Dining
Picard Realty Rentals takes you “where the locals go” in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
Casual American
Tacky Jack’s
27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-981-4144
Established in Orange Beach, Tacky Jack’s became such a favorite that they opened additional locations in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and on Battleship Parkway. Tacky Jacks’ laid back atmosphere and big portions of delicious comfort food represent the best of southern hospitality. In fact, President Obama stopped by for a bite when he was on a tour of the Gulf in 2011. Enjoy “great food, casual dining and spectacular waterfront views” at this relaxed, family friendly restaurant and bar.
The Hangout
101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 • Phone: 251-948-3030
It’s BIG! It’s airy! It’s fun! The Hawianian Islands’ hand signal for “hang loose” is the perfect logo for this large causal eatery by Michael Caruthers that offers great food, a friendly wait staff and tons of entertainment. The Hangout boasts a prime location right at the end of Highway 59. on the beach, in Gulf Shores. And that’s not all they have to brag about. The Hangout hosts a music festival, oyster cook off, lots of local bands and over twenty tv screens, great for football season! Your kids, from little ones to teens will love this place. Take the whole family and “hang loose” for an entire afternoon.
The Keg Lounge and Grill
26751 Magnolia Ave., Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-981-9462
If you’re out for beer, burgers, and billiards, there’s only one place to go: The Keg in Orange Beach. The Keg has won numerous local awards from best burgers to the best place to play pool. It has even earned the dubious honor of best “Dive Bar” in town. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and you can always find someone to talk to.
Upscale American
Playa
27842 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-981-9891
Welcome to Playa . We love the beach and the food and drinks it inspires. Chef Bill Briand’s menu features great local seafood, delicious grilled steaks, and tacos with homemade tortillas, truly offering something for everyone in the family.
Cosmo’s
25753 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-948-9663
Cosmo’s menu offers something to suit every taste: for the fish lover: banana leaf wrapped fish, for a taste of New Orleans: muffaletta pasta, for a taste of Greek food: feta stuffed filet, for the manly man: bourbon & teriyaki ribeye, and so on. Some of our favorites are the sesame seared tuna salad and crab cakes. To top off your meal, get a dessert. Seriously-get a dessert!!! The peanut butter pie is to die for (well, maybe swoon) and for the chocolate lover, get the chocolate creation. The choice changes daily…. but it’s always chocolate. Leave time to visit the bar. It’s large and airy with a good selection of wines. Live entertainment Mondays & Thurs-Sat. P.S. Cosmo’s is not named for a drink with cranberry juice or an Italian grandfather. Cosmo is a beautiful black Lab rescued from an animal shelter.
www.cosmosrestaurantandbar.com
Ruby Slipper Cafe
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
What if Dorothy clicked those ruby slippers together and woke with only one ruby slipper, facing a table loaded with Goo Goo Cluster Pancakes, Banana Pudding Stuffed French Toast and three Little Pigs Omelets. No Dorothy, you are not in Kansas anymore. You are in Orange Beach, AL.( by way of New Orleans) at The Ruby Slipper Cafe. And don’t forget the bacon infused Bloody Mary. The Ruby Slipper is a fun, friendly restaurant that rates 4 1/2 stars on TripAdvisor.
Seafood
Big Fish
25814 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-981-5516
A terrific fine dining choice on Canal Road here in Orange Beach. Chef Leck Lilayuva promises the freshest fish (fish here is never, EVER frozen) and best selection of oysters from all over the world. The bar is big and lively and their mixologists are always coming up with new and exciting cocktails. Plus, they have an expansive outdoor deck with a wood burning oven, perfect for groups. We’re big fans of their chicken satay and freshly shucked oysters with lemongrass mignonette. This is a great place for date night!
Lulu’s
200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 • Phone: 251-967-5858
Lulu, aka Lucy Buffet, is the sister of Jimmy Buffet and sometimes (once in a blue moon) he drops by. When you think beach bar-lots of sand, sun and singers-this is the place. It’s kid- friendly, (there’s even a rope climbing obstacle course) with the crowd growing older as the night grows longer. Lulu’s offers live music almost every night of the week so check the Mullet Wrapper or The Pelican to find out who’s playing. Menu is varied but try the “redneck” caviar. This restaurant can get pretty crowded so you might want to get there early.
Wolf Bay Lodge
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 365161 • Phone: 251-965-5129
Wolf Bay Lodge is one of the area’s most popular seafood destinations. Homemade cocktail sauce, homemade tartar sauce, homemade gumbo and sweet tea-what’s not to love about Wolf Bay Lodge! The next time I’m going to try the West Indies salad-they pick the fresh crabmeat by hand. And for dessert, the piece de resistance ( or you-really-don’t-want-to-miss-this-dessert ) is the Buttercream Rum Cake. Wolf Bay Lodge also offers the “you catch it, we’ll cook it ” option for avid fishermen. Please visit. It’s down home LA style…that’s Lower Alabama ya’ll.
Southern
Kitty’s Kafe
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Ste. 100, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 • Phone: 251-948-5233
If you’re looking for upscale Southern cooking , Kitty’s Kafe, located next to Craft Farms in the Pelican Point Shopping Center is “where the locals go”. What’s breakfast without biscuits?…..but just wait till you taste their blue cheese biscuits. We did say upscale. The best breakfast/brunch in town and great desserts. Kitty’s has plate lunches (and early suppers) that range from crab cakes to mouth watering sweet potato casseroles.
Brick & Spoon
24705 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Phone: 251-981-7772
Like something sweet and spicy to start your Sunday morning…something to make that last day before your work week extra special? May we suggest the Brick and Spoon, Orange Beach’s newest Cajun restaurant. Order anything from Shrimp n Grits, Soft Shell Crab Benedict or the best Korean BBQ in town. And for that something sweet, the Bread Pudding with Bacon is not to to be missed! And for those who prefer mild and sweet, try the Tasso Mac n Cheese and Bananas Foster.
If you have a DD be sure to try a Bloody Mary. Brick and Spoon offers over 50 ways to make a Bloody Mary. What to try…what to try…?
BBQ
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
25603 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36541 • Phone: 251-981-7427
The best BBQ in Gulf Shores from Vail, Colorado? Blasphemy, pure blasphemy! My friend Lundy and I, on Tom’s advice (he had been to Moe’s twice in three days) decided to give this new place a try. Lundy, from Memphis, and I, from the great state of North Carolina, (home of Lexington NC, the BBQ capitol of the world) were shocked to see Moe’s Original was from Vail, CO. And we love it! The pulled pork is so tender and the sides are like Mom used to make. If you’re lucky enough to go when the special side is mac and cheese, you’re in for a special treat. Please tell them we sent you! We want this place to be around for a long time!
Pet-Friendly
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd.., Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-424-1800
The Gulf is a casual, yet chic, seaside hideaway where the sun, sand and lush beach setting complement the tasty food, drink and friendly casual service. Recline with your toes in the sand, have a seat at the bar, communal table, or meander about, enjoy the good vibes, views and tunes.
Farmer's Markets
Burris Farm Market and Bakery
3100 Hickory Street, Loxley, AL 36551 • Phone: 251-964-6464
Oh how we love Burris Farm! Burris Farm Market Bakery and Deli has been a family destination for 25 years. Located 3.5 miles south of Interstate 10 at the Corner of Hwy 59 and CR 64 in Loxley, AL. Burris is a must stop for anyone heading down to the beaches. Specializing in locally grown seasonal produce, this is THE place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetable for your condo. Burris also offers a full bakery and they’re famous for their sweet breads, cobblers, pies and the Souths best Strawberry Shortcake!
www.facebook.com/Burris-Farm-Market
Disclaimer
Any restaurant, shopping venue, activity or entertainment that we select are our personal favorites. These are not paid promotions and we accept no ads or favors. If you visit and enjoy one of our selections, please let them know you saw it on our web site. We like to be good neighbors and support local businesses, artists and crafts people. Thank you!