Debbie Olson – Debbie is, by default, the best cook in the family (and I have the stomach to prove it). People often send us requests for her cooking well in advance of our arrival. Her best dishes are gumbo, chicken & dumplings and of course her beans. Everything is excellent and quantities are generous. You may have to serve yourself if you get second helpings but this is a minor inconvenience. I am truly blessed to be married to her!
Home of Bo and Sandy – I have placed this establishment at the top of my list for several reasons. First, the intimate nature of the place is charming. Large and expertly carved furnishings put you at ease as you dine. Second, typical main dishes include jambalaya, ribs, ettouffee and the ever present tubular steak (hot dos/sausage). The food is always hot and appealing. They accept reservations only but the culinary experience definitely makes the trip worthwhile. Third, wait staff is chatty and friendly and does their best to please their guests. Finally, the cost for this dining experience is $0 – a real bargain these days! We would definitely come back when in the area!
Tacky Jacks Tavern (Orange Beach) – This is now our favorite restaurant near Gulf Shores. We both ordered the fried fish and shrimp combo and were very pleased. The fish and shrimp had a light seasoned crust which was very tasty. They also gave us plenty of fries and two hush puppies. The portions are generous so you won’t leave hungry. The meals at $20 are nor cheap but the food makes it a good deal. It’s designed like the Hangout but you can even dock your boat there.
Tin Top (Bon Secour) – fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits – wonderful food, Tomatoes were cut thick and fried crispy…..just needed salt and pepper. Grits we absolutely perfect infused with Gouda cheese, 10 shrimp (blackened) in a crawfish sauce (large servings). 2/6/17 (no longer serves lunch daily)
Updare (2/13/17) Had to wait a long time for appetizers (one hour) and the shrimp and grits didn’t have the shrimp done correctly. Disappointing. The main course (when we got it) was great.
Lamberts Cafe (Foley) – Great southern cooking (for those who don’t know what that means substitute “fried”). Before you get your food they serve “pass-arounds” – fried okra you put on your napkin (translated : paper towel). One you get your plate they serve fried potatoes with onion (yummy), black eyed peas, sorgham syrup (for their wonderful rolls). Mac and tomatoes and boiled cabbage (all you can eat). This is in addition to what you order plus two sides. By the way, the rolls are thrown to the diners (throwedrolls.com). Our favorite entriees are the chicken fried round steak or the sugar glazed ham (served on a platter, you will be bringing some home). Cash only!
The Hangout (Gulf Shores) – One of the fun places to go in Gulf Shores. They sponsor several concerts every year! The food is good (mostly fried) and a little higher than other restaurants but it is right on the beach and we have never been disappointed with the food. We have enjoyed their burgers and wraps there. Service is always excellent.
Poor Mexican (Spanish Fort) – Deb and I both ordered the Ultimate Burrito which was filled with chicken/beef and sautéed mushrooms and covered with cheese sauce and picco de gallo. Yummy! Plus, the chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was very chunky (we like that). We will definitely go back.
Goo-Roo (Robertsdale) – Excellent burger place. We were hungry so we started with onion rings which were seasoned well. When we bit on them the onion didn’t slide out (one true test). I got the Atomic burger which was 3/4 pound with cheese and jalapeños stuffed inside the meat. Wow…just come hungry.
Fish River Grill (Gulf Shores) – Recommended by Bo, we went to this restaurant to get one of their award winning burgers.. It was a half pound monster with fries….Debbie ate half but I finished mine *so good). We also had their cheese curds which were fried in a seasoned batter and they were good too. The only drawback to our culinary experience is the service could have been better; however, this will not keep us from going back.
Lola’s on the River (Gadsden) – For the first time ever, we unhooked and went out to lunch here. The food was tasty and hot and we were very pleased. Deb had fried flounder, I had a hamburger steak – all seasoned correctly. This was recommended by the park management.
Bill’s by the Beach (Gulf Shores) – Fried green tomatoes and fried grouper. All was wonderful and inexpensive.
