Foley’s seafood scene isn’t all white tablecloths and $40 entrees. Sometimes you just want to crack open some peel-and-eat shrimp in your flip-flops, share a platter of fried catfish with your favorite person, and leave with both your belly and wallet still full. These spots deliver the Gulf’s bounty without the fuss—or the financial hangover.
Cozumel Bar & Grill
$ | (251) 923-3464 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wanted to transport your crew to a festive Mexican fiesta, Cozumel Bar & Grill will give you the lively back patio, vibrant atmosphere, and $15 margaritas to do just that. Plus, you can keep it casual while you do it at this Foley spot. You won’t get the most authentic meal of your life here, but the carna asada is grilled to perfection and served with excellent seasoning. Add the watermelon margarita for a drink, which is great for sipping.
Captain D’s
$ | (251) 943-2086 | WEBSITE
Captain D’s looks like a typical fast-food joint at first glance. Except you’re stuck choosing between overpriced, mediocre seafood at fancier spots or sticking to a budget eating… well, nothing. Skip all that and swing by Captain D’s, a straightforward fish restaurant where you can actually get a meal for less than $20. It’s also one of the few places around here where you can walk in during the dinner rush and not have to wait forever for your food.
And it’s great if you’re watching your wallet, since they have a seniors menu where two can eat for under $20 if you order smart, plus surprisingly low prices on add-ons like their standout french fries.
Fish River Grill
$ | (251) 952-3474 | WEBSITE
A solid family-friendly seafood spot is important to have in your weekend rotation and Fish River Grill gives that traditional feel without the stuffy atmosphere or pretentious vibe. Details like the swamp soup with cornbread or the gator bites on the menu add character. Grab a booth near the window if you’re looking for a family gathering spot, but like any good casual restaurant, no one is paying much attention to you.
Also like most family-friendly places, the portions are generous, but the location isn’t the fanciest, so expect a strip mall exterior but a warm interior. The fried catfish strips are your best bet if you’re just looking to keep the whole table happy (or hungry, we don’t judge) as you work your way through the seafood platter. Try the Bushwacker, which is refreshing, but worth every sip.
Shrimp Basket
$ | (251) 943-6643 | WEBSITE
Shrimp Basket feels like you’re stepping into a cozy coastal nook as you settle into one of the simple wooden booths. The Foley restaurant’s menu reads straightforward, which is the sign of a good seafood spot. There’s also a full bar, so you can get a cold beer even if you decided to go early for the lunch rush.
If you do that, get two orders of the shrimp and grits, a creamy, savory bowl piled with plump shrimp, stone-ground grits, and Cajun spices—because you’re not going to want to share, no matter how much you love your friend. The shrimp po’ boy and stuffed crab are equally outstanding, with generous portions that won’t leave you hungry. Servers like Sam and Rachel keep things moving with quick refills and friendly banter, making it all feel like a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Wolf Bay Restaurant at Foley
$$ | (251) 987-5129 | WEBSITE
We love Wolf Bay Restaurant at Foley for a lot of reasons, but especially for feeding your seafood cravings. Literally. The seafood restaurant in Foley is located in a bright, open space where the wooden tables are large enough that you can spread out with your whole family, if you’re into that kind of thing. And while it’s always popular, Wolf Bay is never too crowded, and the food comes out efficiently if you’re trying to grab something satisfying before heading home.
Menu items are consistent, but if the lobster chowder is available, get it. Also try the shrimp & grits, which has perfectly cooked shrimp in the creamy grits.
Chick & Sea Foods
$ | (251) 943-8443 | WEBSITE
You’re craving comfort food but you’re watching your wallet, so the closest you’re getting to Southern hospitality is Chick & Sea Foods in Foley, which is doing its best to deliver home-cooked vibes. You can slide into a cozy booth, grab a sweet tea on tap, and eat some perfectly cooked fried chicken while enjoying sides that will have you thinking you’re about to dig into a family dinner in 70-degree weather (even if you’re just passing through).
Take in the checkered tablecloths and rustic décor or head to the counter and enjoy the friendly service from the staff. On a busy night, you can stretch your meal into a leisurely feast when the cornbread muffins keep coming around 8pm.
Lambert’s Cafe
$ | (251) 943-7655 | WEBSITE
The next time you’re craving a hearty meal with a side of fun, head over to Lambert’s Cafe. The seafood spot feels like a nostalgic gem with its lively atmosphere and giant dinner rolls flying across the room. Grab a table in the bustling dining area, where you can try the restaurant’s famously plentiful portions—and some seriously satisfying dishes. The home-style cooking, which if you can get past the summer wait for a table, is actually amazing.
Made with care and served with friendly, attentive service, it’s comforting and delicious in all the right places.
Superior Crab Foley
$$ | (251) 943-0474 | WEBSITE
Superior Crab Foley is the kind of place where families gather to share stories over crab boils and the twangy sounds of live country music. The bright, clean space is welcoming but relaxed, with easy wheelchair access and a vibe that feels like a coastal escape. There’s a make-your-own crab boil station, as well, but if you skip it you’ll miss out on the gooey-centered beignets that come fresh from the kitchen.
There’s fresher seafood in the state, but it’s worth 25 bucks and pairs perfectly with the friendly service from staff like Francisco. Plus they give you scissors to crack the crab if you get it unshelled.
Cactus Cantina Foley
$ | (251) 943-9070 | WEBSITE
This Foley seafood spot serves up all the Americanized Mexican dishes, including those taco salads (for starters) in exactly the kind of joint we trust to do us right. They’re always bumpin’ with attentive service and serving up fantastic food here in a space that’s basically a refurbished cantina complete with cozy booths and warm lighting (so it can get lively during dinner hours).
While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, try the cactus grits, which burst with flavor once your spoon cuts through that queso-like goodness. Pair with the thin chips and a cold drink for a belly-rubbing meal. The plates are finger-licking good, so make sure whoever you’re with doesn’t mind sharing bites with you.
The Gulf Bowl & Captain’s Choice Seafood Restaurant
$ | (251) 943-4575 | WEBSITE
We all love a spot that can seamlessly shift from family fun to full-on party mode, and that’s The Gulf Bowl & Captain’s Choice Seafood Restaurant in a nutshell. This seafood and entertainment hub in Foley has a lively, casual feel thanks to the polished lanes, neon arcade games, and open layout. But it’s the atmosphere that really sets the tone—whether it’s a bright, bustling vibe during the pizza buffet or a more relaxed glow after the games wind down.
It’s perfect for a group outing, where you want to start with some seriously good seafood, but also have a chance to ramp up the fun with bowling or pool—all while keeping things under $25 a person for the buffet.