My family recently took a mini-vacation to one of my favorite spots – Orange Beach, Alabama. Having someone with celiac disease in the family has put us in the habit of reviewing menus for gluten-friendly options beforehand. Finding a restaurant that the whole family will enjoy with gluten-friendly options becomes even more difficult on a vacation. It is even more challenging to find a gluten-friendly seafood restaurant. Seafood restaurants routinely fry items in regular flour. Even when ordering blackened or grilled seafood, there is a special concern whether a sauce or roux contains gluten.
While searching the internet, we came across the Pier House Restaurant website. We were surprised at how many gluten-free items they had on their menu and decided to try it out. I can not praise their menu, restaurant’s atmosphere, or service enough. We showed up without reservations and asked for a table for ten people. The hostess came back with the manager. The manager apologized and said we would have to wait 15 – 20 minutes to be seated. We said that was fine and watched as they immediately started preparing some tables for us. We may have waited a short 10 minutes. After seating us, the manager explained that he would be serving us. Additionally, the chef checked on us to ensure that our food was to our liking. Despite having numerous customers, the staff made us feel like we were the most important people there.
Regarding the menu, we commented to the manager how unusual it was for a restaurant, especially a seafood restaurant, to have so many gluten-free options. He noted that the only item on the menu that was not gluten-free was the hush puppies. They cooked nearly all of the fried items with gluten-free flour! My husband was able to enjoy some of his favorites, such as fried crawfish tails and shrimp and grits. I had the redfish with fried okra and a side salad. Even the fried okra was gluten-free! In addition to gluten-free options, the menu was clearly marked for other food allergens, including dairy, soy, nut, shellfish, etc. The manager noted that preparing food for parties with food allergies was one of their specialties and that they would go through extensive preparation and kitchen reorganization when needed.
The restaurant’s location is terrific. It is right across the beach and offers stunning views of the sunset over the Gulf. The restaurant is spotless, well-decorated, and has excellent acoustics. All of these factors created the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable evening.
Throughout the evening, the staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed without intruding. The blend of excellent service, delicious food, and a picturesque setting made our dining experience at Pier House truly memorable. If you find yourself in Orange Beach, I highly recommend stopping by Pier House Restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or just a laid-back evening with friends, it offers a delightful taste of coastal Alabama that you won’t want to miss!
