Food. It is a favorite aspect of vacationing for many. Well, right behind cold beer, reeling in a fish or getting toes sandy while the sound of waves crash in the distance. Although Fort Morgan seems to have little to offer in the restaurant category, there is a lot more available than you might think. During our last visit to Reel Serenity, we tried to sample as many options as possible in two days. Here is what we found:
Sassy Bass
This place is awesome (and just a couple miles from the condo). The Amazin’ Grill here is aptly named. We stopped in for lunch and ate on the outside patio. The wait staff is fast and friendly and the ambiance is exactly what you want from a beach joint … dining tables made from repurposed wood, colorful strings of lights dangling from the ceiling, drink specials listed on old tide warning signs and fish mounts from the ‘60s wearing Mardi Gras beads.
I ordered the bacon cheeseburger ($10.99), because calories don’t count against you when you are on vacation. The meat seemed fresh, not frozen … and the fries looked like they were cut from fresh potatoes. My bride ordered the grilled shrimp burrito ($7.99) and raved about it. I know, our orders were not very adventurous, especially when you look at the seafood items on the menu, like Chilean Sea Bass (their specialty), Amazin Tuna (sushi grade) and the Snapper Grill. They also have local oysters from Navy Cove, which are supposed to be sweet and highly prized. Looking back, my burger idea was idiotic.
We almost ordered dessert … the choice was between Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate cake (I’m guessing it is pretty chocolaty) and … well, I don’t remember. They had me with the first Chocolate. But, not enough stomach space, so we opted out.
The other aspect of the Amazin’ Grill we look forward to trying is the breakfast … they have a buffet. The drink menu is also impressive, with a great beer selection and some killer looking martini options if you are into that sort of thing. Oh, and for dinner, they have a “cook your catch” option that I very much look forward to trying out. Can’t freakin’ wait until snapper season!
Now, the grill isn’t the only cool thing about this stop. Sassy Bass also has a killer grocery store, complete with fresh meat counter. So, you don’t have to drive back to Gulf Shores if you need grub to cook. Also included in the Sassy Bass store is a full-on liquor store. So, run out of rum for Sex On The Beach (the drink, of course) … no problema! You can take a gander at all they have to offer here: http://www.sassybassmarketplace.com/Page.aspx?PageID=9736
Tacky Jacks
If you are looking for the ultimate beach-bar hangout, this is your place. Located less than a mile from Reel Serenity, Tacky Jacks is a staple for adult-beverage-loving, sunset-viewing beach goers. The deck on this place is about the size of a football field, with multiple levels and enough tables to seat all students from the University of Alabama.
Roll Tide.
We tried out the crab cakes, which were good, and a cheeseburger (notice a theme?). We also tried out the Bushwhacker, a rum drink that includes Kaluha … and Baileys … and Amaretto. Just for the hell of it, they throw on some whipped cream and chocolate syrup (please refer back to my calorie theory). Warning: these suckers sneak up on you. For future reference, we mapped out the walk (stumble?) from Tacky Jacks to Reel Serenity. Totally doable.
For more details, check this out: https://www.tackyjacks.com
Sarah’s Homemade
If you are like us, you prefer to cook the majority of your meals while on vacay. For one, it’s more economical. But mainly, hanging out with family and friends while drinking a glass of wine and whoopin’ up some grub creates some of our favorite memories. Our last trip to Reel Serenity, we stopped at Sarah’s Homemade, which is on the corner of Hwy 59 and Fort Morgan Rd. It is in the same shopping center as Rouses (a great grocery store), and directly on your right as soon as you make the turn heading out to the peninsula.
We were pleasantly surprised with the food here. They make casseroles, sides, soups and treats that you can prepare at any time. We chose the Shepherd’s Pie and the Lasagna Roll to cook the second day of our stay. They told us that each of the large portions would feed up to four people, and they were dead on. The large portions range from $16 to $19. We will definitely stop by this place every time we visit Reel Serenity.
For their complete menu: http://www.sarahshomemade.com/menu-1.html
Options Near Reel Serenity We Haven’t Tried Yet:
Coast at The Beach Club: This place looks fancy. I’m thinking a romantic date spot: https://thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Coast-Menu-2018.pdf
Kiva Grill: This is a grill inside the nearby Kiva Dunes Golf Course. Looks like they make a mean wrap: http://www.kivadunes.com/dining/kiva-grill/
Behind The Pines: This is a local seafood dive that seems to get more than their share of Navy Cove Oysters: https://www.facebook.com/Behind-The-Pines-149406365108626/
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