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.
The Pantry at The Wharf
Head to The Pantry at The Wharf. This quaint shop offers delicious pre-made meals created by Chef David Pan, a Le Cordon Bleu French-trained chef. The Pantry also offers fresh pastries and desserts, breakfast, and French-inspired 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 and Mimosas
Nothing gets you in beach mode like a coastal drink, and High Tide Daiquiris and Mimosas is the perfect place 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.
Murder Point Oyster Co.
Murder Point Oyster Co. offers some of the freshest oysters around. This family-owned business raises their oysters in Gulf waters, giving them a full, rich taste with a buttery finish. If you’ve never tasted oysters from the Gulf Coast, stop by Murder Point and pick up an order!
Brookman’s Smokehouse
Brookman’s Smokehouse 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 fish, ribeye, baby back ribs, and whole chickens. You can feed the entire family with one of their combos, which includes meat and sides such as pimento cheese, smoked tuna, and potato salad. 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
Pepper Palace
Kick your beach trip up a notch with a bottle of award-winning hot sauce from the Pepper Palace. Here you’ll discover fun and fiery handcrafted sauces, salsas, marinades, and other all-natural products. Stop by The Wharf and sample all of the spicy offerings the Pepper Palace has to offer, and grab a few to bring home.
House of Jerky
House of Jerky at The Wharf is a must-stop for jerky loves. In addition to traditional jerky, this spot offers dozens of rare flavors such as alligator, swordfish, salmon, and shark jerky. If you’re not a meat lover, grab a bag of their pineapple jerky or try one of their vegan varieties!
Retro Road Trip
Retro Road Trip is your one-stop shop for everything vintage, including sweets and soda. Located at the Original Oyster House Boardwalk, you’ll find shelves of unique glass bottle sodas and old-fashioned candy inside the store. While here, don’t forget to fill up a bag of saltwater taffy to sample all the tasty flavors.
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!
Save room in your suitcase for these yummy snacks and treats, and start planning your visit to Alabama’s beaches today!
