Visiting the best restaurants on the Gulf Coast of the US is always a delight. In most places, the scene is diverse, vibrant, and uniquely influenced by the region’s coastal life.
Whether you’re looking for a place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be spoiled for options, with an impressive array of laid-back establishments serving everything from classic Gulf Coast fare to innovative culinary creations.
There’s plenty of al-fresco dining and beachfront dining on the Gulf Coast. And those restaurants with waterfront views offer a fantastic holiday vibe!
While there’s so much delicious food to explore, we know it can be tough picking a place to eat, especially when you’re on vacation.
We’ll make your life easier. This blog will bring you a curated selection of the Top Restaurants in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola.
Top Restaurants in Fort Morgan, AL
Sassy Bass Island Grill
Offering breakfast and lunch from Sunday through Thursday, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, Sassy Bass Island Grill boasts a tranquil setting, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and amazing food.
The open-design kitchen layout allows patrons to sit back, relax, and enjoy a superb view of the beach. Food portions are generous, and everything is fresh and cooked to perfection.
Lunch and dinner options include the Strawberry and Almond Salad, Bacon and Bleu Cheese Quesadilla, and Pineapple Boat, along with various sandwich options, burgers, and pizzas.
A standout item on the menu is the po’ boy—a French bread filled with a variety of fried seafood or meats, often served “dressed” with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.
At Sassy Bass, they offer a choice of fillings such as shrimp, fried oysters, crawfish, or delicate flaky fish. Customers can also customize their sandwiches with their preferred seafood selection.
Whether you’re having breakfast, lunch, or dinner there, this is one of the top restaurant choices in Fort Morgan.
Tacky Jack’s
Sitting on the waterfront with an amazing atmosphere and great food, Tacky Jack’s deserves a prime spot on our list! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can enjoy everything from fresh salads to po’ boys and the region’s signature seafood.
Dining outside is especially pleasant when the temperature is just right and there’s a gentle sea breeze.
The location is beautiful, right by the marina, and the place has a fun atmosphere. On weekends, there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it. In the mood for some fun? Tacky Jack’s hosts karaoke nights on Thursdays and Saturdays at Jack’s Bar!
Tacky Jack’s also has locations in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, all offering the same family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Kiva Grill
In Kiva Dunes Resort, Kiva Grill is a top choice for both visitors and locals alike.
With a wide range of options on its menu, from Southern breakfasts to amazing seafood dishes, there’s something to suit every palate. Besides, beyond the mouthwatering food, you can also enjoy a comprehensive coffee and beverage bar.
This place is also known for having one of the best brunches in Fort Morgan, and the spacious porch area offers breathtaking views overlooking the golf course.
With daily seafood specials and a fantastic staff, Kiva Grill truly promises (and delivers) a memorable dining experience.
Top Restaurants in Gulf Shores, AL
Original Oyster House
Gulf Shores residents have been enjoying the offerings of the Original Oyster House since 1983, making it a total local institution and one of the oldest family hotspots on the coast.
Their menu features diverse options of oysters, award-winning homemade seafood gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, handcrafted cocktails, and superb desserts (don’t miss the world-famous Peanut Butter Pie). Moreover, they offer a consistently fresh and well-maintained daily salad bar.
This is a must-visit place to experience authentic local cuisine paired with genuine Southern hospitality in a laid-back, coastal atmosphere.
Sunliner Diner
What about a hint of the good old jukebox nostalgia? Step back in time to the 1950s at the Sunliner Diner, a diner that captures the essence of American dining culture when things were simpler and communities were closer.
Menu options include hearty and indulgent choices: perfectly cooked steak & eggs, eggs Benedict, tuna melt, strawberry sundae, and key lime pie.
The soundtrack is filled with rock and roll tunes, and the entire place is picturesque, offering many photo opportunities. The staff is as friendly as people were in the 1950s, and service is usually swift — all at reasonable prices.
A fantastic option for family fun. Plus, nothing beats a milkshake on a sunny Florida day!
Top Restaurants in Orange Beach, AL
Oso at Bear Point Marina
A local gem, Oso at Bear Point Marina boasts a splendid dining space with captivating marina views. The menu’s diversity ensures there’s something for everyone.
The outdoor seating area is particularly pleasing, offering patrons a chance to witness breathtaking sunsets over the water. Inside, the seating is comfortably spacious, making it ideal for larger groups. Enhancing the ambiance, the soundtrack showcases lively tunes from local bands and singers.
Among the culinary delights are their gumbo, fish tacos, beef tacos, fresh salads, and the Papa Oso — their standout cocktail. Catering to varied tastes, they also offer a range of kids’ options as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes.
And for those early risers, Oso serves as a delightful breakfast spot too.
Top Restaurants in Perdido Key, FL
The Flora-Bama
Dubbed the “World’s Most Famous Beach Bar,” The Flora-Bama is uniquely located right on the Florida-Alabama state line, hence its distinctive name. Serving as a waterfront seafood restaurant and bar, it has been an iconic coastal destination, entertaining visitors and locals alike since 1964. Some say this is the most famous beach bar in the entire country.
The oysters, tacos, and shrimp offered here are fantastic, arguably among the best dishes available in the area. The staff is notably kind and attentive. Guests can relish in great music and scenic beach views and explore a diverse range of clothing and souvenirs available in the store.
This characterful and expansive wooden roadhouse boasts a lively music scene, featuring live performances every night by both regional and national acts.
The Flora-Bama is a guaranteed spot for beachside dining and drinking fun! Speaking of which, they are famous for hosting the “Interstate Mullet Toss,” recognized as the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party.
Hub Stacey’s
Serving both Pensacola and Perdido Key, Hub Stacey’s is renowned for offering the finest deli-style sandwiches in the region.
In Perdido Key, the restaurant is surrounded by expansive oaks and magnolias. Housed in a wooden building with a deck encircling it, the ambiance radiates that quintessential Southern charm and relaxed atmosphere visitors seek when vacationing along the Gulf Coast.
Every sandwich comes with a choice of potato chips or potato salad. Standout favorites among patrons include “The Gulf” and “The Galvez.”
However, each item on their menu boasts its own flavorful appeal. Beyond sandwiches, their menu features burgers, fried specialties, and a delightful homemade chicken salad.
When you visit, be sure to bring along a single: Hub Stacey’s walls are adorned with signed dollar bills from patrons.
You can also leave your mark with a signature of your own and it becomes a delightful tradition to spot your bill every time you go back.
Fisherman’s Corner
Fisherman’s Corner is a prime example of a “diamond in the rough.” Nestled in a historic bait shop, the restaurant captures the rustic charm of traditional river shack eateries. Yet, upon entering, guests are met with a casual yet refined ambiance that promises a unique dining experience.
Portions here are notably generous. The menu spotlights fresh Gulf seafood, crafted with meticulous attention to quality and flavor. From the rich gumbo to the impeccably seasoned crawfish étouffée, each signature dish reflects their culinary prowess.
Inquiring about the daily chef specials is always worthwhile. While seafood remains a highlight, the steaks and pork chops hold their own. This culinary journey is further enhanced by a world-class wine selection and the establishment’s unwavering commitment to warm, attentive service.
Given its outstanding offerings and an ambiance that harks back to authentic fish camps, Fisherman’s Corner undeniably stands as one of the best restaurants in Perdido Key for those seeking genuine local cuisine.
Top Restaurants in Pensacola, FL
Taqueria El Asador
If you’re seeking the best Mexican food in Pensacola, look no further, and don’t be misled by its unassuming setting — a trailer behind a gas station. This place earned a spot on Business Insider’s list of the 50 Best Taco Joints in America.
Taqueria El Asador is a family-owned, trailer-style Mexican establishment touted as offering the best Mexican cuisine on the Gulf Coast. Enjoy fast, warm service alongside fantastic tacos and burritos in a casual setting.
Whether you’re dining in or opting for takeout, El Asador delivers authentic Mexican dishes, complete with sides like beans and rice with jalapeños. They also offer some Southern fusion options and an array of flavorful salsas for you to sample and choose your favorite.
Every dish promises delightful flavors, all at very reasonable prices. Observing their cooking process from the back is quite fascinating.
While lines can get lengthy at times, they move swiftly, and the experience is undeniably worth any wait.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
Housed within an original 1927 Old Firehouse, this award-winning steakhouse in the heart of Pensacola offers an authentic Irish saloon experience, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.
The establishment brews five distinct beers in its onsite oak and copper brewery and boasts a selection of both classic and innovative cocktails.
Their diverse menu caters to all tastes. Highlighted dishes include the Irish Boxtys and Cockles & Mussels. For those with heartier appetites, options like steak burgers, pasta, and traditional pub favorites, such as the Authentic Irish Lamb Stew, are available.
Dining here and then staying for drinks is highly recommended. Live music, featured most nights, enhances the ambiance, with occasional Irish tunes to further enrich the experience.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along a dollar bill to sign and staple to the pub’s walls. Legend has it that there are over a million bills adorning the establishment.
Best Restaurants in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola
With these tips for the best restaurants on the Gulf Coast, you will make your visit to the region worthwhile for the culinary experience alone. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in delightful conversations with locals at these wonderful establishments.
Do you know what else can make your trip feel more like a local experience? Booking your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.
When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can anticipate a 5-star experience that you’ll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast!
