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One year in August, we decided to take a last-minute road trip from Joplin, Missouri, to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We’d never been anywhere near this area before. In fact, we simply looked at the road atlas for a place we could spend some beach time within a “reasonable” driving distance.
We wanted to relax before school started again, but we also wanted a place touristy enough for some fun. After some Internet searches, we’d found our destination and booked a room.
Following our first day of lazy beach bliss, we looked around for a fun place for dinner. Lulu’s Fun Food and Music seemed like a great choice; it even had the word fun in the title. We hopped in the car and drove from our beachfront motel, Best Western on the Beach, on Beach Boulevard, and drove back inland across Portage Creek to Lulu’s.
When you arrive at Lulu’s, you’ll still feel a lot of that beach town vibe because it’s right on Portage Creek. These boats moored in the creek remind you that the open ocean is nearby. There’s something about waterfront dining that adds to fun.
Lulu’s: The Fun
When we arrived, we put our names on the waiting list and set out exploring. It was a warm evening, but it was bearable as the sun began to set.
The sand and palm trees make the place feel tropical.
As does the Bama Breeze Bar.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to pass the time while you wait for your table. You can sit and chill…
Or you can get active.
Kids, young and old, tried out the ropes course.
The height is quite impressive.
If old-school arcade games are more your style, you’ll have an assortment to choose from.
The gift shop is pretty adorable; I loved the Lulu’s merch!
Lulu’s” The Food and Music
It wasn’t long before our pager went off. We were shown a table with a view of the creek, though we weren’t creekside.
Lucy Buffett, also known as Jimmy Buffett’s “crazy sista,” owns Lulu’s Fun Food and Music locations in Gulf Shores, Destin, and Myrtle Beach. Our table was near a tribute area to Jimmy Buffett and the Buffett family.
Interestingly, the name Lulu refers to a nickname Lucy had as a child. In 1999, Buffett opened her original business in Fairhope, Alabama, called Lulu’s Sunset Grill, which sold hamburgers and bait. When her lease wasn’t renewed five years later, Buffett moved her business to its current location where it continued to grow into what you see today.
Most days and evenings, Lulu’s will have live music of some kind to entertain diners. I loved the open-air seating and the laidback vibe.
They even have seating for those with young kids near the sand.
The menu is coastal Southern staples mixed with American grill favorites. Since we were in the South, I ordered some fried green tomatoes with Wow sauce to get things rolling. Yum!
Kristin was happy to order her old standby–chicken tenders and fries.
And Jeff went for one of his regular choices–plain hamburger with fries.
I decided to try something new for me–a Jerk chicken sandwich with pineapple and bacon. It was fantastic!
We had a great dinner, and soon we were strolling back to the car as the sun continued to dip below the trees. Next on our list: evening stroll on the beach near the motel.
Lulu’s is a great choice for families, couples, or any group, really. The food is delicious, and the choices range from familiar to unique. The music keeps things lively, and the drinks are often a welcome way to wind down after a day at the beach.
Other Southern U.S. adventures:
Dolphin Tour in St. Augustine, Florida
