Beautiful views greet you with every turn on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. It’s a gorgeous place in the US. Maximize those awesome views at these Orange Beach restaurants on the water!
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Orange Beach is a fun area. There’s so many things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and some of them are dining at these awesome waterfront spots.
Grab a bit to eat with a good view – vacations don’t get much better than that!
After traveling to the Gulf Coast multiple times, it’s time to put it all down as a guide, so that you can visit the best Orange Beach restaurants with water views.
Oh, and because you probably like plenty of options, I’ve included some waterfront restaurants in Gulf Shores, which is the sister city to Orange Beach, at the end of this list.
Map of Orange Beach AL restaurants with water views
If you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you find your way around the area. Whether you’re jet skiing at Flora-Bama or visiting the Gulf State Park, you know what’s close.
You’ll find waterfront dining on the Gulf Coast, at marinas and the coastal waters of Orange Beach. This area has sooo many options. Let’s get to it!
Orange Beach restaurants on the water
It’s a foodie lover’s dream – good eats and beautiful views?! Let’s goooo!
1. The Gulf Orange Beach
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Guacamole & Salsa, Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Tuna Poke Bowl
Location: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
The Gulf restaurant Orange Beach has the perfect ambiance for a beach getaway! A cool structure made of shipping containers, right on the water, all the dining is outdoors.
With an excellent menu of fresh food, it’s a fun spot for lunch or dinner with those water views!
You’ll get some of the best seafood in Orange Beach here, like Smoked Tuna Dip, Braised Octopus Salad, Blackened Swordfish Reuben and Shrimp Tacos. Burgers, chicken tenders and salads round out their menu.
There’s a separate shipping container to order drinks at the bar. Colorful, fruity drinks plus cold beers on tap could just mean an afternoon of lounging! Order a Surf’s Up (pictured above), Perdido Mojito or a Spicy Berry Jalapeño Margarita.
The Gulf Restaurant Orange Beach is a great place to keep your toes in the sand and watch the sunset. They also have a variety of loungers to relax on. And a photo booth and gift shop for memories that will last forever!
It’s seriously one of the best Orange Beach AL restaurants!
2. YoHo Rum & Tacos (one of my favorite Orange Beach Alabama restaurants)
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Margaritas, Firecracker Shrimp Tacos, Veggie Tacos
Location: 4851 Wharf Pkwy E, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Ready for out-of-this-world tacos? Get them at YoHo Rum & Tacos!
It reminds me of the many trips to Old Town San Diego, where you can eat your way through tacos, chips and salsa and margaritas. In fact, I’d say YoHo Rum & Tacos has some of the best margaritas you can find anywhere in the states!
It’s also a great spot for vegetarians to grab tacos. I absolutely loved the veggie tacos at YoHo Rum & Tacos!
Located along the marina with views of the water, you’ll love this Orange Beach Alabama restaurant’s atmosphere. Often hosting live music on the weekends, you can even have drinks at the boat bar while you’re waiting for your table or after finishing up.
Since it’s located at The Wharf Orange Beach, you can shop, ride the Ferris wheel or choose one of the many other entertainment options while there. And if you’re with kids, be sure to check out the SPECTRA light show in the evening.
3. Pleasure Island Tiki Bar
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Bushwhacker, Nachos, Hawaiian Pizza
Location: 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
This is a hit with the kids, and perfect for adults too. The open air restaurant with a wrap around porch is complete with a large dining deck and kids’ play area.
Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is a great spot to hang out for an evening, too. With corn hole and live music and not overly touristy, it’s a great atmosphere and certainly one of the best Orange Beach Alabama restaurants!
They have huge selection of appetizers, including great peel-and-eat shrimp and cheese dip. For the main meal, try the wraps, salads, burgers or pizza.
Located at the Sportsman Marina, Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is right on the water. You’ll see boats coming and going, and maybe even fishermen (or women or children) cleaning up their catch.
4. Flora-Bama & Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Drinks at Flora-Bama, food at Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
Location: 17400 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
This is a 2-for-1! Located right on the Florida-Alabama line (with a Florida address!) this is one of the most popular beach bars in the world!
The original Flora-Bama is located directly on the Gulf, with a large beach. The Flora-Bama Ole River Grill is right across the street, located on the waterway on the opposite side of the thin strip of land that is this part of the Gulf Coast.
Flora-Bama is a bar first, with a light menu, large events and parties. The Flora-Bama Ole River Grill is a little more low-key, more kid-friendly and closes after dinnertime instead of bar closing time. The Ole River Grill is where you’ll find the best menu selection.
If you like shrimp, and you like grits, then their house specialty, Big Earl’s Shrimp & Grits is the dish for you! Try the Shrimp Po Boy or Char-grilled Oysters, too.
The atmosphere is what brings people to Flora-Bama. With beautiful water views and plenty of entertainment, it’s a great spot to be. Oh, and don’t forget to sign name on the wall – it’s encouraged!
Pro tip: get a full belly then try the jet skiing! It’s such a fun time!
5. GTs on the Bay (another favorite on this list of Orange Beach restaurants on the water)
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Firecracker Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo, Totchos
Location: 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
You are going to absolutely love GTs on the Bay! It’s one of my favorites in Orange Beach, with beautiful views of the coastal waterways.
The outdoors is by far one of the most family-friendly places in Orange Beach. It’s better than most public playgrounds, to be honest. It has a pirate ship, obstacle course and sand pit.
The outdoor deck is perfect for dining during sunset, too! It seriously has one of the best views and one of the top restaurants Orange Beach.
As for food, you should definitely try their Totchos – which are basically like nachos but with tater tots. Yum! The Mahi-mahi fish sandwich is amazing, as are pretty much all their seafood. GTs on the Bay definitely has some of the best seafood in Orange Beach!
Oh, and if you love salad, the salad bar at GTs on the Bay is pretty great.
Another cool surprise is that they have their own microbrewery. Pair that with their stage with live music and outdoor bar while you wait, and you’re in for a delightful evening. The wait can sometimes be long, so they’ve nailed it with the entertainment!
6. Cobalt
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Shrimp & Grits,
Location: 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Offering contemporary coastal cuisine, Cobalt (say that 5x fast, dare ya 😉) offers great views of the bay from their indoor and outdoor dining options. Don’t forget to watch for the dolphins while you dine!
The Firecracker Shrimp is a shining star on the Cobalt menu, as well as the Blackened Tuna Salad and Zydeco Chicken with Cajun Alfredo. YUM!
With a great happy hour, you could catch an early appetizer dinner then head out for sunset at the beach. Alabama Point East is just a parking lot away from Cobalt, so pack your blanket and grab a spot to watch the sun dip into the Gulf afterwards.
7. Ginny Lane Bar & Grill
Come for: lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch
You should try: Bayou Grouper, Fried Green Tomatoes, Baked Cajun Rockefeller Oysters
Location: 4851 Wharf Pkwy E, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Siting right on the water at The Wharf, Ginny Lane Bar and Grill is a perfect option for either lunch, dinner or Sunday bunch. And take note, Ginny Lane’s is 1 of only 3 Orange Beach restaurants on the water offering dining earlier than lunchtime.
Definitely try the Blue Crab Dip, Pecan Encrusted Chicken and – because not many restaurants in the area specialize in beef dishes – Filet Mignon and Ribeye. It’s one of the best restaurants in Orange Beach for beef. Oh, and if you’re a fan of Bloody Mary’s, this is your place to eat in Orange Beach!
Pro tip: take a dolphin cruise and either eat at Ginny Lane’s before or after – what a perfect combination!
8. Tacky Jack’s
Come for: breakfast, lunch and dinner
You should try: Bushwhacker, Mexican Garbage Nachos, Gator Bites
Location: 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561
One of the coolest things about Tacky Jack’s is that you can arrive by boat or on land! The original restaurant was built for fishermen after a long day on the Gulf. Today, Tacky Jack’s is a family-friendly gathering place with live music, kids play area and scenic water views.
They have a hearty breakfast offering omelettes, French toast, breakfast burritos and more. For lunch and dinner, you’re met with great seafood, fried baskets of deliciousness and my favorite – the Mexican Garbage Nachos. It’s literally served on a trash can lid, a huge portion big enough for multiple people.
In the evenings you’ll often get live music at Tacky Jack’s and a lively atmosphere, especially after dark.
More places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Alright so these next few have Gulf Shores addresses. But honestly, the cities are neighbors and you can barely tell you’re leaving one and entering the other. So they’re definitely worth visiting!
9. Foodcraft
Come for: breakfast, lunch and dinner
You should try: Banana Bread French Toast, Fried Honey Goat Cheese Balls, Bistro Avocado BLT
Location: 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
If you’re looking for an excellent breakfast with views of the water, this is it! Located within Gulf State Park and right on the beach, Foodcraft has a good breakfast, with lunch and dinner options, too.
You’ll get beautiful views of the ocean and pier while dining on delightful food. The Banana Bread French Toast is one of my favorite meals in Orange Beach.
For lunch and dinner try their selection of sandwiches, oysters steaks and veggies. With separate menus for lunch and dinner, and this being within the Hilton hotel, the prices are a bit higher than many of the other restaurants on this list.
10. Pink Pony Pub
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Shrimp Basket, Nachos – Mucho, Chicken or Cajun, Pina Colada
Location: 137 E Gulf Pl, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
The Pink Pony Pub has been delighting beach-goers since 1956. Literally on the beach at Gulf Shores, sandy toes are welcome!
Take a break from the beach and grab food with the best water views!
I recommend sitting on the deck to maximize the beautiful water and sugar-white sand. It’s a great location so be prepared to wait for a table. The nachos are delightful, drinks are delicious and fried seafood baskets make it a perfect break from the beach.
This is one of the most fun places to eat in Gulf Shores – including the pink pony inside!
11. The Hangout
Come for: lunch and dinner
You should try: Snow Crab Legs, Shaka Burger, Chicken Nachos
Location: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Another restaurant located on the beach, The Hangout is one of the largest restaurants on this list. As the name suggests, it’s full of entertainment and built for tourists.
The Hangout is home to foam parties, photo opportunities, games throughout the restaurant and the occasional large concert.
Take a break from sitting on the beach to try the assortment of seafood, burgers and salads. The Hangout is also known for their drink selection. Try a Paradise Mule, a Hangout Mojito, the Shark Attack or a craft beer.
Note: The Hangout is located on the beach, but you won’t get views of the water from your table. It’s a great spot for a food break while enjoying the beach!
Note 2: this is one of the pricier places to eat on this list, plus the parking lot adjacent to it (and for beach-goers) is a paid lot.
Orange Beach restaurants on the water
Woah the food on this list though! Can you believe all the incredible places to eat in Orange Beach?
From perfect views of the Gulf Coast to scenic views of the bay, there are so many options if you’re looking for fantastic food with beautiful scenery.
Let’s recap that list again, quickly this time…
Orange Beach AL restaurants with water views
- The Gulf
- YoHo Rum & Tacos
- Pleasure Island Tiki Bar
- Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
- GTs on the Bay
- Cobalt
- Ginny Lane Bar & Grill
- Tacky Jack’s
- Foodcraft
- Pink Pony Pub
- The Hangout
Related content you might like:
33 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama You Can’t Miss
12 Fun Places to Eat in Gulf Shores: Cool Restaurants You’ll Love
21 Exciting Things to Do in Gulf Shores with Kids
The Wharf Orange Beach – Your Guide to the Gulf’s Top Entertainment District
26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast You Need to See
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Thank you to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism for hosting me! As always, all opinions are my own.
Megan
Saturday 26th of March 2022
This post almost makes me feel like I'm near the water with a sea breeze in my hair eating a lot of great food! Pleasure Island Tiki Bar sounds perfect; I can eat some great food and the kids can run around and play in the play area!
Nikki
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Yes Megan! Nothing better than the breeze off the water along with a great meal 😋
Erin
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Pleasure Islands chips and queso look absolutely delish! Thanks for sharing, along with the photos! I'm now hungry. :)
Nikki
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Erin it's soooo good! Lots of great restaurants in the area :)
lasma
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Would love to indulge and spend some Time in this fantastic place! thanks for sharing this
Nikki
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Ah you totally should indulge! So many things to do and amazing places to eat in Orange Beach :)
kmf
Saturday 26th of March 2022
I’ve been considering a workation on Alabama’s gulf coast so this post is timely. Love all these beachside restaurants!
Nikki
Sunday 27th of March 2022
Oh Orange Beach and Gulf Shores would be perfect for that!! And you'll find many amazing restaurants while you're there. 😊