Sunset Dining at The Perch: A Gulf Coast Treasure
Last night, my friend and I visited The Perch, a fabulous oceanfront restaurant located at Gulf State Park in Alabama. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a meal—it was an experience infused with the natural beauty, southern charm, and hospitality that make the Gulf Coast so unique.
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The Perch is perfectly positioned with views looking due west, directly over the recently reconstructed fishing pier. As the sun began its descent, the sky was painted with fiery hues of red, orange, and pink, casting a warm glow across the water and the surrounding dunes. There’s a wooden boardwalk nearby that leads visitors to the beach, and it’s the perfect place for a post-dinner stroll or just to take in the scenery.
What sets The Perch apart isn’t just its location but its thoughtful design and impeccable service. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between relaxed coastal vibes and refined elegance. From the woven, sculptural light fixtures to the inviting fire pit on the outdoor terrace, every detail feels carefully curated to complement the surrounding landscape. A fellow diner described it as “effortlessly charming,” and that sense of southern hospitality is present in every interaction.
The staff at The Perch truly embodies southern hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm, making us feel like valued guests. One of the servers told us, “We’re here to create an experience, not just serve a meal,” and they succeeded in every way.
For those visiting from out of town, I highly recommend staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, which is located on the same property. This beautiful, eco-conscious hotel offers oceanfront accommodations and blends seamlessly into the park’s natural surroundings. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a relaxing retreat with access to the beach, trails, and, of course, incredible dining at The Perch.
Perch, located within The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers a diverse menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients and inventive culinary techniques. Here's a closer look at some of their standout dishes.
Specialty
- Mezzi Rigatoni in Garlic Wine Sauce: A delightful pasta offering where mezzi rigatoni is enveloped in a garlic-infused wine sauce. The dish is elevated with roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and shallots, then finished with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, making it a comforting yet sophisticated choice.
Chilled Seafood
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Perch Seafood Tower: This impressive tower showcases citrus-poached Gulf shrimp, lobster tail, oysters, smoked Gulf fish salad, and crab ceviche. Accompaniments include a green apple mignonette, spicy cocktail sauce, lemon, horseradish, and lavash, offering a luxurious and varied seafood experience.
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Half Dozen Raw Oysters: Freshly shucked oysters served with a green apple mignonette, spicy cocktail sauce, horseradish, lavash, and lemon, providing a crisp and refreshing taste of the sea.
Soup & Salads
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Cream of Vidalia Onion Soup: A rich and creamy soup that highlights the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions. It's garnished with seasoned Chantilly and crispy onions, adding depth and texture to this comforting bowl.
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Wedge Salad: This salad features marinated heirloom tomatoes, bacon crumbles, pickled red onion, and radish, all atop crisp lettuce. It's dressed with Maytag blue cheese dressing, offering a balanced combination of fresh and savory elements.
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Chopped Caesar: Romaine lettuce tossed with caperberries and white anchovies, complemented by broken garlic sourdough crostini, providing a classic yet elevated Caesar experience.
Tidbits
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Grilled Colossal Shrimp: Colossal shrimp are grilled and basted with garlic herb butter, then served alongside sourdough bread, making for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.
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Risotto and Mushroom Croquette Fries: Crispy croquettes made from risotto and mushrooms, served with a spicy Fra Diavolo sauce, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
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Artisan Stuffed Pretzel: A baked soft pretzel stuffed with artichoke hearts, artisan cheeses, mixed olives, spiced pecans, and cured meats, accompanied by craft mustard—a perfect shareable starter.
Main Courses
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Seared Gulf Grouper: Fresh Gulf grouper seared to perfection, served with roasted red pepper succotash and a smoky tomato broth, highlighting the rich flavors of the region.
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Seared Scallops with Glazed Pork Belly: A harmonious pairing of tender seared scallops and glazed pork belly, accompanied by cucumber and coconut rice, as well as sweet potatoes, creating a balanced and indulgent dish.
The Butcher Block
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8 oz. Center-Cut Filet Mignon: A tender center-cut filet mignon, served with butter-poached asparagus and seasoned with Perch's signature blend, offering a classic steakhouse experience.
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Delmonico Ribeye: A flavorful Delmonico ribeye paired with braised cipollini onions and seasoned with Perch's signature seasoning, catering to steak enthusiasts.
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Tomahawk Pork Chop: A substantial tomahawk pork chop served with fondant sweet potatoes and fresh seasonal herbs, providing a hearty and satisfying option.
Perch's menu reflects a commitment to quality and creativity, ensuring a memorable dining experience above the dunes of Gulf State Park.
Dining at The Perch is more than just a meal—it’s an evening spent connecting with the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast, indulging in a thoughtfully crafted menu, and experiencing the warmth of true southern hospitality. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, it’s a destination you don’t want to miss.
If you’re dreaming of making the Gulf Coast your home, I’d love to help you find the perfect property to complement this incredible lifestyle. With sunsets like this and the charm of places like The Perch, there’s no better place to call home.
Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
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