A Progressive Dinner with Your Best Girlfriends

Part of the Beach Bites Series

May 27, 2021

Let's paint a familiar picture for you. You've taken time off for a much-needed getaway with your best girlfriends. You're enjoying fun, sun and plenty of laughter on Alabama's beaches, but when dinnertime rolls around everyone wants to go to a different Gulf Shores or Orange Beach restaurant. How do you please every palate? You could do a coin toss or you COULD just go to every restaurant on your friends' lists. That's right. Every restaurant. Make your meal an event with a progressive dinner through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This means going to a different spot for cocktails, appetizers, entrée, dessert and after-dinner drinks. But fair warning: Break out your stretchy pants! Those leggings and jeggings will fit right in for a progressive dinner across the beach.

girlfriends on the beach in Gulf Shores AL

There are a few things to consider when planning your night out on the town:

1.) Start early. This dinner event will take some time, and that’s okay! You’ll be spending quality time with your best girlfriends, so why not take a little extra time? Plan a minimum of an hour at each restaurant.

2.) Choose your restaurants for each category of dinner prior to leaving your beach condo or hotel. If you want to save a little time, combine cocktails and appetizers into one stop.

3.) Don’t overdo it. This is the tough part. So much delicious food, so little time! You don’t have to be a member of the clean plate club during a progressive dinner. Ask for a to-go box and enjoy your good eats the next day, too!

4.) Go during the off season. A progressive dinner is perfect for the off season when Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants have shorter waits.

5.) Tell your server what you’re doing. If time is an issue, they can help your meal move right along. They will probably also want to know all about your dinner options and give you their own suggestions for restaurants and dishes!

Browse the restaurant listings to pick the spots for a progressive dinner on your next girlfriend getaway.