Kid-friendly venues are a must when you’re on a family vacation. Luckily, Gulf Shores, Alabama offers a variety of restaurants that welcome families with children of all ages. Whether you are grabbing a bite before hitting the beach, or are looking for an easygoing place for dinner before heading back to your Gulf Shores vacation rental, you can find plenty of choices to suit all tastes. Check out these top 10 eateries in the area.
1. Lulu’s
If you love tasty buffets, head to Lulu’s for everything from pot roast to cheeseburgers. Lulu’s has a laid-back atmosphere and a fun beach vibe that is ideal for the whole family. Arrive by land or by water and enjoy the live music while you wait. The restaurant has an arcade for those who enjoy video games along with the thrilling Mountain of Youth and Munchkin Mountain equipped with tightrope walking and climbing areas. Purchase t-shirts, cups, beach gear, and toys all with the Lulu’s logo to commemorate your trip. Along with the buffet, you can also order from the menu which includes fresh fish, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies made to order.
2. The Hangout
From the minute you walk in the door, you know your experience at The Hangout will be a fun one. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a variety of antiques and treasures lining the walls. From vintage lunch boxes to an expansive collection of action figures and collectibles, The Hangout offers plenty for kids to enjoy. There’s even a wish wall where you write down your wish on a piece of paper, roll it up, and affix it to the wall. This indoor/outdoor diner has its own huge beach area with a sand pit, oversized Adirondack chairs for photographs, and beautiful views of the gulf. Menu items include their infamous grilled cheese, flavorful burgers, and a large selection of fresh seafood.
3. Tacky Jacks
One glance at the colorful sign outside and you know Tasty Jacks is a family-friendly restaurant. Located right on the water, Tasty Jacks has an outdoor seating area that overlooks the Gulf and live music nightly. Show off your voice on open mic night, or bring the kids and meet Mertle the Turtle. Sample the fried pickles with the restaurant’s signature spicy sauce, or be adventurous and try fried gator tails. Gumbo is made fresh daily, and there is a selection of Po Boys, wraps, burgers, steaks, and mac n cheese. After you eat, grab a piece of tape, sign your name, and stick it to any available surface in the restaurant to leave your mark. Be sure to take a slice of key lime pie back to your vacation rental for later.
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4. Scoop’s Olde Fashion Ice Cream
Cool off after a day at the beach with a trip to the ice cream parlor. Scoop’s has over two dozen flavors to choose from. Try the homemade cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, or sit around the outside tables and sample the frozen yogurt. Take your ice cream in a chocolate dipped waffle cone or opt for an old-fashioned sundae in a cup.
5. Janino’s Pizza
For the best of New York style pizza in Gulf Shores, head to Janino’s Pizza. You can order online and take it back to your vacation rental. Choose from stromboli or chicken parmigiana, or top your pizza from a wide choice of toppings, including feta cheese, black olives, or pepperoncinis.
6. Hog Wild Beach and BBQ
Distinguishable on the outside by its bright aqua paint and neon signs, Hog Wild Beach and BBQ is the perfect place to go if you love smoky meats. Come straight from the beach and sit outside, or you can opt for indoor seating and cool off in the middle of the day. Choose from sides that are made from scratch as well as homemade sauces. There’s also a kid’s menu with grilled cheese sandwiches and mac n cheese. If you prefer to take your meal back to your vacation rental, place your order online and take it to go.
7. Flip Flop Deli Shop
Flip Flop is a great place to go for an afternoon lunch. Choose from a selection of sandwiches piled high with meat and cheese, pizza, or walking tacos and enjoy a homemade shake on the side. There’s shaved ice for the kids and hot steaming cinnamon rolls all day. This little shop is conveniently located across from the beach, and the friendly staff is extremely welcoming.
8. Hope’s Cheesecake Incorporated
Who doesn’t love fresh desserts during the day? Hope’s Cheesecake Incorporated is a child’s dream come true. This small shop has a whole lineup of homemade cheesecakes in a variety of flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Call and order a specific flavor or stop in and grab one to take back to your rental for dessert.
9. De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen
De Soto’s is a popular family-friendly restaurant with fresh seafood, chicken, steaks, sandwiches, and home-style sides. Choose from one of the fresh-catch daily specials like the yellow fin tuna or blackened mahi-mahi. There’s also a kids menu that includes burgers, chicken fingers, corn dogs, and fish sticks for the finicky eater.
10. Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill
Sassy’s is an extremely colorful beach-themed restaurant that is a lot of fun for both kids and adults. Music memorabilia line the walls, and you can listen to the locals play daily. Stop by in the morning for the daily breakfast buffet, or during the day enjoy Po boy sandwiches, burgers, fresh fish, and burritos. The kid’s menu includes a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chicken fingers, or fish sticks.
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