The Gulf

This is a very unique venue and I would return . We visited on a day when it wasn’t too busy, which was helpful but what I would say is that the food is good quality, but it is also self-service minus the fact that the servers do you bring it to you once it comes out we got salads the dressing was very good, but we did have to get more of it, but they gave us no trouble about getting more of it. The portions of chicken on the salad were generous for sure. Highly recommend this. It’s a great venue.

Stopped in for a bite, super cool location on the water that is pet friendly. They do not have table service, but the food was very tasty and they also have a very large selection of beers and other adult beverages. The burger was very nicely flavored and they gave me a ton of fries. The salmon was delicious and a big reason we would like to go back!

I was curious about this place solely based on the reviews & photos describing The Gulf’s construction was made up of former shipping containers!! Coming from Hawaii 🌺, we receive our goods in shipping containers so of course, I was curious and had to visit. The food was unbelievably tasty & full of flavor especially the daily special (Shrimp & Grits, lots of shrimp with the right amount of spice sized in an amazing sauce), the Fried Grouper Sandwich (delicious and not greasy), & the fresh guacamole dip (chunks of avocado). The big surprise for me was the Golden Cauliflower Bites…for $10, it was amazingly delicious mixed with a sweet chili sauce & I couldn’t stop eating it!! The atmosphere was great especially on this beautiful sunny day. Seating areas included picnic tables, comfy couches on raised platforms, and bar seating. I’m sure The Gulf is the place to be during the evenings watching the sunset with your loved ones! I absolutely loved the way in which the shipping containers were constructed and used. Definitely worth a visit…your tastebuds will not be disappointed!!

The prices must reflect the beach scenery and view of the gulf customers have while eating/drinking. I visited from out of town and this place was recommended to check it out. You pick your own table like school-cafeteria-style. Hopefully, tables free up after you place your order at the stand. If you get a fountain drink, it’s self serve. There’s a bar for alcohol as well. I got a side salad ($10), the cauliflower appetizer ($10), their highly recommended lobster and shrimp roll ($28) and a fountain drink ($4-5). Of my $50+ order, I liked my side salad of cucumbers, tomatoes and leaves. The cauliflower was also good. My Minute Maid lemonade had an off-putting aftertaste as if the ice machine had just been cleaned. The lobster roll is served chilled…it reminds me of potato salad. It’s not my preference. I wouldn’t get it again. The service was ok. The young lady that took my order was friendly. The buzzer/tracker system was confusing. Mine kept buzzing so I went to ask about how it worked. I was told to place it back on the blue circle in the center of the table for servers to track it. I’m unsure how that works. My order came to my table about 15 minutes or so after I ordered. It’s a very family friendly restaurant with space for kids to play and build sandcastles. Kids will enjoy it here. I think it’s fit for families with children so they get a taste of the beach and simple bites. It’s a very casual spot and maybe a favorite for locals.

It’s bad grammar to say “most unique,” but that’s what I’m gonna say about The Gulf. An Extraordinary seaside restaurant with a casual atmosphere and swift friendly service. It’s not necessarily going out for seafood at the beach or a night out, it’s an experience with family, friends, good food and an amazing Gulf view. It’s evident the owners have decided to use local fresh catch and produce and not a daily Sysco truck delivery. We love how the menu changes with the seasons. This demonstrates an owner and a head chef that understands the business and the needs of their precious customers. If you want the fisherman’s catch fried basket, go down the street. If you want an exceptional experience, fresh expertly prepared food, great service and a front row seat of the Gulf, make your way to The Gulf. Highly recommended

Beautiful beachfront restaurant with an amazing vibe. The place is truly lovely, with a great atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer. The food and drinks were excellent, full of flavor and very well prepared. The highlight of our visit was the service from Cass — friendly, attentive, and always making sure everything was perfect. Highly recommended for great food, drinks, and an outstanding beach experience. 🌊✨

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

I ordered the teriyaki salmon and it blew me away- perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky with just the right balance of sweet and savory in the glaze. The flavor soaked all the way through, and it tasted so fresh you could tell it wasn’t sitting around long. The fish had that perfect caramelized edge that made every bite even better, and the sauce on too was perfect. Honestly one of the best salmon dishes I’ve ever had- I’d come back just for that alone… and the truffle fries were OUTSTANDING!!! Kaizer at front, and Colin with our food and table service were both bright and very friendly as well.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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!!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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