Your Guide to Crawfish
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When it comes to crawfish, there’s no better place to enjoy this Gulf Coast delicacy than on Alabama’s beaches. Like shrimp, these delicious crustaceans are a must-have dish when in the area. Crawfish are heavenly seasoned with creole spices and are often served with corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp. Alabama is home to almost 100 species of crawfish, the most of any state, so it’s no surprise that they’re so popular. If you visit during late winter or spring, you’ll want to plan on rolling up your sleeves and chowing down on this Cajun cuisine at local restaurants or seafood markets.
When is Crawfish Season on Alabama Beaches?
The crawfish season on the Gulf Coast usually starts mid-January and runs through early summer, but availability varies each year due to changes in temperature and precipitation. On Alabama’s beaches, restaurants typically offer crawfish boils and AYCE crawfish from March through May.
Crawfish Events
Each year, the Orange Beach Seafood Festival in February offers fresh, local crawfish alongside other Gulf seafood. The spice of the crawfish and its sides are perfect for the cooler weather of winter. If you’ve never tried crawfish, this event is a great place to sample a few and share a plate with friends and family.
Where to Get Crawfish on Alabama Beaches
You’ll find crawfish on the menu at several restaurants along our shores during the season. Most local eateries with crawfish offer boils on the weekends and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to call ahead or look up each restaurant’s crawfish specials to see when they are offered!
Bon Temps Poboys and Specialty Meats
Bon Temps is one of the best spots on the island for Cajun food, so it’s no surprise that this locally loved joint is a prime spot for crawfish. During the season, the restaurant has boiled crawfish available on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day on Saturdays. Additionally, Bon Temps hosts a boil featuring AYCE crawfish, drink specials, and live music every April.
The Undertow
If live music and cold brews are your thing, head to The Undertow Bar and Grill for an all-you-can-eat crawfish, royal reds, potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage. Each Saturday and Sunday during crawfish season, this dive offers a buffet starting at 2 pm. You’ll want to make sure you get there early before it’s all gone.
Bubba’s Seafood House
Bring your appetite to Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach for their special, which consists of two pounds of crawfish, potatoes, and corn. Or try the shrimp and crawfish combo for even more seafood goodness. Grab an ice-cold beer or coastal cocktail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Bubba’s.
King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant
Cold beer, live music, and hot crawfish are the ultimate trio for a perfect weekend on the beach. King Neptune’s is an excellent spot to slurp down a pound of crawfish before spending a relaxing day with your toes in the sand.
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks may be known for its shrimp, but we can’t pass up ordering crawfish at this popular joint during the spring. AYCE crawfish is offered on Saturdays at the Gulf Shores location and Sundays at the Orange Beach restaurant, so you can have your fill of Cajun cuisine all weekend long.
Live Bait
Piping hot crawfish and refreshing cocktails are two reasons to visit Live Bait. In addition to the fantastic eats and drinks this restaurant and bar offer, you can also enjoy karaoke and live music while you suck down a dozen or two of crawfish.
OSO
Walk, drive, or boat over to OSO at Bear Point on the weekends for a delicious crawfish meal on the water. Pair your tasty crustaceans with a hearty bowl of gumbo and a draft beer for the ultimate meal. Don’t hesitate, or the crawfish may be gone before you know it!
Enjoy Crawfish from Home
Savor the irresistible taste of crawfish in the comfort of your hotel, condo, or beach house by picking up a few pounds at a local seafood market. These spots offer a variety of fresh seafood and all the seasonings, dry rubs, and sauces needed for a perfect meal straight from water. Whether you want your crawfish raw or already cooked, the staff at these seafood markets will make sure to provide you with everything you need for a successful at-home boil. And don’t forget to pick up corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage links to complete your meal!
