
10 Picture Perfect Restaurants
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Dining on the Alabama Gulf Coast is unbeatable. From freshly caught seafood and exquisite desserts to delicious coastal cocktails, the food scene at the beach is incredible. However, the fantastic food isn’t the only reason to dine out here. The restaurants that line our beaches offer unbelievable and picturesque atmospheres. Explore these 10 Instagram-worthy restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for your next post.

Picnic Beach
You’ll want to start a photo shoot as you walk into Picnic Beach in Gulf Shores. From picnic tables and a gazebo standing on bright green turf to a wooden wall with hanging plants and swings, there are plenty of places to snap a pic while here. Not only is the restaurant Instagrammable, but so is the food. Colorful salads, bowls filled to the brim with vegetables and fruits, and berry cheesecake set the scene for a food photo shoot. Picnic BeachThey also offers blankets, board games and picnic baskets to use as props for adding ed cuteness to your photo staging.

The Gulf
You may not picture shipping containers as the ideal backdrop for a photo, but the upcycled building that holds The Gulf in Orange Beach is the ideal spot to snap a pic. This casual and trendy restaurant is made entirely of bright blue shipping containers that sit right by the water. Palm trees, chic furniture, and rustic picnic tables all add to the stylish atmosphere of The Gulf. Grab an order of shrimp tacos and a refreshing cocktail while you’re here for a perfect food pic.

Sunliner Diner
Take a walk down memory lane and visit the Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores. You’ll be transported back to the 1950s as soon as you step into this jiving place. You’ll find a jukebox playing classic rock and roll hits, stunning vintage cars, and a milkshake bar serving handspun treats. Bring your cat-eyed glasses and neckerchief and order a burger, shake, and a side of onion rings for the perfect ‘50s-inspired picture.

Moe's Original Bar B Que
There’s nothing better than finger-licking Ssouthern barbecue – except when it's at the beach. Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Orange Beach offers award-winning barbecue, delicious soul food, and amazing bushwackers in a relaxing outdoor hideaway in the sand. Complete with picnic tables, road signs, lush greenery, and colorful photo cutouts, you’ll fill your stomach and photo album at this BBQbarbeque oasis.

Pink Pony Pub
If you’ve visited Alabama’s beaches, you’ve probably noticed the Pepto-pink building that sits right on the sand at Gulf Place in Gulf Shores. This casual spot is the iconic Pink Pony Pub, which has been serving family fun and good eats for over 65 years. The well-known bright pink restaurant features a painting of a pony enjoying a cold beverageone on the front of its building. Its outdoor deck is perfect for watching the water from above and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Mo'Bay Beignet Co.
A trip to The Wharf in Orange Beach will bring you to Mo’Bay Beignet Co. This sweet spot serves fresh beignets made from scratch, signature syrups, and locally roasted coffee. Not only are their creations heavenly, but they also make for fantastic pictures. With string lights, natural lighting, and sweet sayings on the wall, you can’t miss an opportunity to snap a photo enjoying your beignets.

The Hangout
Throw up your shakas and head to The Hangout for good vibes, great food, and plenty of photo ops. Located directly on the beach, The Hangout in Gulf Shores is the premiere spot for casual waterfront dining, complete with family fun, tasty cocktails, and live music. Prime spots for a picture include the wall of lunchboxes, crayon sign, large Adirondack chair, surfer statue, and giant shaka. For a truly memorable image, hop up on your table and dance. Yes, this is allowed and even encouraged!

Playa
Looking out onto the water at Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach is Playa, a contemporary restaurant with a charmingly designed atmosphere. Tropical drinks, fresh Gulf seafood, and delectable desserts fill the menu. The outside seating offers picturesque views of the Gulf, while the inside boasts a clean and sleek area with pops of color from the furniture and wall accents. The open and bright space makes snapping a picture of your enticing meal or yourself a breeze.

Foam Coffee
If you go to a coffee shop but don’t take a photo of your drink, did you even really go? Foam Coffee in Gulf Shores is the first craft coffee shop in the area and serves locally roasted coffee. Choose between colorful smoothies, specialty lattes, and special daily creations. The inside of this quaint and trendy shop is a coffee-lover’s dream. Pastel colors, cute succulents, and modern decor create the perfect scene for an insta-worthy caffeine post.

Tiki Bar
A trip to the beach calls for dining in a tiki hut. You’ll enjoy your meal at Tiki Bar at Safe Harbor Sportsman Marina in Gulf Shores while feeling the coastal breeze and watching the waves. This casual watering hole offers a relaxing atmosphere complete with live music, cornhole, and delightful drinks. Dine inside the hut under the string lights and catch live sports on the TVs . Or sit outside at the vibrant picnic tables in the shade of the colorful canvases. Coastal cocktails + tiki hut = the perfect beach picture.
Our area is filled with plenty more fabulous restaurants that offer enticing eats, refreshing Insta-worthy cocktails, and amazing environments. If you snap a picture at any of these spots, be sure to tag us @visitalbeaches, so we can see your vacation photos!
Check out all the incredible restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and check out our blog for more top picturesque spots for your Instagram!