restaurants in gulf shores

Jun 19 2019

Where Is the Best Spot for Gulf Shores Brunch?

Picture this: You’re on vacation in sunny Gulf Shores, AL. You sleep in and wake up to a view of the ocean. There’s no better way to start each day of your trip than with a Southern, home-cooked meal by the beach. These six spots for Gulf Shores brunch are guaranteed to make your mouth water! After you’ve planned where you’ll eat, browse our outstanding Gulf Shores home rentals and get ready to book your beach vacation today!

The Top 6 Places for Gulf Shores Brunch

Brunch is always a good idea, no matter what time of year you visit Gulf Shores! Be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at one of these six restaurants on your next vacation.

1. Brick & Spoon

Brick & Spoon, voted one of the top 10 breakfasts in the United States by Travel + Leisure, offers a variety of flavorful brunch selections. There are only three Brick & Spoon locations, and we’re so grateful that one of them is here in Orange Beach. Their extensive menu includes delicious dishes such as Bananas Foster French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, and Eggs Benedict. If you’re looking to add an extra punch to your brunch, try their create-your-own Bloody Mary! It’s the perfect addition to a Gulf Shores girls getaway brunch.

2. The Ruby Slipper Cafe

Another Southern chain, the award-winning Ruby Slipper Cafe specializes in New Orleans-inspired brunch fare. The Chicken St. Charles Egg Benedict and Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are just a couple of their fan favorite items. Check out their full brunch menu to see more cocktails, sweet selections, and specialty dishes. The Ruby Slipper opens at 7 a.m. every morning, so it’s the perfect option for early birds!

3. Cobalt the Restaurant

Cobalt isn’t your typical brunch place, but its fresh seafood dishes and other culinary creations have put it on the map. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cobalt opens its doors for a single-ticket buffet brunch. Enjoy classics like casseroles, salads, omelets, desserts, a carving station, and more!

Browse their menu and get ready to join them for brunch on Perdido Beach Boulevard this weekend!

4. Hazel’s Nook

This retro, hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves great food every morning at their breakfast buffet. Join the buffet line, which includes an omelet bar and fruit station, or order off of the breakfast menu, which features Country Smoked Ham, pancakes, and sandwiches. Hazel’s Nook is centrally located along Gulf Shores Parkway, making it a fantastic starting point for your day.

5. Kitty’s Kafe

Locals and visitors alike love the warm, friendly atmosphere at Kitty’s Kafe. Experience genuine Southern hospitality and indulge in delicious breakfast fare at this cozy diner. Sample comfort food like biscuits and gravy or dig into a plate of fluffy pancakes. Want to know the best part? Breakfast is served all day at Kitty’s!

Plan the Perfect Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

Start every day with a delicious Gulf Shores brunch before heading off on a coastal adventure! A Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental is the perfect home base for your trip to the Gulf Coast. Book The Bee’s Knees for your next family reunion, friends getaway, or summer vacation. This four bedroom, four bathroom home in the heart of peaceful Fort Morgan has everything you need to feel at home. Watch the waves crash over the sand from your living room and enjoy easy access to the beach and community pool. This rental unit also comes with incredible amenities such as complimentary kayak rentals, beach chairs, and bikes.

Start planning your unforgettable getaway at a Harris Vacation Rentals rental today!

Dec 14 2018

Sing Your Heart Out at the Greatest Gulf Shores Concerts

There are few better places for year-round live music than Gulf Shores, Alabama. All year long, this beachfront town is the perfect setting to see your favorite band perform. Locals and tourists alike love to experience the area’s lively entertainment scene, so we’ve compiled the essential guide to Gulf Shores concerts. What are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family, belt out the lyrics to your favorite songs, and dance like no one is watching! Then, continue the fun at a private vacation rental with Harris Vacation Rentals!

Have a Rockin Good Time at These Gulf Shores Concerts

From intimate shows on the water to nationally acclaimed music festivals, there’s no shortage of concerts to attend in Gulf Shores. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the Gulf Coast music scene!

Join the Party at Local Music Festivals

Hangout Music Festival

The annual Hangout Music Festival is the most renowned music festival on the Gulf Coast. Rain or shine, you can enjoy three days of music from the top rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic artists in the industry. Past and upcoming artists include The Chainsmokers, Halsey, The Killers, SZA, Logic, The 1975, Khalid, and Hozier. For access to exclusive artist performances and preferred viewing areas, treat yourself to VIP tickets.

You’ll never be bored with activities like a tropical spa, puppy kissing booth, and a roller disco. Toast s’mores and tell stories around the fire at Camp Hangout, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel for an excellent view of the Gulf. You don’t want to miss the beachfront Hangout Festival this May ‒ get your tickets now!

Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

Talented musicians from all over the country perform at the Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival. The festival spans across two dozen venues along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast and features over 200 acclaimed, up-and-coming artists. Check out shows in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as well as Pensacola’s Flora Bama beach bar.

One of the best parts of the festival is that the artists have a chance to share their musical journey with attendees. Some of the songs that guests hear are still in demo stages, and the musicians love to hear audience feedback. If you love music and are eager to learn more about the songwriting process, this is the festival for you. Learn more about the performers and get ready for ten days of soulful music this November!

Return for a Concert Series Encore

The C Spire Concert Series comes to Gulf Shores every spring and summer for months of outstanding outdoor music concerts. Plenty of talent passes through the Wharf Amphitheater each season. Past and future headliners include Imagine Dragons, The Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & The Blowfish, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett. Explore the full lineup of upcoming events and reserve your tickets!

In addition to attending a concert at the Amphitheater, you can explore the rest of The Wharf at Orange Beach. You can shop, dine, see a movie, or play some mini golf at this entertainment destination.

Swim Out to a Floating Music Venue

Have you ever heard of a concert you could swim to? Well, there’s a first for everything! Gumbo Key is less of a concert venue and more of a well-kept local secret. Boaters find the event by using GPS coordinates which lead them to a barge marked with a flag. Gumbo Key’s “leave no trace” policy promotes more than just mystery. The event is adamant about cleaning up all trash to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

There’s no better way to celebrate the summer solstice than attending a free, floating concert. In years past, thousands of people have flocked to the mythical floating venue to hear live Southern music serenade the Gulf Coast.

All you need is a boat to get you there! Check out some of our boat rental options and head out to the elusive Gumbo Key. Then, spend the rest of the day zipping around the open ocean and exploring the magic of Gulf Shores.

Get a Taste of the Area’s Best Live Music

A guide to the music of Gulf Shores would be incomplete without mentioning some of the best places to experience live music with a little more local flair.

Pleasure Island Tiki Bar

Pleasant Island Tiki is known for their open-air beach vibes and excellent live entertainment. Take a seat at the colorful bar, enjoy views of Terry Cove, and immerse yourself in the sounds of Gulf Shores. The live music lineup includes regular favorite Al & Cathy, a local classic rock band. Get ready to jam out with a drink in your hand!

Papa Rocco’s

Live music and a kitchen open until midnight? Count us in! Papa Rocco’s pizza and oyster bar serves up free, in-house concerts every night of the week. Don’t miss their extended happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday.

Insider tip: If you are in town for St. Patrick’s Day, check out Papa’s owner Bill McGinnes’s Pub Crawl.

Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s

Lulu’s family-friendly restaurant is a Gulf Shores landmark. Bring the kids, order some fresh-caught seafood, and soak up good vibes. Climb the ropes course and play at the arcade while live music fills the air. Lulu’s is an all-in-one hotspot for family fun!

Come Sail Away to a Gulf Shores Vacation Rental

Attending a Gulf Shores concert will have you dancing all night long! We have good news: discovering the Gulf Coast music scene is one of many fun things to do in Gulf Shores. Hit the beach, rent a bike, play a round of golf… there are limitless options for fun on Gulf Shores!

Now, all you need is to find the perfect vacation rental for you and your family! At Harris Vacation Rentals, our wide range of Gulf Shores vacation rentals have something for everyone. During your stay on the Gulf Coast, let our Tiki Time property be your home away from home. This charming, bayfront bungalow is beautifully decorated and comfortably sleeps 10. The house has its own pool, a large deck overlooking the lagoon, and a covered entertainment area. The private pier is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and family photo ops. The ultimate family vacation is at your fingertips. Browse our vacation rentals and start planning your Gulf Shores getaway today!
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Mar 05 2018

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

When you fur child is just as much a part of the family as the two-legged members, it’s tough to leave them behind on vacation. Luckily, when you book a Gulf Shores or Orange Beach vacation, you’ve got options. From pet-friendly attractions to beach houses and even dog-friendly restaurants, you can plan an entire vacation with your pup in mind.

One of our favorite places to start our planning is food! Alabama beaches are packed with great restaurants, and the fact that many are pet friendly is a big plus when you’re a dog-loving family. These top spots will have you licking your chops for more when your pup tags along on vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Make plans to visit some of our favorite Gulf Shores dog-friendly restaurants on Alabama beaches.

Orange Beach Dog-Friendly Restaurants: The Gulf

The Gulf in Orange Beach takes the coastal chic factor up a notch. This open-air restaurant is coastal living at its best, especially when you can bring your fur child along. All seating is outdoors and all music is played on vinyl records.

Relax on comfortable lounge furniture with waterfront views of Alabama Point. Watch the charter fishing boats come and go. If you’re lucky, you may even see the Navy’s precision flight team, the Blue Angels, fly overhead on Sunday afternoons during the summer! A visit to The Gulf is a unique experience, not only for you, but for Fido, as well. The Gulf is also THE place to get a burger at the beach! All natural beef smothered in house-made garlic aioli and topped with cheese and crispy bacon might just make you visit The Gulf more than once during your vacation!

What makes The Gulf a great stop on your dog-friendly vacation agenda? With all seating outdoors, your pooch can go anywhere you go. Dogs also love laying in the cool sand on The Gulf’s beach area.

Where to Stay Near The Gulf

Just a short drive from The Gulf is United We Sand at the Cottages at Romeo Beach. This two-bedroom beach cottage welcomes you and your pup. You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical oasis with plenty of room to spread out.

Gulf Shores Dog Friendly Restaurants: The Royal Oyster in Gulf Shores

Looks can be deceiving. At first appearances, you may not even notice The Royal Oyster. It sits in an unassuming little blue building just off of Highway 59 on a lagoon inlet in Gulf Shores. This small restaurant is known for its melt-in-your-mouth oysters, Shell Bank Selects. These oysters are harvested a few miles down the road in Fort Morgan, and owner, Marissa, routinely goes out to tend the oysters with her friends at the oyster farm. In fact, Marissa is growing the restaurant’s own variety of oysters with the help of the purveyors at Shell Bank Selects. It’s a whole new take on farm-to-table dining!

You can order up your oysters raw and on the half shell or one of several preparations. Can’t decide? Order a flight and try them all! If you’re not an oyster fan, don’t let the name of this dog-friendly restaurant confuse you. There are plenty of other selections, including pastas, burgers and fresh seafood. You can’t visit The Royal Oyster without sipping on one of the bartender’s signature craft cocktails. They’re always mixing up something new and refreshing!

What makes The Royal Oyster a perfect stop for you and your pooch and one of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores? The uber-casual outdoor dining area is a good place to start. Pull up a stool to an outdoor high top and enjoy waterfront views. These dog-loving restaurateurs will even give Fido a bowl of water on those hot days. The Royal Oyster’s laidback vibe is a great spot for talking with the locals and enjoying a casual lunch or dinner with your fur child.

Where to Stay Near The Royal Oyster

Park your paws at the Blue Parrot # 3 or Blue Parrot #7 in Gulf Shores. These dog-friendly beach houses have everything you and your pooch need, including a pool and direct Gulf-front views! At the Blue Parrot, you’re just a short drive from The Royal Oyster and other pet-friendly Gulf Shores restaurants. Both beach houses offer five bedrooms with rooms to accommodate 16 guests.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants: Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Ole River Grill

These sister restaurants make more than just pups feel welcomed. Located across the road from the legendary roadhouse, the Flora-Bama Lounge, these two restaurants are not only pet friendly, but boat friendly, as well! Have boat, will travel? You’re in luck! Cruise down Ole River with Fido at the bow and dock your boat at the Flora-Bama Marina or beach it on the sand.

If laid back is what you’re looking for, you may not find a more ideal spot than the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. These dog-loving folks know how to relax! With a bushwacker in hand, find a spot at a picnic table and listen to beach tunes flow from the speakers or from a live band. Don’t let the name fool you. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club welcomes you as you are – flip flops, swimsuit cover up, sandy dog and all. Your must-order item? Feast on a platter of Bacon & BBQ Fire-Roasted Oysters. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did. You also won’t find a better rib-eye on the island. Order up a medium hand-cut certified Angus Beef Ribeye, and we won’t tell if you pass Fido a few bites.

Located next door is the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. Find a spot on the deck to perch your pup and enjoy views of boats idling by. Chef Jon Gibson is known for his unique creations, including Fried Mac & Cheese and Big Earl’s Shrimp & Grits that you’ll want to write home about. There’s a story behind the Fried Mac & Cheese, and if you have the pleasure of visiting with Chef Jon he may just tell it to you. We don’t give spoilers though!

What makes the Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Ole River Grill pup worthy? One word – beach! You’re located right on the banks of Ole River and there’s plenty of white sand and clear water for cooling off at these two dog-friendly restaurants.

Where to Stay Near Flora-Bama

Dock of the Bay located on Wolf Bay in Orange Beach may just be a doggie paradise. There’s plenty of outdoor space for your pooch to run and play at this four-bedroom beach house. This house offers a fishing pier, so bring your boat and motor over to Flora-Bama Yacht Club or Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. You’re just a short ride away by boat.

There are plenty more dog-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but these are our tried and true favorites. Now that you’re ready to feast with your fur child, book your pet-friendly vacation rental. Harris Vacation Rentals Management offers more than 40 pet-friendly rentals on Alabama beaches. We’re paws-itive you’ll find a Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan vacation rental that’s perfect for every member of your family.

For more pet-friendly vacation planning tips, read The Greatest Pet-Friendly Activities in Gulf Shores.

Jul 25 2017

Best Cheap, Local Restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

It’s smart to look around and compare prices when you’re looking for restaurants. After all, even though we offer very affordable rentals, it’s good to make a practice of being thrifty elsewhere—especially when you don’t need to sacrifice quality!

The best cheap restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to eat at on vacation are local mom n’ pop shops—what’s the point of going to explore a new place if you’re just going to eat at the same place you always do? Instead, you should be looking for places where you can experience the local cuisine—and in a southern gulf town, it’s cooking you can’t get anywhere else! Here are a few ideas to get your mouth watering:

Sea-n-Suds

This cheap restaurants in Orange Beach is a great spot to visit while you’re on the beach. It’s not hard to understand why Sea-N-Suds has been around so long. You can get a delicious sandwich and a side here for $9 and enjoy it right by the Gulf! Their seafood is reasonably priced too, and fresh from the source. It’s the perfect place to grab “beach food!” You’ll find it by E. 3rd Street and E. Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores.

Flip Flop Deli Shop

Despite the name, this restaurant is anything but a flop! The prices are quite the bargain given this restaurant’s combination of location, portion size, and service. They have a whole smorgasbord of different options— and each one is spectacularly delicious! Their offerings all make a great beach-outing bite: they offer pizza, snow cones, sandwiches, ice cream, and coffee! You’ll always get your money’s worth here. It’s on Beach Boulevard, west of 4th Street.

The Cove Bar and Grill

If you crave the bar scene but are worried about food prices, check out this spot! This casual spot is great for a good meal, with classic bar food like mozzarella sticks as well as southern staples like fried green tomatoes. For main courses, they feature sandwiches, salads, and wraps, with almost all offerings under $10—enjoy a meal while playing some billiards! It’s on (quite fittingly) Cove Avenue between Gulf Shores Parkway and W 2nd Street.

China King

Ranging from $6 lunch specials to the $12 chef specials and assortments of appetizers to add in for just $4 or less each, China King gives quite a lot of value! There’s an immense menu, too, so even people not fond of Chinese food are likely to find something that sounds delicious. Chinese restaurants may be hard to find in Baldwin County, but China King delivers! China King is in a strip mall on the north side of Alabama’s Coastal Connection in Orange Beach, but if you’re nearby you can even order online—perfect if you can’t stand leaving your vacation rental!

Stay with Harris Vacation Rentals

And if you’re interested in more nooks and crannies in Gulf Shores, book a vacation rental with Harris Vacation Rentals! Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you discover our delightful town. Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to book today!

Jul 18 2017

Five Healthy Restaurants in Gulf Shores to Eat at Post Fourth of July

We all know the over-indulgences of sweets that happens each Halloween and Christmas, but the Fourth of July is just as bad for throwing some of us off our diets. You may be tired of fried shrimp and deep-fried food at the various restaurants in Gulf Shores. If you want to go somewhere with some more wholesome options, then check out these healthy restaurants in Gulf Shores. Keep in mind though, we love our food hearty in Gulf Shores, so you’ll have to keep your eyes off certain areas of the menus!

DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen

Are you tired of seafood places that think everything is made better with gravy or heavy cream sauces? Try DeSoto’s then—they really emphasize the natural flavor of the food, with dishes like steamed snow crab legs and flounder almodine keeping things simple and wholesome. Keep in mind that a meal here will cost $20 or more—even so, the reviewers keep coming back to this gem. This restaurants in Gulf Shores a little off the beaten path near the southern end of Gulf Shores Parkway.

The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar

Right nearby DeSoto’s is another great option: The Steamer! Their website proudly boasts that there isn’t a crumb of fried food in their restaurant. If you’re looking to get away from the trans and saturated fats that clog your arteries, then have a hearty yet healthy meal at the Steamer!

Restaurants in Gulf Shores: Sunset Cork Room

Okay, we may be stretching what counts as “healthy,” but red wine is supposed to be good for your heart right? Really, we couldn’t fail to mention this gem. Their starters are easy on the palette, from the cheese plate to the salads. This is an upscale restaurant a little higher on the price, but everything they make is packed with flavor from skill and spice, not from fats and sugars. This great spot is tucked away on 16th Ave just east of Gulf Shores Parkway.

Brick and Spoon

If you’re new to the region and haven’t tried this Southern breakfast/lunch chain before, you’re in for a treat! Their portions are huge, but the prices reasonable for the quality and fantastic service. If you’re trying to eat light, go for the grilled veggie sandwich and farmer’s market benedict. But make room for their signature bloody mary. It has veggies so its healthy right? It’s on Canal Rd just a few blocks east of The Wharf on the way to Orange Beach.

Portabella’s

Okay, so this is a little bit of a drive up into Foley, but its worth it. Portabella’s is a lovely Italian restaurant that features the staples: pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and most importantly, salads! A good salad can be hard to find in Gulf Shores, so if you want a plate of leafy greens that’ll still leave you full, you should try Portabella’s. It’s located in Foley on N. Mackenzie Street.

Cook It Up in Your Harris Vacation Rentals Vacation Home!

And if none of these options are up to your standards, then use your rental home’s kitchen to make your own healthy dishes! Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to book a fabulous Gulf Shores rental today!

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