Where to Eat

Local Favorite Restaurants/Bars

THE SLOOP

Located at the public boat launch under the Hwy 59 bridge in Gulf Shores, The Sloop is a locally owned restaurant/bar that features that awesome combination of "hole-in-the-wall" feel with top notch food. Locals frequent The Sloop for its menu blending fresh seafood, Southern dishes, and surprising daily specials. This writer's personal favorite is the Twin Cheese Burger which is among the best I've found anywhere - and I look everywhere. Plus, this sailing themed spot doubles as a sports bar, offering tons of TVs showing your favorite teams' games in an atmosphere filled with friendly staff and locals. And don't miss the great live music out back on the white sand courtyard. 

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FIRE SMOKED FISH COMPANY

Wanting to avoid the long waits at restaurants but still have something local and delicious? Look no further than Fire Smoked Fish Company in Gulf Shores! This local veteran-owned takeout-only shop opened in August 2020, just a week before Hurricane Sally slammed Gulf Shores – and they survived. No doubt because the food is delicious and unique.

Everything is smoked on-site and prepared from scratch daily. Their offerings include smoked fish, smoked gourmet dips, and other local specialty favorites such as their smoked “Big Daddy” pork chop. This writer is particularly addicted to the smoked pork chop, which is HUGE and mouthwateringly great. So, avoid those long restaurant waits and eat like royalty in the comfort of your condo or beach house – and it’s very reasonably priced, too.

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MIKEE'S SEAFOOD

Mikee’s, a local family-owned establishment, offers an extensive menu featuring a wide selection of fresh catches from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. From succulent shrimp to fresh oysters and the catch-of-the-day, the seafood is sourced locally, ensuring freshness, and supporting the community's fishermen. This writer particularly loves grabbing a seat at the bar and enjoying a cold brew (or 3) with a plate of the best fried cheese sticks in the area (5 stars!). 

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THE GULF RESTAURANT

Located at the western foot of the Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama, The Gulf restaurant is a local favorite for its views. You can grab a good meal and a drink (or 3) and look out over the Gulf of Mexico as the fishing boats come and go through the pass. As an open air, casual restaurant, The Gulf offers excellent flavor and satisfaction with burgers, a Grouper Sandwich, a Chicken Sandwich, seafood tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, a Lobster & Shrimp Roll, a daily “fresh catch” and more to choose from. This writer particularly enjoys the nice outdoor bar on a big, grassy lawn with plenty of shady seating – all with the fantastic view.

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JESSE'S ON THE BAY

With an extensive menu that showcases a fusion of coastal and international flavors, Jesse’s on the Bay offers the same quality and precision execution the original location in Magnolia Springs, AL became famous for. There is literally nothing bad on the menu, including the many fresh seafood dishes, but it is STEAK that Jesse’s is most prized for. They serve unique cuts of dry and wet-aged steaks and bone-in cuts, overseen by Executive Chef Laurence Agnew. While the steaks aren’t exactly underpriced, they certainly over-deliver. Diners can also savor fantastic appetizers such as crab cakes with a hint of Cajun spice or indulge in their famous seafood gumbo, bursting with Gulf Coast flavors. The mixologists behind the bar can make you anything you want, and they offer several signature cocktails that will delight any beach vacationer. You can get full service for dinner at the bar as well. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

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The Cove Bar & Grill is a local favorite dive located on Cove Avenue off Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores. Owned by local restauranteurs with 30 years of experience, The Cove is a place where locals and visitors hang out to have a drink (or 3), shoot some pool, enjoy live music, and eat some great food in a fun and welcoming environment. The Cove offers excellent cheeseburgers, Tuna Nachos, Wings, Fish Tacos, Wraps, multiple salad options, and more.

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