We know most of you come to our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast and stay with us at Sunset Properties with the intention of having somefresh Alabama Gulf seafood while you’re visiting. For some great ideas on where to find the best seafood around, check out our seafood blog. If you have seafood allergies, we have a blog for that, too. Most locally owned restaurants offer seafood-free menus. Several have gluten-free foods, as well. But what about trying something just a little bit unexpected? Several of our favorite local restaurants have kicked it up a notch with some of their menu items. But a few have some really great unique food choices and we wanted to highlight those here. Here are five foods you really should try while you’re in our neighborhood:
- The Ole Spider Burger
So don’t let the name of this local fave scare ya! The Ole Spider Burger, a staple at Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar for many years, definitely deserves to be on our Top 5 List! A spider burger is a “big ole (soft shell) crab” on a bun with all the toppings you’d expect on any burger. Crabs are trapped while they are in between hard and soft outer shells. While their shells are soft, they can be fried whole and eaten. You might be surprised just how good this local treat really is! Inside the crispy outer coating, you will get a mouthful of delicious sweet crab. We suggest topping it with lettuce, tomato and onion, just like you would your favorite beef burger. Add some ketchup, mustard or mayo; or try our favorite: cocktail sauce! The Ole Spider Burger comes with fries and slaw, but we suggest adding an extra side of Doc’s World Famous Homemade Onion Rings and a cold beer or a tall glass of southern sweet tea.
- Seafood Primavera Pizza
We all love pizza, right? We can honestly say, you’ve never had a pizza like this. If alfredo sauce topped with gooey mozzarella, shrimp and scallops sounds good to you, you will love the Seafood Primavera Pizza at Papa-Rocco’s. The pizza also comes with broccoli and onions. Papa-Rocco’s has been a local’s favorite restaurant for more than 30 years. Located just north of the public beach in Gulf Shores, you really must stop by and visit the good folks at Papa-Rocco’s. They call themselves the “home of warm beer, lousy pizza” but we respectfully disagree. The beer is consistently some of the coldest anywhere and we have yet to get a bad pizza from there! Recently, Papa-Rocco’s has added delivery to their services. So if you don’t want to leave your beach home and go out to eat, give them a call. Delivery just may be the answer for you!
- World Famous Award Winning Keg Burger
If you happen to be one of those folks who have seafood allergies, you’re gonna love our next suggestion: The World Famous Award Winning Keg Burger from the Keg Lounge and Grill located on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Cooked to order, this beef hamburger piled high with lettuce, tomato and grilled onions is sure to please any burger connoisseur. Add a side of cheese fries and a cold beer for pure tasty mouth-watering bliss! Who would ever think of having a beef burger at the beach, right? We are so glad the good folks at The Keg did! For years, we have found ourselves happily parked inside The Keg enjoying the flavor-filled Keg Burger they are so famous for. Don’t let the name “The Keg” fool you into thinking you have to be 21 to enter. They offer a great menu for kids, too!
- Beignets and Cafe’ au lait
How about a little taste of New Orleans while you’re visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast? How about enjoying some fresh, hot beignets? Cafe’ Beignets of Alabama has a location in Gulf Shores and one in Orange Beach. Well-known around south Baldwin County, Cafe Beignet is a popular breakfast or brunch spot for a light, quick sweet meal. You cannot have French New Orleans style beignets without a cup of cafe’ au lait. For most of us, that’s puffy powder-sugar coated pastries with a delicious cup of chicory with steamed milk. Beignets are definitely a morning treat, so you’ll want to stop by before they close daily ‘round about noon. Be sure to give this family-friendly easy to find locals spot a try!
- Joe & Dave’s Alligator Bites
If you peek in our bayous around our island, you’ll most likely see some alligators. While we do not encourage feeding, molesting or killing them, we do suggest you try some already prepared to eat. Most people agree alligator meat is a tasty delight. Stop by the Original Oyster House and try some of Joe & Dave’s Alligator Bites. Fried to a golden brown, a basket of perfectly portioned gator bites with a side of their wonderful dipping sauce, is certainly a reason to dine in Gulf Shores’ own Original Oyster House located in the heart of Gulf Shores. Add an ice cold adult beverage or soda and we’re sure you’ll be glad you stopped in. Don’t forget to grab one of their super stylish t-shirts, while you’re there. Enjoy great food and take home a great souvenir from the Original Oyster House!
These unique menu items available from some of our favorite local restaurants are just a few reasons why we love our island. Whether you’re staying with us at Sunset Properties for a weekend or all winter long, we encourage you to shop local and try new foods! And remember, for all your vacation rental needs, Sunset Properties has you covered. From single bedroom condos to multi-bedroom beach homes, we have exactly what you’re looking for in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or in Fort Morgan. Call us, text us or email us and we will be happy to get your next beach vacation reservation ready for your arrival!
251.543.1370
