Pirates Cove is one of the local favorites along Alabama's Gulf Coast for bushwhackers, boat-in amenities, and fun times.
Pirates Cove
Pirates Cove is not fancy; it is a beach dive bar that locals and visitors love! Many locals will tell you their favorite Bushwacker is at Pirates Cove, and it tastes even better on hot summer afternoons on the water.
I found it interesting to read that the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) built the building around 1935 as part of the Intracoastal Waterway Project.
With a retired park ranger husband, I have learned a lot about CCC buildings in national parks, and I enjoy knowing there is one locally.
Legend has it there is also pirate history from way back in Civil War times. Admiral Raphael Semmes hid his ship in the bayou.
Today, you will find locals, visitors, and dogs relaxing on the sandy shores enjoying a cold drink and having fun with friends.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Indoor Seating
There are tables and chairs near the bar where you order and outside under a covered deck.
The outside seating under the deck is fantastic. You get the breeze off the water and can enjoy the gorgeous views.
Outdoor Seating
There are tables and chairs on the outdoor deck and picnic tables in the sand closer to the water.
Pirates Cove Menu
Pirates Cove menu includes Sandwiches, burgers, platters, and more. Pizza is only available on Friday after 5 pm, Saturday, and Sunday.
One thing to know about the menu items is that a note on the menu if you order via mobile says special instructions will be ignored.
If you can't have seeds, please know that the special sauce has seeds. We were unaware of this until my husband took a bite of the cheeseburger. It looks like a Dijon mustard sauce with mustard seeds.
Menu Highlights
Cheeseburger: A ⅓-pound custom short rib, brisket, and chuck beef blend burger with cheddar cheese, special sauce (dijon mustard), lettuce, tomato, and grilled onion.
Double Cheese Burger - ⅔ pound burger
Bacon cheeseburger - ⅓ burger with bacon
Fried chicken sandwich: Two fried chicken tenders, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a hoagie bun.
Platter of onion rings - Enough onion rings to feed 4-5 people
Chicken platter - 16 - 18 pieces of chicken tenders with cove sauce
Platter of Fries - enough wedge-cut fries for 4-5 people
Grilled chicken sandwich - 5-ounce chicken breast, mayo, lettuce, tomato
Pizza - Available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY!
10-inch or 14-inch pizzas are available along with a 10-inch gluten-friendly crust.
Kids Menu -
Gluten-Free - They have a 10-inch gluten-friendly pizza, but it is not gluten-free.
Vegan - House salad
Vegetarian - house salad, french fries, onion rings, cheese pizza on the weekend.
Signature Cocktails - Bushwacker, Bushwacker, did I mention the Bushwacker.
They also offer mixed drinks, beers, and Coke products.
Why you will love Pirates Cove
- Best Bushwackers on the beach
- Dog friendly
- Family-owned and operated for over 60 years
- Chill folks relaxing by the water
Things to know when planning a visit to Pirates Cove
Address - Pirates Cove, 6664 County Road 95, Elberta, AL 36530
Make sure you enter the address for Pirates Cove Marina and Restaurant and not Pirates Cove Rrrr V Resort also in Baldwin County.
Seven miles south of US 98, 4.5 miles from Perdido Pass on the north shore of Arnica Bay
Longitude/Latitude - Lon: 87 degrees 32.0' W, lat 30 degrees 19.2' N
Phone - 251-987-1224
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The parking lot is sand and rocks, but parking is near the front entrance. A wooden ramp leads up to the building and an outdoor deck.
Plus Size Seating - There are wooden bench chairs that are comfortable to sit on.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, beach clothes
Pets - Dogs are allowed outside of the restaurant. Don't be surprised to be greeted by someone's friendly dog as they wander around the beach.
Dogs are so welcome at Pirates Cove that many regulars have brought their dog ashes back to the cove since it was their favorite place.
Parking - A gravel parking area is in front of Pirate's Cove. It can get PACKED on busy summer weekends. Go early to get a parking space.
Owner Eileen Mueller and co-managers Karl Mueller and Paul Mueller,
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Dinosaurs in the Woods - Check out the fun dinosaurs in the woods sculptures just down the road from Pirates Cove.
Lady in the Lake Alabama - Floating in the marina is an amazing Lady in the Lake sculpture. The Lady in the Lake is back after hurricane damage was repaired.
Bamahenge - The Alabama version of a life-size Stonehenge replica is located near the Dinosaurs in the Woods.
Lambert's Café Foley - Home of thrown rolls and Southern Comfort Food
Wharf Amphitheater - Check out the great concerts and events at this outdoor concert venue.
Derailed Diner - Fun train transportation themed restaurant near I-10
Dan's Diner - This fun 50s-style burger diner is located in Summerdale.
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.
Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
Best things to do in Foley, AL - All of of the fun adventures to enjoy in Foley.
Sweet Home Coffee - Grab a great coffee frappe or a milkshake as you pass through Robertsdale on Hwy 59.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach - The best restaurants in Orange Beach for gorgeous water views! Enjoy waterfront views or marina views at these great restaurants.
Best Cheeseburgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - The best cheeseburgers you will want to try on the Gulf Coast.
New Restaurants Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants and fun things happening in town.
Check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December Event Guides to 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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