The 22 best bars and drinks in Orange Beach (2024)

We opted for outdoor seating and we were not disappointed! The wait staff was incredibly patient and friendly with us. We started our meal with an appetizer of Cuban eggrolls. These little babies alone were worth the trip. Our waitress did not lie when she said the cheesy shrimp and grits was award-winning. And for the person who can't decide what to get, the gulf seafood Trio is the way to go. I had blackened grouper as the fish of the day and it was incredibly flavorful and juicy. I could go on all day about how great this place was but I'd rather you see for yourself.

First time here. It wasn't too busy when we arrived but did get busier as the time went by. We were seated quickly and our server was good. My fiance ordered grilled oysters, deep fried pickles and I ordered the shrimp tacos. My fiance said the oysters were amazing. We were able to sign the wall as many before us had done and that was pretty cool. We would go back if we return to the area in the future.

My friend, niece, and daughter went to Orange Beach on vacation from Georgia and decided to try the Ole River Grill. Our beautiful server Gretchen was fabulous! She suggested the shrimp & grits, which was divine. All of our food came out super fast and was delicious! Gretchen was very attentive and kept our drinks full and was so sweet. She went above and beyond and sang to my niece for her birthday. She made our experience so memorable. We will definitely be back there the next time we are in town. It was hands down the best service and seafood we ate on our entire stay!!!

It is exactly what I knew it was going to be: a complete tourist trap. The service was ok, but the food was lackluster at best. But we had to come to this bar/restaurant because of what it is. We came, we ate, and the food sucked. It was just not me; several people in our large group were not happy with the taste of it. I mean look at how much of a trap it is, they have generic ketchup and not even real ketchup (Heinz or Hunt).But, I knew this goes against everything that I learned: "If you can see the water and the water can see you," do not expect to have a good meal!If you decide to eat here, do not expect much AT ALL!

We went for dinner before heading over to actual Flora-Bama bar. Unfortunately, the waitress said there were only 2 waiters at the time. Totally understandable; however, as tables cleared we still waited for about 1.5 hour for food after ordering & waited about 15-20 for each round of drinks. Asked for checks and this still took about 20 minutes & we were one of the last tables. They did have some life music and some outdoor seating by the marina. Food was nothing too great. I probably wouldn't come again for the food. Ordered bloody Mary's that were supposed to have many different toppings like shrimp & bacon and were only given a lemon, lime & some olives. The atmosphere is fun by water and to enjoy the warm weather.

Definitely a tourist trap type place. The adult beverages are yummy. The food was good. The day we were there it was cool and windy. The outside deck looks cool and has a view of the water behind. There is "grafti" all of the restaurant. We left our mark as well.

Another WOW place. Perfect road trip stop on the gulf coast right on the Florida/Alabama border. Daughter and husband had TWO dozen oysters on the half shell. Tried the key lime pie and it was luscious. Great views of the beaches from the tables. Shrimp po’ boy was also yummy. Shrimp was done nicely.

Flora-Bama: A Hidden Gem on the Border of Flavor and FunNestled on the Florida-Alabama state line, the Flora-Bama is a hidden gem that transcends the ordinary. Our recent visit, spurred by the recommendation of Diane from the Pensacola Lighthouse, unfolded into a delightful experience at this beach bar, honky-tonk, and live music venue that has been captivating hearts since 1964.Atmosphere:Split between the Ocean and River Marina sides, the Flora-Bama boasts an atmosphere like no other. With the state line gracefully cutting through the venue, you can soak in the unique ambiance that blends the best of both states. The casual, beachy vibe is complemented by graffiti signatures covering the walls and license plates from all corners of the country adorning the top border.Hospitality:Southern hospitality takes center stage at the Flora-Bama, with gracious hosts and servers who made us feel right at home. Whether inside the cozy interior or braving the winds on the deck, the staff's warmth and friendliness added an extra layer of charm to our visit.The Bushwacker Experience:Our journey began with the famed Bushwacker, a specialty co*cktail described as an adult milkshake laced with high-end Bacardi rum. Sipped through two straws, it perfectly set the tone for our culinary adventure, proving Diane's recommendation spot on.Culinary Delights:The menu, a treasure trove of flavors, left us spoiled for choice. While my wife opted for the delectable fish sandwich, I ventured into the combination basket of fried fish and Gulf shrimp. The piping hot, crispy goodness arrived promptly, and each bite was a symphony of flavors. To our surprise, the mystery fish turned out to be the ever-delicious grouper, a local and seasonal favorite.Local and Seasonal Culinary Surprises:Our server enlightened us on the local and seasonal nature of the fish, explaining that while sometimes it's fried mahi, during most of the year, it's the heavenly grouper. The decision not to specify on the menu resonated with us, adding an element of surprise to the dining experience.Recommendations:For those seeking an unforgettable meal, I wholeheartedly recommend the combo basket and the fried grouper sandwich. The crispy fried shrimp, though tail and all, is a revelation, and the skin-on thin fries, though a tad salty, are easily customizable to your taste if ordered without salt.Conclusion:Our late lunch at the Flora-Bama was not just a meal; it was an experience—a blend of flavors, hospitality, and a beachy vibe that left us yearning for more. Priced at a reasonable $45, the memories created were worth every penny. Flora-Bama is not just a restaurant; it's a destination, inviting patrons to savor the unique charm that defines the borders of Florida and Alabama.

Our lunch was pretty good, not as good as last year when we visited. The onion rings were mushy but our Key Lime Shrimp appetizer was great. The Bushwhacker was fine. Seems the same everywhere I try it. Our waitress Jade was top notch.

We really enjoyed our lunch, shrimp and grits were amazing! The fish tacos were good just a little dry. awesome selection of beer and co*cktails. Excellent service and great atmosphere!

What happened at the Flora-bama? The food was wretched. It looked really tasty on the table next to us and I'm speaking of the ground beef nachos. Their beer selection was minimal so we ordered apparently non alcoholic drinks. The service basically matched the food although at least the service was tolerable unlike the food. I literally got sick that night. This place was just bad I mean just bad. I just am so sorry that I asked my wife to go to check out this experience. This restaurant really embarrassed my memory of them.I had to come back and change the service to a one star because the manager wanted to come and message me regarding this review. He informed me they did not serve ground beef nachos. I told him once I ordered it I became well aware of that and suggested maybe he let the white staff know what is actually served from the menu.

Flora-Bama is a must experience spot if you're in the area and the Ole River Grill is no exception. A lot of reviews focus on fun, festive, and party atmosphere that it made me doubt if I can bring our whole family here with early middle schoolers.. and the short answer for those wondering the same is Heck yeah you can! Best to come for lunch and before 5pm because after those hours is when it gets more adult. Food was great. Tuna dip is the freshest I've ever had. Shrimp grits were good and the Mahi was seasoned well for a sandwich. Oysters were ok but the one I had hot too much bacon on it. This place can be quite busy so servers do the best they can to keep up. co*cktails were more juice than alcohol (bit surprising for the party festive flair, also don't get margaritas if you love those lol, stick to rum drinks). Will still come back as the location was great right at the water.

We came around 3 on a Friday afternoon and it was about half empty. It took awhile to get a server and another 10 mins after that just for drinks. She forgot some of our food, but it was quickly fixed. The food was okay, the tarter sauce was amazing. A great place to pull your.l boat up and eat. My 6 year old waited until the last minute to tell me she had to use the bathroom and it's outside the restaurant, down stairs, then back up another set of stairs. Just something to keep in mind.