The Gulf Orange Beach offers amazing food, epic views, and a casual atmosphere perfect for a beach trip!
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The Gulf Orange Beach
Whether you are a visitor or a local to the Gulf Coast, you are going to fall in love with The Gulf.
I say this because we always thought it would be a touristy restaurant, which in some ways it is, but it is also fantastic!
Now that we live in the area we find ourselves returning to The Gulf often. Every time we have someone visit from out of town, we bring them to The Gulf to enjoy the great food and scenic water views.
The Gulf Restaurant is the perfect spot for date night, a group of friends, family, or on your own. The unbelievable backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, paired with the fun atmosphere of the restaurant, is truly one of my favorite things.
We honestly feel that The Gulf is one of the best Orange Beach restaurants! We keep going back over and over again for a reason.
The restaurant is designed with reclaimed shipping containers and recycled and salvaged building materials that somehow work together to create the perfect beach vacation restaurant.
When you arrive at The Gulf, you will notice that there are two sides to the restaurant. Depending on how busy the restaurant is will designate if both kitchens are open.
Check out the menu board to see what is being served while you are there. Once you are ready, you will head to the order window and place your order, then find a place to enjoy the views.
After you order, they will give you a plastic square to place on the circle mat at whatever table you choose. This tells the serving staff where to deliver your food.
Cocktails are ordered separately at one of the outdoor bars. They have self-serve soda and tea stations set up, which is fantastic.
Once you have your drinks, your food will be brought out to you! All you have to do is relax and savor the epic scenery.
Outdoor Seating
This Orange Beach Waterfront restaurant offers the most amazing views of Perdido Pass and the Gulf of Mexico.
There are multiple types of seating depending on how many people are in your group and what you are comfortable with.
Everything from tractor seats at wooden tables to giant picnic tables with amazing wood benches. Plus, there are couches and regular picnic tables, and there are so many options to choose from.
The Gulf Orange Beach Menu
The menu changes daily depending on what fresh seafood is available. That being said, there are staple dishes that are served all the time.
The restaurant focuses on using regional farmers for as much of their produce as possible along with sourcing local seafood. They truly focus on farm to table and fresh seafood that supports their commitment to sustainability.
Menu Highlights
Loaded Fries - Fresh Cut Fries Topped with Queso, Chopped Bacon, Green Onion
Gulf Double Burger - 2 Natural Beef Patties, Lettuce, Tomato on a Brioche Bun with Garlic Aioli
Grouper Sandwich - Lightly breaded and fried, served with lemon dill
Chicken Sandwich - Crispy fried tender with a spicy buttermilk.
Shrimp Tacos - Blackened Gulf Shrimp and Sweet-Chili Aioli with Pineapple Slaw, Diced Tomato, Cilantro, and Lime
Mahi Mahi Tacos (ORDER THESE) - Blackened Mahi-Mahi and Cajun Aioli with Pineapple Slaw, Diced Tomato, Cilantro, and Lime
Tuna Poke Bowl - Sushi Grade Tuna, Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumber, Pineapple & Seaweed served over Sushi Rice topped with a House Made Spicy Mayo and House Made Ponzu
Seafood Boil - Premium Jumbo Snow Crab Legs, Fresh Gulf Shrimp, Mussels, Sweet Corn, Red Potatoes and Conecuh Sausage- all poached to perfection in a low boil.
Kids Menu - The Gulf kids menu includes chicken strips and fries, or a great grilled cheese with fries.
Bring some sand/beach toys with you and kids will love playing in the sandy area. There is an epic yellow submarine they can play on.
Gluten-Free - fresh fish, beef skewers, Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, peel and eat shrimp, and more!
Vegan - Hummus with fresh pita chips, salads
Vegetarian - Fried cauliflower Florets (you may need to ask if they are fried in the same fryer as meat).
Signature Cocktails
Surfs Up - Malibu Coconut Rum, Peach Schnapps, Pineapple, Cranberry, and Blue Curacao
Infused Vodka Bloody Mary - You have to see the vodka being infused...woah!
Malibu Coconut Mojito, Fresh Berry Mojito, Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita, and so many more!
Why you will love The Gulf in Orange Beach
- Casual Ambience
- Epic views of Alabama's Gulf Coast
- Delicious seafood restaurant
- Best bar in Orange Beach
- Truly enchanting seaside hideaway perfect for a gathering of friends.
- Great kid friendly Orange Beach restaurant
Things to know when planning a visit to The Gulf
Address - 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach AL 36561
There is also a Gulf location in Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Phone - 251-424-1800
Hours - Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking near both entrances to the restaurant.
Once in the restaurant there are ramps to the order area and seating areas.
Plus Size Seating - The large picnic tables are comfortable with sturdy benches. There are also beach chairs in the sand.
We tend to gravitate to the large picnic tables because they offer more than enough space to get comfortable and not have to be squished at a table.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are allowed on a leash in the grassy area.
Parking - There is a great parking lot next to the restaurant.
Reservations - The restaurant does not accept reservations.
Group Events - The Gulf is able to handle catered events including weddings and meetings with notice. Check their website for event info. It is a great open-air venue with gorgeous surroundings for hosting an event.
Gift Shop - Make sure to check out the gift shop. They have so many epic beach inspired gifts and the best sarcastic gifts I have seen in a long time.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Cobalt - Enjoy great food, sunset views, and a delicious bakery.
Pizza at the Pass - Delicious thin crust pizza and cheesy bread
Sweet Cone Alabama - Grab a delicious ice cream treat after a day at the beach.
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill - Enjoy the open-air deck, great food, and fun!
Flora Bama Yacht Club - paddle in, boat in, or drive to this fun waterfront restaurant. Located across the street from the Flora Bama Beach bar.
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
Orange Beach Restaurants on the Beach - All of the epic places you can enjoy a meal with a gorgeous view!
Best Pizza in Orange Beach - The best pizza restaurants in town!
The Best Seafood in Orange Beach - Coming Soon
Best breakfast in Orange Beach - Check out the best places to grab breakfast/brunch.
Best Coffee Shops Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Check out the best coffee shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach including menu highlights.
Best Burgers in Orange Beach - List of the best burgers in the area.
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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