From Gulf Shores to Perdido Key, savor shrimp feasts, Po'boys, Cajun classics, and Key Lime pie along the Gulf Coast.
Let's be honest, half the joy of traveling is the food. From sizzling shrimp on Alabama's shores to smoky barbecue in Tennessee's mountains, uncovering local flavors spices up the whole journey.
The region spanning Alabama's and Florida's Gulf Coast offers a well-developed culinary scene that showcases the region's unique seafood flavors and is worth the trip alone. From laid-back beachside eateries where you can dine with your feet on the sand to upscale waterfront restaurants, there are options for every taste and budget.
Here's a sneak peek for you:
Best Gulf Shrimp on the Gulf Coast
- Fish River Grill, Gulf Shores: Hearty portions, Gulf Shrimp Platters, Po'boys.
- Tacky Jack's, Fort Morgan/Gulf Shores/Orange Beach: Beloved chain, fresh shrimp platters.
- The Ruby Slipper Café, Orange Beach: Southern twist on shrimp with creative brunch plates.
- Red Fish Blue Fish, Pensacola: Waterfront, shrimp tacos, salads, small plates.
- Fish House, Pensacola: Famous for Crispy Gulf Shrimp with bay views.
Best Po'boys on the Gulf Coast
- Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores: Notable alligator Po'boy.
- Bon Temps Poboys & Specialty Meats, Orange Beach: Authentic, overstuffed Po'boys.
- Sassy Bass Island Grill, Fort Morgan: Build-your-own Po'boys.
- Tacky Jack's, Fort Morgan: Firecracker Shrimp Po'boy with a spicy kick.
- Fisherman's Corner, Perdido Key: Fried oyster Po'boy, local classic.
- Deep Blue Food Truck, Pensacola: Lobster Po'boy that rivals the originals.
Best Cajun & Creole Cuisine on the Gulf Coast
- Lulu's, Gulf Shores: Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, coastal comfort food.
- Oso at Bear Point Marina, Orange Beach – Gumbo as the star dish, hearty and smoky.
- Fisherman's Corner, Perdido Key: Creole Seafood Alfredo, creamy and spicy.
- Five Sisters Blues Café, Pensacola: Gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice with soulful flair.
Best Key Lime Pie on the Gulf Coast
- Lulu's, Gulf Shores: Tangy, buttery-crusted Key Lime Pie.
- Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores: Homemade-style, creamy local favorite.
- Cosmos, Orange Beach: Perfect tart-sweet balance with silky finish.
- Fish House, Pensacola: Bright, zesty, locals' favorite.
- Flounder's Chowder House, Pensacola: Iconic three-layer family recipe since 1979.
At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast, paired with exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your vacation. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants, local distilleries and breweries, and tips for the perfect beach day.
Wondering where to go for the best culinary experiences in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola? In this blog post, I'll show you where to find the tastiest shrimp, po'boys, Cajun and Creole dishes, and Key Lime pie along the Gulf Coast for a truly delicious journey.
Ready? Your foodie adventure starts here!
Best Gulf Shrimp on the Gulf Coast
Gulf shrimp is the true rockstar of the Gulf: big, sweet, and packed with flavor. Firm in texture with just the right hint of brininess, these beauties shine grilled, boiled, fried, or tossed into pastas and seafood boils. Cooked to a perfect pink, they bring a delicate sweetness that pairs with just about anything. No trip to the Gulf Coast is complete without digging into this coastal favorite.
Here are some of the best spots to try this delicacy along the coast:
- Fish River Grill, Gulf Shores: Known for hearty portions and a fun, local vibe, this spot serves up Gulf Shrimp Platters, Shrimp Po'boys, and plenty more seafood favorites.
- Tacky Jack's, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach: A beloved local chain where shrimp platters are the star, often praised as some of the freshest along the Gulf Coast.
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe, Orange Beach: Shrimp dishes here get a Southern twist, blending Gulf freshness with herbs, spices, and creative brunch-style plates.
- Red Fish Blue Fish, Pensacola: A lively, waterfront eatery where shrimp takes center stage in everything from tacos to salads to small plates.
- Fish House, Pensacola: Famous for its Crispy Gulf Shrimp, this downtown spot pairs coastal flavors with a stylish setting overlooking Pensacola Bay.
Best Po'boys on the Gulf Coast
Although typically from New Orleans, Po'boys are a true Southern delicacy and can be found in most restaurants along the Gulf Coast. A sandwich consisting of meat such as roast beef or ham, or fried seafood, served in New Orleans-style French bread, a Southern take on the French baguette that features a crispy crust and a soft center.
Besides meat or fried seafood, Po'boys often include lettuce, tomato, sliced pickles, and mayo. Several variations of the sandwich can be found along the Gulf Coast, and they commonly feature fried shrimp, crawfish, catfish, or even alligator.
Here's a fun fact: the name "Po'boys" originated from a New Orleans sandwich shop during a streetcar strike, where they offered free sandwiches to "poor boys." The name stuck, and now Po'boys are a tasty tradition along the Gulf Coast!
Here are some of the go-to places to try Po'boys on the Gulf Coast:
- Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores: Famous for fresh seafood, but their alligator Po'boy is the unexpected star. A little adventurous, a lot delicious.
- Bon Temps Poboys & Specialty Meats, Orange Beach: This is Orange Beach's go-to for authentic, overstuffed Po'boys with all the classic fixings.
- Sassy Bass Island Grill, Fort Morgan: Build-your-own Po'boy heaven, where you can pile on the toppings and make it just the way you like it.
- Tacky Jack's, Fort Morgan: The Firecracker Shrimp Po'boy packs a spicy kick and pairs perfectly with a cold drink by the water.
- Fisherman's Corner, Perdido Key: Known for some of the freshest Gulf oysters around, their fried oyster Po'boy is coastal comfort on a bun.
- Deep Blue Food Truck, Pensacola: Their lobster Po'boy is so good it rivals the classics and will instantly become one of your Gulf Coast favorites.
Best Cajun & Creole Cuisine on the Gulf Coast
Although born in Louisiana, Cajun and Creole cuisines are now staples all along the Gulf Coast.
Cajun cuisine blends French and Southern roots with bold, rustic flavors. Think smoked meats, spicy sausage, crawfish boils, and jambalaya, a hearty mix of rice, meat, veggies, and spices. Along the coast, seafood often takes the spotlight in these dishes.
Creole cuisine draws from a mix of cultures, Italian, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and more, resulting in rich sauces, abundant seafood, and aromatic herbs. Gumbo is the classic favorite, a soulful stew made with stock, shellfish or meat, and vegetables.
For a taste of both traditions, check out these Gulf Coast culinary hotspots:
- Lulu's, Gulf Shores: Famous for its lively atmosphere and coastal comfort food, Lulu's serves up a rich Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Gumbo that's loaded with flavor and local flair.
- Oso at Bear Point Marina, Orange Beach: This waterfront gem puts gumbo front and center. It's hearty, smoky, and the kind of dish you'll want to come back for again and again.
- Fisherman's Corner, Perdido Key: Known for its bold flavors, the Creole Seafood Alfredo is creamy, spicy, and packed with fresh Gulf seafood, a dish that truly delivers.
- Five Sisters Blues Cafe, Pensacola: A local institution where Cajun and Creole flavors take over the menu. Think gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice served with soulful Southern charm.
Best Key Lime Pie on the Gulf Coast
Skip the ice cream; nothing beats a slice of Key Lime Pie on a warm Florida day. Made with tart key lime juice, creamy condensed milk, and a buttery crust, this zesty dessert has been winning hearts since the late 1800s.
What makes it special? Key limes pack more fragrance and punch than regular limes, giving the pie its signature tropical flair. It's tangy, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing, the perfect finish to any Gulf Coast meal.
Here's where to dig into the best Key Lime Pie:
- Lulu's, Gulf Shores: With or without whipped cream, Lulu's Key Lime Pie is the ultimate treat, balancing tangy lime with a buttery crust that keeps guests coming back.
- Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores: Their homemade-style Key Lime Pie is nothing short of a local phenomenon, with a rich, creamy filling that feels like true Gulf Shores comfort.
- Cosmos, Orange Beach: One bite of Cosmo's Key Lime Pie and you'll be floating on a cloud, thanks to its perfect mix of tart and sweet with a silky-smooth finish.
- Fish House, Pensacola: Locals swear by Fish House's Key Lime Pie, calling it Pensacola's sweetest triumph for its bright, zesty flavor and unbeatable freshness.
- Flounder's Chowder House, Pensacola: Since 1979, Flounder's has been serving its iconic three-layer Key Lime Pie, a family recipe turned local legend that's as decadent as it is timeless.
Bonus: Extra Tips
Here are some extra tips to enhance your culinary journey:
- Food Festivals: Check for local food festivals or events happening during your visit. The Gulf Coast often hosts culinary celebrations where you can indulge in a variety of dishes.
- Catch of the Day: Embrace the "catch of the day" concept. Many restaurants proudly feature fresh catches, so don't hesitate to ask for the daily specials.
- Culinary Tours: Consider joining a culinary tour to get a curated experience of the local food scene. It's a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and learn about the region's culinary history.
- Seasonal Specialties: Be on the lookout for seasonal specialties. Whether it's stone crabs, crawfish, or seasonal fruits, the Gulf Coast offers unique delicacies depending on the time of year.
- Foodie Events: Stay informed about any food-related events happening during your stay. From chef's dinners to themed nights, there might be special events to elevate your culinary experience.
Where to stay during your visit to the Gulf Coast?
Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your weekend on the Gulf Coast? Book 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.
