When we first decided to visit Gulf Shores back in 2017, we were honestly just looking for a beach town with white sand that was drivable. Not that Destin isn’t just as easily accessible, but I had been there the summer before and we wanted to explore a new area. So Gulf Shores, Alabama it was! AND THEN we got engaged the month before our trip and just a few days before we headed out for our beach vacay, we decided we wanted to do a US based destination wedding… Queue all the heart eyes when we arrived to pristine white sands and perfect water in Gulf Shores. As always, one of the first things we did when we started doing research on the area was look up the best restaurants in Gulf Shores.
Now, don’t get me wrong, while Gulf Shores is probably the exception, most beach towns we’ve been to, haven’t had the best food. But, the places to eat in Gulf Shores were far from average and the same goes for the places to eat in Orange Beach! (If you’re confused on the difference between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, don’t be – they’re two separate towns, right next to each other, split by the Gulf State Park)
The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores
The Hangout
This is hands down one of the coolest spots in all of Gulf Shores. It’s both a restaurant and a bar AND has tons of outdoor activities. With everything from live music, to Foosball, to giant foam parties, this place has it all. On the weekends, they’re open pretty late and there’s always something going on.
What we recommend: Grab an order of their fried pickles and a shark attack to sip on and you’re in for a good time!
101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Lulu’s
Second to only The Hangout, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores is a unique treat. This was one of the spots we took everyone during the week of our wedding. They not only have good food, but they also have a giant ropes course, areas to play in the sand and a giant gift shop.
What we recommend: We love the crab melt and the fried green tomatoes and they arguably have one of the best burgers in Gulf Shores.
Pro tip: you can get on the wait list at Lulu’s to avoid having to wait as long – this is a game changer, especially during the summer months!
200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Picnic Beach
This is a newer spot in Gulf Shores, but don’t let that stop you from checking it out. From the creators of The Hangout, Picnic Beach offers a change-up to the typical beach food. Their mottos is “Good Clean BBQ” and it is that and SO much more. We grabbed lunch from here the week of our wedding and it was hands down a crowd favorite. Picnic Beach should definitely be on your list of Gulf Shores restaurants to hit up!
What we recommend: The Picnic Brisket Salad was my favorite and the white BBQ sauce was everyone’s favorite! I’ve only heard good things about their smoothies and bowls, so those are clearly worth a try as well.
128 E 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Sunset Cork Room – Now called Savannah Kitchen
I don’t even know where to begin with this amazing place. Don’t get me wrong, we love eating right on the beach when we’re in Gulf Shores, but Sunset Cork Room is more than worth the short drive away from the beach. We hosted our rehearsal dinner here and the team went above and beyond for us. You can read more about how awesome Sunset Cork Room was to work with in our Destination Wedding Vendors post!
My mom and I were lucky enough to try this spot when we were in town for my bridal portraits and they blew us away from the minute we walked in the door. They have a rotating menu with tons of delicious, fresh items, delicious cocktail and an amazing staff that will not disappoint.
What we recommend: We tried the grouper, which was to die for, the chicken, which is NOT your average chicken breast – bacon jam, y’all! Don’t question it, just try it, you wont regret it! Their desserts change nightly, but if they have it, do not skip the white chocolate bread pudding. I don’t even like bread pudding and I crave this dish constantly!
225 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Crico’s Pizza
This place has the best pizza gulf shores has to offer. Their lunch buffet was our absolute favorite and so incredibly cheap. We ended up deciding to order 10 pizzas from here for our first night in Gulf Shores for our wedding. We accidentally found ourselves here for lunch on our first trip to Gulf Shores and we’ve gone back every single time we’re there because the pizza is just that good.
MAY 2023 UPDATE: They are still not running their lunch buffet. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a stop to try their delicious pizza!
What we recommend: There isn’t a bad pizza here, but if you can, skip the delivery and pop in here for lunch, you can thank us later! You also can’t pass up their cricostix, they’re absolutely to die for!
309 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL
Bahama Bob’s
One of our tried & true spots. They probably have the best popcorn shrimp in Gulf Shores. While it’s right on the beach, you can’t see the water from the restaurant, but that has never been an issue for us because the food is delicious. **Bahama Bob’s had a fire in 2023 – they have reopened as of May 2024**
What we recommend: Popcorn shrimp! And of course, a bushwhacker!
601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Sea N Suds
Similar to Bahama Bob’s, this right-on-the-beach spot is filled with all of the quintessential beach food. We’ve been to Sea n Suds multiple times and always loved everything we’ve eaten. We usually try to snag a spot at the bar and watch the guys shuck fresh oysters. Unlike Bahama Bob’s, Sea N Suds is right on the water, so you’ll have perfect sunset views! And if there’s a wait, you can always grab a drink at the bar closest to the beach and hang out while you wait.
What we recommend: Snag some of the freshly shucked oysters and a delicious cocktail.
405 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Papa Rocco’s
This came at the recommendation of a local – which usually means it’s going to be tried and true, and that it was. Papa Rocco’s makes out list of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores not entirely because of the pizza. The real show stopper here is the baked oysters. Food is served until midnight, so no need to rush off the beach either.
What we recommend: The Italian salad is absolutely delicious, the all meat pizza is amazing and the baked oysters can not be missed.
101 W 6th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Lambert’s
Technically, this spot is located just north of Gulf Shores, in Foley, but close enough to be considered. Home of the “throwed rolls,” Lamberts is a delicious little southern restaurant. The sides are served family style (aka – all you can eat) after you choose your entree.
What we recommend: Definitely try the chicken fried steak and chicken tenders. Eat as many rolls as you can catch and fill up on all the delicious sides!
Pro tip: Bring cash! That’s all they accept – They do have an ATM, but who wants to have to pay ATM fees?
2981 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535
Orange Beach Restaurants
If you’re still confused on the whole Orange Beach/ Gulf Shores split, don’t be. It’s practically one big town, split down the middle by a giant park. Orange Beach is on the side closer to Florida.
The Ruby Slipper
Best brunch in Gulf Shores or I suppose it’d be the best brunch in Orange Beach, but you know what I mean. They have a HUGE menu and do happen to be a chain, but it’s a small, semi-local chain so definitely worth visiting.
What we recommend: If you enjoy a bloody Mary, GET THEIRS! They are absolutely delicious. And if you enjoy spicy, be sure to try the jalepeno infused vodka in your Bloody Mary…It’s delicious. The eggs Benedict is also fabulous. They get super busy – try to get there early during the busy season & holidays.
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Brick & Spoon
Another great brunch spot in Orange Beach. This place is known for it’s huge build your own bloody Mary’s and it’s delicious brunch menu. This place also get’s super busy so get there early and get to building your bloody Mary with your checklist!
What we recommend: Build a bloody Mary on the checklist card! You can pick whatever you want on it! DO NOT skip the stuffed french toast – it’s brunch perfection.
24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Buzzcatz
If you have a followed us for a while then you know that we love pastries, breads and sweets. Buzzcatz is all of those and much more. This small little coffee shop that packs a big punch in the form of pastries and delicious treats definitely deserves a spot on any list of the best restaurants in Orange Beach. We tried Buzzcatz the first time we went to Gulf Shores and have been back every time since. We love it so much that we made an order for our goodbye breakfast for our wedding guests the day after our wedding. It is definitely one of the best breakfasts spots in Orange Beach and easily our favorite.
What we recommend: Homemade Pop Tarts, blueberry biscuit sandwiches (one of the most delicious things we have ever had), breakfast sandwiches and the cinnamon rolls…. AKA pretty much anything and everything there! And we’d be silly not to mention their breakfast quesadilla – we’d stand it up next to some of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had! It’s a “daily special” but if you ask nicely, your server may let you have one!
25689 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Cobalt, The Restaurant
Every good foodie town needs at least one really good, fine dining restaurant, regardless of how big or small the town is. When it comes to places to eat in Orange Beach, the fine dining options are somewhat limited. Thankfully, there’s Cobalt, The Restaurant, located on Perdido Bay, right next to the Caribe Resort. Spectacular views, awesome drinks and insanely good food is just a small part of what Cobalt offers. Whether it be for a romantic waterfront dinner or a nice dinner out with the family, Cobalt is the best fine dining in this awesome little beach town.
What we recommend: Crab bisque, pecan fried catfish (Heart eyes), the filet and the bloody Mary’s(catching on yet).
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Coastal Orange Beach
This is a newer spot in Orange beach… We’ll newer as in 2023! If you’re looking for something a little elevated, while still being right on the beach, Coastal is just that. This spot has two sides to it, the nicer, restaurant side and a beach bar side! They also have a massive gift shop!
What we recommend: The tuna poke nachos are always a winner here! There also wasn’t a single cocktail we had that wasn’t delicious.
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Ginny Lane
There’s no shortage of restaurants at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama but one that has always stuck out to us was Ginny Lane (and the sister properties)!
4851 Wharf Pkwy E, Orange Beach, AL 36561
After what feels like a million trips to the area over the last couple of years, we think we have a pretty good grasp of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange beach. Did we leave out one of your favorites? Or have a new recommendation that we should try? Let us know in the comments!
