One of the things we love about living on Alabama Beaches is the easy access to beach bars near us that offer great drinks, epic views, and fun energy — perfect for relaxing.
When we moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2023, our goal was to spend more time outside. The weather is perfect for enjoying the fantastic restaurants and live entertainment available year-round.
There is no shortage of beach bars, perfect for relaxing with a frosty beverage and fun!
1. Pink Pony Pub
The ever-popular Pink Pony Pub is located right on the beach! You can enjoy gorgeous Gulf Shores Public Beach views while sipping one of their delicious frozen drinks.
You can’t miss a photo in front of the pink building with the Pink Pony Pub logo on it! Make sure to try the fried pickles. They are some of the best we’ve had. The Pink Pony hand breads the pickle chips and serves them hot and crispy. The tropical drinks are perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying the view. Bonus, the pub is located in close proximity to many vacation rentals, so if you’re staying within walking distance, it might become your favorite place to while away an afternoon.
2. Flora-Bama
The Flora-Bama is an iconic Alabama beach bar for a reason. This legendary beach dive has everything you want in a beach bar, plus fun events. If you love live music and a come-as-you-are atmosphere, the Flora-Bama is for you. With five stages of music featuring country, rock, and dance music, you will be able to find a space you love.
If you want a break from the music and need a bit of beach time, they have multiple beachfront bars where you can enjoy their world-famous bushwacker.
You might even get lucky and spot a celebrity during your visit. After all, Kenny Chesney wrote a song about the Flora-Bama and why it is one of his favorite beach bars! The video was filmed right on the beach in front of the building in 2014 with 40,000 of his closest friends.
3. Tiki Bar
The Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is located at Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach. You can arrive at the bar by boat or land, making this one of the area's best beach bars. It’s off-the-beaten-path location is why this spot is one of our favorite hidden gems. Here, you can chat with the locals over good conversation and even better cocktails.
This local’s favorite features ice-cold drinks, great food, and an atmosphere that screams tropical vacation and laid-back vibes.
4. Pirate’s Cove
Another off-the-beaten-path favorite, you’re not really a local until you’ve experienced Pirate’s Cove located in nearby Josephine. If you rent a boat, it’s an easy ride from Orange Beach. By car, it’s about a 30-minute drive. Wear your swimsuit and sip your bushwacker on the sandy beach while you soak up some sun. You’ll definitely want to try their messy burgers and fried green beans. You can even bring your furry friends along with you as this waterfront bar is pet-friendly!
5. OSO at Bear Point
Enjoy gorgeous views of the water from the outdoor tiki bar next to OSO at Bear Point. This local favorite restaurant and bar offers unique themed cocktails and coastal drinks we love.
Don't miss grabbing a bite to eat while you're at OSO. Everything we have tried so far has been delicious. We keep going back to try different menu items — it really is oh so good!
6. COASTAL Beach Bar
One of the newest restaurants in Orange Beach, COASTAL, offers a great beachfront bar with unbelievable views, live music, and nearly a dozen TVs for catching a game.
The beachside bar has an unbelievable menu. Make sure to order the Pimento Cheese appetizer plate. I have planned multiple trips to COASTAL just to enjoy the pimento cheese and key lime cheesecake. My husband says their Gulf Coast chicken sandwich is one of the best he has ever had. They brine the chicken in sweet tea, which makes it incredibly juicy and tender.
Each of these beach bars offers its own unique atmosphere, menu, and drinks. Now that we are locals, we’re looking forward to diving in and discovering even more beach bar near us!
Make sure to try the signature drink of Alabama Beaches, the bushwacker cocktail! See which is your favorite by embarking on the bushwacker trail, which highlights the best beach bars and restaurants that serve this creamy cocktail. You can even start the day with a bushwacker coffee or bushwacker pancakes.
