Lauria
