The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The beach is calling, and I must go. If you’re planning a trip to the Gulf Coast, the neighboring towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama should be your number one destination. There is a lot to do, and the food scene is unreal. Check out this list of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Alabamians know their beaches are some of the best in the country. Because Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are so close, spending time in one area or another is easy to do. Stay in one town and make dinner reservations in the other. Regular visitors recommend this list of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores

These recommendations begin in Gulf Shores, Alabama. All of the restaurants have been recommended by visitors who have experienced the establishments first-hand.

1. LuLu’s

Located on the Intercoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, LuLu’s is Lucy Buffett’s restaurant. Not only is the food and live music appealing, but it is family-friendly too. The restaurant has a “beach” area perfect for digging, a ropes course, and an indoor arcade.  Get there early because it can be a long wait!

2. The Hangout

The Hangout is a popular location for music festivals, but it is a relaxing environment when there isn’t a band in town. It features full-service dining as well as beach access. A courtyard on the property has a sand pile, foam pit, games, and shopping.

3. Sea N Suds & Oyster Bar

An affordable family spot, Sea-n-Suds sits directly on the beach. Inside and outside seating is available for visitors who want to watch the sunset or enjoy the sounds of the beach. On Tuesdays and Fridays, they have a Mullet special that is very popular, so make sure you get there early!

4. The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

Typically, a salad is not something you crave at the beach. However, The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails will change that for you. Their Southwest Salad paired with a Scratch Margarita is top-notch. Also, enjoy burgers, wraps, tacos, and other incredible cocktails from their extensive menus.

5. Tacky Jacks

Tacky Jacks has multiple locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and you can’t go wrong with a visit to any location. The Gulf Shores location is in the new Waterway Village District, offering beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Best Restaurants in Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Alabama has no shortage of delicious restaurants. To make our list, the restaurants must have seating and offer more than one type of food (i.e., no breakfast-only or dessert-only dining locations).

6. Luna’s Eat & Drink in Orange Beach

Located on Canal Road, Luna’s Eat & Drink offers delicious seafood with a “Southern flair.” Like other restaurants, it has a courtyard area with outdoor games, which is great for families. Additionally, if you need a sports watching venue, they have 32 craft beers on tap and several large screen TVs.

7. Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort

White tablecloths and wine glasses accompany the panoramic views of the Gulf. A step up from other restaurants, Voyagers is the perfect place to enjoy a date night or a more upscale meal. Because of the intimate space, reservations are highly recommended.

8. The Gulf

My family loves The Gulf so much, we visited its location in Destin, Florida on our last visit to that beach. The restaurant is comprised of recycled shipping containers, and it offers a wide variety of seating options. In addition to the amazing food, The Gulf has games and sandy areas kids will love to play in. Try the shrimp tacos and guacamole!

9. Cobalt the Restaurant

Cobalt the Restaurant is located under the Perdido Bay Bridge, right next to the Caribe Resort. If you are boating, there are several slips available for small boats and medium-sized yatchs in which to dock. The atmosphere is casual, but the food is rich and worth the visit.

10. Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar

Several regular beach visitors claimed Doc’s was the best food in the area. When asked what he liked about the place Steve Scott said, “[It’s] very fresh. When you see a place where all the locals go, that’s your place.” Doc’s has been around since 1983, and they offer catering and carry-out.

While this is not all of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is enough to get you started. Plan your next trip today so you don’t miss out on all of the delicious food the Gulf Coast has to offer!