Anybody that travels Interstate I-10 with any frequency, especially during the summer months, have experienced backed up traffic at the Mobile, AL tunnel a time or two. This backup is the result, usually on weekends when the "beachers" are headed to/from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach via highway 59 at Loxley.
There are some alternate routes to avoid some of this backup of traffic, but not all. Going east, you can take the Bay Bridge over Mobile Bay. From I 10 take the I65 exit and go north. Traffic coming east on Hwy 45 and Hwy 98 can also head north. In just a few miles (around 8 from I-10), you will exit onto I-165. In just a short distance, you will exit right at the Bay Bridge Exit, then turn left. Up, Up you will go, till you have reached the top of the suspension bridge. Not much to see, since this is an industrial area. You continue till you come to where I-10 exits the tunnel at Hwy 90 & 98. The entrance to I-10 is approximately 3 miles, or you can continue on the highway for a few miles till you reach Daphne. There are several restaurants along the route, Felix, Ralph & Kacoos, and several others further along the highway.
As you travel further east on I-10 from Daphne, the traffic will be slow all the way to the Hwy 59 exit at Loxley. Most folks know that Hwy 59 is full of stop and go traffic, with the same said "beachers" and outlet mall shoppers stopping in Foley.
If you will stay on Interstate I-10, heading east for about 5 more miles, you will find the Baldwyn Express. This fairly new interchange runs into the Foley Beach Express, with ends up at the toll bridge as you are approaching Orange Beach. Travelers heading to Gulf Shores can also take this route to save some time, as their are intersecting roads that head west back to Gulf Shores. Remember there is a $3.50 toll at the bridge to continue forward to Orange Beach. CR-4 will take you west to Gulf Shores with no toll charge.
All this travel knowledge will make you hungry. Now for the serious stuff. Favorite restaurants:
TIN TOP RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR
6232 County Road 10 Bon Secour Highway Bon Secour, AL 36511
Tel : 251.949.5086
This sucker is a little out of the way, but well worth the trip! Its off the beaten path of Hwy 59, south of Foley. You might want to use your GPS the first time. I like to go early and miss the crowd.
Their steams royal reds are awesome, and you have to try their oysters, which for me, the Oysters Margret are the bomb. I'm not much for the raw ones, but will indulge in "one" once a year, at the prodding of the spousal unit!
Everything on their entree list is wonderful, especially the fish of the day features
KING NEPTUNE
1137 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-5464
The steamed Ocean Sampler Platter is the ultimate dining pleasure, is a bit pricey at $125 for two, but oh so good!
Anything from their fryer/broiler will also satisfy any hunger pains, especially their shrimp dishes and Jimbo's Signature Combination Seafood Platter .
The restaurant is a bit small, so you might want to go early to miss the crowds.
LULU'S
200 East 25th Avenue
Gulf Shores, AL. 36542
251-967-LULU (5858)
Lulu's is located on the Inter Coastal Waterway, almost under the bridge on Hwy 59. You turn at the Race Track to get there. They have something for everyone. Very large footprint, with fun things for the kids to do while you wait your turn.
Lulu's is good for a big crowd, with lots of appetizers to choose from and seafood baskets and sandwiches to feast on. They also have live music to entertain you during your visit. And don't feed the birds.....
ACME OYSTER HOUSE
216 East 24th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-424-1783
This location is also located on the Inter Coastal Highway, across from Lulu's.
Here, its all about the oysters and their Shrimp and Oyster Po-boys! For me, its the chargrilled oysters and the Peacemaker Po-boy, which is half shrimp and half oyster.
PINK PONY PUB
137 East Gulf Place
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-6371
PPP is located at the end of Hwy 59, just left of the "Hangout". Public parking is located to the right of the "Hangout" is the regular parking is full. There is a small parking fee for this other lot.
If its a cool drink or a cold beer, this is the place for you! We go for the appetizers and a few drinks when staying close by.
GULF
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Gulf is a neat little niche restaurant on the left just before the Perdido Pass Bridge. The restaurant has mostly outdoor dining, with the structure made out of steel shipping containers. They have two stations, a food station and a beverage station. You pay as you go from station to the other with self seating.
The menu has a limited number of items, with a "fish of the day" as a featured item, which typically sells out quickly. The Fried Grouper Sandwich and the Gulf Burger are highly recommended also.
TACKY JACKS GRILL AND TAVERN
27206 Safe Harbor Drive , Orange Beach, AL 35561
251-981-4144
There are several other locations, but this one is our favorite, sitting right on the Bay, with boat docking. I get a kick out of meeting the waitresses, some of which come from Eastern Europe (the old USSR). Its neat to sit, have a cool one with some appetizers and watch the boat traffic go by.
Their "Tacky Shrimp" comes served three different ways, all good. The other entrees are also wonderful, served fried, grilled, or blackened.
SHRIMP BASKET
2nd avenue and Hwy 59, Gulf Shores, AL
251-943-6643
26651 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-974-1833
There are more locations in the area, with these two being the closest to the area..
It is simply all about the shrimp period! We like it so must, the Hattiesburg location has become one of our pit stop favorites!
FISHERMAN'S CORNER
13486 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, FL 32507
850-791-6914
While this restaurant isn't in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, it is simply worth the drive down the coastline into Florida. They started out as a seafood market and finally opened up a restaurant across the street. It is almost under the Theo Baars Bridge. The building looks like a shack, but once you enter the building you are welcomed with linen napkins and white table cloths.
The Shrimp & Grits is out of this world, but honestly everything on the menu is excellent! Definitely worth the drive. Lunch is a minimal wait, but reservations for dinner are highly recommended due to the limited seating.
FRANCO'S CASUAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT
26651 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-981-9800
This is one of the spousal unit's favorites when she is on one of those "girls only" trip. Probably the reason I have not tried it. The women love the salad. If you like Italian, this is your place. they have all the traditional dishes and more!
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