With comfortable temperatures, a wonderful coastal breeze, and stunning sunsets, it's hard to resist eating outdoors when dining on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Looking to dine outdoors on a sunny day or pleasant evening on Alabama's beaches? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer plenty of fantastic alfresco spots with stellar views. With comfortable temperatures, a wonderful coastal breeze, and stunning sunsets, it's hard to resist eating outdoors when dining on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
1. The Gulf
The Gulf Restaurant in Orange Beach is constructed of blue shipping containers with unique seating, impressive views, and two kitchens — one with a taco bar and the other with a rotating menu. Order food or drinks from your kitchen of choice at this casual, self-service restaurant and take a number to your table. All the tables at The Gulf offer phenomenal views and a chance to dig your toes into the sand. After eating, you can visit the on-site gift shop filled with gifts, décor, and clothing.
2. COASTAL
Incredible beach views, open-air green space, and an outdoor bar are just a few reasons to visit COASTAL Orange Beach. This restaurant sits on the Gulf and serves delicious coastal cuisine like crab claws, shrimp tacos, and seafood baskets. COASTAL is the only restaurant in Orange Beach where guests can walk up from the beach. On-site, you'll also find a boardwalk, gift shop, and beach access. It's the ideal spot for catching a sunset over the water.
3. Foodcraft
Located at The Lodge, Foodcraft is a relaxing restaurant on the beach with sensational food and drinks. The restaurant boasts an impressive deck that wraps around the side of the building and offers unbeatable views of the Gulf. Order your coastal favorites and dine at a table, or grab a craft beer and unwind by the firepit. The restaurant's walls are spanned by floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can even enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the inside.
4. Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Orange Beach allows guests to unwind and watch boats go by while they savor a freshly caught meal. This restaurant is located on Old River and has open-air dining downstairs on the water and upstairs on its 2,500-square-foot deck. With 40 TVs, refreshing frozen drinks, and live music, it's the ideal place for good drinks and an even better time.
5. High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas
With coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards, High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas has whatever you're in the mood for. Order a coffee and bagel and have breakfast by the water or catch the sunset as you sip a colorful daiquiri flight. After your meal, ride one of the restaurant’s pedal boats and explore Little Lagoon.
6. Moe's
Nowhere else does barbecue quite like the South, and one of the best places to get a plate full of this mouthwatering cuisine is Moe's Original Bar B Que. Not only does Moe's provide award-winning barbecue, but it also has outdoor seating on its deck as well as in its "backyard." Behind the restaurant is a sandy area filled with picnic tables, chairs, and a stage for live music. It's the perfect spot to grab some finger-licking-good barbecue.
7. Picnic Beach
Picnic Beach has effortlessly captured the experience of enjoying a relaxing picnic without all the setup and packing. The floors of this cute restaurant are all green turf. Picnic tables and chairs sit inside and outside, but dining on the outdoor deck allows you to feel the coastal breeze. Order a shrimp boil or fresh bowl and admire the views of the shore just across the street.
8. GTs on the Bay
Offering lunch, dinner, and even Sunday brunch, GTs on the Bay is an excellent spot to grab a delicious meal and catch the sunset. This family-friendly restaurant overlooks Wolf Bay and offers bayside seating with stunning views. The menu offers a blend of unique culinary choices and local favorites. While here, you'll enjoy live music, a pirate playground for kids, and great happy hour deals.
9. Avenue Pub
If you've ever wanted to dine on a pirate ship, Avenue Pub is the spot for you! Sitting on the water, this restaurant shaped like a ship offers open-air dining on its deck and down below by the sand. Savor smoked tuna dip, grouper tacos, or a sriracha burger and take in the stunning views. Add a craft beer or signature cocktail, such as the blonde bushwacker, to your order.
10. Woodside
While our area is home to plenty of fabulous beachfront restaurants, only one offers you a chance to be surrounded by greenery. Woodside Restaurant is nestled on the trails in Gulf State Park and provides park goers with a bite to eat and a place to relax. Guests can enjoy their meal on the deck, at a picnic table under the trees, or around one of the firepits. While here, play a game of ping-pong or cornhole and listen to the tunes from local musicians.
11. Zeke's
Zeke's Restaurant in Orange Beach takes waterfront dining to the next level. Serving creative and delicious offerings by the water, Zeke's is accessible by car or boat. Grab a coastal cocktail and sit back and relax in the Adirondack chairs or dine under the string lights on the deck. No matter where you choose to eat, you'll have fantastic views of the marina.
12. Pink Pony Pub
Indulge in delicious nachos, fried seafood, and cool cocktails, all while taking in a view of the Gulf at Pink Pony Pub. This Gulf Shores staple is the ideal spot for a meal on the beach. Beachgoers can walk right up from the shore and dine on the restaurant's deck as they relax in the breeze.
