12 Cool & Unique Specialty Foods
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Trying new food and drinks is one of the best parts of vacationing, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, we have so many great places to get a taste of the beach. While you’re here, you’ll discover a variety of cool and unique specialty foods and drinks in the area. Enjoy them during your trip, or bring back tasty gifts for friends and family to snack on!
Beach Eats & Drinks on the Coast
Blalock’s Seafood & Specialty Market
You can’t visit the Gulf Coast without picking up some fresh seafood. If you’re staying in a condo or beach house with a kitchen, we suggest stopping by Blalock’s Seafood & Specialty Market and picking up some fresh catches to cook for dinner. Add an order of their famous shrimp bisque and incredible smoked tuna dip to your shopping list for a full-course meal courtesy of Blalock’s.
Gourmet World Market
Head to Gourmet World Market at Pelican Place. This store offers gourmet snacks, wine, and groceries from all over the world. The Pantry also offers fresh pastries, meats and cheeses, and deli sandwiches. Grab a few snacks from the shelves and a drink from the fridge, and you’ve got the perfect picnic meal!
High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas
Nothing gets you in beach mode like a coastal drink, and High Tide Daiquiris and Mimosas 2 and 3 are the perfect places to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset. High Tide takes the art of drink-making to the next level with its delicious daiquiris and one-of-a-kind mimosas. Ask to try some of their fun flavors, such as the pink flamingo mimosa, the chocolate-covered banana bushwacker, or get a daiquiri flight and try multiple! They even serve mocktails for those who prefer no alcohol.
Yumm Twister & Ice Cream
A beach vacation isn't complete with ice cream, and Yumm Twister & Ice Cream takes its desserts to a whole new level! The creations here feature scoops of authentic, creamy gelato served inside freshly baked, chocolate dipped twister cones. That's not all! Toppings like graham crackers, roasted marshmallows, fresh fruit, candy, and cookies make these sweet treats even more delicious.
Fire Smoked Fish Company
Fire Smoked Fish Company is the spot to visit if you're searching for ready-made meats. All of their yummy meats are smoked onsite daily and prepared from scratch. They specialize in smoked salmon, brisket, pork butts, baby bak ribs, and steamed seafood platters. You can feed the entire family with one of their combos or feasts! Be sure to pre-order your meal at least one business day in advance.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Sip on a specialty milkshake at Yard Milkshake Bar. These giant, creamy creations aren’t your typical milkshakes, as toppings range from cookie dough and donuts to brownies and cheesecake slices. Order one of their signature shakes like The Mermaid or Green Mint Monster, or make your own. A shake from The Yard will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth and help you beat the Southern heat.
Favorites to Take Home from Your Trip
Isla Wine
Red, white, or pink - you'll find a bottle match your taste at Isla Wine! Located inside Foam Coffee, this neighborhood wine shop offers a curated collection of wines from across the world. Isla has a wine professional on-site who will help you pick out the perfect selection.
Beach Jerky
Beach Jerky Gulf Shores is a must-stop for jerky fanatics. In addition to traditional beef jerky, this spot offers rare flavors such as boar, ahi tuna, salmon, and shark jerky. If you’re not a meat lover, grab a bag of their deep fried peanuts!
Pepper Palace
Turn up at the heat at Pepper Palace! This hot spot has everything that spicy food lovers could ask for. Browse the shelves of hot sauces, salsas, rubs, seasonings, pickled veggies, spicy snacks, and more. You can even sample the store's offerings, so you can find your favorites.
Big Beach Brewing Company
There’s nothing like cracking open a cold one while relaxing by the water. Big Beach Brewing Company crafts its beers in a 10-barrel brewhouse in the heart of Gulf Shores. Whether you prefer your beer hoppy, light, or malty, you can find the perfect brew here. Be sure to pick up a six-pack to take the taste of Alabama’s Beaches back home with you.
Southern Shores Coffee
Bushwackers are the signature drink of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, you can’t take these irresistible frozen drinks home with you, but you can grab a bag of bushwacker coffee roasted in-house at Southern Shores Coffee.
Chocolate Corner
You can never have too much chocolate, especially on vacation. Chocolate Corner in Gulf Shores hand makes its specialty chocolate every day. Choose from fudge, pralines, truffles, turtles, clusters, and more sweet treats. Their shell and starfish-shaped chocolates make great gifts!
