The Alabama Gulf Coast lays claim to a huge assortment of restaurants, from national chains to upscale wine bars specializing in gourmet bistro fare. To sample the area's true local flavor, head to one of the locally-owned eateries. Casual and family-friendly restaurants are abundant, offering fresh shrimp, crab, and other area specialties. For seafood-shy visitors, there's always steak, ribs, chicken, and BBQ-all prepared southern-style.