Top 5 Waterfront Restaurants to Boat To in Orange Beach, Alabama
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On the Orange Beach coast, dining and boating often go hand in hand. After a morning cruise past Ono Island or a slow drift through Bayou St. John, nothing beats pulling up to a dock, tying off, and sharing a meal overlooking the water. Here are my five favorite restaurants that capture the flavor, charm, and boating convenience of life on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
1. Zeke’s Landing Restaurant
Located at Zeke’s Marina off Canal Road, this full-service restaurant and marina hub offers slip-side dining and a refined menu featuring fresh Gulf catch. It’s a favorite for those returning from offshore trips. Draft depths average 10–14 ft (3.0–4.3 m), ideal for larger center consoles and sportfishing yachts.
2. Flora-Bama Yacht Club
Just east of Ono Island, Flora-Bama Yacht Club blends coastal dining with iconic Florida-Alabama charm. Accessible by boat via Old River, it offers sandy-bottom docking and a no-wake approach. Depths range from 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m), perfect for pontoons, bay boats, and mid-size center consoles.
3. Tacky Jacks
A local legend on Marina Road, Tacky Jacks is the ultimate come-as-you-are dock bar. Its waterfront slips along Cotton Bayou accommodate most vessels up to 28 ft (8.5 m). Draft averages 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m), and the relaxed atmosphere makes it an easy stop for breakfast or sunset cocktails after a day on the water.
4. Avenue Pub
One of Orange Beach’s newer culinary standouts, Avenue Pub at Sportsman Marina elevates dockside dining with Southern-inspired flavors and creative cocktails. Depths average 8–10 ft (2.4–3.0 m), and the marina provides easy docking and full amenities for boaters spending the day in Terry Cove.
5. Barrometer
Tucked near the Intracoastal Waterway, Barrometer is a hidden gem known for its relaxed atmosphere and sweeping sunset views. With 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) depths and nearby slips, it’s perfect for an evening ride before heading home to Ono Island or Bear Point.
Depth & Access Summary
| Restaurant | Waterway | Avg. Depth (ft / m) | Typical Vessels | Docking Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeke’s Landing | Canal / Gulf Access | 10–14 ft (3.0–4.3 m) | Offshore sportfish, center consoles | Full-service marina with fuel and slips |
| Flora-Bama Yacht Club | Old River | 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m) | Bay boats, pontoons, center consoles | Dock directly on sandy shoreline; no-wake zone |
| Tacky Jacks | Cotton Bayou | 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) | Pontoons, deck boats | Casual slips; shallow near shore at low tide |
| Avenue Pub | Terry Cove | 8–10 ft (2.4–3.0 m) | Mid-size cruisers, dual consoles | Dock at Sportsman Marina; easy Gulf access |
| Barrometer | ICW / Bear Point | 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) | Center consoles, tri-toons | Adjacent to marina slips with ICW views |
Interactive Map: Boating to Orange Beach’s Top Waterfront Restaurants
These five destinations capture the best of Orange Beach’s boating culture — where good food meets open water, and every dock tells a story. Whether you arrive in a Grady-White, Invincible Catamaran, or a trusty pontoon, each stop offers a new reason to slow down and savor life along the Gulf.
To explore homes and waterfront properties near these boating hot spots, visit:
www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/ · www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/
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