Gulf Shores is not only known as the gateway to the amazing Gulf State Park, but also as a culinary paradise with tons of places to indulge in seafood delicacies. Best of all, many of these local favorites boast incredible views and entertainment for the whole family.
In this blog, I'll guide you through the top restaurants in Gulf Shores, plus must-visit oyster bars for an incredible dining experience.
Just a taste of what’s coming:
| Restaurant Name | Highlights |
| Original Oyster House Boardwalk | Historic setting, juicy Gulf oysters, shrimp and grits, boardwalk charm |
| Sea-N-Suds | Beachfront views, shrimp sandwich, gumbo, fried crab claws |
| Acme Oyster House | New Orleans flair, chargrilled oysters, po'boys, bread pudding |
| The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar | No fried food, Royal Red Shrimp, gluten-free options, pet-friendly |
| The Hangout Gulf Shores | Live music, foam parties, shrimp po'boy, nostalgic decor |
| Lauria's By The Beach | Mediterranean flavors, flatbreads, signature cocktails, outdoor seating |
| LuLu's Gulf Shores | Waterfront dining, fried green tomatoes, ropes course, arcade |
| Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores | Coastal comfort food, fish tacos, live music, multiple decks |
| De Soto's Seafood Kitchen | Coconut shrimp, corn fritters, family-friendly, online waitlist |
| Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe | Waterfront, coconut shrimp, burgers, kid's menu |
At Vacation Homes Collections, we offer a variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We're experts in the area, if I can say so myself, so be sure to check out our blog for tips on making the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for a guide to a great weekend or a bucket list of activities, we've got all in there. ☀️
The Original Oyster House Boardwalk in Gulf Shores is a charming piece of local history that's been delighting visitors since the 1970s. The restaurant opened its doors in 1983 and has grown from a modest 60-seat eatery to a 300-seat establishment serving some of the Gulf Coast's finest seafood, specially their juicy Gulf oysters prepared in multiple ways - baked, broiled, and fried.
- Local favorites: Shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, and the homemade desserts.
- Ambience: The restaurant maintains a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with genuine southern hospitality, and while there might be a wait during peak times, you can explore the charming shops in the boardwalk complex while your table is being prepared.
- Here's a curiosity: The restaurant's building itself has a fascinating past - it was originally a hospital in Fort Morgan in 1898 before being floated up the Bayou in the mid-1920s, where it served as a bootleggers' hideout.
2. Sea N Suds
This is another beloved local gem that’s been around since 1975. Sea-N-Suds is a family-owned oyster bar sitting right on the beach, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a waterfront dining experience full of seafood delicacies.
- Local favorites: Fresh oysters on the half shell, mouth-watering gumbo passed down through generations, and signature dishes like their famous shrimp sandwich and fried crab claws. The salad bar is also a standout.
- Ambience: Visitors love the casual, laid-back atmosphere. There’s an outdoor deck perfect for enjoying Alabama sunsets and the sound of crashing waves.
- Pro tip: Check out the mullet specials on Tuesdays and Fridays.
3. Acme Oyster House
Acme Oyster House is a vibrant seafood destination that brings the spirit of New Orleans right to Alabama's coastline. Since opening in 2014, this restaurant has become a local favorite, serving up mouthwatering seafood options that will keep you coming back while you're in town.
- Local favorites: Chargrilled oysters saturated in herb butter and topped with a special cheese blend, and classic po'boys that showcase the region's culinary traditions—like the popular "10 Napkin Roast Beef" po'boy. For a sweet ending, their bread pudding with whiskey sauce is a must-try.
- Ambience: Acme offers a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining options.
4. The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar
Offering a mouthwatering array of seafood delights that will tantalize your taste buds, The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar is not only famous for its fresh oysters but also for its impressive selection of steamed and grilled seafood options. The restaurant takes pride in avoiding fried foods, focusing instead on fresh, flavorful preparations—and it also offers some gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
- Local favorites: Beyond the oysters, crowd-pleasers include the Royal Red Shrimp, snow crab legs, and steamed seafood trays. Their drinks are also a hit, with popular picks like the famous Amaretto Orange Blossom and the Bushwacker.
- Ambience: Enjoy your meal in a cozy, pet-friendly outdoor setting with a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Restaurants 🦐
5. The Hangout Gulf Shores
The Hangout in Gulf Shores is more than just a restaurant — it’s a full-blown entertainment destination! This lively spot offers an incredible, family-friendly experience right on the beach. With live music every night, you’ll find yourself tapping your toes and soaking up the energetic atmosphere while enjoying delicious seafood.
- Local favorites: Shrimp Po' Boy, The Lifeguard Burger, and the Ultimate Seafood Boil.
- Ambience: The courtyard is packed with fun activities that keep everyone entertained—from foam parties and yard games for the little ones to a fire pit area and incredible live performances.
- Pro tip: One thing I personally love about The Hangout is their impressive collection of nostalgic items, like vintage Matchbox cars and PEZ dispensers, which add a quirky charm to the dining experience.
6. Lauria's By The Beach
Craving Italian treats? Lauria's By the Beach is a go-to spot in Gulf Shores, featuring a diverse menu that includes several options packed with Mediterranean flavors.
- Local favorites: Bagel sandwiches, flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and mouthwatering starters like bruschetta and lox on baguette. I highly recommend pairing your food with one of their signature cocktails, such as the blood orange sorbet mimosa or the uniquely named "Bloody Good Time" Mary.
- Ambience: The restaurant offers an intimate indoor space with a small bar and a few tables, plus outdoor picnic seating perfect for enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Bonus points for vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu.
7. Lulu's Gulf Shores
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, this family-friendly eatery serves perfectly cooked coastal cuisine with a side of pure fun and lovely waterfront views.
- Local favorites: Their scratch-made menu features popular dishes like hand-battered fried shrimp, house-made gumbo, and award-winning fried green tomatoes. Their signature Crazy Sista cocktails are also a hit among patrons.
- Ambience: What sets LuLu’s apart is its incredible atmosphere. Beyond the delicious seafood, the restaurant boasts a three-story climbing ropes course, a beach arcade, and live music every night.
8. Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
Tacky Jacks is a Gulf Shores institution. Dating back to the 1970s, this local favorite features an incredible menu focused on coastal comfort food. From breakfast to dinner, it’s a great option if you’re craving classic coastal delicacies like fish tacos or gator bites.
- Local favorites: The "Mexican Garbage" appetizer, smoked tuna dip, and their signature "Tacky" shrimp prepared with secret spices. The crawfish po'boys, fish tacos, flaky fish platter, and steamed North American snow crabs are also unbeatable.
- Ambience: The restaurant offers multiple dining spaces, including an open-air bar downstairs, upper decks with waterfront views, and a family-friendly environment. Live music and beach games add to the fun dining experience.
9. De Soto's Seafood Kitchen
For over 20 years, De Soto's Seafood Kitchen — located just a block from the beach — has been committed to serving some of the best fresh seafood dishes in Gulf Shores, all while maintaining their signature warm hospitality.
- Local favorites: Their coconut shrimp is legendary — it’s featured on Alabama's "100 Dishes to Eat" list and is crafted entirely in-house with a special batter and dipping sauce. Other popular picks include fried green tomatoes, corn fritters, and a tempting key lime pie for dessert.
- Ambience: Casual, family-friendly, and welcoming.
- Extras: Highlights include the extremely friendly staff, reasonable prices, senior and children's menus, and a convenient online waitlist during busy seasons.
10. Bahamas Bob's Beachside Cafe
Right on the waterfront, Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe boasts an impressive menu featuring scrumptious Gulf seafood specialties.
- Local favorites: Their coconut shrimp is particularly legendary. Other top picks include the fresh seafood plates and the burgers. Cocktails like Bushwhackers and Bahama Mamas are standout options on their bar menu.
- Ambience: The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a relaxed beach vibe.
- Extras: Kid's menu is available.
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections don’t just know where to find the freshest seafood and best local gems — we’re also experts in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Our, vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront homes to high-rise condos, provide the perfect home base for your next Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away — because it surely will! 🏖️
