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Craft cocktails and fresh seafood are just some of the reasons why vacationers come to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach every summer. Known for Southern hospitality and relaxed atmosphere, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have some of the liveliest bars with breathtaking views of the sandy beaches. You can also find innovative and traditional seafood dishes at local watering holes. Once nighttime rolls around, some bars turn into dance floors where locals and visitors come together to the sounds of live bands and local and national entertainers. Whether you're looking for a family friendly bar or an adult atmosphere, we've detailed the top 4 bars in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach based on atmosphere, cocktails, and music below.

The Gulf:
Located in east Orange Beach, The Gulf serves up fresh cocktails in a new and modern space that rests on the edge of picturesque Perdido Pass. The structure of The Gulf is made entirely out of repurposed shipping containers and wood design elements that create a modern, yet relaxing open space to enjoy a cocktail with friends all year round. Visitors have the option to sit in an upper deck to watch the sunset or enjoy an aerial view of the friendly crowd. The downstairs features a wide wooden deck that spills over to an outdoor landscaped lounge that has large chairs, wooden benches, and hammocks. Bartenders at The Gulf serve craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients like the black berry mojito. If you're hungry, The Gulf has menu items that range from fresh oysters to fish sandwiches and salads.

The Hangout:
Home to the annual Hangout Music Festival, The Hangout is located right off the Gulf Shores Public Beach, and has an array of seafood and cocktails in a family friendly environment. The Hangout offers visitors an inviting indoor and wide-open outdoor space filled with colorful tables, lounge chairs, and a music stage overlooking the beach. The Hangout is a local favorite because of the local and national live music acts that are scheduled almost every single evening during the year. The Hangout also has an extensive seafood menu with dishes like snow crab legs, fresh oysters and shrimp served by the pound. The cocktail menu is also abundant, and has drinks like the Surf's Up that mixes coconut rum, peach schnapps, blue cura�ao, pineapple and cranberry served on ice.

Pink Pony Pub:
The Pink Pony Restaurant & Bar is located right off the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Shores public beach, and it serves fresh cocktails and seafood bar bites in a playful atmosphere. As the name suggests, the building is painted bright pink and overlooks the beach. Established in 1956, Pink Pony Pub is a local favorite for their Po'boy sandwiches, burgers and nachos. While the Pink Pony is a family friendly bar during the day, the night turns the bar into an environment for adults with fresh cocktails and live karaoke until 3:00 a.m.

Flora-Bama
Though it requires a little drive to the east to the Alabama and Florida border, any top bars list for the area would be remiss to exclude Flora-Bama. It's come to be known as one of the quintessential beachside bars in the area and is a go-to spot for drinking and dancing. Consider taking the drive east to Flora-Bama and keep an eye out for events hosted there. Flora-Bama is host to the Interstate Mullet Toss, Oktoberfest and other popular annual events.

In addition to these bars, you'll find a great selection of other places to grab a brew or cocktail in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach within close distance to your Gulf Shores or Orange Beach rental. Book your stay today and enjoy your time!

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