The ultimate Gulf-to-table seafood guide on Alabama’s Beaches

Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann

Reading time: 4 minutes

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A family of four enjoys a meal on a deck overlooking the beach in Alabama at The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
A family enjoys a meal during a beach break at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. (Chris Granger via Alabama’s Beaches)


Nothing says summer in Alabama like a big, beautiful plate of seafood pulled straight from the Gulf.

Think: Stepping into your backyard garden and plucking the juiciest strawberry or a perfect tomato from the vine … but make it seafood.

Within less than a five-hour drive from Birmingham, Alabama’s Beaches might as well be our backyard, and now is the time to dig into their bounty. And yes, there should also be a Bushwacker or two involved while you’re there.

Read on for where to go, what to order and inside tips for the best experience.

Why Gulf-to-table seafood is so good

A fisherman with a bowed pole after catching a fish in the the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama Beaches
A fisherman reels in a catch off the coast of Alabama. (Alabama’s Beaches)


Simply put, the freshest seafood hasn’t traveled far to your plate. At Alabama’s Beaches, local restaurants team up with area fishermen to bring you the best of the Gulf every single day. This is as close as it gets to catching it yourself. In some cases, you can. More on that later.

Also fact: It’s about the experience of being at the beach! Vacation vibes, breezy attire and open-air dining. Isn’t it so lovely to be laid back with little expectations other than to enjoy the atmosphere and savor your meals?

Since Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are big for family getaways, you can count on lots of kid-friendly menus, too.

👉 Here’s a peek at all of your dining options at Alabama’s Beaches.

Must-try Gulf Coast dishes

A large fried fish filet on a plate with two hushpuppies, a lemon wedge and a lemon slice at Original Oyster House in Orange Beach, Alabama
A plate of crabs at CoastAL restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama
People toast oysters on the half shell over a spread of other seafood dishes at Sea-N-Suds in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
From top left, clockwise: The Original Oyster House, CoastAL and Sea-N-Suds (Alabama’s Beaches)

Are you packing your bags already? Great! We’re here to help.

Besides your swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen and beach towel, bring your appetite (and maybe a pair of stretchy pants … we will not judge).

Here are our top picks for what to order, no matter where you go:

🐟 Grilled grouper sandwiches
♥️ Blackened red snapper
🍤 Shrimp platters
🦀 Fried or sautéed crab claws
🦪 Fresh oysters, raw and chargrilled

Take a look at all of the seafood options at Alabama’s Beaches. 👀

Bookmark these 5 restaurants

  • A couple enjoys cocktails on a lounging couch outdoors at The Gulf restaurant at Orange Beach, Alabama.
    The Gulf Restaurant (Alabama’s Beaches)
  • People enjoy outdoor dining under blue skies at Zeke's in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
    Zeke’s Restaurant and Landing (Alabama’s Beaches)
  • The exterior of Doc's Seafood Shack in Orange Beach, Alabama.
    Doc’s Seafood (Alabama’s Beaches)
  • Three women and a young boy enjoy a meal of seafood at Alabama's Beaches.
    Original Oyster House (Alabama’s Beaches)

Now you know what to order, discovering the spots for them all is a worthy quest around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We trust you to find your favorites, but …

If you need a nudge in the right direction, these are all great places to start:

  • The Gulf: Sip and stroll among sand-filled seating areas, palm trees + shipping containers before a scrumptious meal.
  • Zeke’s Restaurant and Landing: Great for a date night (kids welcome, too), this boat-accessible spot has the option of hiring a charter + cooking your catch.
  • Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar: Sample “almost-famous ‘sho-nuff’ seafood,” which we bet means it’s certified bonafide by locals over four decades.
  • Original Oyster House: Browse the shops along the boardwalk before you dine at this longtime family favorite that opened in 1983 and has been a hit with families ever since.
  • Pier House Restaurant & Bar: Enjoy an elevated, seasonal + seafood-centric menu with thoughtful care given to dietary considerations.

Happy Bday, Bushwackers!

A bushwacker drink at Yoho Rum & Taco's Boat Bar in Orange Beach, Alabama.
A cool, creamy, frosty Bushwacker drink at Yoho Rum & Taco’s Boat Bar. (Alabama’s Beaches)

Born in 1975 on Pensacola Beach, the Bushwacker is half dessert, half cocktail and 100% libation that screams “vacation.”

Alabama’s Beaches made this milkshake-like drink their own with dozens of fun spots to sip at least one for tradition’s sake.

Our picks for toasting these tasty, frozen concoctions:

🍹 Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar
🤙 The Hangout
🎶 Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s

And if you prefer another kind of confection than drinking your dessert, there are certainly many other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth around these parts.

🍰 You can see all your choices for sweet treats on Alabama’s Beaches dessert guide.

Insider tips for easy beach feasting

Oysters from a Gulf Coast Alabama supplier
Oysters harvested fresh from the Gulf (Alabama’s Beaches)

Besides knowing the seafood is so fresh, what is it about the beach that works up an appetite? There’s just something about that surf, sun and sand combo.

Here are a few insider tips to make your dining experiences the best they can be:

⏰ Go early for shorter waits, especially at the most popular restaurants.
🎣 Ask for the catch of the day for the freshest of the freshest meals.
🛥️ Book a fishing charter for “hook and cook” service available at some local restaurants.
📍 Stop by Alabama’s Beaches Welcome Centers for more tips.

Ready to taste the best flavors of summer? Plan and book your seafood adventure at Alabama’s Beaches today!

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Lisa Battles
Lisa Battles
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