The Gulf

Seafood restaurant · Orange Beach

The Gulf

Seafood restaurant · Orange Beach

2

27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

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Highlights

Outdoor shipping container venue with beach seating & seafood  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Food & Wine

27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Get directions

thegulf.com
@thegulfal

$20–30 · Menu

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27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Get directions

+1 251 424 1800
thegulf.com
@thegulfal

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 14, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama | Eater New Orleans

"This 10-year-old restaurant and bar made from shipping containers spills onto the beach, giving it a resort-like feel with couches and cabanas and a chance to dig your toes into the sand. The beachy, light fare matches its airy atmosphere, with highlights like smoked tuna dip, fish tacos, a shrimp and lobster roll, and the swordfish Rueben as top options. Prices are on the high side but fair, particularly because the restaurant makes an effort to lesson its footprint with compostable dishes and sustainable practices. Dog-friendly." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-orange-beach-gulf-shores-alabama
View Postcard for The Gulf - Orange Beach
@foodandwine

Gulf Shores, Alabama, Is a Dreamy Vacation Spot

"Repurposed shipping containers are home to a bar and restaurant, which spills out onto the palm tree-shaded sand. The menu includes salads, shrimp tacos, and fish sandwiches." - Regan Stephens

https://www.foodandwine.com/alabama-gulf-shores-7254603
View Postcard for The Gulf - Orange Beach

Ish sanabria

Google
Absolutely beautiful bar and restaurant. Cass was so friendly and our party of 12 was accommodated so easily. He helped us feel welcomed from the first time I walked in. The drinks were great, and the gulf as the backdrop made for a beautiful experience. The shrimp tacos were perfect, and I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a place for family and friends to hang out. I would gladly spend more money and time here making more memories. From Sandusky, Ohio

Kym Cherry

Google
The fish was great. The produce making up most of my salad was not. Considering what I paid for it I was rather unhappy with how much I left uneaten. This is a common problem in many restaurants currently at the end end of Summer 2025, so I am unsure where the blame lies. The truffle fries made up for the lacking salad. They were fantastic. And my children's meal was also excellent. The setup is unusual here: you order and pay for your food at a window and all(?) the seating is outdoors. The Gulf breeze and lovely view was excellent under the shady umbrellas. The spaces were properly clean and welcoming. The staff was friendly and helpful. So, my recommendation would be to skip the healthy greens here and get them someplace else and simply stick with the seafood and fried fare here and you will be perfectly satisfied.

Randy Johnson

Google
The east side was closed due to construction. We had to eat on west side entrance. The food taste good. Tacos a little smaller than I thought. Fish cooked perfectly. If tortillas was bigger you could hold them with out making a mess. Only thing I didn't like it i had to put a tab in to order food. Plus had to walk up to bar to order food. I don't know if this is a standard or not but it is in September. Which is off-season for restaurants around here.

Nikki Vancoille

Google
Cass did an amazing job at making us feel welcome. He even took our pic of me and my daughter. We were having a heard time getting one. He had such a great attitude and was super friendly. Loved our visit. The food was also very good and the drinks.

Melanie Till, REALTOR, MBT Real Estate

Google
My family and I have been coming here for years, and the food has never missed a beat — it continues to be some of the best in the area. Everything is consistently fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned, with pricing that feels fair for what you get. The tuna bowl is my personal go-to — so large and loaded with flavor that you could easily split it with someone. That said, the standout on our most recent visit was the peel-and-eat shrimp. Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender, they were cooked to absolute perfection — not the slightest bit overdone. On top of the food, the setting makes it a true family favorite. The kids can run and play in the sand while you relax with a cocktail in hand, soaking up the laid-back vibe without a care in the world. It’s the kind of spot that keeps us coming back time and time again.

Alison Simpson

Google
First time here. Pleasantly surprised how cool this place is. Food is amazing. View is beautiful. Great breeze off the ocean. Service was amazing we had Brogan as our server. Greater at door with a smile from employee letting us know how to order. Will come back.

Dan Cindy Mueller

Google
Holy guacamole! Cass is an asset to your staff! We keep coming back because of his excellent customer service skills & the incredible food. The atmosphere cannot beat!! It’s the first place we come, each time we visit from St Louis, MO—about 4 times per year! We come a couple times each week we are in town…the food is that good! Keep being amazing, Cass! We are huge fans of the big comfy couch seating!

Delita Potter

Google
I recently enjoyed a late lunch at The Gulf on Perdido Blvd, and I can confidently say it's one of the best experiences I've had in a long time. From the moment my friend and I arrived, the relaxed outdoor setting and stunning gulf view created the perfect atmosphere for a memorable meal. The highlight of our dining experience was definitely the shrimp tacos. They were absolutely delicious—perfectly seasoned shrimp, fresh toppings, and just the right amount of zesty sauce all wrapped in warm, soft tortillas. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the ingredients tasted incredibly fresh. You could tell that a lot of care went into making each taco. The staff was friendly and attentive, especially Luke. He was a cheerful young man, helpful with clearing our table and answering all our questions about the menu and other amenities at the restaurant. The laid-back, beachy vibe made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. If you're looking for a great spot to unwind with friends or family and enjoy some truly outstanding shrimp tacos, I highly recommend The Gulf beachside restaurant. It’s the perfect mix of breathtaking scenery, friendly service, and mouthwatering food! I’ve just found my new favorite place to eat when I visit Gulf Shores.
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Ivana S.

Yelp
My favorite place for casual dining on gulf shores. It's so easy but great! If you go in the evening I have to say nats were crazy it was hard to eat without getting them in my face. Mahi mahi tacos are divine with slaw I get them every time we come they have a sauce on there that just makes it better. Cauliflower has more of Asian flare flavor wouldn't recommend for beachy vibes The guacamole is top tier guac I mean it was my favorite and I make my own! Snapper blt can get a little greasy but it's spot on and is a classic. Street corn you can never go wrong with and had plenty of cotija cheese on it. I truly love this place you order at the window and they bring it to you. Plus plenty parking!
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Alyssa P.

Yelp
Such a cool restaurant! All outdoor seating, so it was perfect for an early dinner when there was a breeze. It's right by the water so you get a great view. The lobster shrimp roll is delicious! There is so much fish on top it's insane. The poke bowl was so fresh and refreshing with great flavor. 10/10 recommend! Edit to add: my parents could not stop talking about the snapper blt! It was their favorite dish of our trip.
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Danielle P.

Yelp
The Gulf is our favorite casual dining experience while in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. The food is consistently delicious and high quality. I recommend the fish dip--just do it! And the tacos are always a good choice. It's also a lovely spot for a nightcap with your significant other. So peaceful once the dinner crowd clears and you can enjoy the moonlit bay while having a cocktail. The service is quick and personable. Parking can be difficult during peak season.
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Mary M.

Yelp
This is definitely one of the stops we always make when we are in town. The location is exactly what you want and where you want to be. Dining on the beach close to the water! What better way to enjoy the day! It isn't a big menu but what they have is always good. We had the Poke bowl and Mahi tacos! Sooooo good! Berry Mojito and coconut Mojito... let that sink in! Cheers! We sat at the bar with the best bartender Devin! She was welcoming to everyone walking up. Learned their name and remember what they were drinking!! Everything you want in a vacation or local spot! Share a sunset on the gulf at The Gulf! Cheers!
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Russ L.

Yelp
Right next to the bridge and great place to get your seafood fix quick, easy and a great view of the gulf. You walk up and order your food, and then they give you a tracker to put in the picnic table or outdoor sofa for them to find you. Our food arrived in less than five minutes and when I asked for more ketchup they were back in two minutes with more. A fair price, several good food options and a great view. Fun family vibe, nice background island music that's not overpowering and even patches of grass if you need to get in out of the sand for a break.
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Angela B.

Yelp
Amazing food, I had the shrimp tacos, my daughter had the snapper BLT and we got the loaded fries. All incredible and so fresh! I also got the bloody Mary and it was great! The ambience is beautiful! Such a cool unique place. Our kids loved it! We will be back!
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Amber P.

Yelp
The service was top notch! The food was alright... my daughter tried mahi mahi for the first time and enjoyed it. They really only has seafood, but that's expected. Cute place. Expensive though. lol
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Sara W.

Yelp
Devin & John were bartending and they gave the best service! The food was amazing, we ate there two nights in a row. You can't beat the views. Their space is all outdoors and it's gorgeous!
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Dorothy J.

Yelp
Came here for the last night of our vacation with about 12 people. Gorgeous atmosphere! Great lighting, and lots of seating. The bartenders were kind and quick and the drinks were great! The food was good, maybe not good enough for the price. Overall still a good experience though, especially if you have young children. Lots of space to run around, comfy couches, and corn hole.
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Kelsey H.

Yelp
Ambiance was great for an early family dinner! Food was good and well-priced. Relaxed and fun environment.
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Kendra M.

Yelp
Fish tacos are tasty but not a lot of fish and a whole lot of toppings. The $17 standard mixed drinks my friend and I got... either tasted terrible or so weak we questioned if they weren't using empty show bottles behind the bar. Cute atmosphere. I want to like this place But I don't

Shane K.

Yelp
We love The Gulf and last night they did not disappoint. This is one of our go to spots when we are visiting the Orange Beach / Gulf Shores area. The food was excellent last night as always. Our order came out in two different times and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied. Ken who I assume is the manager was working so hard keeping everything happening, but went out of his way to check on us multiple times. Experience was above what we could have asked for. The best thing about the Gulf is they have a great system. Order at the window while you have a cold beer. It was so busy last night but we were sitting down with delicious food where we would still be waiting for a table at other places. Very well done
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Rob K.

Yelp
Food: Tasty. Especially like the grouper sandwich and friends rave about the lobster roll. I would ask them to go easy on the garlic aoli. Ordered a burger smothered in it--not a treat. Service: You order ar a window or a bar and they bring it out to you quickly. Ambience: Well it is called The Gulf--and there you are alfresco dining right on the Gulf. Tables and couches. If you are elderly like me avoid the tables in the sand--they are very low and a trick to extricate yourself from.
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Cory T.

Yelp
Best atmosphere at a restaurant in OB. Fast service, good food, good drinks. Take it from someone who grew up here, you won't regret going to this place. Shoutout Stephen and Maddie for being the best!
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Shelbie H.

Yelp
Amazing 10/10!! From chill/beautiful atmosphere to the food it was some of the best I've had in the area!! Staff was attentive and friendly. Will be back
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Jordan D.

Yelp
This place was awesome!! The view of water was amazing and so was the food. The waiters & waitresses were so kind & helpful. There was no wait for anything & finding seating was very easy. Will definitely come back when we're in town!
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Gabe P.

Yelp
Down in Golf Shores for a guys weekend of golf and the beach so we decided it was a good idea to try this supposedly hot joint on the Gulf...came recommended from a local who owns the condo we were staying at....so buckle up here we go... Ambiance - super hip but relaxed vibe / tons of space for large and small parties. outdoor seating was plentiful (even for a Friday night) and was sweaty but tolerable as we strolled in for a few drinks and some food after a very rough day of golf and then sitting on the sand. Food: The food was top notch / several counters in which to order from and a fairly wide selection of seafood / tacos and even a burger on the menu. I had the Ahi Tuna Poke bowl which was fantastic and fresh with all ingredients being very fresh and tasty. i added the very unhealthy loaded fries to boot and it made a perfect yibg and yang dinner. drinks were also plentiful (and pricey) but the coconut mojito was fantastic and refreshing for a sweaty humid gulf night. Service was good although since it's counter service there is not much to rave or complain about - food took normal time and was hot / cold when we got it and drinks were take away from the bar...overall a great choice. Summary: great place to spend the evening in Orange Beach / Gulf Shores ...and easy to go as a couple or friends or family - all work!!
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Rick A.

Yelp
Fantastic food and atmosphere and right on the Gulf! Jerry's been here since it opened 12 years ago and is so welcoming and personable. Open concept seating with couches and beach seating available! The mahi-mahi tacos and ANY mojito or margarita!
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Olivia G.

Yelp
We went to the gulf as we waiting for our condo to be ready. The bar was easy to order at and there were many options. Spicy Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita had great flavor and was freshly muddled. The poke bowl and corn was yummy. There were lots of places to sit, all outdoors and it was quite hot after a while. But that's Alabama in June!
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Audrey T.

Yelp
The employees here are some of the nicest people I've ever met. They are so relaxed and friendly. These views of the pass might be the best views in the area. Such a lovely, comfortable, laid back restaurant with two bars and a self serve food window. The smoked tuna dip was so so good, paired with a blackberry jalapeño margarita just hit the spot.
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Jennifer B.

Yelp
I didn't eat the food so my review is not complete. However, the ambience is everything! A bar on the beach. Barefoot drinks in the sand. Can not express how perfect my evening drinks were. Thank you Jerry st the bar for the perfect mule! Went back two more times because we enjoyed the unique setting so much. Food was priced comparable to other local seafood restaurants. I got the local catch of the day with French fries. You order at a counter and they bring it to your table on paper plates. Easy clean up but not environmentally friendly. Still wish I could give ten stars for the drink menu and ambiance. Kelly was out waitress the other two nights and she was fantastic. Can't wait to go back!

Summer B.

Yelp
View was nice people, nice place was packed had high hopes. We ordered and didn't even sit down yet after getting drinks and our food was there. It looked amazing but it was cold and old. Fries left terrible aftertaste in our mouths. The view was beautiful and had lots of sand but also ants that attacked me and my toddlers and we seen roaches on our way out. Honestly the only disappointing places we visited. Paid over $60 for everything pictures which I know it's a tourist attraction so it'll be pricey but for what we got it was disappointing.
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Paul B.

Yelp
The Gulf restaurant is a neat place. They have inside seating. However, outside is pretty cool. There are pinic tables on the sand with a view of the gulf. Great place for kids. The food was good although a little pricey. I would recommend it to put on your bucket list. This place gets pretty busy in the evening. Although the parking lot was full, we were able to get a seat right away.

Tasha C.

Yelp
View and ambiance was great for a beach trip. Girls at the entrance very sweet. The staff (maybe management?) on the floor, not so much. My kids were feeding fish and birds came to them. My son was throwing food far out to the water. A lady came screaming at him not to feed birds; he was trying to throw fish food to the water. She was very sharp with him. A few other customers remarked she was a bit much. Mind you there were many children running around throwing sand and a large group of young boys jumping off furniture and kicking sand everywhere. A sign by where you feed fish would have been a nice warning. The two $65 boiled seafood dinners came cold and the butter was hard and looked like Vaseline in a jar. The lobster/shrimp roll, grouper sandwich, and both seafood tacos were all great. The servers were very nice as were the bartenders.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
Wait in line to order food, then wait in line to order drinks. Both mediocre. They've found an art form to making terrible French fries, not even sure how that's possible. The atmosphere was great, but if you want good food, move on.

Brandi D.

Yelp
Went to the gulf, and the bartender Ali Flynn was freaking awesome sauce! She is a keeper and outstanding bartender

Annie A.

Yelp
My husband and I went to the Gulf when we visited Orange Beach a few weeks ago. The food and atmosphere were great but our favorite part was our AMAZING bartender, Ali! She made amazing drinks and kept us laughing the whole time! We will definitely be back!
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Stacey S.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and location. It is outdoors so no covering for when the weather is not as favorable. The Chicken sandwich and Grouper were phenomenal and their homemade tartar sauce needs to be sold! The bartender at the back bar was great and made phenomenal drinks and was very engaging. The process of ordering I didn't care for but ordering food from the bar worked out well for me.
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Trish P.

Yelp
Fun spot for dinner. Open seating right in the Gulf. Views are great. Good is also really good as well. Overall great experience.
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Paige N.

Yelp
The food and atmosphere is good. However they have changed their seating and tables and it is simply no longer handicap accessible. They literally have 1 table that is handicap accessible so if it is taken you're out of luck. Voiced my concerns to one of the GMs who frankly was so insensitive and made excuses. He told me that they have tables on the main level, which I pointed out that all but one are high tops (AKA no one in a wheelchair could sit there) and that they have tables in the grass area. All but 3 tables in the grass area are picnic tables, so again, not accommodating to someone in a wheelchair. Plus pushing a wheelchair through a grass is super challenging and when my dad's would not have made it. Then he tried to tell me he wasn't the main GM and that one was fired so there was nothing he could do. Super insensitive all around.
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Suzy N.

Yelp
Listen - they have a newer sandwich called the Snapper BLT. I cannot put into words how good this sandwich is. I really can't, so PLEASE go get it!! The drinks are fresh and have flavor without being sugary. I had a berry mojito, superb. Obviously just a visually stunning place to eat and drink. Staff is helpful and friendly.

Cody H.

Yelp
I will start this out on a good note and the last thing I wanted to do was leave a bad review. The last time I went it was fantastic and great service. I went with a group two days ago and ordered the same thing (burger & loaded fries). This time around it was a completely different story. I'm not sure if the food was improperly stored/handled but I woke up violently ill at 1am. This did not end until 6am. The burger was cooked all the way through so I'm not sure if the fries came into contact with something that would contaminate. It was a terrible evening, leaving this review so hopefully there's a closer eye on that stuff in the future.

Nancy K.

Yelp
Nancy is awesome! The lobster roll is so amazing! And she makes an awesome blackberry mojito and margarita! Perfect spot to watch the boats go by or catch a sunset!
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Selma Z.

Yelp
This was a very nice restaurant/hangout spot right next to the beach. The ambiance was so relaxing and it felt like you were away on vacation at a resort. I came here with a few buddies right when they opened on Saturday so there were plenty seatings. The bartender greeted us warmly and proceeded to make the best blackberry margaritas. We each ordered a variety of appetizers and mains, no complaints whatsoever about the food, the pricing is definitely on the higher side but that's given with the whole atmosphere. Do note that when you order at the seat, the menu is condensed, the full menu is available at their counters to the very right of the restaurant!
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Marge S.

Yelp
Amazing food, great drinks & an awesome place to spend the afternoon or evening. Definitely worth a stop!
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Derrick D.

Yelp
Ambiance is a 5. Food was fine. Service is difficult to gauge. This is a counter service spot. Look the outdoor environment and cocktails are where it's at here. The food was fairly average and nothing exceptional. I was told the burger was excellent, but the cobia sandwich (catch of the day), surf and turf skewers and mahi tacos were all good enough. Guac was fairly good. My group went for dinner, not to hang out and enjoy the music and ambiance. I didn't take any pics of the food this go, just this delicious mojito. Don't look at 3 stars and think it's not worth it. Just wasn't my fav.
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Duane S.

Yelp
Food was average but atmosphere was awesome. Right next to the haul over so boats coming by continuously. Used containers to build the place. Really a bunch of kids running the place and for what you get a little pricey but you should go. You pretty much service yourself but it's cool.
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Courtney T.

Yelp
Their food is very good. The grouper sandwich is excellent. Our son had the mahi tacos. They looked good. We also had truffle fries and street corn. I probably wouldn't order the fries again because we got the bits and pieces mostly of the fries. The corn cob was tasty. The seating choices are abundant and we enjoyed looking out at the water. The staff were helpful and friendly. Most restaurants around here are mediocre, but this one was the best we've found so far. We plan to go once more before our trip is over.
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Rachel T.

Yelp
It's $$$ but a great place to hangout on the beach. Good food and friendly service. Family friendly atmosphere.
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Hunter F.

Yelp
This was a very fun restaurant. The weather was beautiful so the covered outside seating was very nice. The food came out very fast and all of the workers were very kind. The seafood boil was delicious. The boiled shrimp were the best I've ever had. The tuna poke bowl, lobster roll, and burgers were all hits.

Kathy H.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious meals with a casual laid-back atmosphere. There was no wait. We walked right up and made our order. Friendly and quick service!

David S.

Yelp
The food was good. Note that this is an outdoor venue so heat, sun and rain are a factor. Mahi Mahi tacos were great.

Heather G.

Yelp
Always a great place to visit! It's the atmosphere I like! The crowd is great plus the kids get to see a free pirate bot show! Drinks are good but not strong however those mojito's are fresh!
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Elizabeth T.

Yelp
We saw it on our last trip and made sure to stop in on this trip. We loved the restaurant. The view is awesome and you have plenty choices of seating. The only draw back is that it is all outdoor seating. There is plenty of shade though. The bathrooms are air conditioned. The. Ordering system is easy and quick. The food is amazing. I had the fried grouper sandwich which was delicious. My husband had the snapper Ruben. Both fish sandwiches were so fresh. I am not a fish person, but I would order mine again. Our food did not take long to arrive. We loved everything.
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Jr W.

Yelp
In town visiting my Dad and it was great!! Food was great and service was on point. It was the off season, so we know the A staff tends to take time off, but our experience was wonderful. This was the first time my fiance and our children visited Orange Beach and they were very happy.

Mandy P.

Yelp
Tacos were average. Crab legs were mushy and tasteless. Not good at all. Service was good

Hannah G.

Yelp
Lovely spot to sit, have a drink, and enjoy the view, but the food is meh. I had the peel and eat shrimp and a side of fries. The seasoning on the shrimp was unpleasant and they weren't chilled enough. The fries were limp and cold. My husband had the grouper sandwich and he said it was fine, but nothing special. A disappointing lunch, especially for the price.

Andy D.

Yelp
Overpriced, dirty and food was not good. It's not technically on the water or beach. It overlooks a parking lot.
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Sara S.

Yelp
Not horrible, not great. Go for a sandwich and scenery. Otherwise, no. Started with their blackberry margarita and the tequila in it was yuk so I didn't finish it. Ordered the mahi tacos. Came with 3, good portion. But it was just a regular tortilla out of the bag (maybe I'm spoiled being from texas) the mahi was good and the slaw on it was as well. I would get them again. Hubby got guacamole and chips. It was good but you can't have regular tortilla chips by the beach. They weren't crunchy. Then they ordered the peel and eat shrimp which they both usually love, they didn't finish 1 lb between them. I also had a salad, no flavor. I prob would try a different place.
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Lynda T.

Yelp
Sunday brunch was very nice. I had the Asian salad with tuna. Very good! Attentive wait staff. Great view. Nice souvenir gift shop.