Iconic Alabama Foods
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Alabama is known for many things, including its southern hospitality, fantastic football, but most importantly, its delicious eats. From the very top of the state down to our white-sand shores, you'll satisfy your stomach and soul. 2024 is the Year of Alabama Food, and our great state serves so many incredible dishes. Sample and savor some of the 10 most iconic foods that Alabama is known for, and where to find them in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
2. Country's First Fried Crab Claws
Did you know Mobile, Alabama, was the first place to try frying crab claws? It's true! As the home of this popular seafood appetizer, the Alabama Gulf Coast is teeming with savory crab claws. If you're looking for remarkable fried crab claws at the beach, visit the Original Oyster House. Named a fan-favorite restaurant by our visitors, this casual seafood joint has won numerous accolades for its food and family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores. It's the ideal place to try Alabama crab claws.
4. Gulf Coast Seafood Gumbo
Not much beats a warm bowl of gumbo — unless it's made with fresh Gulf seafood. You'll find plenty of fantastic spots on Alabama's beaches that serve seafood gumbo. So many, in fact, we made a gumbo trail. However, for authentic Alabama gumbo, we suggest ordering a bowl that includes Conecuh. This seasoned sausage comes from Conecuh County, just a couple of hours north of our shores. GTs on the Bay serves a mean cup of gumbo, made with shrimp, crab, and Conecuh simmered with veggies in a dark roux.
6. Best Breakfast in Alabama: Shrimp & Grits
Grits are a staple in most southern households, but here on the beach, we like to add a taste of the coast to this breakfast food. Shrimp and grits is a popular dish all along Alabama's Gulf Coast, and the fresh shrimp from the Gulf makes our area the best place to enjoy it. One of our favorite restaurants to order shrimp and grits is Tacky Jacks. Tacky Jacks prepares its dish with grilled shrimp served over cheese grits and topped with Conecuh sausage and Spicy Tacky sauce. With locations in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, Tacky Jack’s is one of the most popular places to grab food in Gulf Shores!
8. A Family-Favorite: Bread Pudding
Southerners have an undeniable sweet tooth and love satisfying it with a homemade treat. One of our favorites is bread pudding. This soft, warm dessert always hits the spot and comes in so many delicious varieties. There are several restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that serve this Alabama favorite. Cobalt Restaurant is a great place to try bread pudding as this waterfront restaurant offers different flavors daily — so you can try them all.
10. World Famous Bushwackers
Fabulous food isn't the only thing you'll find on the menus at Alabama restaurants. From sweet tea to coastal cocktails and local craft beer, the taste of our state can be captured in a glass. However, one drink stands out among the rest along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Bushwackers are the signature creamy and delicious drink of our beaches. Beachgoers can find this chocolaty cocktail at many restaurants in the area, including each one mentioned above! It's the ideal drink to sip while indulging in iconic Alabama foods in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.