Category: Gulf Coast Dining

Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores: All You Need to Know

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Who says the holidays have to be filled with stress and hassle? In Gulf Shores, you can put your feet up and relax. Enjoy your family time with a Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores. From mouthwatering Gulf Shores Thanksgiving dinner options to things to do this holiday, we’ve got the details on a hassle-free holiday in Gulf Shores.

Thanksgiving falls on November 28 this year, so make sure your holiday reservations are set!

How to Spend Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores

Spectrum Beach Chairs

When you plan a Thanksgiving getaway, you can enjoy a holiday without the hassle with conveniences like grocery delivery at The Beach Club Resort.

Forget waiting in long lines at the grocery store to purchase your prized turkey. As a Spectrum Resorts guest at The Beach Club Resort & Spa, you can pre-order your groceries with the Beach Moms Concierge Package. The Beach Moms have created a special package, exclusive for Spectrum Resorts guests.

After you’ve arrived at your fully stocked Gulf Shores condo, put your feet up. Your Thanksgiving vacation is just beginning. Enjoy the best seat on the beach when you reserve beach chairs prior to your arrival. The weather is typically great in November along the Alabama coast. The kids will enjoy building sandcastles and playing sand football or spikeball while you catch up on your favorite book.

Gulf Shores Thanksgiving Dinner Options

Whole Roasted Turkey Dinner For Thanksgiving with All the Sides

If you’re a DIYer and love a great home-cooked meal, turn up the heat and make your favorite Thanksgiving dish in your fully equipped condo kitchen. Each Gulf-front condo at The Beach Club Resort comes with its very own fully equipped gourmet kitchen that includes an oven, stovetop, and microwave.

Coast Restaurant Thanksgiving Dinner

If your idea of the perfect Gulf Shores Thanksgiving dinner includes having someone else do the dishes, then Coast Restaurant is your sweet (and savory) spot. Make reservations for the Thanksgiving feast at Coast here at The Beach Club Resort. Coast offers a special holiday meal that will please even the pickiest of holiday eaters. Award-winning Chef John Hamme and his talented culinary team will prepare a feast fit for a king and his court!


Delectable servings include roast turkey served with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, braised green beans, red-skin mashed potatoes and gravy and cornbread dressing. Or select house-smoked Scottish salmon served with broccoli, orzo, and bell peppers. And, finally, you can also choose a marinated loin of smoked pork with all the fixings. Starters and dessert will also be served. Prices are $45 for adults. Reservations for this taste bud-tempting feast are required. See the full Thanksgiving Day menu.

Flora-Bama Thanksgiving Potluck

17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, FL

(251) 980-5118

Open: 1 pm

Price: Complimentary, just bring a side dish; cocktails are separate

Reservations: None

Cobalt the Restaurant

28099, Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach

(251) 923-5300

Open: 10 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

GTs on the Beach

26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach

(251) 980-8400

Open: 10 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

Thanksgiving at The Hangout

101 E Beach Avenue, Gulf Shores

(251) 948-3030

Open: 11 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

woman shopping at the village mercantile at the beach club resort

Gulf Shores Thanksgiving 2024: Things to Do

After the dishes are cleared and the naps have been taken, there’s plenty to do during Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores. Make the short trip to Foley and do some Black Friday shopping at Tanger Outlets. With over 120 name-brand retailers, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts for your family.

Don’t forget to stop by The Village Mercantile at The Beach Club for fun finds, including jewelry, shoes and casual wear.

The weather during November is typically mild, making for comfortable days on the beach and for outdoor activities. Relax and soak in the sun while you enjoy your hassle-free Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores.

Reserve your Gulf Shores condo at The Beach Club Resort & Spa and enjoy a holiday to write home about with family and friends. 

Chef’s John Delish Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Cherries Jubilee isn’t just a dessert, it’s a show! Executive Chef John Hamme shares his recipe so you can wow your dinner guests at home. 

Recipe serves 2

Ingredients:

1/4 cup demerara sugar
1 Tbsp corn starch
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup dark, sweet cherries, rinsed and pitted (or use frozen pitted cherries);
1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest
1 jigger Kirschwasser (cherry brandy)
2 servings vanilla ice cream

Our Favorite Tropical Drink Recipes, from the Beach to Your Backyard

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Shaken, not stirred? That’s just the way we like our craft cocktails, too! When you can’t have the sand between your toes, at least you can have a little rum in your cup to remind you of your Gulf Shores vacation. Get shakin’ and start sipping. It’s time to daydream of your next vacation at The Beach Club Resort & Spa.

Ultimate Mai Tai

1.25 oz. Spiced Rum
3/4 oz. White Rum
3/4 – 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 – 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
3/4 – 1 oz. Orange Juice
Dark Rum Floater

Mix the first six ingredients together and top with a dark rum floater.

Kid’s Mai Tai

3/4 – 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
3/4 – 1 oz Pineapple Juice
3/4 – 1 oz Orange Juice
3 oz. Sprite
Grenadine Floater

Mix the first five ingredients together and top with a splash of grenadine.

The Turquoise

1 1/4 oz Calypso Coconut Rum
1/4 oz Blue Curacao
Equal Parts Pineapple Juice and Sprite

Mix all ingredients together.

Top Shelf Margarita

1 1/4 oz Altos Tequila
Margarita Mix
Splash Orange Juice
Grand Mariner Floater

Mix the first three ingredients together and top with a splash of Grand Mariner.

Hangover Remedy Bloody Mary

1 1/4 oz Tito’s Vodka
4 oz Bloody Point Bloody Mary Mix
Pickled Okra
Pickled Green Bean
Bacon Garnish
Season Salt Rimmer

Mix the first two ingredients together. Top with the remaining ingredients.

Drink responsibly and enjoy!

Chef John’s To-Die-For Beef Tenderloin

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Serve up a mouthwatering feast with Chef John Hamme’s recipe for Pecan Smoked Coffee and Chili Rubbed Beef Tenderloin. This recipe is sure to have your family coming back for seconds! Finish it off with a delicious Warm Berry Sabayon.

Pecan Smoked Coffee and Chili Rubbed Beef Tenderloin

Yields:

4 Servings

Ingredients:

4 Tenderloin Filets
1/2 Cup Ancho Chili Peppers, dried & powdered
1/2 Cup Expresso Beans, ground fine
1 fl. Oz. Paprika
2 Tbsp. + 2 Tsp. Dark Brown Sugar
1 fl. Oz. Dry Mustard
2 Tbsp. Maldon / Flake Sea Salt
2 Tbsp. Black Pepper, ground
2 Tbsp. Coriander, ground
2 Tbsp. Oregano, dried
1 Tbsp. Ginger, ground
1 Tbsp. Aleppo Pepper, ground
1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Pecan wood pellets
or 2 Cup Small wood chips soaked in water for approximately 10 minutes.

Directions:

Prepare peppers by lightly toasting them in a sauté pan to release their oils. Cool and grind in coffee mill. Prepare coriander, black pepper and oregano following the same process. Combine spice ingredients.

Coat your portioned Tenderloin filets with olive oil then heavily season them with the coffee rub.

To smoke the steaks place the wood chips in smoker box or wood pellets in smoke tube and light letting the flame burn for 5 minutes to ensure they will stay lit and produce smoke.

Blow out the flame on the wood and place the steaks and the smoke box / tube into a cold grill. We are using a cold smoke process to smoke the steaks. Place the lid on the grill and vent to keep the smoke chips burning.

* Smoke time is 20 minutes. 

Why Pecan Wood Chips?

Pecan wood provides a light smoky flavor.  This makes them suitable for almost any meat.  Do not make the mistake of thinking Hickory will work as a substitute. Although Pecan is a varitey of hickory, it’s flavor is much more mild.  For this application we do not want the smoke to be the dominant flavor.  

Berries Sabayon

Warm Berries Sabayon

Yields:

6 Servings

Ingredients:

1 Qt. Strawberries, stemmed and washed
1 Pt. Raspberries
1 Pt. Blackberries
1 Pt. Blueberries
4 ea Egg Yolks
4 Tbsp. Water
4 Tbsp. Marsala Wine
4 Tbsp. Sugar

Directions:

Top strawberries and wash them placing them in a mixing bowl. Inspect the remaining berries discarding any that are bruised placing them in the bowl with the strawberries.

Divide berries into 6 heat proof serving dishes.

Place a sauce pan on the range to simmer. Separate eggs placing the yolks in a large mixing bowl. The bowl needs to be oversized to allow room to whisk the mixture while it cooks.

Add remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.

Place the mixing bowl over the simmering sauce pan and cook the egg, water, Marsala and sugar mixture.

Whisk the mixture constantly but not vigorously the entire cooking time. If you notice the mixture cooking too fast remove from the heat and continue whisking until the temperature drops.

As needed return the mixture to the heat until the mixture reaches the consistency of a mousse. When this consistency is reached the eggs are fully cooked. The cooked egg is what thickens the sauce.

The mixture needs to be cooked just prior to serving. Once finished spoon the sauce over the berries and lightly torch to brown the sauce. Serve immediately.

Craveable Craft Cocktail Recipes at The Beach Club

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

A taste of the beach is just a shaker away. Our bartenders are sharing recipes for some of our most-requested craft cocktails. When you can’t be at the beach, this may just be the next best thing. 

Hideaway Stress Reliever

1 oz. Malibu Rum
1 oz. Absolut Vodka
1/4oz. Peach Schnapps
Cranberry, pineapple and orange juice to fill the glass.
Garnish with an orange and cherry.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Old Fashioned

1.5 oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
.75 oz Bulleit Rye Whiskey
4 dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a brandied cherry and orange peel.

Drink responsibly and enjoy!

Coast Restaurant’s Crab Cake Recipe

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Ready to sink your teeth into something divine? Chef John Hamme is sharing Spectrum Resorts’ mouthwatering recipe for crab cakes. We invite you to bring a taste of the beach into your home with this delish recipe. When you visit us next, ask for these at Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club Resort & Spa.

Yields:

6 Servings

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Mayonnaise

2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 Tbsp Baking Powder

2 tsp French’s Mustard

1 Tbsp Parsley Flakes

2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

1 Lemon, Juiced

1 Egg, Beaten

1 lb Jumbo Lump Crabmeat

1 lb Claw Crabmeat

4 Tbsp Saltine Cracker Crumbs

4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Creole Mustard Butter:

1 oz Cider vinegar

1 oz White Wine

2 sprigs Thyme

2 Shallots, Chopped

1/2 lb Butter

1 Tbsp Creole Mustard

Crab Cake Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl to make the crab cake mix.

  2. Place crabmeat in a pan large enough to spread into a thin layer.

  3. Sprinkle Saltine crumbs over crabmeat, toss. Add crab mix and fold, be careful not to break the lumps.

  4. Shape into 6 5 1/2 oz cakes. Place cakes in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.

  5. Heat vegetable oil in a teflon pan and brown crab cakes on both sides. Once golden brown transfer to a baking sheet and bake to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Creole Mustard Butter Directions:

  1. Place the vinegar, white wine, thyme and shallot in a small sauce pan and reduce until almost dry.

  2. Cut butter into cubes and rest at room temperature.

  3. Add the heavy cream to the sauce pan and reduce by 2/3. Remove from heat and add butter stirring to incorporate as the butter melts.

  4. Place sauce in a warm area (approx. 130 degrees) to hold or service.

The Beach Club’s Mouthwatering Gumbo Recipe

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Are you craving a taste of the beach? Spectrum Resorts’ Executive Chef John Hamme is serving up his award-winning gumbo recipe for you to prepare at home. If you’ve visited The Village Hideaway at The Beach Club you’ve probably feasted on this mouthwatering dish. Now, you can make it from the comfort of your home.

Yields:

1 Gallon

Ingredients:

6 oz Oil

1 cup All-purpose Flour

1 qt Diced Onion

2 cup Diced Celery

2 cup Diced Bell Pepper

1 oz Minced Garlic

4 oz Andouille Sausage

2 lb Chicken Thighs (Bone in)

1 gal Chicken Stock

2 cup Diced Tomato

8 oz Okra

1 ea Bay Leaf

1 oz Basil

½ oz Oregano

To taste Salt and Pepper

To taste Louisiana Hot Sauce

1 oz Chopped Parsley

To taste Chicken Bullion as needed

Procedure:

  1. In a large saucepan heat the oil to the smoke point. Add the flour and cook to a chocolate brown color.

  2. In a separate pan brown the chicken thighs on all sides. Once browned add to the simmering soup once all ingredients are added.

  3. Add the vegetables to stop the cooking of the roux.

  4. Add the Sausage and cook a moment longer.

  5. Gradually add remaining ingredients stirring to a paste after each addition. Simmer until the flour flavor dissipates.

  6. When the chicken thighs are cooked remove and pull the meat adding it back into the soup for garnish. Discard the skin and bones.

  7. Finish with salt and pepper, hot sauce and parsley.

  8. If needed, boost the flavor with Ham Base.

Bon appétit’!

Great Spots To Experience the Flavor of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Taking a vacation is all about the senses – and when you visit the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’ll experience a local flavor like no other. There are so many fun and unique activities and restaurants to enjoy when you visit, and each one of them will give you a glimpse into our one-of-a-kind culture and flavor of Gulf Shores. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast, here are some great spots to experience local flavor in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Eats & Drinks

The Gulf

27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 424-1800

The Gulf is a reflection of all things Orange Beach. The hip design is built around shipping containers for environmental stability, their vibe is chic yet casual, and forget being waterfront – this charming restaurant is on it’s own beach! Enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand, get to know the locals at a communal table, or grab a spot near the firepit in the evening. The menu features fresh, local seafood and changes daily. If you’re looking for local flavor, you’ve got to stop here first.

Flavor of Gulf Shores

The Hangout

101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-3030

This popular spot is known as a great place to do just that – hangout! Located right on the beach, this family-friendly restaurant features an open design that feels perfect for the coast. Venture out into the courtyard for live music, a kid’s play area, games, foam parties and more! When you’re ready for a bite, check out the large menu and indulge in a customizable cocktail. Order up a Wipe Out Burger while you’re there. It’s on the list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die! Flavor of Gulf Shores? Absolutely!

The Royal Oyster

807 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 923-4882

If you really want to taste flavor of Gulf Shores then you’ve got to try raw oysters – and there’s no better place to do it than The Royal Oyster. This quaint waterfront dive serves up oysters and cocktails from all over the country, as well as, from local oyster farmers. Navy Cove Oysters and Shellbank Selects are both served here and are straight out of Fort Morgan. Customize your oysters with their impressive topping selection – they have everything from gin to housemade pickled watermelon rind. There’s also fresh seafood and burgers for the oysterphobes. Order a flight and try several different preparations.

The Flora-Bama Lounge & Package

17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
(850) 492-0611

No Orange Beach vacation is complete without a trip to the last, great American roadhouse, Flora-Bama Lounge & Package. This historic dive bar has been voted one of the best beach bars in the world and it stands for all things Alabama coast – delicious cocktails, live music, beachfront views and a heaping helping of Southern hospitality. You can grab a bite at one of their three food spots, jam to tunes on one of their five stages, or enjoy the beach sunset. Just don’t forget to try out the world-famous bushwhacker before you go – it’s the official cocktail mascot of Alabama’s beaches!

The Big Beach Brewing Company

300 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-2337

If you’re looking for a taste of local craft brews, this one’s for you. Big Beach Brewing Company is located in the heart of Gulf Shores and crafts everything from IPAs and Stouts to Cream Ales and Belgian Style Beers. They always have 12 housemade beers on tap in their comfortable taproom, so be sure to stop by and sample some local brewskis. You’ll know you’re hanging out with the locals when 5 p.m. rolls around. A popular spot for post-work talk and relaxation, you can strike up a conversation and get locals’ intel on what to do and where to go during your search for the flavor of Gulf Shores.

Arts & Culture

The Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach

26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-2787

This waterfront art center gives you a glimpse into the local arts of Orange Beach – and then lets you take part in the fun! View the gallery of local works, try your hand at glassblowing at The Hot Shop, or take a turn at the clay wheel in the Clay Studio. The center also offers a variety of art classes for crafters of all ages.

Sand Castle University

(251) 600-9771

What better way to immerse yourself in the local beach culture than to leave your mark with a killer sandcastle? The masters at Sand Castle University will come to your spot of sand at The Beach Club and show you all the tips and tricks of building the perfect sandcastle. Their classes are great for all ages and include all of the tools you’ll need to make your sand creation.

South Baldwin Community Theater

2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-6721

If you’re looking for a live representation of the flavor of Gulf Shores, check out the South Baldwin Community Theater. This nonprofit organization uses a local cast and community volunteers to put on dynamic and entertaining shows. Their lineup ranges from southern classics like Steel Magnolias to well-known hits like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. If you want to see your favorite acts with a Gulf Coast touch, be sure to stop by and enjoy the show.

Outdoor Activities

Flavor of Gulf Shores

Gulf State Park Pier

20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 967-3474

Fishing is a staple on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and there’s no better place to fish your fill than at the Gulf State Park Pier. The pier is the second longest on the Gulf of Mexico and has 2,448 feet of fishing space so you’re sure to have enough room to snag your own Moby Dick. Be sure to befriend the salty dogs who fish the pier every day to get the best fishing tips in the area! But, don’t worry about packing heavy – you can rent your gear from the pier’s bait shop and even get your fishing license right onsite.

Fort Morgan

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

To really know a place, you’ve got to learn about its history. The historic Fort Morgan is an original masonry fort that played key roles in the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Spanish-American War, and both world wars. Step into Alabama history as you tour the fort, explore the local nature areas, or enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7720

Conservation is a huge part of the Alabama Gulf Coast culture. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last undisturbed coastal barrier habitats and provides a refuge for endangered species of birds, turtles, and more. Hike the trails or venture on a guided tour to experience the local environment in its true form and see why nature preservation is at the heart of all things Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Book your Gulf Shores rental now to experience the flavors of Alabama’s white-sand beaches.

5 Gulf Shores Happy Hour Hot Spots

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

There are several Gulf Shores happy hour destinations that offer discounted drinks and appetizers daily. But we’ve rounded up the best happy hour destinations along the Alabama Gulf Coast just for you!

Check out the 5 best Gulf Shores happy hour hot spots below!

village hideaway golf simulator

The Village Hideaway

The Village Hideaway, located onsite at The Beach Club Resort & Spa, has daily happy hour specials from 3 pm until 6 pm daily. The Village Hideaway offers a casual and entertaining dining experience in one of the area’s favorite sports-themed restaurants. happy hour includes drink specials on domestic beers, wine by the glass, and house spirits. Food specials include loaded $7.95 club wraps with soup, tacos, and tender barbecue sandwiches with fries. The Village Hideaway has 11 flat screen televisions, an HD golf simulator, and arcade games and billiards.

Learn more about The Village Hideaway and see the full menu here.

The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy fresh bites and cold drinks every day at The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails. The Beach House specializes in a variety of Gulf seafood and cocktails. From 2 pm to 5 pm every day, The Beach House offers $5 appetizers including fresh, hand-breaded coconut shrimp, wok-seared chicken and veggie spring rolls, and mouthwatering bacon-wrapped shrimp. Take advantage of great drink specials from 2 pm to 6 pm every day including $3 house wines, $1 off all craft drafts, and $1 off all craft cocktails. Enjoy the views from the outdoor porch, just across the street from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information, call (251) 948-2431.

a plate of chicken wings

Luna’s Eat & Drink

Located just a short drive over in Orange Beach, Luna’s Eat & Drink has several happy hour specials, on top of a menu brimming with mouthwatering options. Served daily from 2 pm to 6 pm, head over to Luna’s Eat & Drink for discounted beers, house wines, beer flights, and well liquors. Hungry? Luna’s serves up delicious bar classics like wings—brined, smoked, and fried—beer cheese dip, and house-fried pork skins. Or try the Pimiento Hushpuppies served with housemade blueberry pepper jelly and the Whisker Nuggets, made from Alabama farm-raised catfish.

Call (251) 980-5862 for more information.

Papa Rocco’s

Voted the People’s Choice Award for Best Raw Oysters, Best Pizza, and Best happy hour, Papa Rocco’s is a can’t miss for great food and drinks in Gulf Shores. Their motto, “The home of warm beer and lousy pizza” is completely inaccurate but that is why it is so catchy and memorable. Happy hour is Monday thru Friday from 11 am until 7 pm that includes discounted draft beers and well drinks. Papa Rocco’s also offers daily lunch specials. Enjoy live entertainment seven nights a week and watch the big game on one of eight HD televisions. You can’t go wrong at Papa Rocco’s!

Contact (251) 948-7262 for more information.

craft beer samples

Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar

Located in Orange Beach along Canal Road, Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar offers a wide range of plates and delicacies including hand-cut steaks, local seafood, pasta, and sushi. Cosmo’s happy hour is daily from 3 pm until 5 pm and includes house favorites like $6 Firecracker Shrimp and $5 Sweet Home Farms Cheese Dip. Enjoy $4 cosmos, $1.50 Yuengling, and $10 off all bottles of wine. And make sure you check out the chalkboard specials located in the bar.

Contact (251) 948-9663 for more details.

Want more ideas for delicious grub and cold drinks? Check out these Gulf Shores dining options.