Dining suggestions for Orange Beach, AL

My family (inlaws included) is heading down to Orange Beach, AL this summer for a week or so. Any suggestions for some good eating places that aren't budget busters? We have been to Sea-n-Suds and thoroughly enjoyed it, but didn't know of any other good places to possible go besides the normal chain rest. Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

Kim

I went to college in Mobile, AL & my friends & I would go to Orange Beach & Gulf Shores for the weekend. I recommend Tacky Jacks, Live Bait, and the Shrimp Basket. LuLu's (Jimmy Buffet's sisters' restaurant) has some pretty good food but is a little pricey for the amount of food you get. I know that Tacky Jacks & Live Bait usually have live music in the evenings and are great places to go with a group of people. Many places down there get packed in the evenings so make reservations if you can.

Thanks!

I have heard of Tacky Jack's after we came back from our trip there last year, but didn't know if it was worth a visit. Thanks for the info!

Kim

If you're in Gulf Shores you have to stop at the Pink Pony Pub for cold beers and good bar food on the beach!

My In-laws have a condo down there and we go once a year so...

Tacky Jacks is great for breakfast/brunch. Their Farmer's omelet is huge and delicious and the atmosphere is fun on the weekends with people hanging out on the dock waiting for a table. If you want to avoid the wait go during the week. We've never eaten at Tacky Jacks other than breakfast.

Lulu's is a lot of fun, great atmosphere with live bands in the evenings. They have a website that has their menu and other info. Some things are pricey but there are some reasonably priced dishes as well. I actually have really liked the food that I have gotten there.

Unfortunately, most of the seafood places down there are pricey. Stay away from the Shrimp Basket it looks like it would be a cheap place to eat and it's usually crowded, but it's all over priced fried food and the last time we were there the restaurant was quite dirty.

Have fun!

My memory is a lil foggy.. but I remember a place called Lamberts near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.. the food and atmosphere was pretty fun...but what I remember most(and this is great if you have kids)... they had these awesome dinner rolls(the kind that you cant stop eating, even though you are filling up before your entree)... the kicker is the servers throw the rolls to you from across the room...alot of fun to catch..and no worries about a few hitting the floor. I was there about 10 years ago..but remembered that it came highly recommended (sort of an institution down there)...and I think the whole family ate at a great price...good luck!

If you are in Orange Beach, you are really close (20 min) to Innerarity Point in Pensacola. There's a great place on Innerarity Drive called The Original Point. Great fun! Good food and the best bluegrass music around. Perfect example of a destination spot that is truly an Original!

Thanks to all for the suggestions! Pink Pony and Lulu's sound like fun. We did go to Lambert's last time and enjoyed it thoroughly (especially my kids) but we were looking for some different places this time. Thanks again to all!

Kim

We have vacationed several times at a B & B in Orange Beach but have not been back since Hurricane Ivan destroyed much of the area. If it is still open I highly recommend Bayside Grill. It is a really nice restaurant with an incredible view. Make your reservation in advance for sunset dining and you'll see what I'm talking about. They have very fresh seafood dishes and I remember having a very good black bean soup that contained too much sausage for my wife.

Lambert's is not fine dining but we always make time to eat there. Very fun atmosphere and great country (fried) food. They have several sides which they call pass-arounds which servers roam the dining room offering to diners. Fried Okra, fried potatoes & onions, black-eyed peas, macaroni & tomatoes, and sorghum for your hot rolls. If you aren't careful you will be full before you ever receive your menu-ordered food. It is a family-owned restaurant that originated in Sikeston, MO that also has a Branson, MO outlet.

just a short drive east to Pensacola try http://www.goodgrits.com/
The fish house for grits a ya ya
and http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/ has a great steak and is a fun place