Moe's Original BBQ Outdoor Seating

12 Restaurants Locals Love

 in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Looking for the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Leave it to the locals to guide you to some of the top-rated restaurants on Alabama's Beaches. Our beautiful destination offers so many fabulous places to eat, serving regional favorites from everything like swamp soup to barbecue.

Watch Now

Want to dine like a local? Our destination offers a variety of great restaurants that locals love

 

A tall glass of a lime margarita sitting on a table on the deck at Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
1

Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

At Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails, you'll find a variety of dishes prepared with fresh produce and seafood. The atmosphere is super casual, which is why it's a favorite amongst locals looking for a light bite to eat and a tasty cocktail after a day on the beach. They also boast a fantastic happy hour!

a bowl of hearty swamp soup, a popular southern dish, at Fish River Grill #3 in Gulf Shores
2

Fish River Grill #3

Fish River Grill #3

With nearby Fairhope and Foley locations, Fish River Grill in Gulf Shores is the restaurant's third establishment. Hailed as the original seafood restaurant of Baldwin County and a self-proclaimed funky junky redneck joint, they're famous for their Cajun gator bites, burgers, and swamp soup. Their unique menu and atmosphere make them a one-of-a-kind spot for authentic southern seafood. 

a delicious fried shrimp poboy dresses with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions on a blue pate at Desoto's seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores
3

Desoto's

Desoto's

If you're craving seafood and soul food, look no further than Desoto's. Crab, grouper, shrimp, oysters, and tuna are just a few of the items fresh from the Gulf you’ll find on the menu. The delicious eats aren’t the only thing that drives locals here. Desoto's serves irresistible bushwhackers and daiquiris that are the perfect pairing for a Gulf meal.

a tasty basket of barbecue chicken nachos made with housemade chips at Moe's Bar B Que in Orange Beach
4

Moe's Original Bar B Que

Moe's Original Bar B Que

Finger-licking barbecue is essential to Alabama cuisine, and Moe's Original Bar B Que is a favorite among residents throughout the state. This relaxing spot serves up incredible barbecue, soul food, and daily specials featuring southern staples. Dine outside at the picnic tables and enjoy your meal in the coastal air. Don't forget to add a Moe's bushwacker to your order!

a giant burger topped with onion rings, French fries, and a pint of beer on a table at Luna's
5

Luna's Eat & Drink

Luna's Eat & Drink

Are you a craft beer connoisseur? Then, you definitely need to add Luna's Eat & Drink to your vacation itinerary. With 32 local and regional beers on tap, Luna's has become a popular spot for those who want to sit back and relax. They also boast a menu filled with unique, coastal-inspired dishes and a grassy courtyard perfect for outdoor games on a sunny day.

a delicious plate of fried shrimp, French fries, and hushpuppies at Wolf Lodge seafood restaurant in Orange Beach
6

Wolf Bay Lodge

Wolf Bay Lodge

There's nothing quite like a filling, savory meal, and Wolf Bay Lodge is the perfect place for local cuisine. You'll find seafood platters, mouthwatering sandwiches, and delicious pasta dishes on the menu. It's conveniently located right across from the beach, so it's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day by the water.

a big, veggie pizza from Papa Rocco's, popular pizza place in Gulf Shores
7

Papa Rocco's

Papa Rocco's

The "home of warm beer and lousy pizza," Papa Rocco's has been a staple in the community since 1985. A tried-and-true local establishment, here you'll find mouthwatering pizza, oysters, and an array of drinks. Along with their delicious eats, they offer nightly live music, daily lunch specials, and happy hour from 11 am to 7 pm. If you want to eat like a true local, you need to stop and grab a slice.

Two women having drinks at the bar at Lauria's Beach Bar, best wine bar in Gulf Shores
8

Lauria's

Lauria's

Lauria’s is a go-to spot for many Gulf Shores locals for dinner and drinks. Both Lauria’s by the Beach in Gulf Shores and Lauria’s Italian Bar & Bistro in Orange Beach serve incredible flatbreads, specialty bagels, and beautiful charcuterie boards. Grab a glass of wine or cocktail and savor a fantastic meal at either of these locations.

a big, juicy burger and fries at The Cove, local dive bar in Gulf Shores
9

The Cove

The Cove

Every destination has its beloved local dive bar, and on Alabama's Beaches, it's The Cove Bar & Grill. If you're searching for a spot to hang out and enjoy a few brews, The Cove Bar & Grill is the place for you. They serve up hand-pattied burgers, Philly cheese sandwiches, wings, wraps, and other  bar favorites. While here, you can shoot pool and enjoy live music as you savor a delicious meal.

Fresh sushi at Big Fish, sushi and fine dining restaurant in Orange Beach
10

Big Fish

Big Fish

Every now and again, our locals feel like getting a bit fancy. Big Fish Restaurant in Orange Beach offers an elegant yet relaxed ambiance and exemplary cuisine. Open for dinner only, this restaurant has a robust menu filled with fresh seafood dishes, sushi, steaks, and more.

a delicious plate of fresh parmesan grouper, sautéed veggies, and rice at Gulf Island Grill beach restaurant in Gulf shores
11

Gulf Island Grill

Gulf Island Grill

A relaxing atmosphere, refreshing drinks, and a diverse menu are what you'll find at Gulf Island Grill. The Caribbean-inspired dishes here feature undeniable tropical flavors. Located just across from the Gulf, Gulf Island Grill is a favorite watering hole and eatery for locals. Stop by after a day at the beach to savor this restaurant’s delicious dishes and sip on fabulous cocktails.

plate of chargrilled oysters and French bread at Acme Oyster House in Gulf Shores
12

Acme Oyster House

Acme Oyster House

The name says it all at Acme Oyster House. This waterfront spot offers fantastic raw and chargrilled oysters and Cajun favorites like po'boys, gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya. Acme also boasts an impressive cocktail and dessert list.

Share This

Trip Planning Resources

Your journey to Alabama's Beaches begins here.