9 Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores has stunning white beaches that attract millions of tourists to the Alabama Gulf Coast each year, especially families. As locals, we’re the first ones to head to that gorgeous shoreline on a day off, but first? We make a morning pit spot at one of Gulf Shores’ less commonly talked about attractions: the incredible breakfast culinary scene.

Harris Vacations has the scoop on the city’s best breakfast places to fuel each itinerary-packed vacation day. We’ve lovingly featured every stellar grill and pancake house you could hope to find in the whole area code.

Our hospitality stretches far beyond the walls of our luxurious rental homes, and we’re delighted to share our top breakfast recommendations with you voyagers.

Ready to dig in? Let’s start with some homemade biscuits, shall we?

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

Photo Credit: Marie C Fields

• Address: 24151 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
• Price Point: $$

The Ruby Slipper Cafe prides itself on being “all about the brunch life,” with a menu that certainly supports that sentiment. They bake fresh buttermilk biscuits every morning that taste delicious on their own with some honey butter or as a side to one of their more extravagant breakfasts and appetizers. Loaded tots with apple-braised pork, anyone?

As for ambiance? The Slipper is your standard family-forward breakfast, complete with vibrant decor and plenty of seating options for you and your brood. We send tons of our guests here, and they all praise the joint’s incredible customer service, warm and friendly staff, and mouthwatering menu. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, try a delectable benny with freshly caught Bayou shrimp.

Just try to get there early, if you can. They get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends.

The Southern Grind Coffee House

Photo Credit: Ezume Images

• Address: 4751 Main Street, Suite 116 Orange Beach, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Jalapeno Potato Scramble
• Price Point: $$

The Southern Grind Coffee House built its business on three simple principles: generational recipes, always-fresh ingredients, and homemade goods. Headed to the beach? Grab a takeout sausage patty on a buttermilk biscuit, or pick from other easy handhelds like the croissant sandwich, honey chicken biscuit, or a peanut butter mocha to go.

Aesthetically, the establishment is a real winner. Its gorgeous nautical decor connects perfectly to the surrounding area and supplies the perfect opportunity to shop for meaningful souvenirs and jewelry.

If you like your bacon crispy, waffles fluffy, and eggs buttery, this is the place to be. Don’t worry; you can still enjoy a cheeseburger or pear-pecan salad for lunch if you miss the breakfast rush!

Café Beignet

Photo Credit: Lex Lock

• Address: 208 West Fort Morgan Road Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Vanilla Pudding Beignet
• Price Point: $

Crowds line up outside Café Beignet in Gulf Shores every morning to get a taste of its New Orlean-inspired delicacies. Something about the softness of the powdery sugar and the fluffy inside of the fried dough, we can’t explain it. If you’ve visited New Orleans, you know what we’re talking about. But if not? You just have to try it for yourself.

Enjoy traditional beignets here or try something new, like a vanilla-pudding stuffed beignet or chocolate syrup topping.

Coffee connoisseurs, are you there? You’ll appreciate Cafe Beignet’s fresh brews as well. Caffeine addicts and sweet tooth travelers unite in this southern staple of a breakfast spot.

Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill

Photo Credit: Melissa M

• Address: 5160 Highway 180 Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Favorite Menu Item: Crabby Beach Benny
• Price Point: $$

Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill’s name perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the restaurant. Casual, unique, and your go to seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores.

Although most famous as a renowned Oyster Bar spot, the Sassy Bass is no novice when it comes to breakfast. Their cooks have mastered everything from fluffy Japanese-inspired pancakes to various seafood-inspired egg benedicts. Need an Instagram shot? This one-of-a-kind joint serves up eye-catching colors and a damn near-perfect supply of memorable seaside kitsch.

We also love the generous portions at Sassy Bass, surely enough to bring home leftovers if the kiddos crave a mid-afternoon snack!

Brick & Spoon

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

• Address: 24705 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Shrimp and Grits
• Price Point: $$$

Brick & Spoon takes a sophisticated yet casual approach to southern-inspired fine dining. The brunch menu features a variety of new spins on classic dishes like their Fresh Catch Eggs Benedict and Breakfast Tacos. But the real magic is in the cheese, specifically the cheesy grits. Pair those with a flavorful Creole omelet, and you have a serious meal to fuel your day.

Craving a little buzz? Mix and match with the restaurant’s “Build Your Own” Bloody Marys! Pick from candied bacon and deviled eggs as a protein to Cajun-Caribbean Jerk Seasoning and more selections for a uniquely curated drink.

Kitty’s Kafe

Photo Credit: Amber Dion

• Address: 3800 Gulf Shores Parkway #100, Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Kitty’s Kristo Sandwich with Grits
• Price Point: $

Kitty’s Kafe is a breakfast joint where staff greet you at the door smiling, and dishes are served with fresh, local ingredients. If you love a mom-and-pop vibe, this is the place.

Some standout items from its menu include Kitty’s Kristo Sandwich and the Perfect Breakfast. The former is a winning combination of eggs, cheese, and French toast, and the latter is a generous take on the classic American breakfast. The menu also features a wide selection of family-friendly kids’ meals.

Not only is the food great but Kitty’s layout and design spark conversation and comfort. Adorably kitschy art, subtle earth tones, and splashes of loudness make for a fabulous ambiance.

Sunliner Diner

Photo Credit: Christopher Mansion

• Address: 100 East 2nd Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Chicken and Waffles Benedict
• Price Point: $$

Sunliner Diner is the hangout for locals in the know and offers the chance to dine in an uncanny recreation of 1950s American culture. You’ll drink chocolate shakes in a repurposed muscle car before heading over to their vintage-focused jukebox to blast some Chuck Berry or Elvis.

In terms of menu, you can’t go wrong with the Sunliners’ selection of specialty Benedicts and greasy griddle items. But if you’re after a lighter entree, opt for a simple avocado toast or yogurt parfait.

In terms of atmosphere, Sunliner Diner is impressively transformative. You and your family will be transported to a simpler Southern time by its leather booths, vintage cars, and checkered floors. And, of course, the staff’s welcoming demeanor speaks to the joint’s Southern hospitality even more.

Tacky Jack’s

Photo Credit: Linda Hughes Photography

• Address: 240 East 24th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Farmer’s Omelet, wings, seafood gumbo
• Price Point: $$

Tacky Jack’s has a hard to beat dining experience when it comes to location. The acclaimed local hang-out is situated on a curve of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounded by lush greenery. Talk about a meal and a view!

Open daily at 7:30 a.m., Jack’s breakfast menu includes a wide variety of greasy spoon delights, including the award-winning Farmer’s Omelet and Wheelhouse Pancakes.

If you’re looking for something casual and fun, this place has got you covered with stunning views of the waterway and a colorful children’s play area. You’ll also be able to enjoy some live music, depending on how early in the day you go.

And if you want to bring back souvenirs? Pop by the on-site gift shop for local artisan finds, which has profits that go straight back to the community.

Island Pancake House

Photo Credit: MShev

• Address:337 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite Menu Item: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Price Point: $$

On the hunt for the fluffiest pancakes and waffles in Gulf Shores? Island Pancake House offers delectable buttermilky dishes, plus panoramic ocean views, thanks to its bright, beachside location.

Our clients adore several of the House’s standout dishes, including its savory Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, breakfast-style crab cakes, and mouth-watering Chicken Fried Steak. This local favorite offers views of white sandy beaches as you prepare for your day’s itinerary with freshly scrambled eggs.

Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

Photo Credit: MD K

• Address: 1154 W Beach Blvd #6200, Gulf Shores, AL
• Favorite menu item: Gulf Shrimp Skewers and Crawfish Mac n’ Cheese
• Price point: $

Alabama doesn’t get much more Southern than Gulf Shores, and to bring out the hospitality the state is known for? Get a taste of Southern hospitality with the impeccable service at Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails. Staff members are always smiling and ready to recommend a special. Our faves? The crawfish mac and cheese, blackened grouper, and you can’t forget about the key lime pie.

Bring the missus for a romantic evening, or enjoy a few rowdy cocktails with your pals. One last thing — try to get there early, just a touch before dinner. This place tends to fill up quickly, and peak-hour wait times can be lengthy.

Original Oyster House

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

• Address: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Favorite menu item: Rockefeller Oysters
• Price point: $

Craving an authentically Southern dinner with rich roux that envelopes delectably Creole-seasoned shrimp and andouille sausage? Visit the Original Oyster House for one of their special bowls of gumbo.

You can count on this joint for all things southern and seafood, including feel-good hush puppies, Cajun shrimp, and ample ways to eat your oysters.

Traveling with any companions in service? Stop by on a Monday for 10% off your meal (and thank you for your service)!

Indulge in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacations

The city has tons to offer in terms of delicious day starters, with everything from fresh seafood benedicts to fluffy and fried beignets.

What is the best way to enjoy the area’s warm weather, sparkling beaches, and delicious Southern culinary scene? Start with the right accommodations. Any one of our gorgeous Gulf Shores beach houses grants you convenient access to these local gems at a surprisingly affordable price.

So, stop settling for daydreams and book with us now. We’re ready to hand over the keys and open the door to delicious food, quality entertainment, and ice cream on white Alabama beaches.

There’s no time like the present; book your Gulf Shores vacation today!

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