Gulf Shores is a culinary paradise with tons of things to do and places to eat, especially for seafood enthusiasts. Here, you will discover the top restaurants in Gulf Shores plus oyster bars, including Original Oyster House, Sea N Suds, Acme Oyster House, The Steamer & Baked Oyster Bar, and other local favorites like Lulu's, Tacky Jacks, and Bahamas Bob's Beachside Cafe.
Oyster Bars
Original Oyster House Boardwalk
The Original Oyster House Boardwalk in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a charming piece of local history that's been delighting visitors since the 1970s. The 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.
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. Today, the boardwalk complex is a bustling hub of activity, featuring various shops, eateries, a children's playground, and even a feed-the-fish dock.
Visitors rave about their juicy Gulf oysters prepared in multiple ways - baked, broiled, and fried. This is where you can get some of the best oysters in Gulf Shores. The menu also features local favorites like shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, and homemade desserts. The restaurant maintains a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with genuine southern hospitality, and while there might be a wait during peak times, guests can explore the charming shops in the boardwalk complex while their table is being prepared.
Sea N Suds
Sea N Suds is a beloved Gulf Shores restaurant with a rich history dating back to 1975. Founded by Gerald King and David Bodenhamer, this family-owned oyster bar sits right on the beach, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a true waterfront dining experience.
Their menu is a seafood lover's paradise, featuring 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 restaurant's legendary gumbo recipe comes from Grandma Sellers and has been a family tradition for over 200 years.
Visitors love the casual, laid-back atmosphere and the restaurant's commitment to fresh, delicious seafood. With an outside deck perfect for enjoying Alabama sunsets and the sound of crashing waves, Sea N Suds offers more than just a meal - it provides a memorable dining experience. They're known for their friendly service, incredible salad bar, and special mullet specials on Tuesdays and Fridays.
After surviving Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and continuing to serve the community for nearly five decades, Sea N Suds remains a cherished Gulf Shores institution that feels like home to locals and tourists alike.
Acme Oyster House
Acme Oyster House in Gulf Shores 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 with a serious side of fun. Their menu is a celebration of Gulf Coast cuisine, featuring standout dishes like chargrilled oysters saturated in herb butter and topped with a special cheese blend, and classic po'boys that showcase the region's culinary traditions.
The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining options, making it perfect for locals and tourists alike. Diners can enjoy an array of delectable seafood options, from raw and chargrilled oysters to fried seafood platters and New Orleans specialties like jambalaya and gumbo. Their menu also includes crowd-pleasers like the "10 Napkin Roast Beef" po'boy and delightful desserts such as bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
With friendly service, a lively environment, and consistently excellent food, Acme Oyster House has quickly become a must-visit dining spot in Gulf Shores.
The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar
The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar is a delightful seafood restaurant located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, just behind Souvenir City. This laid-back eatery offers a mouthwatering array of seafood delights that will tantalize your taste buds. Specializing in oysters, they serve them raw, steamed, and baked, alongside an impressive selection of steamed and grilled seafood options.
Their menu boasts crowd-pleasers like Royal Red Shrimp, snow crab legs, and steamed seafood trays perfect for sharing. Diners can enjoy their meals in a cozy, pet-friendly outdoor setting with a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant takes pride in avoiding fried foods, focusing instead on fresh, flavorful preparations.
Seafood lovers will appreciate their full bar featuring frozen drinks like the famous Amaretto Orange Blossom and bushwacker. The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, with some gluten-free options available.
Whether you're craving chargrilled oysters, crab cakes, or a hearty seafood platter, The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar promises a delicious dining experience that captures the essence of Gulf Coast cuisine.
The Hangout Gulf Shores
The Hangout in Gulf Shores is way more than just a restaurant - it's a full-blown entertainment destination! This vibrant 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.
Their courtyard is packed with fun activities that keep everyone entertained. Kids can dive into foam parties, play yard games, get temporary tattoos, and even enjoy a fire pit area. Adults will love the live performances and the chance to kick back with perfectly crafted cocktails.
The restaurant goes above and beyond with unique features like their "Wish Wall" where guests can write and share their dreams. They've also got an impressive collection of nostalgic items like vintage matchbox cars and PEZ dispensers that add quirky charm to the dining experience.
For those looking to take home a memory, their One Stop Fun Shop offers unique souvenirs and beachwear. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly dining spot or a lively evening out, The Hangout promises an unforgettable Gulf Shores experience.
Restaurants
Lauria's By the Beach
Lauria's By the Beach is a charming Italian restaurant in Gulf Shores that offers a delightful dining experience for beach-goers and locals alike. Located at 412 West Beach Boulevard, this cozy spot serves up delicious meals from breakfast through dinner, with a menu that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The restaurant boasts an intimate indoor space with a small bar and a few tables, plus outdoor picnic seating perfect for enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Their menu is impressively diverse, featuring specialty bagel sandwiches, flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and mouthwatering starters like bruschetta and lox on baguette.
Foodies will appreciate their creative offerings, from the Hot Italian Beef sandwich to the Smoked Gouda BLT. They also provide options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free selections. The bar serves up signature cocktails like a blood orange sorbet mimosa and a unique "Bloody good time" Mary.
With friendly staff, daily specials, and a selection of gelato, Lauria's provides a relaxed, fun dining experience that captures the laid-back spirit of Gulf Shores.
Lulu's Gulf Shores
LuLu's in Gulf Shores is a vibrant coastal restaurant that offers way more than just delicious food. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, this family-friendly destination serves up mouthwatering coastal cuisine with a side of pure fun. Their scratch-made menu features incredible dishes like hand-battered fried shrimp, house-made gumbo, and award-winning fried green tomatoes that keep locals and tourists coming back year after year.
What sets LuLu's apart is its incredible atmosphere. Beyond incredible seafood, the restaurant boasts a 3-story climbing ropes course called Mountain of Youth, a beach arcade, and live music every night. Kids and adults alike can enjoy waterfront views while savoring signature dishes like shrimp and grits or their famous tacos.
The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through their made-from-scratch approach, with everything prepared in-house - from their ranch dressing to their signature Crazy Sista cocktails. With three locations across the Gulf Coast and a reputation for creating unforgettable family memories, LuLu's isn't just a restaurant - it's an experience that captures the heart of coastal dining.
Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
Tacky Jacks is a beloved Gulf Shores restaurant with a rich history dating back to the 1970s. Located in the Waterway Village district, this vibrant eatery offers a fun, casual dining experience right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Surrounded by towering live oak trees, the restaurant provides stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere for families and locals alike.
Open daily from 7:30 AM, Tacky Jacks serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Their famous dishes include the "Mexican Garbage" appetizer, smoked tuna dip, and their signature "Tacky" shrimp prepared with secret spices. Seafood lovers will delight in po'boys, fish tacos, and unique offerings like gator bites.
The restaurant boasts multiple dining options, including an open-air bar downstairs, upper decks with waterfront views, and a family-friendly environment. With live music, beach games, and a gift shop featuring local artists, Tacky Jacks is more than just a restaurant - it's a Gulf Shores destination that captures the laid-back coastal spirit.
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen has been delighting locals and tourists for over 20 years. Located just a block from the beach, this family-friendly spot is known for its fresh seafood and warm hospitality. Their coconut shrimp is so legendary it's featured on Alabama's "100 Dishes to Eat" list, crafted entirely in-house with a special batter and dipping sauce.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring everything from fresh catch prepared in various styles like New Orleans, Mediterranean, and their signature pecan-encrusted, to chicken, pasta, and steak options. Diners rave about their homemade bread baskets with honey butter, delectable sides like fried green tomatoes and corn fritters, and a tempting key lime pie for dessert.
With friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a casual atmosphere, De Soto's has won multiple local awards for best lunch and dinner. They even offer convenient online waitlisting during busy seasons and provide senior and children's menus, making it a perfect dining destination for everyone.
Bahamas Bob's Beachside Cafe
Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe is a beloved Gulf Shores restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience right on the waterfront. Located at 601 W Beach Blvd, this casual eatery has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking delicious seafood and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
The restaurant boasts an impressive menu featuring mouthwatering Gulf seafood specialties. Their coconut shrimp is particularly legendary, with patrons raving about its exceptional taste. Diners can enjoy a variety of options including fresh seafood plates, burgers, and even a kids' menu with classics like chicken fingers and hamburgers.
After overcoming a significant fire in the summer of 2023, Bahama Bob's reopened in May 2024 to the community's delight. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. With a full bar serving signature cocktails like Bushwhackers and Bahama Mamas, friendly service, and a welcoming environment, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the beach vibes.
Open from 11 am to 10 pm, Bahama Bob's promises a memorable dining experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Gulf Shores boasts an array of exceptional restaurants and oyster bars, each offering unique seafood experiences. From the award-winning Original Oyster House to the casual charm of Bahamas Bob's Beachside Cafe, and the steamed delights at The Steamer & Baked Oyster Bar, there's something for every palate in this coastal culinary haven.
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