Foodcraft Restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants in Gulf Shores. Located at the Gulf State Park Lodge, you can't miss the gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico.
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Foodcraft
We are huge fans of any restaurant that offers epic views of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Watching dolphins while enjoying a delicious meal is the perfect way to relax during a beach vacation or as a local needing a break.
Now that we live in Gulf Shores, we find ourselves heading to Foodcraft Restaurant frequently. The breakfast buffet is perfect when we have guests in town.
This awesome hotel restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience! Enjoy regional craft beer, a nice glass of wine, or the best handmade cocktails.
They focus on hand cut steaks, fish dishes, local oysters, amazing flavor, and great food. The white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast of Alabama are feet away.
I am normally not a buffet person but the breakfast buffet at FoodCraft is unbelievable. Honestly I wish I could find produce as fresh as they serve at the grocery store.
The fresh fruit is truly some of the best I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Every single time we have visited FoodCraft and there have been many times the buffet has blown us away.
The restaurant is sparkling clean, the food fresh, and the staff is incredibly friendly.
Indoor Seating
The indoor seating includes regular and counter-height tables with a great water view. The coastal decor is comfortable and relaxing.
Indoor Bar
There is a small indoor bar near the front entrance to the restaurant. If you are looking for a larger bar experience I would check out the Dragonfly Bar & Grill just past the lobby. This outdoor bar is larger if you are looking for more space.
Outdoor Seating
There is great outdoor seating on the deck outside of the restaurant. The views of the Gulf of Mexico are unbelievable.
Foodcraft Menu
Our favorite part of the FoodCraft menu is the Lodge Breakfast Buffet. There is something for everyone!
Breakfast Menu Highlights
Lodge Breakfast Buffet - Fresh seasonal fruits, oatmeal, southern cheese grits, applewood bacon, buttermilk biscuits, peppered gravy, country sausage, breakfast potatoes, made-to-order eggs and omelets, fresh bread and pastries, and more.
Avocado and Toast - Smashed avocado, roasted tomatoes, poached eggs, field greens, shaved radish, and farmers' cheese.
Banana bread French Toast - sliced bananas, pecans, bourbon-maple syrup, and bacon.
Eggs benedict - Choose between petite crab cakes or sliced smoked salmon, poached eggs, English muffin, Cajun citrus tarragon sauce, and a side.
Lox n' Bagel - Cream cheese, red onion, capers, tomato, and hard-boiled egg.
Lunch Menu Highlights
Shrimp BLT - Blackened shrimp, romaine lettuce, roasted tomato, Cajun aioli, on toasted French bread.
Oyster Po'Boy - Fired oysters, romaine lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, on toasted French Bread.
Lodge Double Smashed Burger - Smoked gouda pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, on a brioche bun.
Roasted Half Chicken - with smashed crispy red potato, heirloom tomato salsa
Fish and Chips - Beer battered group with French fries, citrus caper tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and aioli.
Farmers Market Salad - Baby arugula, carrots, roasted pears, golden raisins, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette.
Classic Club Sandwich - ham, turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard, on a wheat berry bread.
Blackened Ahi Tuna Sandwich - Smashed avocado, wasabi aioli, sliced tomato, sweet homemade pickles, on a brioche bun.
Shareables / Appetizer Menu Highlights
Crispy Snapper Bites - served with Cajun citrus aioli, and lemon
Fried Honey Goat Cheese - tomato pepper jam, raw honey, apple slaw, and chives.
Fried Green Tomatoes - Crawfish salad, arugula, Cajun Remoulade
Dinner Menu Highlights
Gulf Gumbo - Oyster, shrimp, crab, crawfish and rice
Heat & Sweet Flatbread - pepperoni, smoked gouda, parmesan, local honey, and chipotle spice
Ribeye Steak - Served with smashed crispy red potatoes, grilled broccolini, and smoked herb butter.
Lemon Herb Snapper - butter poached cauliflower, crispy leeks, smoked paprika crawfish cream sauce.
Braised short rib - spiced Coca-Cola collard greens, delta grind grits, jalapeno corn bread crumble.
Dessert Menu Highlights
Spiced Apple Crisp - Cinnamon scented apples, brown sugar oat streusel served with vanilla ice cream.
White chocolate and blueberry bread pudding - fresh blueberries, white chocolate custard, and Chantilly cream.
Fried banana split - Bushwacker fried bananas, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, banana chips, whipped cream, all topped with a cherry.
Kids Menu - Kids breakfast menu includes the Little Beach Breakfast (2 eggs, bacon or sausage and toast) or Little pancakes with bacon or sausage.
Kids lunch and dinner menu includes PB&J, Grilled cheese, chicken tenders, hamburger, cheeseburger, cheese pizza, or pepperoni pizza served with a side dish and sweet treat.
Gluten-Free - Spinach strawberry salad, NY Strip Steak, Lemon Herb Snapper, Roasted Half Chicken, Oyster basket without bread, Honey Goat Cheese shareables.
Vegan - Spinach Strawberry Salad without goat cheese or dressing, Farmers Market Salad without goat cheese
Vegetarian - salads, honey goat cheese, breakfast buffet
Signature Cocktails - Gulf Mojito, Perfect Manhattan, Peach lemonade, Pineapple jalapeno margarita, blood orange margarita, raspberry lemon drop martini along with wine by the glass or bottle.
Why you will love Foodcraft
- Epic breakfast buffet (The best in town)
- Coastal favorites
- Perfect sunset viewing on the patio
- Orange Beach Gem with a nice view of the beach
- Friendly staff and servers
- Delicious food with a focus on extraordinary American Cuisine
- Great brunch option
- Fresh seafood paired with unique wines
- Located in Gulf State Park
Things to know when planning a visit to Foodcraft Restaurant
Address - 21196 E Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Located next to the Lodge at Gulf State Park
Phone - 251-923-2950
Hours - Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure the restaurant hours. Hours and buffet availability can change with seasonality.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking near the entrance to the hotel. One thing to know is it is located on a hill. If you or the person you are traveling with is not comfortable getting out on a hill or walking up a hill you may want to pull up next to the hotel and drop people off first.
Plus Size Seating - The indoor seating has a combination of chairs without arms and bench seating which is comfortable.
The outdoor seating is either picnic tables or chairs with arms. I would stick to indoor seating if you are uncomfortable in a chair with arms.
Dress Code/Suggestions - casual to date night fun.
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the restaurant
Parking - There is valet parking at the entrance to the hotel along with a large parking area for the hotel.
Reservations - Reservations can be made by calling 251-923-2950 or online
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Perch - Located upstairs from FoodCraft is a great dinner restaurant!
Gulf State Park Pier - Epic fishing, wildlife viewing, access to hiking trails, white sand beaches, and a great restaurant can be found at the pier.
Gulf State Park - Check out the amazing hiking and biking trails in this amazing state park. Keep an eye out for Lefty the Alligator and other great wildlife.
Wolf Bay Restaurant - Wolf Bay Restaurant is a fun casual restaurant in Orange Beach, perfect for the entire family. They have a great outdoor seating area with views of a turtle pond.
CoastAL - Check out one of the newest restaurants in Orange Beach! Offering an amazing beach bar and outdoor dining.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters! This little zoo is packed with fun.
Cetacean Dolphin Cruise - I am still in awe of how many dolphins we saw on our cruise.
Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Best Sunrise spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.
Gulf Shores Restaurants with a Water View - Check out these great restaurants that offer a water or beach view.
Best Breakfast in Orange Beach - These are our favorite spots for breakfast in Orange Beach!
Epic Orange Beach Coffee Shops - The best coffee shops for relaxing, iced or blended coffees, and more.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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