Want to dine like a local? Our destination offers a variety of great restaurants that locals love
Looking for the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Leave it to the locals to guide you to some of the top-rated restaurants in Alabama Beaches. Our beautiful destination offers so many fabulous places to eat, serving regional favorites from everything like swamp soup to barbecue.
1. Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
At Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails in Gulf Shores, you'll find a variety of dishes prepared with fresh produce and seafood. The atmosphere is super casual, which is why it's a favorite amongst locals looking for a light bite to eat and a tasty cocktail after a day on the beach. They also boast a fantastic happy hour!
2. Fish River Grill #3
With nearby Fairhope and Foley locations, Fish River Grill in Gulf Shores is the restaurant's third establishment. Hailed as the original seafood restaurant of Baldwin County and a self-proclaimed funky junky redneck joint, they're famous for their Cajun gator bites, burgers, and swamp soup. Their unique menu and atmosphere make them a one-of-a-kind spot for authentic southern seafood.
3. Desoto's
If you're craving seafood and soul food, look no further than Desoto's. Crab, grouper, shrimp, oysters, and tuna are just a few of the items fresh from the Gulf you’ll find on the menu. The delicious eats aren’t the only thing that drives locals here. Desoto's serves irresistible bushwhackers and daiquiris that are the perfect pairing for a Gulf meal.
4. Moe's Original Bar B Que
Finger-licking barbecue is essential to Alabama cuisine, and Moe's Original Bar B Que is a favorite among residents throughout the state. This relaxing spot serves up incredible barbecue, soul food, and daily specials featuring southern staples. Dine outside at the picnic tables and enjoy your meal in the coastal air. Don't forget to add a Moe's bushwacker to your order!
5. Luna's Eat & Drink
Are you a craft beer connoisseur? Then, you definitely need to add Luna's Eat & Drink to your vacation itinerary. With 32 local and regional beers on tap, Luna's has become a popular spot for those who want to sit back and relax. They also boast a menu filled with unique, coastal-inspired dishes and a grassy courtyard perfect for outdoor games on a sunny day.
6. Wolf Bay Lodge
There's nothing quite like a filling, savory meal, and Wolf Bay Lodge is the perfect place for local cuisine. You'll find seafood platters, mouthwatering sandwiches, and delicious pasta dishes on the menu. It's conveniently located right across from the beach in Orange Beach, so it's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day by the water.
7. Papa Rocco's
The "home of warm beer and lousy pizza," Papa Rocco's has been a staple in the community since 1985. A tried-and-true local establishment, here you'll find mouthwatering pizza, oysters, and an array of drinks. Along with their delicious eats, they offer nightly live music, daily lunch specials, and happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you want to eat like a true local, you need to stop and grab a slice.
8. Lauria's
Lauria’s is a go-to spot for many Gulf Shores locals for dinner and drinks. Both Lauria’s by the Beach in Gulf Shores and Lauria’s Italian Bar & Bistro in Orange Beach serve incredible flatbreads, specialty bagels, and beautiful charcuterie boards. Grab a glass of wine or cocktail and savor a fantastic meal at either of these locations.
9. The Cove
Every destination has its beloved local dive bar, and in Gulf Shores, it's The Cove Bar & Grill. If you're searching for a spot to hang out and enjoy a few brews, The Cove Bar & Grill is the place for you. They serve up hand-pattied burgers, Philly cheese sandwiches, wings, wraps, and other bar favorites. While here, you can shoot pool and enjoy live music as you savor a delicious meal.
10. Big Fish Restaurant & Bar
Every now and again, our locals feel like getting a bit fancy. Big Fish Restaurant in Orange Beach offers an elegant yet relaxed ambiance and exemplary cuisine. Open for dinner only, this restaurant has a robust menu filled with fresh seafood dishes, sushi, steaks, and more.
11. Gulf Island Grill
A relaxing atmosphere, refreshing drinks, and a diverse menu are what you'll find at Gulf Island Grill. The Caribbean-inspired dishes here feature undeniable tropical flavors. Located just across from the Gulf, Gulf Island Grill is a favorite watering hole and eatery for locals. Stop by after a day at the beach to savor this restaurant’s delicious dishes and sip on fabulous cocktails.
12. Bon Temps Po'boys & Specialty Meats
The name says it all at Bon Temps Po'boys & Specialty Meats in Orange Beach. This place offers various po'boys and sandwiches and Cajun favorites like boudin balls, crawfish pies, and chicken cracklins. Bon Temps also has daily lunch specials, perfect for filling up on good eats before hitting the water.
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