The best Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach and or with a Waterview!
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach
Are you looking for beachfront restaurants near me and not sure which one to choose? These beachside restaurants offer amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and great food!
Whether you are on vacation enjoying the Alabama Gulf Coast or local to the area, these waterfront restaurants are a must-visit.
The Alabama Coast is known for its fresh seafood dishes, oysters, gumbo, delicious desserts, and white-sand beaches for a reason!
We fell in love with the area while on a work trip and kept coming back so much that we ended up moving here.
One of our goals with moving across the country and living in the Gulf Shores area is to spend as much time as possible enjoying views of the water.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
CoastAL
This new Orange Beach Restaurant is a favorite for locals and visitors for a reason! The epic Gulf Coast views are truly magical.
You have your choice of visiting the Coastal Beach Bar or Coastal Restaurant. Each restaurant has its own restaurant with some highlights being served in both locations.
Menu Highlights
The Coastal Orange Beach menu is filled with great choices including Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Yellowfin Tuna Dip, Crab Claws, Fresh Gulf Grouper, and more.
Pimento Cheese Appetizer - House made aged white cheddar pimento cheese served with seasonal jam, praline pecans, assorted crackers and fruit.
Signature Coastal Burger - Certified Angus Beef, Aged white cheddar, cherrywood smoked bacon, caramelized Cipollini onions, wild mushroom demi glaze, tomato, dill pickle chips, green leaf lettuce, and bacon aioli.
Coastal Chicken Sandwich - Crispy Fried Chicken Bread (marinated in iced tea), aged white cheddar pimento cheese, tomato, red onion, green leaf lettuce, dill pickle chips, and peach aioli. Served with delicious French Fries!
Bushwacker Tiramisu - Bushwacker ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cocoa, and shaved chocolate + booze!
Kids Menu - They have a designated kid's menu with a ¼ pound cheeseburger, chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, or grouper pieces. Each meal comes with a kid's soft drink.
Address - 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama 36561
At the intersection of State Road 161 & Perdido Boulevard
Phone - (251) 240-6001
Reservations - The restaurant does not take reservations or call ahead seating.
Parking -There is free parking for CoastAL customers and Orange Beach residents. A great parking attendant will tell you the best place to park right when you pull in.
Pink Pony Pub
You can't get much easier beach access than walking down the stairs right onto the Gulf Shores public beach from the Pink Pony Pub!
This local favorite has great food and even better cocktails.
Menu Highlights - The Pink Pony Pub Menu features seafood, including fresh Gulf shrimp, gumbo, oysters, chicken fingers, burgers, buffalo wings, and epic frosty beverages!
Imagine pub foods and so much more! They offer to-go orders/takeout and dine-in.
Address - 137 E Gulf Place, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Phone - 251-948-6371
Parking - There is a paid parking lot next to the restaurant and The Hangout.
Reservations - The Pink Pony Pub does not take reservations.
Sea N Suds
This family-owned Gulf Shores restaurant offers epic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Menu Highlights - Oysters on the Half Shell, Steamed Peel and Eat Shrimp, Royal Reds, gumbo, Fried crab claws, fried crawfish tails, an all you can east salad bar.
Fried Oysters, Fried Shrimp, Fish, Fried Crab Claws, or Steamed Shrimp plus burgers and more.
Address - 409 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Phone - 251-948-7894
Parking - The Sea n Suds parking area is across the street from the restaurant. You can pull up and let your group out and then park across the street.
Reservations - Sea n Suds does not take reservations.
Island Pancake House
Island Pancake House is open for breakfast and lunch and offers a great view of the beach while enjoying the air conditioning.
Located inside of the Best Western on the Beach, this hotel restaurant is perfect for a casual meal.
Address - 337 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, Al 36542
Located onsite at Best Western on the Beach
Phone - 251-948-2711
Parking - There is parking in front of the Best Western on the Beach.
Foodcraft at Gulf State Park
Foodcraft is located at the Gulf State Park lodge and offers stunning waterfront views for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
During breakfast, you can choose from the Lodge Breakfast Buffet or order ala carte.
The lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads, steaks and seafood.
Address - 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone - 251-923-2950
Parking - There is both valet and self serve parking available at the hotel.
Reservations - Reservations are recommended, 251-923-2950.
Perch at Gulf State Park
Perch at the Lodge at Gulf State Park offers an elevated dining experience. The restaurant offers epic views of the Gulf of Mexico!
They are only open for dinner! You can expect unbelievable flavors and stunning views of the waves just off of the restaurant.
Menu Highlights
Perch Seafood Tower (Poached Gulf Shrimp, Lobster Tail, Oysters, Smoked Gulf Fish Salad, Crab Ceviche, Ginger Lime Mignonette, Spicy Cocktail Sauce, Lemon, Tabasco, Horseradish, Lavash)
Perch specialties include Grilled gulf fish, fried whole fish, prosciutto and fontina stuffed chicken breast, seared scallops, and more.
Address - 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Located within Gulf State Park
Phone - 251-923-2950
Parking - There is both valet and self serve parking available at the hotel.
Reservations - Reservations are recommended, 251-923-2950.
The Hangout
The Hangout can't be missed right next to Gulf Shores Public Beach! Live music, a fun atmosphere, and great views of the beach are just some of the reasons to visit The Hangout.
When it comes to live entertainment The Hangout is the place to go. Non-stop entertainment happens all day at The Hangout.
Menu Highlights - Super Shrimp Boil, Shrimp n Grits, Snapper Platter, Smothered Snapper, beach side burgers, salads, and so much more.
Address - 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone - 251-948-3030
Parking - There is paid parking in front of the restaurant along with along the side.
Reservations - Reservations are not accepted.
The Gulf
The Gulf is one of our favorite places to enjoy waterfront views and great food. We find ourselves heading to The Gulf for date nights, every time we have friends or family in town, or just because.
Their menu changes frequently, there are delicious tropical cocktails, and you just can't beat the view.
Menu Highlights - Mahi Mahi fish tacos, Gulf burger, grouper sandwich, peel and eat shrimp, seafood boil, and chef's specials.
My husband would tell you to always order the Mahi Mahi fish tacos! They are his absolute favorite.
Address - 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone - 251-424-1800
Parking - There is a parking area in front of the restaurant.
Reservations - The Gulf does not accept reservations.
Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club (Fort Morgan)
Coast Restaurant at the Beach Club offers amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. Their menu is filled with delicious options, and the service is fantastic.
While it is closer to Fort Morgan than Gulf Shores, the drive is worth it!
Address - Located at The Beach Club in Fort Morgan, Al
You may see Coast Restaurant Gulf Shores listed but the restaurant is located on the way to Fort Morgan. It is not in the heart of Gulf Shores.
Phone - (251) 224-3600
Parking - You will need to pass by the Beach Club parking attendant and get a parking pass for the restaurant.
Reservations - Reservations are accepted online or by calling the restaurant.
Voyagers Restaurant
If you are looking for the perfect date night restaurant with a view, you will love Voyagers Prime Steak and Gulf Seafood.
Menu Highlights - Fried green tomato crab stack, dry-aged steaks, Perdido stuffed chicken, chicken fried lobster tail, seared gulf tuna, roasted gulf whole fish, and more.
All of the steaks are dry ages for a minimum of 35 days.
Address - 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL
Located at Perdido Beach Resort
Phone - 251-981-9811
Reservations - Reservations are highly recommended.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Waterfront Restaurants
One great thing about this area is you can choose to enjoy a restaurant with views of the Gulf of Mexico or the Intracoastal Waterway or a great bay view.
Waterfront restaurants are not restricted to just beach views! Some of the best Gulf Shores Restaurants with a Waterview are not actually on the beach.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach don't have to mean the Gulf of Mexico!
Cobalt Orange Beach
Cobalt Restaurant in Orange Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset over the bay. They have a great fire pit, outdoor bar, and fantastic menu!
This is the perfect date night restaurant, happy hour cocktail restaurant, or just because you want delicious food restaurant.
While it looks fancy and upscale, it is actually pretty casual, and the prices are amazing.
Menu Highlights - Cobalt focuses on coastal cuisine along with southern comfort foods. Make sure to try their firecracker shrimp!
Address - 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone - 251-923-5300
Parking - There is a nice size parking area in front of the restaurant. Make sure you park at the restaurant and not in the Gulf State Park paid parking lots.
Oso at Bear Point
Oso at Bear Point Marina is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I need you to make the drive out to this amazing waterfront restaurant in Orange Beach!
The food is beyond delicious! I can't even start to choose menu highlights because every single thing has been delicious.
You can't get much closer to waterfront dining than Oso at Bear Point. The deck is next to the water and they have an open-air bar.
Address - 5749 Bay La Launch Ave, Orange Beach, Alabama
Located at Bear Point Harbor, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone - 251-345-6738
Parking - There is parking across the street from the restaurant. It does get busy so you may need to circle a few times.
Reservations - Oso at Bear Point does not take reservations.
LuLu's Gulf Shores
Lucy Buffett owns LuLu's Gulf Shores and it is the perfect restaurant for adults and kids!
LuLu's Gulf Shores offers, not only great food but a ropes course, arcade, and an allergy friendly menu.
Make sure to try the key lime pie!
Address - 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone - (251) 967-5858
Parking - There is a nice size parking lot for the restaurant.
Reservations - They offer limited reservations with most seats being first come first served. Reservations can be made a week in advance.
GTs on the Bay
GTs on the Bay is a fantastic option for a boat in restaurant or enjoying lunch with a view!
You do not want to miss the giant Aquarium in the middle of the restaurant. It is not your normal aquarium.
The food is fantastic, the view spectacular, and they have great service!
Address - 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Located in the heart of Orange Beach off of Canal Road. The restaurant is really easy to find.
They also have a boat dock at the restaurant so you can boat in for great food.
Phone - 251-980-8400
Parking - There is a nice size parking area in front of the restaurant. You can also boat in and dock at the restaurant.
Reservations - GTs on the Bay does not accept reservations
Original Oyster House
The Original Oyster House offers delicious seafood with a casual atmosphere.
Menu Highlights - alligator bites, fried crawfish tails, hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes, crawfish pies, oysters, flounder, mahi, and so much more.
Address - 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone - 251-948-2445
Parking - There is a parking area in front of the restaurant. It does get busy so you may have to circle a few times.
Reservations - The Original Oyster House Gulf Shores does not accept reservations. Don't worry if there is a wait, you can explore the fun stores in the same complex.
Tacky Jacks Orange Beach
While there are three Tacky Jack locations in the area we are big fans of the Orange Beach Location. We find the food is the best and the service is truly amazing at this location.
Menu highlights - They offer an easy comfort food menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address - There are three Tacky Jacks restaurants in the Gulf Shores Orange Beach area (Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan)
Tacky Jacks Orange Beach - 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach AL 36561
From 161, turn onto Marina Road. At large Tacky Jacks sign turn right onto Safe Harbor Drive. Tacky Jacks is on right at end of Safe Harbor.
The Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores is located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway at the curve on Canal Road.
Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan is located near Fort Morgan right on the water.
Phone - 251-981-4144
Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina - Closed
Playa Orange Beach - Closed
Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at The Wharf
Ginny Lane Bar and Grill is located at The Wharf with great views off the back patio. They offer casual dining for Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Menu highlight - My husband says you HAVE to try the shrimp and grits! He can't stop talking about how flavorful it is.
Address - 4851 Wharf Parkway Suite 106. Orange Beach, Al 36561
Phone - 251-224-6500
Parking - There is some parking right in front of the restaurant. The majority of parking is available in the Wharf parking garage.
Reservations - Ginny Lane accepts reservations via Yelp
Ruby Slipper Cafe
I have seen the Ruby Slipper Cafe listed as a waterfront restaurant but we would consider it beachfront adjacent. While it is located near the beach it is not on the beach so we haven't fully included it in the article.
Don't get me wrong I love the Ruby Slipper Cafe! Their New Orleans inspired brunch is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Orange Beach. Grab a Bloody Mary, fresh made biscuit, eggs, and so much more!
Mile Marker 158 Dockside
Located next to the Springhill Suites at The Wharf is one of our favorite local restaurants. They serve lunch and dinner daily along with brunch on Sundays.
Menu highlight - The burgers, raw oysters, beef and bleu salad, the truffle chip appetizer is a must.
Address - 4673 Wharf Parkway W Suite B. Orange Beach, Al 36561
Phone - 251-224-6500 ext. 4
Parking - There is some parking near the hotel.
Reservations - Mile Marker 158 accepts reservations via Yelp
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Epic breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - Don't miss these local breakfast hot spots with delicious brunch/breakfast options.
Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
Best local coffee shops in Gulf Shores - Grab your favorite coffee or tea at one of our favorite local coffee shops.
Best Ice Cream Shops in Gulf Shores - If you are looking to cool down on a hot day make sure to check out these epic local ice cream shops.
Great bars in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - The best bars for a tropical drink, live music, and fun atmosphere.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters! This little zoo is packed with fun.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Check out the amazing natural scenery and bird watching in this great wildlife refuge.
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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