Dock and Dine: Five Orange Beach, Alabama Restaurants to Visit by Boat
With Pensacola to the east and New Orleans to the west, and Gulf Shores within easy access, Orange Beach sits on a sliver of land between the sparkling shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico and the back bays and bayous. The Southern Alabama location is a prime watersports destination. It’s also a terrific spot for incredible seafood and other coastal cuisine to enjoy from private boat dock rentals. Let’s go!
The Flora-Bama
Motor or sail out of that private boat slip rental and head to the border. Located at the Alabama/Florida line, the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge sits on the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast and features several live music stages. Open since 1964, the Gulf Coast staple has been named one of the top beach bars in the world. It’s a favorite hangout of Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett when they’re in the area.
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Grill are directly across the street along the Old River. If you’re more interested in the waterfront views and food (and less of a party atmosphere), you’ll enjoy these two options. Come by car, boat or paddleboard and enjoy the famous bushwackers (a frozen concoction of Kahlua, rum, crème de cacao and cream of coconut), waterfront views and a wide selection of items such as gumbo, ribeye, filet mignon, Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers, seafood platters, sandwiches and wraps.
Tacky Jack’s
Photo: Tacky Jack's (Facebook)
Along with good food and great music, Tacky Jack’s offers waterfront views and boat-in convenience overlooking Perdido Pass Bridge on Cotton Bayou. Look for it on Safe Harbor Drive if arriving by land. All three of Tacky Jack’s locations – Fort Morgan, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - have boat docks.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can choose from chicken, steak, fresh seafood and those famous bushwackers. Enjoy dinner, drinks and the view on the outdoor decks. If you’re lucky, you just might see dolphins jumping about. Check out the gift shop and nearby parasailing and water sports rentals before heading back to a private boat dock for rent.
Cobalt the Restaurant
Photo: Cobalt the Restaurant (Facebook)
Located next to Caribe Resort under the Perdido Pass Bridge, Cobalt the Restaurant features live music, a casual atmosphere and excellent views of Bird and Robinson Island as well as Perdido Pass, Terry Cove and Bayou St. John. Cobalt is open for lunch and dinner with options such as BBQ Gulf shrimp, grilled and blackened chicken and fish, pizza, pasta and more. There are boat slips that can accommodate small and medium-size boats.
Fisher’s Dockside at Orange Beach Marina
Photo: Fisher's Dockside (Facebook)
Hop right off the boat onto the dock at Fisher’s Dockside at Orange Beach Marina. Then, sit by the dock and take in the yacht views. The restaurant features the Southern coastal cuisine of James Beard Award nominated chef Bill Briand. Order seafood, filet mignon, duck breast, Gulf fish and grits or casual fare such as burgers, salads and sandwiches.
OSO at Bear Point Harbor
Photo: OSO at Bear Point Harbor (Facebook)
Come by boat, car or golf cart and check out the fresh seafood, stunning sunsets and live music at the waterfront OSO at Bear Point Harbor. There’s upstairs dining, outdoor decks and a tiki bar. Menu items include crawfish etouffee, blackened fish burrito, shrimp po’boys, oysters, gumbo and tacos. If you prefer, order take-out and pick it up dockside to enjoy on the water or later at the private boat slip rental.
Whether you’re in town for a few days, a weekend or on an extended stay at a private boat lift for rent, ya gotta eat sometime. We hope you’ve discovered some new eateries to add to your Orange Beach itinerary. Happy travels!
