Safari & Vine - Gulf Shores

Safari & Vine just opened at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, and the menu is one of the most creative in town. Global cuisine from Rich and Pam Lee (also behind Portabella's in Foley) with dishes like Chargrilled Lamb Lollipops, a Safari and Vine Stuffed Filet Mignon, Carnitas Chilaquiles, and Peri Peri Wings.

Weekend brunch features a Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosa Flights, and a menu full of bold options like Grits and Grillades and Carnitas Chilaquiles. No zoo admission required to dine. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

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Safari & Vine

Safari & Vine is a must-visit while in Gulf Shores! I NEED you to try the barbacoa onion soup! It is unbelievable, packed with meat and so much flavor. My husband would happily visit Safari & Vine daily for the soup.

He hasn't stopped raving about the soup since we had a date night at Safari & Vine. I can't stop talking about the peanut butter pie and elote corn. YUM!

One thing I really like about the new Safari & Vine menu is they have family friendly casual lunch items perfect for families visiting the zoo during the day. Then at night the menu expands to more globally inspired food options that we rarely see on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

It is the perfect mix of family friendly and date night perfect all in one comfortable restaurant you want to spend time in.

I can't wait to try Sunday brunch soon! The menu look amazing.

Indoor Seating

 Safari & Vine has a mix of comfortable indoor seating. They have tables and chairs set up, along with a few booths tucked away in safari tents for a fun experience.

Indoor Bar

The indoor bar is the perfect place to relax with a great drink and view of the entire restaurant.

Outdoor Seating

The outdoor seating overlooks the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo so you will feel like you are dining with the lemurs and monkeys who call across the zoo.

Safari & Vine Menu

Safari & Vine describes itself as a global cuisine experience, pulling from culinary traditions around the world to create a menu that goes well beyond typical restaurant food. Rich and Pam Lee, who also own Portabella's in Foley, designed the menu with both playful and sophisticated dishes meant to make the dining experience something more than just a meal.

Lunch Menu

Starter Dishes

• Monkey Munchies - thinly sliced plantains, sea salt, mango salsa
• Safari Sun Wedges - fried provolone half-moons, marinara, arugula pecan pesto
• Walkabout Crostinis - mushroom confit, whipped feta
• Shrimp Remoulade - jumbo poached chilled Gulf shrimp, romaine, tomato, chopped egg
• Char-Grilled Artichoke - charred lemon, Pam's aioli
• Peri-Peri Wings - 6 pieces with garlic, lemon, bird's eye chili glaze, carrots, celery, gorgonzola dressing
• Sundowner Soup Shot - chilled carrot, turmeric, brown butter, ginger, coconut cream, dukkah spice
• Barbacoa French Onion Soup - sourdough crouton, queso Oaxaca (cup or entree)
• Rotating Seasonal Soup (cup or entree)

Sandwiches (all served with one side)

• Cheetah Cheesesteak - shaved Angus roast beef, sauteed peppers and onion, provolone, charred tomato and black garlic aioli, Italian roll
• Schweineschnitzel Wrap - sliced fried pork cutlet, garlic mash, braised red cabbage, lemon, sherry dijon cream
• Tusker Burger - sharp cheddar, house bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, tomato, come back sauce, grilled brioche bun (available as beef, shark, or black bean)
• S&V BLT - house bacon, lettuce, tomato, and house pimento cheese on sourdough
• The Big Kahuna - Huli-Huli chicken, grilled pineapple, Swiss cheese, avocado, dijonnaise, brioche bun
• Fresh Catch Sandwich - daily creation, ask your server

Main Course

• Bushveld Bowl - grilled chicken satay or BBQ jackfruit, Freekeh salad, corn ribs, rainbow slaw, creamy peanut dressing
• Ahi Poke Bowl - marinated yellowfin tuna, jasmine rice, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, ginger, sesame seed, sriracha mayo, wonton chips
• Berber Bowl - couscous, turmeric roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, sliced toasted almonds, currants, lemon, parsley, mint, olive oil
• Riverbank Flatbread - sourdough flatbread, North African-spiced lamb, grilled eggplant caponata, feta, preserved carrot, mint tzatziki drizzle
• Picnic Chicken - crispy fried airline chicken breast, hot honey, mac-n-cheese, braised collard greens
• Shrimp and Grits - jumbo Gulf shrimp, smoky tasso, creamy stone-ground grits
• Petit Filet - Madeira demi-glaze, garlic mash
• Yakamein "Old Sober" - Creole-Asian noodle soup, savory beef stock, braised beef, green onion, boiled egg
• Thai Chicken Pizza - spicy peanut sauce, chili-glazed chicken, preserved carrot, green onion, cilantro, crushed toasted peanuts

Lunch Sides - French fries, mac-n-cheese, veg du jour, Caesar salad, Freekeh salad, house salad, rainbow slaw, Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan-style braised collard greens), Chakalaka (warm spicy vegetable relish), corn ribs with chili-lime butter

Brunch Menu

(Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 3:00pm)

Rockstar Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosa Flights available

• Quiche du Jour - chef's creation with fresh fruit
• Monkey Bread French Toast - seasonal fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar
• Carnivore's Craver Omelet - bacon, ham, smoked sausage, cheese blend, demi-salad
• Herbivore's Omelet Delite - onion, peppers, tomato, spinach, mushrooms, cheese blend, demi-salad
• Schwarma Omelet - grilled chicken, feta, tomato, Greek olives, red onion, tzatziki sauce, demi-salad
• Savage Benny - buttermilk biscuits, house bacon, Conecuh sausage gravy, eggs, Brabant potatoes
• Shrimp and Grits - Gulf shrimp, smoky tasso, trinity, creamy stone-ground grits
• Rainforest Oat Bowl - overnight oats, Greek yogurt, seasonal fruit, toasted coconut, granola, agave
• Tusker Burger - sharp cheddar, house bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, tomato, come back sauce, grilled brioche bun (beef, shark, or black bean)
• Schweineschnitzel Wrap - fried pork cutlet, garlic mash, braised red cabbage, sherry dijon cream, French fries
• Petite Filet - choice Angus beef 6oz, sauce Marchand de Vin, garlic mash
• Croque Madame - grilled Black Forest ham, gruyere, sourdough, bechamel, sunny egg
• Oyster Brochette - deep-fried bacon-wrapped, Mardi Gras rice, soubise sauce
• Shakshuka - Tunisian zesty tomato ragu, Brabant potatoes, simmered egg
• Yakamein "Ole Sober" - Creole-Asian noodle soup, savory beef stock, braised roast, green onion, boiled egg
• Coquille St. Jacques Encroute - puff pastry, sauteed bay scallops, mushrooms, shallots, cognac, cream, gratinee
• Salmon Toast - smashed avocado, chopped egg, capers, minced shallots, smoked salmon rillettes, toasted sourdough
• Grits and Grillades - smothered veal cutlets, rich brown tomato gravy, stone-ground grits
• Carnitas Chilaquiles - braised pork shoulder, fried white corn tortilla chips, salsa verde, pickled onion, fried egg, crema, queso Oaxaca
• Panda Pancakes - vanilla, mascarpone, Chantilly cream
• Riverbank Flatbread - sourdough flatbread, North African-spiced lamb, grilled eggplant caponata, feta, preserved carrot, mint tzatziki drizzle

Brunch Sides - bacon, sausage or ham, vegetable du jour, grits or cheese grits, mac-n-cheese, Brabant potatoes, side house salad, side Caesar salad, French fries, fresh fruit cup, pancake (1)

Dinner Menu

Lighter Fare and Signature Appetizers

• Grilled Artichoke - Pam's aioli, charred lemon
• Peri Peri Wings - half dozen, bird's eye chili glaze, carrots, celery, gorgonzola dressing
• Classic Shrimp Cocktail - six chilled jumbo Gulf shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemon
• Red Bean Hummus - rice crackers, pickled trinity, grilled Conecuh sausage
• Spicy Clams - half pound littlenecks, roasted chili paste, Thai basil, jasmine rice
• Rabbit Rillettes - duck fat braised, crostini, cornichons
• Perfect Pork Puffs - fried pork rinds, cane syrup, house pimento cheese
• Chicken Liver Paté - cognac, clarified butter, grilled baguette
• BBQ Shrimp - Gulf shrimp in the shell, sauteed New Orleans style, grilled baguette
• Safari Sun Wedges - fried provolone half-moons, marinara, arugula pecan pesto
• Crawfish Dip - Louisiana tails, spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese trio, grilled pita chips
• Escargot Bourguignonne - French Burgundy snails, butter, garlic, parsley, grilled baguette

Soup and Salad

• Wildside Wedge - house-made bacon, pickled red onion, candied spiced pecans, cherry tomato, gorgonzola dressing
• Barbacoa Onion Soup - au gratin, queso Oaxaca (cup or entree)
• Soup du Jour - rotating seasonal (cup or entree)
• Leeside Salad - spring mix, cherry tomato, cucumber, croutons, citrus vinaigrette (side or entree)
• Classic Caesar Salad - available with salmon, shrimp, or chicken (side or entree)
• Shrimp Remoulade - chilled Gulf shrimp, romaine, tomato, chopped egg

Herbivore Selections

• Grilled Vegetable Brochettes - with Mardi Gras rice
• Grilled Portabella - with angel hair, creole mustard cream sauce
• Fried Eggplant Fingers - with marinara
• Buffalo Cauliflower Florets - with gorgonzola dressing drizzle

Entrees

• Beef Bourguignon - braised tenderloin medallions, garlic mashed potatoes
• Shrimp Flame - bacon-wrapped Gulf shrimp, Mardi Gras rice, creole mustard cream
• Panko-Crusted Salmon - Faroe Islands salmon, seasonal vegetables, country tomato gravy
• Huli Huli Chicken - Hawaiian BBQ thighs, grilled pineapple, jasmine rice
• Veal Scallopini - paneed cutlets, mushroom confit, Madeira demi-glaze, angel hair
• Chargrilled Lamb Lollipops - mint chimichurri, French fries
• Oven-Roasted Cod - dukkah crust, miso maple glaze, seasonal vegetable
• St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs - with two sides (large or small)
• Schweineschnitzel - crispy fried pork cutlets, sherry dijon cream, garlic mash, braised red cabbage
• Whiskey Ribeye - 12oz choice, black garlic compound butter, two sides
• Petite Filet - choice Angus 6oz, sauce Marchand de Vin, garlic mash
• Safari and Vine Stuffed Filet Mignon - choice Angus bacon-wrapped 8oz, whipped feta and spinach stuffed, Creole bordelaise, two sides

Dinner Sides - French fries, white cheddar mac-n-cheese, braised red cabbage, seasonal vegetable, rainbow slaw, jasmine rice, corn ribs, Sukuma Wiki (collard greens), Mardi Gras rice, garlic mashed potatoes, Freekeh salad, Chakalaka (warm spicy vegetable relish)

Desserts

• Seasonal Fruit Cheesecake Jars
• Peanut Butter Pie
• Flourless Chocolate Torte
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake
• Key Lime Pie

Kids Menu

The Little Explorer Menu includes a lion cub cheeseburger, monkey tail mac & cheese, Zebra stripe chicken fingers, Jungle dog & french fries, Akayla Grilled Cheese Stack, Flatlands pizza.

Make sure to check out the shark attack drink! It is so much fun

Gluten-Free

The restaurant has gluten-free items. I would check to see what the options are during your visit.

Vegan

Check the herbivor section along with items made with jack fruit.

Vegetarian

There is a great herbivore section on the menu. The elote corn is a must try!

Signature Cocktails - Full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine. Happy hour available. Rockstar Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosa Flights available during weekend brunch.

Why you will love Safari & Vine

•  A globally inspired menu unlike anything else in Gulf Shores, drawing from African, French, Hawaiian, Creole, Asian, and Southern culinary traditions
• Owned and operated by Rich and Pam Lee, who also own Portabella's in Foley, with a serious commitment to making dining an experience rather than just a meal
• Located at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo but open to the public with no zoo admission required
• A great restaurant option whether or not you are visiting the zoo
• Outdoor patio with views of the zoo grounds where you can hear the sounds of the animals while you eat
• Weekend brunch with a Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosa Flights is one of the best brunch options in Gulf Shores
• The Tusker Burger is available as beef, shark, or black bean, covering a wide range of preferences
• Dedicated vegetarian and vegan options throughout the menu including the Herbivore Selections at dinner
• Happy hour available Private dining room available for events

Things to know when planning a visit to Safari & Vine

Address - 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (located next to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo)

Zoo Admission - Not required to dine at Safari & Vine. The restaurant is open to the public during all operating hours.

Phone - (251) 256-7007

Hours - Lunch: Monday through Friday 10:30am to 3:00pm

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 3:00pm

Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday 3:00pm to 8:00pm | Friday and Saturday 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Accessibility - There is accessible parking near the entrance to the restaurant. There is also a pull up area if you need to drop someone off to make it a closer walk.

Plus Size Seating - The chairs do not have arms and are comfortable. They do have a few booths with bench seatings.

Dress Code/Suggestions - casual during the day, casual to date night in the evening.

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the restaurant.

Parking  - Free parking at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. You do not need to purchase zoo admission to dine at Safari & Vine.

Gulf Shores Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - Safari & Vine is located right at the entrance to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, one of the most beloved family attractions on the Gulf Coast. Home to over 300 animals including giraffes, sloths, lemurs, wolves, and big cats. Animal encounters available daily.

Gulf Coast Wellness Recovery and Spa - A wellness and recovery spa in Gulf Shores offering services including red light therapy, detox foot baths, and spray tans. Located in Gulf Shores.

The Wharf Orange Beach - The Gulf Coast's most popular entertainment destination with dining, the giant Ferris wheel, live music, dolphin cruises, and more. A great full-day or evening option nearby.

Fresco in Bon Secour - Chef Greg Buschmohle's new Italian restaurant in Bon Secour featuring house-made pasta, pizza, and the Fresco Pantry take-out option. A short drive from Gulf Shores.

Beach Cow Creamery Gulf Shores - A walk-up ice cream shop near the Gulf Shores beach with hand-scooped flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and Italian ice. A great dessert stop after a Zoo visit.

Parlor Doughnuts Gulf Shores - Fresh small-batch sweet and savory layered doughnuts, open daily from 6:30am to 10pm on Gulf Shores Parkway.

The Track Gulf Shores - A family fun adventure center with go-karts, mini golf, rides, and attractions for all ages in Gulf Shores.

 

 

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