Your Guide to Crawfish
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When it comes to crawfish, there’s no better place to enjoy this Gulf Coast delicacy than on Alabama’s Beaches. Like shrimp, these delicious crustaceans are a must-have dish when in the area. Crawfish are heavenly seasoned with creole spices and are often served with corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp. Alabama is home to almost 100 species of crawfish, the most of any state, so it’s no surprise that they’re so popular. If you visit during late winter or spring, you’ll want to plan on rolling up your sleeves and chowing down on this Cajun cuisine at local restaurants or seafood markets.
Where to Get Crawfish on Alabama's Beaches
You’ll find crawfish on the menu at several restaurants along our shores during the season. Most local eateries with crawfish offer boils on the weekends and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to call ahead or look up each restaurant’s crawfish specials to see when they are offered!
The Undertow
The Undertow
If live music and cold brews are your thing, head to The Undertow Bar and Grill for an all-you-can-eat crawfish, royal reds, potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage. Each Saturday and Sunday during crawfish season, this dive offers a buffet starting at 2 pm. You’ll want to make sure you get there early before it’s all gone.
Ginny Lane's
Ginny Lane's
$20 for all-you-can-eat crawfish? Count us in. On Sundays, Ginny Lane's offers AYCE crawfish starting at 12 pm and serves it until they run out. You'll also enjoy live music from 12-3 pm and happy hour from 11 am to 6 pm. Grab a big plate and a discounted drink and sit outside by the water.
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks may be known for its shrimp, but you can’t pass up ordering crawfish at this popular joint during the spring. AYCE crawfish is offered on Saturdays at the Gulf Shores location and Sundays at the Orange Beach restaurant, so you can have your fill of Cajun cuisine all weekend long.
OSO
OSO
Walk, drive, or boat over to OSO at Bear Point on the weekends for a delicious crawfish meal on the water. Pair your tasty crustaceans with a hearty bowl of gumbo and a draft beer for the ultimate meal. Don’t hesitate, or the crawfish may be gone before you know it!
Enjoy Crawfish at Home
Savor the irresistible taste of crawfish in the comfort of your hotel, condo, or beach house by picking up a few pounds at a local seafood market. These spots offer a variety of fresh seafood and all the seasonings, dry rubs, and sauces needed for a perfect meal straight from water. Whether you want your crawfish raw or already cooked, the staff at these seafood markets will make sure to provide you with everything you need for a successful at-home boil. And don’t forget to pick up corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage links to complete your meal!
The crawfish season on the Gulf Coast usually starts mid-February and runs through early summer, but availability varies each year due to changes in temperature and precipitation. On Alabama’s Beaches, restaurants typically offer crawfish boils and AYCE crawfish from March through May.
Crawfish Events
Each February , the Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show offers fresh, local crawfish alongside other Gulf seafood. The spice of the crawfish and its sides are perfect for the cooler weather of winter. If you’ve never tried crawfish, this event is a great place to sample a few and share a plate with friends and family.
Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
