Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are go-to vacation destinations for seafood lovers

STORY: Malika Bowling

What was once a quiet beach town frequented largely by Alabamians has evolved to be a dining destination for foodies and families. The soft, white-sand beaches are the playgrounds of the day, while the seafood-rich gulf shares its bounty with restaurants in the evenings. Here’s where to eat and drink when you play in Gulf Shores.

Eat

The Gulf

You might do a double take upon arriving at this beachside eatery that’s constructed from 27 bright-blue recycled shipping containers. The action is outside, where tables and couches along the beach provide spectacular views. With no refrigerator on site, the menu changes often, though the shrimp tacos, grouper sandwich and steak frites are perennial favorites. Specialty drinks include seasonal mojitos. thegulf.com

Outdoor seating at The Gulf, a beachside eatery made from recycled shipping containers.

Gulf Shores Steamer

This no-frills spot has one rule: No fried food is served here. Though you can eat your fill of oysters, don’t miss out on the signature feature, Royal Red Shrimp. Indigenous to Gulf Shores, the large, crimson shrimp have a sweet and salty taste. Order a platter of peel-and-eat Royal Reds on your visit. gulfshoressteamer.com

Red or White Wine and Gourmet Center

Located at The Wharf, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Red and White pairs unique wines with small plates and charcuterie, all with water views. After dinner, soar high above the palm trees as you take a ride on the Wharf’s Ferris wheel ($5 per person). redorwhitewine.com

SALT at San Roc Cay

For upscale eats with a conscience, head to SALT at San Roc Cay. Dedicated to oyster sustainability, the restaurant offers oyster drills—a type of sea snail and a natural predator of oysters. The sea snails are cooked in red wine sauce and baked with bread crumbs. facebook.com/saltatsanroc

BuzzCatz

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this coffee and breakfast spot that’s hopping in the morning with locals enjoying kitten head biscuits (that’s kitchen speak for pull-apart biscuits), cinnamon rolls and signature, house-made pop-tarts. In the afternoon, bask in the restaurant’s outdoor seating as you linger over a salted caramel Buzz Frappe. buzzcatzorangebeach.com

A vendor cooks oysters during the Hangout Oyster Cook-Off. This year’s takes place November 2-3.

Drink

Flora-Bama

This honky-tonk bar’s name is a nod to its location on the Florida-Alabama border—specifically, in Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida. Flora-Bama, which has been the subject of songs due to its modern take on the Wild West (think saloon-type atmosphere with bras strung on the ceilings and where anything goes) by Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney and Blake Shelton, is home to five stages for live music and features country, rock and dance. Make sure to get a Bushwacker cocktail, the bar’s signature drink. florabama.com

Big Beach Brewing

This open-air spot features the best of local craft beers. Not sure what to order? Start with its flagship 100 Daze Brew, a widely appealing American Ale with notes of citrus, apricot, passion fruit and black pepper. Another crowd pleaser is Dixie’s Heart Irish Red Ale, with rich caramel and toffee flavors, and a touch of spice. bigbeachbrewing.com