Breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL (& Orange Beach): 15 Top Places in 2023
Since it’s arguably the most important meal of the day, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best breakfast in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach that you can find. There are tons of options, but definitely some that stick out more than the rest.
Whether you’re looking for a southern-style breakfast, eggs benedict, or something sweet, you can find it here on the Alabama coast.
I would recommend getting out early if you want to visit any of these restaurants though. They fill up fast! I’ve never seen so many people up for sunrise – these Alabama vacationers are up-and-at-em!
This was my second time exploring part of Alabama and I absolutely loved it. September was a wonderful time to visit the gorgeous Alabama beaches.
Interested in other parts of Alabama? Check out these things to do in Tuscaloosa and fun breweries in Huntsville.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! I was hosted by Visit Alabama Beaches for this trip. All opinions are my own.
15 Best Restaurants for Breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL
1. The Southern Grind
With a cute, laid-back atmosphere, great coffee, and a wide variety of choices, The Southern Grind is one of the best places for breakfast in Orange Beach.
You walk up to the counter to order and then they will bring out your food and drinks to you when it’s ready. I had the Pumpkin Pie French Toast because it was on special and it was such an interesting combo!
The French Toast was perfect and the pumpkin pie gave it an extra kick of flavor and mixed well with the maple syrup. I got a House Blend coffee to go with it.
The staff was also super friendly at the Hotel Indigo location. They have another location over at The Wharf.
The Hotel Indigo location is bright and airy and the perfect place for a casual breakfast.
Address: 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
2. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
This recommendation came from a kind local that guided my night kayaking tour with Sea View Kayaks. He said this was the best breakfast in Orange Beach!
It’s a super cute space with a cat theme and both indoor and outdoor seating. People love their biscuits and crispy bacon but the real star of the show is their cinnamon rolls.
They have many pastries and homemade desserts available daily and you can also pick up grab-and-go lunch options like sandwiches and wraps here once they stop serving breakfast.
Also – if you’re interested in kayaking while here then check out my Gulf Shores Kayaking Guide!
Address: 25689 Canal Rd Suite A, Orange Beach, AL
3. OSO Early
This popular breakfast spot is a bit tucked away from the hustle and bustle but that doesn’t deter hungry diners from making their way out here.
When I asked the waitress what their most popular and prettiest dishes were, I was a bit surprised when she said their biscuits & gravy. I don’t know about you, but the biscuits & gravy I usually get looks like two pale brown mounds on my plate.
But I’m not one to argue, so I gave it a try and I am SO glad that I did. I mean, look at that! Beautiful plate and delicious.
This was also the most unique biscuits & gravy that I’ve ever had because each half of the biscuit was topped with a fried green tomato and a dot of bacon-tomato jam. 10/10 would recommend.
Address: 27370 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
4. Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill
If you need a breakfast option out near Fort Morgan, then check out Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill. They have a breakfast buffet where you can find the traditional eggs, bacon, and sausage plus things like french toast casserole and beignets.
The atmosphere is a laid-back bar feel and the price is decent for a buffet. If you’re staying in Gulf Shores, it’s a good drive out here so you’ll only head here if you plan on exploring Fort Morgan one morning.
Address: 5160 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL
5. The Ruby Slipper Cafe
Fantastic drinks, amazing menu, and impeccable service. I have nothing bad to say about The Ruby Slipper. If you want a boozy brunch then this is definitely the spot for you.
With items like Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites, White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes, and Migas, you will remember this for years to come – not an exaggeration. Or maybe I’m the only one constantly remembering my best meals on vacation.
Either way, I tried the Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites and it was fabulous. The chicken was crispy on the outside but moist inside and the french toast bites were sweet and crunchy. The sauce was the perfect amount of spicy and sweet.
They have a bar which is convenient if you’re solo or with a small group. There were already six groups in line when I showed up for breakfast but the bar was wide open so I got to sit down immediately.
This is definitely one of the best places for breakfast in Orange Beach so don’t miss out!
Address: 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
🚲 You might also like reading about these things to do in Hattiesburg, MS. 🚲
6. Cafe Beignet
Who doesn’t love some delicious beignets and coffee for breakfast? These beignets are light and pillowy and you can even get them with a filling or topped with chocolate, strawberry, or caramel drizzle.
Their regular drip coffee is popular but people also love their iced coffee drinks or their southern pecan coffee.
This is a great local spot if you want something sweet for breakfast.
Address: 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
7. Sunliner Diner
A classic 50’s style diner, Sunliner Diner, does not disappoint.
When I asked what their most popular breakfast dishes were and the prettiest, my waitress couldn’t tell me what the most popular was – she said all of it sells well.
But she said if I was looking for the prettiest, that would be the Avocado Benedict. Something I would never normally get as I thought I didn’t like Eggs Benedict.
After I started eating though, I was in love! The flavors of the biscuit, tomato, avocado, egg, and hollandaise blended beautifully. The hash browns were crispy and full of flavor too.
The building is also just super neat because it really is a throw-back into the 1950s. If you like good food and nostalgia then head here for breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL.
Address: 100 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
8. Hazel’s Nook
If you’re looking for a traditional southern breakfast then look no further than Hazel’s Nook. It has an old breakfast diner-type look where you can order from the menu or get their buffet.
If you go with the breakfast buffet option then you also can get an omelet from their omelet bar and they also have a fruit station.
From the menu, you can order omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and traditional breakfast plates like eggs, bacon/sausage/ham, and hashbrowns.
Address: 120 E Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
9. Tacky Jack’s Gulf Shores
You should visit Tacky Jack’s for the atmosphere alone – it’s just a bonus that they have great food! If you hit the timing right, you can sit out on their 2nd story patio.
It was shady with a nice breeze when I got to sit outside and after a kayaking tour that morning, it felt sooo nice.
My waitress was super friendly and recommended their famous Bushwhacker with a peanut butter topper. I’ve had many Bushwhackers while in the Caribbean and let me tell you, the peanut butter topper takes it to another level.
I ate here for lunch instead of breakfast (they don’t serve breakfast all day) but the shrimp tacos were fantastic. People love coming here for Bloody Mary’s and the omelets are delicious.
This is right across the road from one of the best breweries in Gulf Shores too!
Address: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
10. Brick & Spoon
So yes, this is a franchise but it started in Lafayette, LA by locals and they now have multiple locations throughout the south.
They serve upscale breakfast and brunch food so if you’re looking for something a little fancy but not over the top while sipping on a cocktail then head to Brick & Spoon.
I’ve been to their location in Tupelo, MS – where I got the omelet – and they really know how to do breakfast well.
Address: 24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
11. Southern Shores Coffee
This cute little coffee shop has an amazing selection of coffees and the friendliest owners. They serve all kinds of coffee drinks – hot and cold – and have tons of flavors to choose from.
They are known for their Bushwhacker coffee as that’s something super unique to them. You can get light breakfast food here like bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and paninis.
If you want something quick and light then you can pick up one of their muffins or cinnamon rolls too. They have a small indoor space but there are lots of tables outside where you can hang out when the weather is nice.
This reminded me of some of the cute coffee shops in Winston-Salem, NC.
Address: 229 E 20th Ave #13, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
12. Kitty’s Kafe
Kitty’s Kafe is a local’s favorite for breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL. The food and service are consistently great while the prices are reasonable.
They’re known for their southern, homestyle meals like the hearty breakfast plates with eggs, breakfast meat, grits, and biscuits but they also have omelets, eggs benedict, and even corned beef hash.
Address: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #100, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
13. Lickin’ Good Donuts
When you need breakfast on the go, is there anything better than a good donut? I think not.
At Lickin’ Good Donuts you can get your donut and coffee fix plus they have biscuits and kolaches if you need something heartier.
You’ll want to get here early to get the best pick of flavors – they open at 5am. I had the apple pie filled, fancy covered, and blueberry cake. Great way to end my stay in town.
They get pretty busy in the mornings but the line moves quickly. Make sure to pick up plenty of napkins and any other items you might need in the back before heading out the door. I got overly excited about my donuts and walked out without getting any napkins.
It’s one of the best places for a quick and easy breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL.
Address: 229 E 20th Ave #14, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
14. Duck’s Diner
This little diner serves breakfast all day and they have all kinds of good stuff on their menu! From pancakes to omelets to breakfast burritos you won’t be disappointed.
Everyone also loves their huge biscuits. The restaurant is cozy and the service is always great – they’ve been open since 2003 so you know they’re doing something right!
It’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day out exploring Alabama beaches.
Address: 4560 Easy St, Orange Beach, AL 36561
15. City Donut
If you’re in Orange Beach and need a donut fix then City Donut is the place to go. Sadly, their credit card machine was down the morning I visited so they were only accepting cash.
Apparently, their internet is down from construction in the area and they’ll be cash only until that gets repaired.
Everything looked amazing though and the coffee and donut smell had me drooling. The line was out the door when I got there around 8am too.
If you want fun and unique flavors then this is the place to go. Get here early though because the longer you wait, the less of a selection you’ll have.
On the lookout for great donuts? Stopping at The Dapper Doughnut is one of the best things to do in Ridgeland, MS.
Address: 26651 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Wrap Up: Breakfast in Gulf Shores, AL
So there you have it – fifteen different options for breakfast in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Each one offers something unique to the area and has its own character.
There’s something special about gulf coast towns. If you love visiting the gulf coast then check out these things to do in Port Arthur, TX and then things to do near Freeport, TX.
If you’re visiting in the summer then I’ll mention again – you’ll want to get out early unless you want to wait in long lines.
Truly Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both amazing places to spend your beach vacation and you’ll have no shortage of good restaurants.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so you better start it off right while on your trip!
