Hungry for a Gulf Coast feast that feels like a holiday on a plate the moment you sit down You are in the right place. Original Oyster House Boardwalk in Gulf Shores stacks seafood high with Southern charm and a breezy waterfront view. Locals swear by the freshness and families love the laid back vibe, so expect a wait that is totally worth it. Bring an appetite and a curious palate because the menu reads like a greatest hits album of Gulf favorites.
Boardwalk Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Start with the star of the show and let the briny snap of freshly shucked Gulf oysters set the tone. You taste the sea in every chilled slurp, brightened by lemon, cocktail, or a dab of horseradish. If it is your first time, relax and let the server guide you because they do this daily.
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Grab a waterfront seat and watch herons drift by while the platter disappears faster than planned. The vibe is casual, the ice bed frosty, and the shells clink like beach souvenirs. You may come for one dozen and leave wishing you ordered two.
Fried Shrimp Platter With Hush Puppies
Golden fried shrimp land hot and crispy with that whisper thin breading Southerners brag about. The hush puppies arrive sweet and oniony, perfect for swiping through honey butter or tartar. Add fries or red beans and rice to round out a plate that tastes like summer at the shore.
It is comfort food done right, never greasy, always seasoned just so. You will find yourself reaching for just one more shrimp as the basket empties. Pair it with sweet tea and you have the Gulf in a nutshell.
Stuffed Flounder and Crab Stuffed Grouper
When you want rich and coastal, the stuffed flounder and crab stuffed grouper deliver decadence without fuss. Each bite layers tender fish with buttery crab, herbs, and a touch of citrus. It feels celebratory, like a beach wedding dinner without the tux.
The plate often shares space with a baked potato or seasonal vegetables, keeping things hearty. You get that gentle Gulf sweetness balanced by savory seafood richness. Expect clean plates and the happy quiet that follows a great bite.
Soft Shell Crab Supper
Soft shell crab is a Gulf rite of passage, and this version nails the crispy tender balance. The shell crackles lightly while the meat stays juicy and sweet. Add a baked potato and a swing by the salad bar and you are set.
It is the kind of dish that makes you lean in for tiny bites so you do not miss a corner. Drizzle a little house sauce and listen to the dining room hum. One plate and you will be planning the next visit.
Seafood Gumbo and Red Beans and Rice
Some nights call for a bowl that warms you from the inside out. The seafood gumbo brings a dark roux, tender shrimp, and that slow building Gulf spice. Red beans and rice ride shotgun, smoky and soulful with just the right thickness.
It is a one two punch that whispers rainy day comfort even under bright Alabama sun. Spoon, scoop, repeat, and suddenly the bowl is empty. You will swear you taste family recipes passed down and perfected.
Salad Bar Break with Ranch
Take a detour to the salad bar that locals love, piled with crisp greens, add ins, and that famous big bowl of ranch. It is a refreshing counterpoint to all the fried and baked goodness. Build it high and consider it your edible intermission.
As a budget friendly add on, it stretches the meal without weighing it down. Kids load up croutons while grown ups chase the tomatoes and pickles. You walk back to the table like a victor with a colorful tower of crunch.
Blackened or Grilled Mahi Mahi
When you want something lighter but still bold, the mahi mahi answers with flaky texture and smoky spice. Blackened for a little kick or grilled for clean char, it hits the sweet spot. A squeeze of lemon and the plate sings.
Pair it with collard greens or a loaded baked potato to keep things coastal and cozy. The fish feels fresh, not fussy, exactly what a beach day appetite craves. You will leave satisfied without feeling weighed down.
Fried Oyster and Fried Alligator Sampler
Adventurous eaters find a playground in the sampler plates. Fried oysters bring briny pop while the alligator offers tender bite with a mild, almost chicken like charm. Dip both into cocktail or remoulade and compare notes at the table.
It is shareable, fun, and perfect while you wait for entrees. The crunch is consistent and the seasoning rides that line between Gulf and Cajun. You might come a skeptic and leave a believer in gator bites.
Po Boy Sandwiches and Burgers
Sometimes you need a handheld loaded with personality. The po boys arrive stuffed with shrimp, oysters, or fish, dressed with lettuce, tomato, and pickle on soft bread. Burgers bring a griddled sear for those craving turf over surf.
Grab one for lunch when you want speed without sacrificing flavor. Add fries or slaw and you are set for a beach stroll after. It is simple, satisfying, and priced just right for a group.
Snow Crab Legs and Crab Claws
Crack into snow crab legs and feel like a kid on a treasure hunt. The meat pulls out in sweet ribbons ready for warm butter and lemon. Crab claws add a snackable rhythm that keeps the conversation lively.
It is messy in the best way, so grab extra napkins and lean in. The servers set you up for success with tools and tips. By the time you finish, the table tells a happy story of shells and smiles.
Collard Greens, Hush Puppies, and Sides
Sides matter here, and you taste the care in every bite. Collard greens bring savory depth, hush puppies deliver sweet crunch, and fries stay crisp to the last. Build a plate that feels like Sunday supper by the water.
These little additions turn a good meal into a feast. Mix and match to ride the line between tradition and indulgence. You will eye other tables for side ideas and never feel judged for it.
Cheese Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes
Comfort shows up in creamy cheese grits that practically melt into the fork. Fried green tomatoes add tang and crunch, making a perfect bite with shrimp or fish. It is the Southern duet you will crave for the drive home.
Servers proudly joke about the grits, and the confidence is earned. Spoon, crunch, repeat until the plate is gone. Order extra if you plan on sharing because no one stops at one slice.
Family Friendly Vibes and Waterfront Views
The Boardwalk location sits on Little Lagoon, where big windows frame calm water and wandering birds. Kids watch for fish and maybe an alligator while adults settle into coastal decor. It is easygoing, photogenic, and feels like vacation even on a weekday.
If there is a wait, the gift shop and boardwalk make time fly. Grab a drink, stroll the pier, and come back when the buzzer sings. The energy is welcoming and the smiles are real.
Service That Feels Like a Local Welcome
From Mr. Rogers to Steve O and the crew, service here feels personal and quick. You get menu tips, timing that respects your hunger, and stories that make you laugh. It is the kind of hospitality that turns a meal into a memory.
First timers feel guided, regulars feel recognized, and kids get attention without fuss. When the room is packed, the pace stays calm and efficient. You leave feeling cared for, not rushed.
When To Go, What It Costs, How To Plan
They open daily 11 AM to 9 PM, and peak times bring a wait, especially in summer. Prices run about 20 to 30 dollars for most entrees, with add ons like the salad bar a smart value. Parking can be tight, so arrive a little early or settle in for the buzzer stroll.
Call +1 251-948-2445, peek at the menu online, and aim for a weekday lunch if you want speed. The vibe stays relaxed and the seafood stays consistent. One visit and you will understand why locals keep coming back.
The Gift Shop Detour You Will Love
After the last hush puppy, the Trading Company shop tempts with shirts, sauces, and Southern trinkets. It is compact, cute, and oddly perfect for rounding out the experience. You will likely leave with a new favorite tee or a bottle of seasoning.
Kids find small toys while you scan cookbooks and coastal art. It turns dinner into a mini field trip without leaving the boardwalk. Full belly, new souvenir, and a promise to return soon.
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