Snowbirds: Best Places For A Quick Lunch In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
Several years ago we fell in love with the beaches in Alabama. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is the perfect place to spend winter. We snowbirds love our beaches and sunshine! During the months of January & February there are numerous lunch specials and it’s easy to find a delicious lunch in the area with a view you will enjoy.
Tips For Planning A Worry Free Beach Vacation
Many of these restaurants serve lunch specials throughout January and February. The choices change from time to time. I suggest that you visit their websites and social media for their current menu items.
Sara’s Tip: You can dine at these restaurants anytime of year for an incredible meal.
We have dined at each of these places and found their service to be prompt and efficient. You can dine with friends and enjoy conversation with a delicious lunch. Most importantly, don’t forget to ask, “Are you serving bread pudding today?”
Bread Pudding In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Table of Contents
Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
1154 West Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-2431
beachhousegs.com
The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails features freshly prepared dishes. It’s located across the way from the beautiful beaches in Gulf Shores. We dined here on a day when they had a lunch special on street tacos.
As it turns out, they have different lunch specials throughout January and February. The house made chips & jalapeno bacon queso kicked off our meal.
I ordered the pork tacos and Todd ordered a shrimp taco accompanied by two ground beef tacos.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Dress is casual and laid-back. If you are looking for a quick, delicious lunch, you will not be disappointed.
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Change of Pace Poolside Bar & Grill
26350 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
stage.turquoiseplace.com/change-of-pace
Guests who stay at Turquoise Place can indulge in a delightful lunch at Change of Pace, a poolside bar & grill. If you have a hankering for pizza or burgers, they have you covered. And the tater skins, let’s just say they were not only beautiful but also delicious.
A Wellness Vacation Awaits In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
I enjoyed a delicious turkey focaccia sandwich, alongside some of the best chicken wings I have had in quite some time.
Book a stay through Spectrum Resorts for Turquoise Place – use code TRVLBYSARA and receive 10% off your booking.
Note: This restaurant offers counter service.
Woodside Restaurant
20249 State Park Rd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 923-3100
woodsidegsp.com
Woodside Restaurant is in Gulf State Park right along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Many bicyclists stop here while riding the award-winning trail. We dined here on a day when we were out running errands. As we pulled up, we noticed there are several bicycles in the bike-share program near the entrance to Woodside. Several bicyclists had also parked their bikes near the bike-share rack and headed on in to dine.
I ordered the fried chicken sandwich topped with B & B pickles and it was so good. Todd ordered the pulled pork sandwich and it was sliced to perfection.
His sandwich was not smothered in BBQ sauce, making it easy to eat. Both of our sandwiches were a 10/10. The serving size is large and they were both accompanied by house chips.
Outdoor and indoor dining are both available at Woodside. Breakfast, lunch, an dinner are served here. Live music plays throughout the week.
How does a little game of Jenga sound while waiting for your food? You can choose your experience at Woodside. Make it casual, quick, or spend an afternoon hanging out. Note: This restaurant offers counter service.
GTs On The Bay
26189 Canal Rd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 980 – 8400
gtsonthebay.com
We have always enjoyed dining at GTS On The Bay.
It’s easy to find, as it’s located on Canal Road in Orange Beach, a popular route throughout the community. On our recent visit we enjoyed the winter specials they had. I ordered a pepperoni/sausage pizza and Todd enjoyed the shrimp meal.
The pizza was large enough that we had 1/2 of it to take back to our home for the month of February.
The salad bar was a popular lunch item for many seated around us. The views outside are really nice and don’t forget to take a view of the large, beautiful pond in the middle of the restaurant. The family friendly atmosphere will quickly win you over.
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
26029 Canal Rd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-6999
docsseafoodshack.com
We had lunch at Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar in Orange Beach on Canal Road.
They have been around for more than 32 years, so they have a really good thing going! We dined here on a weekday and learned they had several blue plate specials for lunch. Belly up to the bar or find a table in the dining room.
Todd ordered the meatloaf dinner and I had the fried chicken dinner. A sweet surprise was a slice of a pound cake with an orange frosting.
Both were very good and we both agreed, we had a lot of food for a great price! Everytime we have eaten here before we have ordered the shrimp. which claims to be the best fried shrimp in the civilized world.
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill
128 East 1st Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540 – 0117
picnicbeach.com
Why not dine in a restaurant and be at the beach? The Picnic Beach Bar & Grill is not on the beach but it has all the feels inside the restaurant. There is fun
outdoor seating, along with incredible indoor dining. A large menu is offered alongside a snowbird menu- yes, a specific menu for snowbirds.
Todd ordered the Beach Bowl. It included salmon, jasmine rice, yellow squash, zuchinni, and cauliflower topped with an Asian glaze.
I ordered the All-American Burger (the toasted brioche bun added to the deliciousness) and it was a delicious burger served alongside a pile of fries.
Lunch was quick, delicious, and fun. The environment at Pinic Beach Bar & Grill will quickly become one of your favorite lunch places in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama. The bright colors and fun dining areas make it a fun place to dine. Note: This restaurant offers counter service.
Bird Dog Chicken Co.
4575 Orange Beach Blvd.
Suite 106
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 303-8555
birddogchickencompany.com
Bird Dog Chicken Co. specializes in… you guessed it, chicken! I ordered the Bird Dog chicken Sandwich with fries and Todd ordered the 5 piece chicken tenders with fries. You can order the tenders plain or have them tossed. Todd opted to have them tossed in the Asian Persuasion sauce.
If you are not hungry for chicken they also offer sandwiches, fried shrimp, and salads. We also noticed several people had ridden their bikes here, as it’s close to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trail. The proximity to the bikek trail, make this one of best places for lunch for snowbirds in gulf shores and orange beach.
The artwork inside is worth the visit alone.
With several chicken restaurants in the area to choose from, Bird Dog Chicken was a pleasant surprise and we will be back! Note: This restaurant offers counter service.
Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Cafe
601 W Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-2100
bahamabobs.com
Bahama Bob’s is a little beach side cafe serving up one of the best lunches on the island.
Bahama Bob’s has a January/February menu and we both ordered the fried shrimp basket with fresh chips & slaw.
On a previous visit we had enjoyed their deep-water shrimp steamed to perfection. The winter menu offered dishes we love and it was a good choice.
Todd loves a good cup of gumbo and he would definitely order it again. Gumbo lovers and snowbirds will place this at the top of one of the best places for lunch in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere in a little sea shack will quickly make this your favorite sea side restaurant.
The Gulf Restaurant
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 424-1800
thegulf.com/locations/orange-beach
The Gulf Restaurant offers an experience that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Lunch time is a fantastic time to visit as you do have wonderful water views. Snowbirds will quickly place this at the top of one of the best places for lunch in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
You will want to arrive hungry and indulge in a Gulf Burger on the beach accompanied by hand-cut fries all doctored with salt & pepper. The smoked tuna dip and hummus are two fantastic sides to add to your meal. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, how about a grouper or chicken sandwich? Several seafood dishes are also offered, including peel and eat shrimp.
Hang around a little while and toss a few bean bags or kick back and enjoy the experience. Sink your feet into the fine sugar sand that we all love while spending time along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Plan to visit on a sunny, warm day, as all seating is outdoors. Note: This restaurant offers counter service.
The Village Hideaway
925 Beach Club Trl.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 224-3650
https://thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com/dining/the-village-hideaway
The Village Hideaway is located at The Beach Club Resort & Spa. One of two Spectrum Resort Properties in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Your lunch can be enjoyed by yourself, with another couple, or bring your extended family for pizza and fun.
It is open to the public and easy to find upon entering the resort. Sandwiches, pizza, cold beverages, and other delicious foods such as wraps are available.
A golf simulator, arcade games, and other video games are available for family fun. With 11 flat screen tvs, you are sure to find a game or two of your liking on the big screen.
Spectrum Resort guests receive a 10% discount when using their Spectrum Wristband (not applicable on alcoholic beverages). Cashless charging is also an option when wearing your Spectrum Wristband.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores
200 E 25th Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 967-5858
https://lulusfunfoodmusic.com
Lulu’s Gulf Shores is one of those places that every snowbird needs to check out for lunch. The fun menu will quickly become one of your favorites. You will not find January/February lunch specials, but you will find an experience you will want to remember!
The fish, shrimp, onion rings, and smoked tuna dip are favorites of many. Grab your friends and head to Lulu’s for a memorable lunch experience you will talk about for years on end. A local favorite is the award-winning fried green tomatoes served with Lulu’s Wow Sauce.Tip: Order the bread pudding.
DeSoto’s Seafood
138 W 1st Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7294
https://desotosseafoodkitchen.com
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen brands itself as a Gulf Shores tradition with fresh food made daily from scratch. Lunch time is a fantastic time of day to enjoy a dish here. From seafood to chicken and burgers, they have you covered.
We dined here and enjoyed a snowbird favorite, the Winter Menu.
Blackened grouper and fried shrimp landed in front of us and we enjoyed every bite. Alligator bites are always intriguing and these were the best alligator bites we have had.
With several sides to choose from, including sweet potato casserole, cole slaw, baked beans, french fries, hush puppies, and more…. you will not leave hungry.
Sea N Suds
405 E Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7894
https://sea-n-suds.com
Sea N Suds Restaurant & Oyster Bar is where the locals dine on the water. You do have true beachfront dining when you grab lunch here. It’s been a tradition for many since 1975.
I met two friends for lunch at Sea N Suds and rumor was the salad bar was the go-to for lunch.
I ordered the delicious chicken tender sandwich. My friends indulged in the salad bar.
We all agreed, the service was quick and the food was good. The best part of dining here…. it’s lunch in a sea shack with a view.
Coastal Orange Beach
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 240-6001
https://www.coastalorangebeach.com
Coastal Orange Beach offers incredible views with sugar, white sand at the tip of your toes.
This casual restaurant will quickly win you over. Lunch is served in the bar area or outdoor tables. All of the tables have a great view of The Gulf.
The lunch menu is simple and amazing. We love indulging in the pimento cheese and the Gulf Coast chicken sandwich. The pimento cheese is served on a beautiful plate, one that will be fixed in your mind for a long time. A favorite of many is the Signature CoatAL Burger, with American wagyu beef and the fixings. No matter what you decide on, Coastal Orange Beach is a great place for a quick lunch.
The best lunch for snowbirds in Gulf shores and Orange beach is at your fingertips, go find it and enjoy. You can dine at any of these restaurants all year long, but you will not find their January/February lunch specials. I have been dining in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area for 11 years and I have yet to find a restaurant that I did not find myself returning to. Snowbird life along the Alabama Coast is the best and it’s something we look forward to every year.
SaraB
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