2 Best Restaurants in Mobile, Alabama

Gulf seafood, grilled steaks, and seasonal specials are served in this massive, camplike tin-roofed shack complex overlooking Mobile Bay, including views of downtown lights at night. The huge selection offers everything from traditional regional dishes such as turtle soup and fried oysters to surprises like crayfish-smothered pork chops and grits. Service is precise but friendly. Reserve ahead for tables by windows.

Although it's now a regional chain, this local favorite for seafood has been in business since 1938, serving a menu of mostly seafood (especially fresh and fried Gulf oysters) from its original location on Dauphin Street. A local favorite, the original location has a lot more home-spun charm than the newer branches, with bare wood tables and walls decorated with hand-printed signs and slogans. If you want to try one of the signatures, go for the fried crab claws or fried oyster dinner. The menu even includes a couple of steaks for those who don't eat seafood. For dessert, there's "loaded bread pudding" (for two).