Looking for a good breakfast while you’re vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast?
I’m sharing more about where to find the best breakfast in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Your hardest decision will be deciding which restaurant you want to visit first for your most important meal of the day.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Alabama’s Beaches. All opinions are my own and this article may contain affiliate links.
Tacky Jacks
There are three waterfront locations for Tacky Jacks that serve breakfast every day.
- Gulf Shores 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL (My pictures are from this location)
- Orange Beach – 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL
- Fort Morgan – 1577 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL
Tacky Jacks is known for having a fun laid-back atmosphere, great for groups.
You can even write your name or leave a message somewhere in the restaurant on a colorful piece of duct tape supplied by staff.
My son ordered their French toast and I tried their shrimp and cheese grits because shrimp and grits are always better in the south.
Their Farmer’s omelet is award-winning if you’re in the mood for a savory menu item.
Tacky Jacks has breakfast cocktails and they’re known for a great Bloody Mary if you’re in the mood for an alcoholic drink with brunch.
CoastAL – Orange Beach
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL
CoastAL is a restaurant that’s a must-visit for any meal but if you visit for brunch, you’ll find great menu options on the sweet and savory side.
CoastAL has seating for over 1200 indoors and outdoors with great views of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
It’s important to note that CoastAL has a large restaurant side and a Beachside bar with two separate kitchens. Depending on where you dine some of the menu options are different.
My son chose the Giant House Baked Cinnamon Bun topped with homemade caramel icing. This could easily be an appetizer for the table if you’re with a group.
Here is a picture of my son with the giant sticky bun for scale. And yes, he ate all of it except for two small bites I snuck in.
I opted for the Country Benedict made with poached eggs, and sausage patties served on biscuits with sausage gravy.
I chose the homestyle potatoes over the house grits, or fresh fruit as my side. There’s an array of drink options on the brunch menu if you want a cocktail too.
If you come back for lunch or dinner order their “Gulf Coast Chicken Sandwich” from the Beachside bar menu that’s worth the hype.
Rumor has it that the chicken is brined in sweet tea and after you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of their signature sandwiches.
CoastAL checks all the boxes for a beautiful brunch location and great food.
BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
25689 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL
Serving up homemade pastries made fresh daily, there are a lot of great breakfast options at BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets.
According to Yelp reviews, they serve the best breakfast in Alabama so you’ll have to see if you agree.
Their homemade version of a Pop-Tart is worth checking out!
They serve egg and cheese on their famous cinnamon roll if you’re extra adventurous.
BuzzCatz serves locally roasted coffee if you prefer with more options. Their hazelnut latte was a wonderful way to start my day.
Their menu has made-to-order omelets, breakfast sandwiches served on housemade bread, biscuits or waffles, and more.
Breakfast at Sunliner Diner
100 E. 2nd Ave., Gulf Shores, AL 36542
You can step back into the 1950s during your meal at Sunliner Diner. This is a fun restaurant for all ages that serves breakfast all day.
The classic cars outside help set the tone of this classic diner. There is even booth seating inside a car in the diner.
You’ll find classic breakfast along with some menu items with a twist.
Their Chicken and Waffle Benedict is a filling option or there are plenty of healthier options if you want a lighter breakfast.
Ruby Slipper Cafe
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
I typically wouldn’t promote a chain but Ruby Slipper Cafe has expanded beyond New Orleans because they have such great food!
The first time I tried one of their biscuits was on a food tour in Mobile, AL and I’ve been a fan ever since.
For an appetizer, I recommend their French toast bites. The French toast bites are fried, tossed in cinnamon sugar, and served with cream cheese icing & praline sauce.
This might help to decide on your entree if you love sweet and savory. Their fried green tomatoes and pig candy bacon bites are also popular appetizers.
Be on the lookout for their rotating seasonal selection menu items too.
Their Cinnamon swirl pancakes are filled with cinnamon & sugar and topped with cream cheese icing.
I opted for their biscuits and gravy, served with eggs any style, and a side of their sweet heat-style fried chicken that was delicious.
They also have “Eye-opening Cocktails” including a mimosa flight on the breakfast menu.
Brick and Spoon
24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
Brick and Spoon is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
They have a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar if you like to experiment or have direct control over how yours is made.
I was torn between the Bananas Foster French toast or a menu item with more of a Cajun flair.
I ordered the Bayou Benedict made with shrimp, onions, and bell peppers with a Cajun cream sauce, served on a biscuit with poached eggs & housemade hollandaise.
I have zero regrets about my selection because it was delicious!
We visited on a busy day and were impressed with how FAST our food came out.
City Donut
25751 Perdido Beach Blvd suite a5, Orange Beach, AL
You can’t go wrong with a donut run to City Donut.
They have freshly made donuts, 20 flavors of ice cream, and ice cream treats. Their donut sliders have ice cream inside a donut!
You’ll find traditional cake and glaze flavors along with some creative offerings.
My son’s favorite donut was the Bavarian creme. My favorite was a glazed donut with chocolate frosting and Butterfinger topping. Their old-fashioned donut was also a close second.
There are freshly made cinnamon rolls, glazed croissants, and apple fritters.
They don’t sell coffee but do sell 16 flavors of Boba drinks. If you want coffee there is a Starbucks across the parking lot.
Foam Coffee
313 E 22nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL
If you’re looking for a good option to get caffeinated, Foam Coffee is a great place.
In fact, I’m still dreaming of their salted coconut mocha.
This cute little coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating.
If you’re in a hurry you can start your order online.
There aren’t a lot of breakfast items on the menu but they offer an assortment of toasts.
Try the avocado toast if you’re in the mood for savory. For sweet, try the Nutella toast or Peanut Butter toast with sliced banana, coconut flakes, and honey.
Or share all 3 types of toast for the best of both worlds.
The Southern Grind at INDIGO
22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
Coffee drinkers will find an assortment of ways to enjoy their coffee including their House Blend, Single Origin, Cold Brew, Nitro Draft, and Dublin Cold Brew (Guinness, cold brew, cream.)
There are plenty of non-coffee drinks too.
if you want savory try the Mexican Omelette. It’s made with 3 eggs scrambled, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, sausage, chopped jalapenos, and cheddar cheese, served with 2 flour tortillas and a side of salsa.
If you’re in the mood for sweet try the Belgian Waffle with Fresh Strawberries & Cream. The Belgian Waffle is topped with powdered sugar & raspberry drizzle and served with your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham.
Additional Breakfast Spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
I haven’t visited these breakfast spots yet, but they’re on my list for next time.
Hazel’s Nook
120 E Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
Hazel’s Nook has a daily Breakfast Buffet, Omelet Bar, and Fruit Bar Station. You also have the option to order from the breakfast menu if you don’t want items from the buffet. Don’t miss their “Official Biscuits of Alabama.”
Island Pancake House
(Inside the Best Western on the Beach) 337 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
This is a popular breakfast spot for guests staying at the hotel. Their breakfast menu is way more extensive than pancakes with savory and sweet options.
Kitty’s Kafe
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #100, Gulf Shores, AL
Kitty’s Kafe offers a southern-style country breakfast menu.
The Ugly Diner
2200 E 2nd St, Gulf Shores, AL
This diner is known for its simple ambiance and great food that’s loved by locals.
Tacky Jacks has always been a family favorite of ours. We also really enjoyed the Ruby Slipper! Such a great list of recommendations!