One thing Gulf Coast Media has learned about Baldwin County residents and visitors over the years is they love a delicious meal. In a county the size of Rhode Island, it should come as no surprise that a range of cuisine at any price, from food trucks to fine dining, abounds.

While it's hard to narrow it down, we compiled a list of foods we think are essential to the Baldwin County experience.

1. BARBECUE – Smoke plus meat equals barbecue. This isn't a new equation, but the one factor missing is Alabama white sauce. If you are new to the state, yes, we have our own barbecue sauce, and it's tasty. Now, your mission is to try all the local white sauces to find your favorite, but if you need a starting point, our readers voted Moe's Original BBQ in Foley as Best of Baldwin 2024 in our readers choice contest. (Try turkey with the white sauce...yum!)
2. BUSHWACKER – While invented in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bushwacker is the iconic alcoholic drink of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Imagine a milkshake that got lost and walked into a bar. The creamy, blended, sweet drink is perfect for the sizzling summer heat and will give you a nice buzz. The method and flavors vary by the establishment and the season, but the basics are usually rum and coffee liquor. Start in Gulf Shores at Lulu's and head east to end on the beach at the Flora-Bama.
3. CRAB – Crab is always a popular coastal food, and you can find it in any form in Baldwin County. Locally sourced blue crabs are abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, and chefs use them in everything from crab cakes and gumbo to pasta dishes and stuffed inside more seafood. We caution from asking where to find king crab legs in local social media groups because we aren't in Alaska (they are on menus if that's your craving). Stop into Big Fish in Orange Beach to try their seasonal blue crab claws that come either fried or sauteed in a white wine butter sauce or Bluegill Restaurant in Spanish Fort.
4. GUMBO – On the Gulf Coast, gumbo is king. From seafood to chicken and sausage, you will see gumbo on most menus in the area. The dish seems simple but requires time, patience and lots of love. Try several to find the flavor combination you love most. Need recommendations? Try Ed's Seafood Shed in Spanish Fort, Market by the Bay in Daphne or Wolf Bay Lodge in Orange Beach.
5. LOCAL SHRIMP – There is no shortage of seafood restaurants, but one question that pops up in community groups often is where to buy it fresh off-the-boat. Take a scenic drive to Bon Secour and visit Billy's Seafood for every thing from Royal Red shrimp to wahoo. The building sits over the water, and boats pull right up to unload their catch. The staff will not only help you with selecting but will offer preparation suggestions. During crawfish season, they have live and freshly boiled crawfish (just don't ask for the recipe because it's a secret). Staff will also prepare a fresh seafood boil for you to pick up and enjoy at home.
   

   MICAH GREEN / GULF COAST MEDIA
6. MOON PIE – Any coastal community has ice cream, but the Gulf Coast has some unique sweets like king cake and moon pies synonymous with Mardi Gras, which originates from Mobile, not New Orleans. Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream makes seasonal flavors using whole king cakes and moon pies that you can only purchase in one of their ice cream shops, which are in Mobile and Fairhope.
7. OYSTERS – Oyster lovers in Baldwin County will be happy to know you can find them prepared in every way possible, but you can also visit the oyster farms where they grow. Head to the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores or The Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Bon Secour. When you want to learn about the process of growing oysters, head to Admiral Shellfish Company or Navy Cove Oysters, both in Fort Morgan. Visit their websites to learn about family-friendly farm tours
8. PIMENTO CHEESE – From homemade to restaurant menus, South Alabama claims pimento cheese and uses it for everything from charcuterie to burgers toppings. While it's easy to make at home, local food producers make pulling out the food processor unnecessary. Stop into Feast & Co. in Foley and grab some ready-to-go. When it comes to restaurants, order the pickled board at The Hope Farm in Fairhope, featuring house-pickled vegetables, eggs and house-made pimento cheese.
9. SNAPPER – At a restaurant or fresh off your hook, red snapper is a must when it's in season. Zeke's Restaurant in Orange Beach, among many others, will cook up your catch as soon as you pull into their marina. Don't have a boat? No problem. The Alabama Gulf Coast has more charter boat captains than you can imagine who can help you hook that dream snapper.
10. FOOD WITH A VIEW – Eating out is wonderful, but if you can eat out with an amazing view or sunset, the food somehow always tastes better. There's no shortage of dining options with views so it may be hard to pick so here are a few places to start. On the Eastern Shores, try Sunset Pointe in Fairhope, or head to the beach for Jesse's on the Bay in Fort Morgan and The Gulf in Orange Beach.