Best Sports Bars | Local Favorites

Wondering where the best places in Gulf Shores are

The Sloop

to watch college and NFL football, the Super Bowl, March Madness, and all the other sports? There are several sports bars that are locals’ favorites (at least in this writer’s opinion). So, read on and find your favorite spot to watch the big game like a local.

The Sloop is a locally owned unicorn (part dive, part fantastic food, part sports bar, part live music venue) with TVs everywhere, all the sports packages, and a crowd that is heavily local, friendly, and welcoming. Fair warning to get there EARLY on game days. The Sloop is not large, parking is not plentiful, and when people get their seats they tend to stay until their game is over (and longer).

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Island Wing Company

Island Wing Company offers everything you expect from a quality sports bar. The food is good, the service is good, there are TVs everywhere, and the place is huge with plenty of parking, so you don’t have to worry too much about being able to get a seat to enjoy your game, even if you are running a little late. It's little bit up Gulf Shores Parkway/Hwy 59 from the heart of Gulf Shores, so plan (and pace) accordingly for that drive home after the game - better yet, consider using that ride-sharing app on your phone!

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The Cove

The Cove Bar & Grill is a nice little dive in Gulf Shores that locals love for its friendly atmosphere, great food, pool tables, and live music – but it also doubles as a great game-day spot with plenty of TVs and fans rooting for (and against) the teams that excite them. The burgers are especially good, and the drinks are cold and delicious. Tucked away on Cove Ave in the heart of Gulf Shores, the Cove is not a large place, nor is there a ton of parking, so if you want to watch the big game like a local, get there early.

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Big Beach Brewing

Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores is a terrific brewery offering great locally made craft beers and wine. The atmosphere is classy, open-air (when it’s warm) and offers plenty of comfortable seating (including couches) inside and outside where you can watch your games in style. Its a laid-back place complemented by an on-site food truck for those moments when hunger strikes. Located across from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores, Big Beach has more parking availability on-site and down the street than some of the other local favorites detailed in this article, but you will still want to be there early to secure you favorite seats. And one last bit of advice from this writer’s personal experience: Pace yourself! Those craft brews pack a punch!

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Where to Eat | Fire Smoked Fish Company | A Local Favorite

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.

Things to know: Fire Smoked Fish is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 3 pm. So, get there before 3pm to pick up your “dine-at-home” meals. Conveniently located in the heart of Gulf Shores in the blue shopping center across the street from Rouses Grocery and Arby’s.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRE SMOKED FISH COMPANY

Margaritaville Restaurant/Bar Coming Soon

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Gulf Shores is getting a new highly anticipated attraction. Jimmy Buffet’s world-renowned Margaritaville restaurant/bar company will be opening a new Gulf Shores location in 2024 or early 2025, putting Gulf Shores on par with other top destinations around the world that enjoy the Margaritaville experience. It will be located at the also brand-new Legendary Marina and Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway just west of the Hwy 59/Gulf Shores Parkway bridge. The full-service marina will feature:

- Onsite fuel dockings

- Launch requests through an app

- Indoor boat storage for boats up to 50 feet

- Complimentary waste pump-outs

- Complimentary freshwater fills

- On-site service and parts department

Located on the water with beautiful views of the marina will be the new Margaritaville restaurant/bar will feature:

- Island themed décor

- Coastal-inspired, made-to-order food

- Hand-crafted cocktails

- 5-0’Clock Somewhere Bar

- Great live music & fun party atmosphere

Situated just west of the famous LuLu’s restaurant & marina by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, LuLu, the new Margaritaville restaurant/bar will give Gulf Shores’ visitors the opportunity to experience the full Buffet Family experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARGARITAVILLE

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGENDARY MARINA & YACHT CLUB

What Gulf Shores Restaurants Open on Christmas?

Image from Doc's Seafood & Steaks

Wondering what Gulf Shores restaurants will be open over Christmas? Look no further! Here is what we know about dining opportunities during your beach holidays:

HANGOUT HOSPITALITY GROUP

During Christmas Eve, The Hangout, Sunliner Diner, and TheGulf will remain open, while Picnic Beach will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All establishments will be closed on Christmas, with the exception of Sunliner Diner.

FLORA-BAMA LOUNGE AND OYSTER BAR

Join the longstanding Christmas Day potluck dinner tradition at the iconic Flora-Bama. Bring a side dish for 10-12 people, and the Bama will provide ham and turkey. Serving starts at 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.

DOC’S SEAFOOD SHACK AND OYSTER BAR & DOC’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS

Both sister restaurants, Doc's Seafood Shack and Doc's Seafood & Steaks will open at noon on Christmas Day, serving from their regular menus.

BUBBA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE

Bubba’s Seafood House will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas, featuring a special menu with options like New York strip, a seafood tower with crab legs, shrimp, grilled oysters, mussels, and Conecuh sausage. Notable dishes include the royal reindeer, a grouper filet fried and topped with Hollandaise, a skewer of shrimp, and lump crab meat. Specialty drinks include the Grinch Hopper Bushwacker and the Salty Santa with vodka, Irish cream, caramel drizzled glass, and a sea salted rim.

WOLF BAY LODGE

Both Foley and Orange Beach Wolf Bay Lodge locations will be closed on Christmas Day, but the Orange Beach location is offering to-go meals daily during the off season. For $35, feeding four to six people, you can choose from entrées like shrimp and grits, chicken or plain Alfredo, beef medallions with mushroom gravy, country fried steaks and white gravy, chicken tenders, chicken Parmesan, and a soup of the day. All meals come with a choice of house salad or Caesar salad and bread, with individual sides available for $12 per quart.

BOLO STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

Bolo Steaks & Seafood, a new addition to the beach restaurant scene will host a special dinner on Christmas Eve, offering a choice of three appetizers and three entrées, including duck confit, Beef Wellington, or Trout Almondine, along with two desserts for $60 per person.

And here are several well-known Gulf Shores area restaurants that WILL NOT be open: Big Fish Restaurant and Bar will close from Dec. 17-26, reopening on Dec. 27. LuLu's Gulf Shores will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen will be closed from Dec. 16-25 for maintenance and repairs, and Duck’s Diner will be closed on Christmas Day. COASTAL in Orange Beach will be closed on Christmas day. Finally, Bahama Bob's is still closed as they recover from a July 2023 kitchen fire.

The Cove Bar & Grill | A Local Favorite

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.

LEARN MORE about The Cove

Bahama Bob's Restaurant Fire | When Will it Re-open?

Photo by WKRG News

UPDATE 5/14/24: GREAT NEWS! Bahama Bob's is NOW OPEN AGAIN AND BETTER THAN EVER!

Approximately one month following a July fire that forced the closure of Bahama Bob’s Beachside Cafe in Gulf Shores, there are promising signs of a revival for the iconic restaurant in Alabama.

In an interview with WKRG's Debbie Williams, Whit Spellman, the manager of the establishment, expressed strong optimism about the restaurant's future. He affirmed, "We are committed to making a comeback. Currently, we are in the process of evaluating the extent of the damage. However, as we gradually clean up the aftermath, the situation is progressively improving."

Tina Wesner, another manager at Bahama Bob's, acknowledged the restaurant's history of encountering adversity. She stated, "I've experienced challenges like [hurricanes] Ivan and Katrina, but, as my colleague mentioned, this is an unprecedented situation for us." According to both Spellman and Wesner, it is estimated that the fire caused significant damage to around 30 to 35 percent of the building.

The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, July 16, during dinner service when patrons began to notice the emergence of smoke within the popular tourist destination. Beverly Cross, who was present at the time, recollected, "We were enjoying our meal when the scent of smoke reached us. Soon after, there were urgent shouts instructing everyone to evacuate. It's truly unfortunate. Thankfully, everyone managed to escape."

Photo by Gulf Shores FD

The staff promptly guided customers out of the premises, with Cross observing the unfolding events from across the street. She recounted that it took merely seven minutes before flames engulfed the restaurant. Matt Mauller, vacationing with his family, had a similar experience. He shared, "Right after placing our orders, we detected smoke. Before we knew it, the entire area was filled with smoke and the front of the building was ablaze. Despite the chaos, the team at Bahama Bob's exhibited remarkable efficiency in evacuating and ensuring the safety of everyone. Even the wait staff ensured that all their assigned tables were accounted for amidst the fire."

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within a span of 30 to 40 minutes after the evacuation.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the local restaurant community came together in a remarkable display of support, absorbing all 60 of Bahama Bob's employees into their establishments.

Tina Wesner expressed lightheartedly, "When we are ready to reopen, they'll need to return to us." However, the reopening date remains a distant goal. She added, "Although it might take some time, we are dedicating our efforts to expedite the process as much as possible."

Best Seafood Restaurants | Local Favorites

There are a ton of great seafood restaurants in the Gulf Shores area, but not all are equal. Locals tend to avoid the tourist focused restaurants in favor of smaller, locally owned places that tend to offer really great locally sourced seafood that is fresh and more reasonable priced. Here are the local favorites that you should consider trying.

Mikee's Seafood - located in Gulf Shores near the intersection of  Gulf Shores Pkwy & West Beach Blvd, is 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!).

Doc's Seafood Shack  - located in Orange Beach, Doc's is a longtime local favorite that has been voted among the Top 10 seafood restaurants in America for its delicious fried local shrimp, fresh oysters, and its "Create Your Own" seafood platters. Like other restaurants, in peak season, the waits can be long, so this local advises you to skip lunch and hit Doc's with a starving belly at 4:30pm. You'll get in much faster and the food will taste all that much better.

Bahama Bob's - Unfortunately, Bahama Bob's suffered a fire in July, 2023 and has not re-opened yet. We'll update you on that as we learn more.

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Best Fine Dining Restaurants | Local Favorites

If you're in the mood for some white tablecloths, fancy wines, and gourmet food prepared by trained chefs, look no further. Here are the places locals love and visit regularly for our anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and these are not the only excellent places you can visit. These are just the perennial favorites of us locals, where you can't go wrong.

DON'T FORGET - You need to make reservations for all these restaurants well in advance.

Jesse's on the Bay - located out Fort Morgan Rd in Gulf Shores, Jesse's on the Bay offers an extensive menu that showcases a fusion of coastal and international flavors. This newly opened location 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. The mixologists behind the bar can make you anything you want, and they offer several signature cocktails that will delight any beach vacationer. All this is delivered to you by highly trained staff providing top-notch service. 

Cosmo's - located on Canal Rd in Orange Beach, Cosmo's is a fantastic restaurant to take your family to for a delicious gourmet meal prepared under the supervision of highly trained chef. Offering a fusion of Southern and global fare in a quiet and intimate setting inside, and the same great food in a more open and casual setting outside, Cosmo's has long been a favorite for locals' special occasions. The bar offers the island's best selection of craft beers, wines and fine cocktails too. All this is provided by highly trained staff who bring you superior service.

Villaggio Grille - located in The Wharf entertainment complex in Orange Beach, Villaggio Grille is a great fine dining establishment offering a fusion of Italian and local fresh seafood dishes, plus an excellent selection of fine wines to choose from. They offer fine seating indoors, and more casual seating on the outdoor patio. Like the other restaurants listed here, Villaggio does not disappoint with its gourmet chef prepared meals delivered by its attentive and well-trained staff. 

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Where to Eat | The Gulf Restaurant | A Local Favorite

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Located on Perdido Pass, 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 a menu that, while limited, provides excellent flavor and satisfaction. You’ll find 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. There is a nice outdoor bar with friendly staff, locals, and other visitors to get to know on a big, grassy lawn with plenty of shady seating – all with the fantastic view.

LEARN MORE about The Gulf restaurant

VISIT OUR FOOD PAGE for more local favorite restaurants/bars

Where to Eat: The Sloop | A Local Favorite

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 offers tons of TVs showing your favorite sports teams' games and an atmosphere filled with friendly staff and locals with great live music out back on the white sand courtyard.

LEARN MORE about The Sloop

VISIT OUR FOOD PAGE for a listing of more local favorite restaurants/bars

Where to Eat | Jesse's on the Bay | A Local Favorite

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Jesse's on the Bay restaurant opened in Gulf Shores, AL in 2023 as the second location of a much older, more famous restaurant by the same name in Magnolia Springs, AL. The Gulf Shores location stands as a culinary gem, captivating visitors with its exquisite cuisine and breathtaking waterfront views. This coastal eatery offers a dining experience that harmoniously combines stunning aesthetics with delectable dishes, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

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 became famous for. There is literally nothing bad on the menu, including 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.

The restaurant's prime location overlooking the serene waters of Mobile Bay creates an enchanting atmosphere and a prime spot for seeing the sunset. Guests can relish their meals while basking in panoramic views and enjoying gentle ocean breezes. Jesse's on the Bay offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing ample opportunities to appreciate the stunning surroundings. Plus, there is a very cool open-air bar area downstairs where you can relax with a drink and play some games while waiting for your table.

The exceptional service at Jesse's on the Bay complements the outstanding culinary offerings. The friendly and attentive staff ensures that every diner feels welcomed and well-cared for, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Reservations are very much encouraged, unless you don’t mind spending up to 2 hours waiting at the downstairs bar enjoying the views, breeze, games, and dolphin watching.

LEARN MORE about Jesse’s on the Bay

VISIT OUR FOOD PAGE for more local favorite restaurants and bars

Hangout at Gulf Shores

Hangout Restaurant

If you’re searching Hangout at Gulf Shores on the web, you’re either looking for The Hangout restaurant or the Hangout Music Festival. Either way, we’ve got your answers here.

The Hangout Restaurant is a very popular destination restaurant for tourists, offering a delightful fusion good food, live music, a cool beachy vibe, and a casual atmosphere. It sits right at the Gulf Shores public beach, in the middle of all the action. Best of all, it has an open air feel and great views of the beach and boardwalk, making it a perfect spot to catch some shade, a cool drink (or 3) and people-watch.

Hangout Music Festival

The Hangout Music Festival, hosted by the restaurant, is an annual event each May that transforms Gulf Shores into a mecca for music lovers. This three-day extravaganza brings together dozens of top-tier artists from multiple popular genres, setting the stage for unforgettable performances against a breathtaking beach backdrop. Each night ends with a ridiculously over-the-top fireworks show right on the white sand beach. This festival not only celebrates music but also showcases local art, mouthwatering food vendors, and exciting activities. Having been to this music festival many times, this writer can vouch for its awesomeness. It has to be one of the best – if not THE best – beach music festivals in the country.

Whether you're indulging in coastal delicacies at The Hangout Restaurant or dancing barefoot in your bikini to the beat of your favorite artists at the Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores promises an extraordinary experience that combines great food, live music, and the beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast.

LEARN MORE about The Hangout restaurant

LEARN MORE about the Hangout Music Festival 

VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for more local favorite activities

Where to Eat in Gulf Shores AL: Mikee's Seafood | A Local Favorite

Nestled near the intersection of Gulf Shores Parkway and East Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Mikee's Seafood is locals’ favorite restaurant with its rustic ambiance, friendly staff, and an array of delicious seafood dishes. It has earned its reputation as a must-visit restaurant in the area.

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!).

So, when you visit Gulf Shores, make sure to pay Mikee's a visit. Indulge in their fresh seafood delicacies, soak up the coastal atmosphere, and experience the warmth and hospitality that have made this restaurant a beloved local institution.

LEARN MORE about Mikee's Seafood

VISIT OUR FOOD PAGE for a list of additional local favorites