The 10 Best Bars in Gulf Shores, AL
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable bar-hopping adventure in Gulf Shores, AL? Well, look no further, because we’ve got the ultimate list of the 10 Best Bars in Gulf Shores, AL that you just have to check out! From laid-back beach bars to vibrant party spots and even family-friendly hangouts, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Discover unique places like Big Beach Brewing Company, The Hangout, Flora-Bama Lounge, and COASTAL, where you’ll be blown away by stunning waterfront views, amazing live music, and mouthwatering food. Or explore quirky spots like Tacky Jacks, The Gulf, and Pink Pony Pub, each offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
And don’t forget to check out family-friendly favorites like LuLu’s Gulf Shores and Sandshaker at The Wharf, where everyone in your group will have a blast. So, pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready to explore the incredible bars Gulf Shores has to offer.
Personally, I stop at the four bars on the top of this list, every time I’m in Gulf Shores. But it’s time for you to find your personal favorites. On with the list…
1. Big Beach Brewing Company
Big Beach Brewing is very often my first stop on the way into Gulf Shores. With an amazing variety of craft beers on tap, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Plus, their outdoor seating area is the ultimate hangout spot – imagine sipping on a cold brew under the warm Alabama sun.
The beer at Big Beach is always very solid. They have four flagship beers that are always on tap: Rod’s Cream Ale, Hundred Daze IPA, Dixie’s Heart Irish Red Ale, and Area 251 Hazy IPA. In addition, Big Beach taps a wide variety of special release brews that may or may not see the beer menu again. Personally, I often order the Area 251 and I’ll always get Bioluminescence (a New Zealand Style IPA) when it’s on the menu. For the non-beer drinkers, four varietals of wine are generally on tap as well.
The atmosphere at Big Beach is great too! There’s always a steady crowd out on the patio enjoying the Gulf Shores weather. They host live music out there from Thursday to Sunday, so there’s no excuse not to pop in and have a cold beer. If you’re looking to get out of the sun, you’ll enjoy their cozy taproom with TVs to watch the game.
So next time you’re in Gulf Shores, be sure to swing by Big Beach Brewing Company for some top-notch brews and good times.
2. The Hangout
If there’s a quintessential Gulf Shores bar, it’s The Hangout! This place is where the party never stops. It’s got this amazing beachfront location that just screams fun in the sun. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing cocktail with your toes in the sand and the ocean waves crashing nearby. Sounds pretty cool, right?
The Hangout’s lively atmosphere is absolutely contagious. Once the season rolls around, they host live music every single night in their courtyard. Music generally runs from 6-10 PM on Sunday through Thursday and 7-11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll find yourself dancing the night away to live music and joining in on all the excitement.
Plus, Teh hangout hosts some cool annual events and themed nights – they seriously know how to throw a party! If you ever get the chance, it’s well worth attending the famous Hangout Music Festival. The 2023 lineup is a great one, with Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, Paramore, and Calvin Harris all scheduled to perform. They also host some pretty epic beach volleyball tournaments.
An added benefit of The Hangout is that it’s kid friendly. So, if you have the whole family, they are more than welcome at The Hangout.
So, if you’re looking for the ultimate beach party experience in Gulf Shores, you’ve got to check out The Hangout. Trust me, you won’t want to leave!
3. Flora-Bama Lounge
If there’s one bar you’ve probably heard about, it’s the Flora-Bama Lounge. This place is legendary! Nestled right on the state line between Florida and Alabama, Flora-Bama Lounge offers a unique and unforgettable Gulf Shores experience. There’s something amazing about sipping on a drink while standing in two states at once.
But the location isn’t the only thing that sets Flora-Bama apart. The place is absolutely massive and live music is everywhere! You can wander your way through The Flora-Bama and discover new room after new room, new bar after new bar. There are five different stages and all of them will be rocking every night. Flora-Bama Lounge has some of the best local and regional acts performing regularly, making it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the tunes.
Flora-Bama also hosts the annual “Mullett Toss”, which they bill as The Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. I have to admit that it’s pretty tough to dispute that claim. Thousands will descend upon the legendary bar for three days of great music, drinks, and fun in the sun.
Oh, the drinks are pretty good too. It always helps when you can sit on the patio drinking you beer and peeking at the Gulf of Mexico.
So next time you’re in Gulf Shores, make sure to put Flora-Bama Lounge on your must-visit list. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
4. CoastAL
I really love COASTAL in Orange Beach! It’s the only true waterfront bar/restaurant in Orange Beach, and I really think you can’t do any better with the location that directly on the beach!
COASTAL is brand new and is really three outlets on one property. There’s the COASTAL restaurant, which is a traditional, sit-down family restaurant. There’s the COASTAL Clothing Company, which is a pretty good-sized retail spot where you can get all your branded merch and beach necessities. And then there’s the COASTAL Beach Bar, which is of course where I hung out, and the best spot to be.
Picture what I like to call upscale casual. Sit yourself down at the bar or one of the high-top tables, and simply savor the sights and sounds. A cool acoustic musician is more than likely playing on stage, and if you time it just right, you can watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. Pretty spectacular if you ask me.
If you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with one of COASTAL’s seafood dishes. Everything is sourced from local waters, and the Grouper Tacos are definitely top notch in my humble opinion.
Take my advice. Plan a visit at sunset and just enjoy the show. You’ll see why COASTAL is one of the 10 best bars in Gulf Shores, AL.
5. Pleasure Island Tiki Bar
Pretty simple…what’s not to like about a Tiki Bar? Well, not much if you ask me. Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is located at the Safe Harbor Sportsman Marina, and it’s a great spot do spend an afternoon lounging with a tiki cocktail.
The first thing you notice is that people are filtering into the Tiki Bar in lots of different ways. Some folks are rolling up on their golf carts, while others pulling up to the dock on their boat. Somehow, pulling up in a car just didn’t quite feel right.
It’s a no-frills place for sure, but it was very easy to feel comfortable at Pleasure Island. I was pretty happy, as they had a pretty good craft beer selection, including an Oyster City Helles that you can’t go wrong with. I know, I know, who drinks beer at a Tiki Bar? Anyway, not surprisingly, they have a great variety of tiki drinks, including a Mai Tai, Zombie, and the old standby, the Painkiller cocktail.
Live music every day (except Monday, when they’re closed) is an added bonus. So, if you’re in the mood for a relaxed time with a delicious Tiki Cocktail (or a beer), then the Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is definitely the place for you.
6. Tacky Jacks
Let me tell you about this funky little spot I discovered in Gulf Shores – Tacky Jacks! This place is a true Gulf Shores original, and it’s got the quirkiest decor you’ve ever seen. With colorful license plates, fishing nets, and fun memorabilia adorning the walls, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a beachcomber’s paradise.
And the atmosphere at Tacky Jacks? It’s warm and welcoming, making it a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a night out with friends. The friendly staff always greet you with a smile and are eager to serve up some amazing drink specials. Their delicious food is the perfect accompaniment to your beverages – I’m still dreaming about their fresh seafood dishes!
But what really sets Tacky Jacks apart are the stunning views of the Gulf. It’s the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. So next time you’re in town, don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind Gulf Shores experience at Tacky Jacks!
7. The Gulf
Another cool bar in Gulf Springs, well technically Orange Beach, is The Gulf, located on the beach right before you get to Perdido Pass. This place is seriously unique, with a one-of-a-kind layout and design that you won’t find anywhere else. The entire place is built out of shipping containers, giving it a cool, industrial vibe that’s totally Insta-worthy.
Not only does The Gulf have an amazing design, but the location is top-notch too. Situated right on the beach, you’ll have front row seats to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico while you dine or grab a drink. They’ve got some varied seating options to suit your mood – whether you want to chill on the beach or relax in a cozy corner. Grab a seat at a table under the big umbrella or sprawl out on the stylish rattan couch.
And let’s not forget about the food! The Gulf’s seafood menu is out of this world, with dishes that are as delicious as they are fresh. Plus, the menu is always changing, so there’s plenty of variety. The last time I was there, The Gulf was dishing up a Swordfish Reuben sandwich. Wow! You don’t see that every day, and it was really good.
So next time you’re in Orange Beach, and looking for a cool, casual spot to hang out, be sure to visit The Gulf.
8. Pink Pony
I have to tell you about this incredible beachside spot I found in Gulf Shores – the Pink Pony Pub! This place is a colorful classic that you just can’t miss. With its vibrant decor and fun atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The oceanfront views at the Pink Pony Pub are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine sipping on a delicious cocktail while watching the waves roll in and the sun set over the horizon. It’s pure magic, I promise!
And let’s not forget about the scrumptious food menu and signature cocktails. I’m still raving about their mouthwatering seafood dishes and refreshing drinks. Plus, their friendly staff always make you feel right at home.
So, next time you’re in Gulf Shores and looking for a truly unforgettable beachside experience, be sure to hit up the Pink Pony Pub. You’ll be glad you did!
9. Lulu’s Gulf Shores
Next on our list is an amazing family-friendly spot I found in Gulf Shores – LuLu’s. This place is an absolute paradise for families with kids. They’ve got a fantastic play area where the little ones can run around and have a blast, while you kick back and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! LuLu’s also serves up some seriously tasty food options that the whole family will love. I’m talking fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and even some healthy choices – they’ve got it all.
And since we are talking about the top 10 bars, I have a drink recommendation for you. I tried the “Jet Ski Killer”. It’s definitely and interesting name, but it’s also a pretty interesting drink. It’s similar to a Pina Colada, and is made with Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Curacao, and banana. I really liked it, definitely a great summer drink. One other cool thing about their bar is that they have a house craft beer. Crazy Sista Honey Ale is a beer made specifically for LuLu’s by Back Forty Brewing out of Gadsden, AL. A nice touch for sure…
And while you’re enjoying your meal, you can also catch some great live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening with the family.
So, if you’re looking for a fun, laid-back spot to please everyone in your group, look no further than LuLu’s Gulf Shores. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed good time for all ages.
10. Sandshaker at The Wharf
The last bar on our Top 10 list is The Sandshaker, a cool spot located at The Wharf in Orange Beach. It’s right on the marina, and generally, starting in March, you can make your way out to the outdoor Marina Bar. This spot has a laid-back vibe with a twist, making it perfect for a relaxed but memorable night out.
The Sandshaker claims to have invented the Bushwacker frozen cocktail at its Pensacola outpost. I don’t drink an awful lot of frozen drinks, but I have to admit that these creamy, frozen concoctions are pretty damn good! The Sandshaker’s drink menu is also packed with a variety of refreshing cocktails that’ll keep you coming back for more.
But what truly sets this place apart is the live entertainment. The Sandshaker hosts live music every Wednesday from 8 to midnight and every Friday and Saturday from 9-1am. The place is always buzzing with talented musicians, creating the perfect soundtrack for your evening. If you’re more into singing than listening, then Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are for you because it’s a DJ Karaoke Party! Lastly, Monday is Open Mike Night. So, if you’re a more serious vocalist, then Mondays are for you.
If you just want to watch the game or play games, “The Shaker” is still a great place to go. They have 30 big screen TV’s including one monstrous 100 incher! You can also play pool, cornhole, or Golden Tee – can’t beat it!
And the staff? They’re some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet – they always make sure you’re well taken care of.
Summary
Discover the 10 best bars in Gulf Shores, AL, with our ultimate guide to the top drinking spots in town. From laid-back beach bars like Big Beach Brewing Company and The Hangout, to unique hotspots like Flora-Bama Lounge and CoastAL, this list has something for everyone. Enjoy quirky atmospheres at Tacky Jacks, The Gulf, and Pink Pony Pub, or experience family-friendly fun at LuLu’s Gulf Shores and Sandshaker at The Wharf. Don’t miss out on the adventure waiting for you in Gulf Shores!
