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Best Spring Break Restaurants in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Area

February 15, 2023 | retaurant, Travel

Disclosure: This post  on best spring break restaurants is sponsored by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, however, all opinions are my own.

It’s still cold outside in Tennessee, and I am dreaming about lazy days at the pool, long evenings walking the beach, and ALL of the delicious vacation food. Never fear, spring break is almost here, which is the perfect time to head down to the Alabama beaches. Yes, there is still time to book your tropical getaway, and plan all of the fun activities and dining that go along with it. Today I wanted to share just a few of my favorite restaurants in the area. I tried to include a wide variety of food, fun atmospheres, and locations so there is something for everyone on my list. Let me know what your favorite spring break restaurant is so I can add to my list!

Groovy Goat:

The Groovy Goat is a great spring break restaurant located at OWA in Foley, which is jjuussttt north of Gulf Shores. There is indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of TV’s if trying to watch an important sporting event, and a large menu with something for everyone! OWA is a great place to explore, so park by the clock tower, grab some grub at Groovy Goat, and then spend some time walking around the area. I love that they carry some healthier items as well, like sweet potato fries and a turkey avocado wrap.

spring break restaurants

But if you are looking for straight up delicious, don’t sleep on the tater tots called totchos! Plenty to share and a great option for an appetizer.

The Groovy Goat also has an extensive drink menu so you can sip on a cocktail while you eat. After all, it is vacation! (Tip: they also have a happy hour menu!)

 

 

 

Picnic Beach

Picnic Beach is located very close to the beach in a great spot, and also offers indoor and outdoor seating. They carry a little bit of everything, and have a fun atmosphere.

spring break restaurants

My favorite thing to do is go for lunch and grab an acai bowl on a hot sunny day. So good! They also offer smoothies and salads if you are looking for something on the lighter side. They also carry sandwiches, burgers, and some seafood if you are looking for something a little more hearty.

 

 

Vinny’s Pizzeria:

The Wharf is a great place to shop, listen to live music, and of course, eat! If you are looking for an easy, kid friendly option before you are on the go again, then Vinny’s is for you! Friendly employees, fast service, and delicious pizza! It is located on the bottom floor of the Wharf, and we were able to park right in front and walk in, super easy!

Very filling and delicious. We may or may not have eaten the whole thing. (Love that they will do half and half so picky eaters and adventurous ones can share a pizza!)

spring break restaurants

Coast Restaurant

Coast is more of a fine dining experience, with a gorgeous indoor dining room topped off by a fun fish tank. It is on the second floor of the clubhouse at The Beach Club in Fort Morgan, and is a must do for my family.

Yes, the food and drinks are AMAZING (seafood, steaks, salad, pasta, etc.) and the staff is super nice and helpful, but my favorite thing about this restaurant, hands down, is the view.

Yes, this view. Ask to eat outside on the veranda, and you may be treated to a gorgeous painting in the sky as you sip your wine and listen to the sounds of the ocean. It is a magical experience, and makes me truly feel like I am on vacation. Check out their website for hours and to request a reservation.

Sunliner Diner

Sunliner Diner is located near the beach in Gulf Shores, in a prime location. It has the most fun 50’s diner theme, not to mention a huge menu handed to you on a newspaper! They serve breakfast all day as well as normal diner fare such as hamburgers and fries. However, in my family, their claim to fame is their hand spun milkshake menu! They carry some classic favorites (mine is cookies ‘n cream) but also have a special seasonal “surprise” shake called the “Big Tickle Party” that Emma Kate loves to get. How fun is this one she had one year in July?

spring break restaurants

My husband is a big fan of breakfast at any time of day, so he usually opts for that menu. But trust me when I say there is something for everyone in your family here at this great spring break restaurant.

There are so many amazing restaurants in the area, but I didn’t want to overwhelm anyone with an exhaustive list. For information on even more dining experiences or to look into lodging and activities, be sure to check out the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach tourism website. Happy planning!

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Related: 5 Reasons to Stay at the Beach Club Resort and Spa

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I am Heather Montgomery, a southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 11-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
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