The Best Seafood Near Fort Morgan & Gulf Shores (Oysters, Shrimp & Royal Reds)

You didn't drive all the way to the Gulf to eat chicken fingers. (Well, the kids might.) This is our short list for seafood specifically: where to get great oysters, the best fried shrimp, and a proper Gulf Coast seafood dinner, plus where to buy fresh shrimp to cook at the house.

Want the full dining rundown, not just seafood? That's in our favorite restaurants guide. And for the area overview, start with our complete Fort Morgan guide.

A quick word on royal reds

If you see royal reds on a menu, order them. They're deep-water Gulf shrimp with a sweet, rich flavor that people compare to lobster. They're a Gulf Coast specialty, and a lot of visitors have never heard of them. Just don't overcook them if you're making them at home. A minute or two is plenty.

On the peninsula (close to the house)

Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill is our go-to close to home. It's casual and family-friendly, and it's known for Navy Cove oysters, which are grown right here on the peninsula.

Jesse's On The Bay is the nicest dinner on Fort Morgan. Upstairs, it's steaks and fresh Gulf seafood with a view of Mobile Bay. Downstairs is more casual.

Tacky Jack's at the Fort Morgan marina is a flip-flops, on-the-water spot. Grab a table outside and get the shrimp.

Gulf Shores

The Original Oyster House has been around for decades. It's on the bayou, the oysters are hand-shucked or fire-grilled, and the gumbo is award-winning. Save room for the peanut butter chocolate chip pie.

Sea N Suds is an oceanfront oyster bar that's been open since the 1970s, with the Gulf right outside the window. DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen is a local favorite a block off the beach, known for daily specials and coconut shrimp. The Steamer does steamed and baked oysters if you want something besides fried.

Orange Beach and a little farther

Doc's Seafood Shack claims the best fried shrimp in the civilized world. It's casual, cheap, and usually busy, which tells you something. Wolf Bay Lodge has been a family tradition since 1973. And if you're willing to drive a little, Tin Top in Bon Secour is worth the trip for the chalkboard seafood specials.

Cooking it yourself

One of our favorite beach dinners is a big shrimp boil back at the house. Bon Secour, on the way in from Gulf Shores, is an old fishing village with seafood markets that sell local shrimp and fish. Billy's Seafood is a long-time favorite. Grab a few pounds of shrimp (and some royal reds), and let the kitchen do the rest. At The Beach Bayou there's seating for 14, so the whole crew can eat together.

One more thing: book with us directly and you'll skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees, get complimentary early check-in and late checkout when the calendar allows, and 20% off pet fees.

A few quick questions we get

Where is the best seafood near Fort Morgan?

On the peninsula, Sassy Bass is known for Navy Cove oysters, Jesse's On The Bay does upscale seafood and steaks on the bay, and Tacky Jack's at the marina is casual waterfront dining. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach add dozens more.

What are royal red shrimp?

Deep-water Gulf shrimp with a sweet, rich flavor often compared to lobster. They're a Gulf Coast specialty, and they cook fast.

Where can I buy fresh seafood to cook at my rental?

Bon Secour, between Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, has local seafood markets like Billy's Seafood. They're an easy stop on your way to the peninsula.

Come for the shrimp, stay for the quiet. Check dates and book direct at The Beach Bayou →