When you’re visiting a new place, figuring out where you’re going to eat is always one of the most important things to do. Of course, you want to find something delicious, but when you have special dietary needs, the question goes beyond taste to ensure you find enough to eat and sufficient variety to prevent boredom.
None of this is an issue when you’re visiting Alabama’s Beaches. If you maintain a vegan and/or gluten-free diet, your options are as plentiful as they are delicious.
While this isn’t a complete roundup of every vegan and/or gluten-free dining option in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, here are five restaurants we know you’ll want to include on your list of places to try.
The Southern Grind
Located conveniently at The Wharf or Indigo Hotel in Orange Beach, The Southern Grind is a great option for vegan lovers. For breakfast, treat yourself to their Avocado Toast. For lunch, consider the Plant-Based Burger, Hummus Veggie Wrap or one of the various salads on their menu. You can even ask the staff for vegan recommendations—they will be happy to help you find something delicious to eat.
Lucy Buffet’s LuLu’s
This waterfront restaurant, LuLu’s, offers an extensive selection of foods to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. With dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free and other dietary menus, this fun restaurant caters to everyone. The special menus make it easy to decide what’s best for you and eliminate any worries. You’ll find vegan appetizers, bowls, salads and sandwiches on the menu.
Parlor Doughnuts
If you’re in the mood for sweets, visit Parlor Doughnuts in Gulf Shores. They offer vegan, gluten-friendly and keto-friendly donuts so every sweet tooth can be satisfied. We suggest washing down your delicious donut with one of their handcrafted coffees.
GTs on the Bay
While GTs on the Bay is a popular family-friendly restaurant that serves Gulf seafood, the restaurant also has an incredible salad bar filled with greens, veggies and toppings. You can choose a small one-time trip for $6, a large one-time trip for $10 or endless trips for just $13. We suggest adding a side or two like roasted vegetables, red skin potatoes or tots to make it a meal.
Soul Bowlz
Soul Bowlz in Gulf Shores is an excellent place for those looking for a healthy spot to grab a bite to eat. Whether for breakfast, lunch or a snack, start your day with a smoothie or stop by midday for an acai bowl. They serve smoothie bowls made from acai, pitaya and other bases—plus, almost all the toppings are vegan! If you are in need of an energy boost, don’t hesitate to stop by Soul Bowlz.
We hope this guide helps you enjoy plenty of good food during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You can also check out the menu for these restaurants on their website.