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My First-Hand Experience as I Ate My Way Through Orange Beach From Coastal to Nearby Inland Local Favorites
No matter where you are in Orange Beach, plenty of stellar breakfast spots complement the Gulf breeze and sunshine. It didn't take me long to realize how seriously the locals take their breakfasts around here.
It became clear that local charm spreads from one restaurant to the next. Of course, as a traveling outsider, I'm always looking for the hidden gems that locals rely on.
From the Ruby Slipper Cafe to Duck's Diner and a few others, plenty of options match the vibe of Orange Beach. This article highlights hidden gems that locals and travelers love for breakfast.
Why Choose the Hidden Gems Over Popular Chains?
I usually don't get much local flavor or culture from a national food chain. When I'm looking for unique flavors and fresh ingredients, I do as the locals do. They know best, and the local ingredients reflect the region's Southern traditions.
When I passed through, I aimed to support local businesses where I could. This is pretty easy to do with the number of local breakfast spots and surrounding activities, many of which are family-owned.
Even if these local gems are popular, I've found they're worth the time and money compared to chains I can find in any city. When I was searching for a local breakfast spot that's bound to make an impression, I found the places below ended up being my top picks.
7 Best Breakfast Spots in Orange Beach
Though well known to locals, I might have missed these places to eat breakfast in Orange Beach while passing through. As a traveler, choosing where to eat while sightseeing can be hard, but there were a few places I didn't want to miss out on.
Whether craving southern grit or local flavors, I found plenty to enjoy at Orange Beach brunch destinations. I've included a quick summary of the highlights in the table down below.
A great local spot isn't just about the food, although that's undeniably one of the first selling points. What keeps me coming back is the right food with the right atmosphere.
1. The Ruby Slipper Cafe - Creative Southern-Inspired Brunch
The Chicken St. Charles Eggs Benny and Shrimp Boogaloo definitely showcased the southern charm here, a must-try for Orange Beach brunch enthusiasts. I found Ruby Slipper Cafe to be pretty creative when it comes to their breakfast ideas. Eggs Benedict is a go-to for me, and there were plenty of variations for this one, too.
There are also many classics at Ruby's, with standout examples like fish and grits, and their delicious biscuits with butter on the side. Also, if I'd never had fried green tomatoes before, this would have been the best introduction.
Qualities That Stood Out
- Their perfect balance of sweet and savory in their dishes
- Surprisingly generous portions across every recipe
- Very attentive service, even though they can get pretty busy
2. Duck's Diner - Best Southern Comfort Breakfast Spot
An appreciation for Southern tradition is exactly what I got with Duck's Diner, and they don't hold back on the heartiness. Between the French toast, fluffy scrambled eggs, and Creole Shrimp and Grits, this place isn't meant for light eating.
It also delivers a very casual and comfortable feel of an American diner, and is more than suitable for families or those going in by themselves. Beyond the menu classics, the overall charm of the place really stuck with me. It can get pretty busy at their peak hours, and minor add-ons can come at a cost, but that won't overshadow my positive experience.
Qualities That Stood Out
- The place was a bit busy, but the staff was efficient with every table
- Southern-style comfort food with sizable portions
- Dog-friendly outdoor seating
- Cozy atmosphere with lots of duck-themed decor
3. Southern Grind Coffee House - Cozy Coastal Coffee Shop With a Healthy Twist
Since I was looking for delicious coffee varieties on top of southern-inspired and healthy food options, Southern Grind offered a great mix. At first, I thought a coffee house would be the same as many others, but that wasn't the case for Southern Grind. Easily one of the coziest Orange Beach coffee shops you'll find.
For myself, an exotic brew every now and again is a craving that's hard to ignore. With Southern Grind, the Honeybee Lavender Iced Coffee is where it's at. When it came to the food, there was an impressive blend of healthy ingredients accompanying southern favorites.
Qualities That Stood Out
- It quickly became a personal favorite for its coastal coffee shop vibe
- Plenty of baked goods to choose from
- Spinach and mushroom scramble with a side of grits and bacon is to die for
- Signature coffee options that really help the shop stand out from the norm
4. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets - Quick Bites and Cat-Themed Charm
After a quick look at their menu, it was the biscuits and quiche that fit the craving of something flaky, which is also highly rated by customers and employees. I didn't let the name of this place fool me. At first, I might have overlooked it since I wasn't necessarily looking for sweets, but the establishment is much more than that.
They did a great job of making sure I left full and with a mild sweet treat in hand. It's important to point out that this is a counter-order spot. Although there's plenty of seating, it can get cramped pretty quickly with how popular they've become with the locals and travelers alike.
Qualities That Stood Out
- Unique drink options like Ube Lemonade and Salted Caramel Iced Lattes
- A great mix of sweet and savory choices that won't overpower the sweet tooth
- Cat-themed decor with a tight-knit, yet cozy atmosphere
- The perfect spot for a tasty coffee and a quick bite that won't leave you feeling hungry
5. CoastAL - Beachfront Brunch With Fresh Seafood
At CoastAL, I got a direct view of the sand and water, which only enhanced my enjoyment when it came to the food. The staff suggested going with the Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, and they weren't wrong about it in the slightest. This place offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it's the Orange Beach brunch menu that made me want to stop by.
For me, it was their approach to seafood items that made me want to take a deeper look. We're talking tropical brunch cocktails, stuffed French toast that isn't lacking in size, and a great location that'll keep you around for hours. I didn't find it overly sweet; it was filling, and the ingredients tasted as fresh as could be.
Qualities That Stood Out
- Their combination of beach views and tasty food was a win for me
- The staff was great, and the outdoor seating was comfortable and accommodating
- Brunch offers the perfect blend of early morning recipes and mid-day snacks
- Many of their items are perfect to-go, holding a flavorful quality all the way home
I learned that when I went during a weekend or holiday, I had to expect a bit of a wait. Live music is also pretty common during brunch hours, but it isn't overbearing by any means.
6. Brick & Spoon - Southern Coastal Breakfast Classics
One of the more popular spots, it took a little digging before I came across it on my travels. There's definitely no shortage of Alabama flavor here, with southern favorites like Crab Cakes Benedict, Chorizo-Scrambled Eggs, and Creole Omelettes on the menu.
I couldn't overlook their Soft Shell Crab Benny, which tasted just as good as it sounds. With my take on seafood, it was really hard to choose one dish over the other in this case.
The menu also includes sweets, but its strength lies in the seafood-inspired dishes. The Deviled Eggs were truly something else. They really take the traditional recipe to new heights. Let me tell you, this took the traditional recipe to new heights for me.
Qualities That Stood Out
- Southern seafood-inspired breakfast options were out of this world
- Mimosas were a refreshing contrast, to say the least
- Casual and coastal charm to the decor
- It's a busy spot, but every customer is well taken care of
I'd also like to point out that the spot can be rather noisy, but that can be normal with popular breakfast spots like this. There's also pet-friendly seating outside, which made it easy for me to bring my pup!
7. Another Broken Egg Cafe - Southern Favorites With a Gourmet Flair
What caught my eye the most at Another Broken Egg Cafe was their Chicken and Waffles. I didn't have much trouble finding some familiar southern favorites here. Every so often, a craving for some crispy chicken and waffles is understandable, and this cafe nailed the perfect ratio. To help paint the picture, the chicken was crispy, yet still moist, and the waffle had a nice crunch on the outside and fluff on the inside.
Aside from that, it's highly suggested trying their country-fried potatoes with cheesy grits; hearty to say the least. My friend decided to give the Lemon Blueberry Goat Cheese Pancakes a try, and I'm so glad they did. Even if it was just a bit or two, I could see myself coming back for this entirely on its own.
Qualities That Stood Out
- A combination of Southern-style, yet exotic recipe ideas
- Seasonal cocktails and mocktails are available for those who don't drink alcohol
- Moderate noise level, even when they're a bit busy
- Seating was surprisingly quick and made the time spent all the more worth it
There's plenty to appreciate about this place, but it's helpful to note that parking can be a bit hectic sometimes. Although there are pros and cons to any restaurant, the local flavor is there, even if some others had a hard time seeing it for themselves.
Local Tips for Enjoying Breakfast in Orange Beach
During my time in Orange Beach, I learned quickly that arriving early is best. When it came to the local favorites, I noticed plenty of locals showing up on a regular schedule. This isn't about making reservations, but understanding that their unique flavors and recipes are worth the wait.
If the locals keep coming back for more, the restaurant must be on to something with what they're dishing out. Once again, being big on seafood, finding local seafood concoctions caught my interest more than anything else.
The coastal vibe accompanying the atmosphere of many local breakfast spots made the entire experience more enjoyable, too. Whether it was a cafe or an all-day restaurant that was a stellar place to eat in Orange Beach, local breakfast favorites aren't hard to come by.
There are many reasons to revisit these restaurants. Dishes like the Soft Shell Crab Benedict and Lemon Blueberry Goat Cheese Pancakes left a big impression.
Final Thoughts
Surely, there's a lot more that Orange Beach has to offer, but these were all the places I made sure to visit during my stay. With plenty of recommendations from locals, it's safe to say it was hard to choose where to go first.
Nevertheless, in search of southern flavors that go outside the norm, there are a lot of exciting options. To get the most out of my culinary experience in Orange Beach, I worked with Vacation Homes Collection to align my taste buds with a relaxing stay. They made trip planning much easier, placing me near the best food I didn't want to miss.
FAQ
Which of These Restaurants Should I Try First?
From my personal experience, I would go with Ruby Slipper Cafe, Southern Grind Coffee House, and Duck's Diner for starters.
What's the Best Brunch Spot With a View in Orange Beach
CoastAL is hard to ignore, as they've hit the sweet spot on excellent food with coastal views you don't want to miss.
Are Any of These Spots in Orange Beach a Mix Between a Coffee Shop and Breakfast?
Southern Grind Coffee House and BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets would be your go-to choice if that's what you're looking for.