June 20, 2008
Bars, burger and bands
Best spots to hangout with a view of the islands
BRIAN KELLY
bkelly@pnj.com
Flora-Bama
It somehow seems appropriate that we start this list with the beach bar of beach bars. If there’s only one place you get to all summer, then it’s got to be the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package in the heart of Perdido Key.
And the drink of choice to accompany the view of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh raw oysters? The bushwacker of course.
For the perfect combination of beer, burgers and live bands, then when you get right down to it, the ‘Bama’s got it locked. But, if tourists and huge crowds aren’t your cup of tea, then you’ll want to head back east on the beach highway for something a bit more low key.
Details: 17401 Perdido Key Drive, (850) 492-0611.
Hub Stacey’s on the Point
Hub Stacey’s on the Point along Innerarity Road has earned a reputation as one of the best places around to get a good deli sandwich or soup and cold beer along with a great view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Hub’s carries an array of beer including many domestic and imported microbrewery ales. The pub recently added a commercial deep fryer to its menu. The appliance that makes all cuisine better is now at Hub’s. For buffalo wings, high octane drinks and a large selection of brew, plus a great view of the ICW, Hub’s is the place to be.
Details: 5851 Galvez Road, 850-497-0071.
JellyFish Bar
No, they don’t offer the same view of the Gulf like the ‘Bama does, but patrons who are perched on the outdoor deck at the JellyFish Bar get a glimpse of the water between the two condominiums and a full view if you face west. However, this hip dune-side cocktail lounge on Perdido Key has got the best martinis on the key and best sushi, so the obscured view isn’t so bad. Plus, you can wave at all the tourists driving down the road. For a swanky, chic establishment with a partial view of the water then the J’Fish is a best bet.
The Oyster Bar
On Perdido Key, in the shadow of “the hump” is the Perdido Key Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina.
The view of Intracoastal Waterway from the upper deck of this famous eatery is second to none — and the only thing more impressive than the view is the cuisine, a mix of surf and turf, sandwiches and appetizers.
The Oyster Bar’s steaks and seafood have been bringing in natives and tourists for nearly a decade. The pan-fried grouper is a favorite dish of the locals.
With an indoor and outdoor bar, getting on island time at the Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina is no problem.
13700 River Road, Perdido Key, 850-492-5600.
Fisherman’s Corner
Resting in the shadow of the Perdido Key bridge, there sits an old shack that belongs in the bayous of Louisiana selling bait and tackle than it does a superb seafood eatery and pub.
Fisherman’s Corner is a watering hole and gem of the Key that has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike for seafood chow, cold beer, atmosphere and the live music of The Corner Band. But it’s the blue crabs, a soft-shell item “that you eat whole” that brings em’ in week after week.
Seafood not your thing? Well, you can also throw down one of the best burgers and tastiest fried chicken at Fisherman’s Corner. Details: 492-5574.
Fishtales
The Wharf in Orange Beach has several superb restaurants and bistros, ranging from Mexican to Italian to Creole cuisine.
Now, The Wharf has its own eatery, FishTales at The Wharf, which opened about a year ago.
With a roofed outdoor dining room, FishTales is drenched in natural light and offers a great view from all angles in the dining room. Patrons enjoy a stunning view of The Wharf’s Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway from the bar, too.
But it’s not just ambiance that customers have been coming in for — it’s the menu, the drinks and the live music all summer long. Details: (251) 224-1910.
The Hangout
It was a Pleasure Island institution for decades and its absence in Gulf Shores has been felt. But it’s back and better than ever — the legendary seaside bar, The Hangout overlookes Gulf Shores Public Beach.
This huge restaurant features several bars, an open-aired dining room and live music. Once you want to stick out that thumb and pinky and give a it shake because you’re definitely on island time.
Details: 101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, 251-948-3030.
The Pink Pony
Famous for their food, drinks and rocking live music, the legendary Pink Pony Pub adjacent to Gulf Shores Public Beach is for both tourists and locals. This Redneck Riviera classic juke joint is one of the last great drinking and eating parishes with a unblocked view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Details: 137 East Gulf Place (251) 948-6371.
Bayside Grill
Bayside Grill offers something that most area bistros don’t offer — a stunning view of Terry Cove and Sportsman’s Marina from the restaurants two decks. The view can be enjoyed for Bayside’s Sunday Brunch or at night from the “topside bayside deck” where patrons can sip on a tropical cocktail from the full service bar.
That one-two punch of location and cuisine is what has made Bayside Grill the popular restaurant it is today — and Will Eberlin hopes to carry that tradition into this summer.
Details: 27842 Canal Road, Orange Beach, 251-981-4899.
Pirates Cove
Ask anybody on Pleasure Island where Pirates Cove is and they’ll likely respond that it’s hard to get to by car. At this point you’ll settle on the Flora-Bama, which is also a great way to waste away a weekend afternoon.
Pirate’s Cove is the unofficial meeting place of “riff raff,” beach bums, poets of paradise, wandering musicians, seafaring sailors of questionable character — and dogs. Lot’s and lot’s of dogs. And oh yeah, arguably the best cheeseburger in paradise.
The marina with its many sailboats and view of Perdido Bay make the Cove a must, especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a blood mary and a greasy burger. And you can bring your dog. Details: Go west on Highway 98, take a left on County Road 95 and continue until you smell the cheeseburgers. 6664 U.S. 95, Josephine, (251) 987-1224.
Calypso Joe’s
For an unforgettable dining experience that blends tropical island appeal with Pleasure Island’s relaxed atmosphere, Calypso Joe’s Caribbean Grille in Orange Beach is that establishment.
With its idyllic marina-side dining area and accompanying raw bar, Calypso Joe’s perfectly embodies the soul and flavor of the Caribbean. The up-close view of the stunning boats moored at Orange Beach Marina continues to bring new and loyal guests to this classic eatery.
Whether you go for a cocktail after work or entertain the entire family, Calypso Joe’s promises to transport all who enter to the Caribbean. So, order a frozen drink or ice cold Corona, order their Jamaican grilled grouper and you’ll truly be relaxing on island time.
Details: 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, Next to Orange Beach Marina, (251) 981-1415.
Tacky Jack’s
Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach offers outstanding food, great drinks and live music — and a view unlike any other establishment on the island. Its seafood, cheese burgers and other traditional island chow is some of the best along Marina Road. And when it comes to breakfast, it’s has a Sunday biscuits and gravy and bloody marry that will take the edge off the previous evening’s debauchery.
Details: Tacky Jack’s Tavern and Grill, 27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach, Ala., (251) 981-4144.
Anglers Oyster Bar
Angler’s offers ample outdoor seating, surrounded by Zeke’s Landing Marina and a stunning view of Cotton Bayou. But the biggest draw has to be the tiki bar on the deck. Here, customers can belly up with a frozen beverage or cold beer and watch the Zeke’s Charter fleet come in with fresh catch.
Angler’s menu along with their tiki bar, outdoor seating, large dining room and unmatched view is sure to become an Orange Beach staple for anyone looking to soak up the sun, sip a cold beverage and watch life on the water unfold this summer.
For Angler’s owner, Tonia Turner, it’s hard work competing with all the other restaurants, but worth it when she sees happy patrons in the setting summer sun.
Details: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd. at Zeke’s Landing, (251) 981-1864.
Live Bait at The Wharf
Live Bait at The Wharf features an outside bar along the Wharf Marina.
Live Bait at The Wharf features a nightspot with full raised dance floor, cocktail seating area and full service bar. This section also offers indoor cabanas, secluded areas to sit, enjoy a glass of wine in private while listening to live music or a comedian.
When it comes to the menu, Live Bait has added a few items to its cuisine — sushi, which is served in a secluded area. The food menu also offers a Seafood and Grill Sections.
Featuring an outdoor bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Live Bait at The Wharf along with their food, frozen drinks view is a must this summer. 4851 Wharf Parkway, Suite D130, (251) 224-BAIT.
