Gulf Island Grill of Gulf Shores, Alabama: Good Food at OK Prices

With so many competing establishments in Gulf Shores, it's hard for a restaurant to stand out. While Gulf Island Grill isn't the most fantastic food on the Coast, and a few of the prices leave something to be desired, Gulf Island Grill provides a fun, clean experience for those in need of good seafood on breezy summer nights.

Located on Gulf Shore's East Beach Blvd, the neon sign that reads Gulf Island Grill is nearly impossible for travelers to miss. From the outside, Gulf Island Grill is welcoming with a large porch providing plenty of seating if there's a wait (and, if it's night already, there probably will be a wait at any restaurant on the Gulf) and a cute statue of standing dolphins in front of the establishment. During my visit, there were also a few well-fed cats playing at the building's front and side, but I'm fairly certain they're not part of the nightly routine. If you're worried about getting there, don't fret; there's plenty of parking available behind and beside the restaurant, and the building itself is easy find. When you're greeted, you'll find that seating is available both outside under the covered porch and inside the building. My party of four chose to stay inside because it was a Saturday football game night, and the restaurant boasts three restaurant-area televisions in varying sizes for its customers' convenience. Also inside, amongst the beach décor and dollar-bill-covered drop ceiling, is a bar, which provides its own brand of entertainment. On varying nights (when important football games are not taking place) karaoke and singing sometimes add to the volume of the cheery restaurant.

You'll find a regular menu, specials menu, and drink menu provided by the waitress. On the regular menu, prices vary from the po-boy sandwiches to the huge crab legs for two dinner at nearly forty-five bucks. The menu is extensive and filled with huge flavor variations that will leave you wanting to try it all. From barbeque to chicken to steaks and all kinds of fresh seafood, Gulf Island Grill has something for everyone, though customers will find themselves paying for the variety in some cases. I ordered from the specials menu, where every dinner was priced at $13.99. While there were several meals to choose from, I decided to go with the All You Care To Eat fried shrimp (grouper was also available), because I was hungering for a big meal at that price. In the end, it seemed a good choice, as I stuffed myself with a second portion of spiced and lightly-battered shrimp. My group, consisting of recent college grads and older university students, also partook in the tempting drink specialties. Gulf Island Grill offers several large mixed drinks with amusing, pun-filled titles including the word "lei," but their daiquiris were enough of a draw in flavors such as lime, banana, and amaretto orange. Also their basic drinks (such as the amaretto sours a few of us enjoyed) weren't too bad and were quickly delivered by a friendly server.

All in all, a visit to the Gulf Island Grill can be memorable, in the right company. From my experience, the food was fair, if slightly overpriced in some cases, and the environment was friendly, clean, and fun for both adult groups and families.

Gulf Island Grill
Gulf Shores, Alabama

244 East Beach Blvd

For more info and hours call 251-968-4440
Currently, there is no website available for this restaurant.