My Silver Fox and I found three WONDERFUL restaurants on a recent trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.  Two are relatively new, and one goes all the way back to 1958.  They are not really in competition with each other.  One is in Spanish Fort, one in Gulf Shores, and one in Orange Beach.  Two are completely casual.  One has a casual downstairs and a “dressy” upstairs.  All three serve great seafood, but they each put their own spins on it and serve original recipes.

1. BLUEGILL is located on the Mobile Causeway within just a few miles of USS Alabama and the Battleship Memorial Park.  The same owners also have nearby Felix’s Fish Camp.  Both serve seafood, but they also have unique menus.  BLUEGILL is famous for its Flaming Oysters.  It has a capacity for 500 diners and offers nightly musical entertainment.  By all means, go when you can take advantage of the gorgeous sunsets.  Great food.  Wonderful setting.  Efficient staff.  BLUEGILL was opened in 1958.  Check out the website and read my fuller article here.   Even Elvis liked it.

2.  BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS is 1/2 block off of West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, AL.  You will love the fresh ingredients and housemade juices, dressings, and sauces.  Owner Brent Sexton opened in November of 2014, and he is growing a very enthusiastic following.  Indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of flatscreen TVs are available.  Mike will hook you up with one of his special dessert creations.  Key lime pie or red velvet cheesecake, anyone?  Beach House was so clean.  Everything gleamed.  We were there for an early lunch.  I’m sure it “hops” at night.  Check out the website and read my article here.

3.  FISHER’S AT ORANGE BEACH MARINA  has a great location in a quiet cove.  Chef Bill Briand is a recent nominee for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the South award.  He oversees both the downstairs DOCKSIDE location and the more formal UPSTAIRS dining room.  The food has a cajun influence because of Chef Bill’s background, and it is delicious.  Owner Johnny Fisher opened in 2013 and by 2014 and 2015, Fisher’s was already recognized by Southern Living as being one of the Best Restaurants in the South.  If you are very lucky, you might be seated at a table served by Elena.  She is a delightful girl from Moldova.  I had never met anyone from Moldova before.  Fascinating. Check out the website and read my article here.