Restaurants Acing the Waiting Game
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
We’ve all experienced the stomach growl when you approach a restaurant greeter and hear, “There’s a wait.” Waiting is hard, especially when you’re hungry. Or have kids. Or a large party. But, many restaurants on Alabama Beahches know how to play the waiting game, and you come out the winner.
From kid’s areas to live music to quick cocktails, restaurants around the beach are creating great spaces for patrons to hang out while they wait for a table. The next time you venture out for a meal filled with delish beach eats, check out one of these seven beach restaurants where you’ll be happy to wait.
Original Oyster House
If you have kids in your party, even a short wait can feel like an all-day affair. The Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores combats this problem with an outdoor playground that will keep the kiddos busy for you! You can even feed the fish from the boardwalk, which is also lined with several stores. There’s also an onsite gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, merchandise, and beach essentials you may have forgotten.
GTs on the Bay
GTs stands for “good times,” and they mean it! GTs On The Bay overlooks Wolf Bay and provides plenty to see and do while you wait for a table. If you walk through the restaurant, you’ll pass by a pool full of fish. The back deck offers stunning bay views, live music, and quick bar service to help pass the time. Kids will love the outdoor play area that features a wooden pirate ship and a large sandpit. The restaurant even has its own pier, so you can take a walk out to the water while you wait.
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores changes the waiting game with Jack’s Bar, an open-air bar where you can sip a cocktail while you watch the kids play in the outdoor kid’s area. There’s also daily live music and views of the scenic Intracoastal Waterway to keep you occupied. Or, take a stroll through Tacky Jacks Gift Shop, where you can find restaurant merch and unique gifts made by local artists. Don't forget to write your name on a piece of duct tape and stick it to the wall while you're here!