We had the pleasure this past weekend of checking out the newest restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama.  Playa at Sportsman Marina is located at 27842 Canal Road just a short distance down the road from the legendary Doc’s Seafood Shack. I had been following the restaurant’s opening progress on their social media outlets and was just as thrilled to check out the interior design as I was to check out their menu!

The restaurant had just opened their doors on Monday, May 21st. I was happy that our trip down to visit relatives coincided with the opening of this new place. My excitement could hardly be contained, especially after finding out they had my favorite cocktail, frosé. We had an early dinner Saturday evening with friends on our way to the Florabama to hear another friend’s band play on the tent stage.

When you first pull off Canal Road into Sportsman Marina all you can see is the large boats and live oak trees that lead you down toward restaurant, which is perfectly situated dockside. You can also reach Playa by water, finding the docks just beyond Robinson Island in Terry Cove. We are fortunate to have family that lives right in Terry Cove, and I can see us spending many dinners here in the future.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will immediately be transported into a beach haven, with art deco flair, and coastal comforts. Johnny Fisher, the owner of Playa and Fishers also in Orange Beach, did an excellent job with the design of the space; from the tile details on the floors to the nostalgic cocktail glasses. Playa exudes character and charm. Our group was seated at a long booth with the prettiest vinyl palm leaf upholstery, and a classic “Woodie” car painting done by a local artist and friend of Fisher’s, Lila Graves.

The food and cocktail menus are divine. I was thrilled to see my favorite, frosé (frozen rosé), on the cocktail menu. They even have frozen coke or Topo Chico for those who do not want an alcoholic beverage. The food selections ranged from fresh guacamole, street tacos, oysters, conch fritters, and whole snapper, to mainstay dishes like cheeseburgers, steaks, and chicken. There is absolutely something here for everyone. We enjoyed trying the guacamole, jerk butter oysters, and baked crab dip during our first visit.

I highly recommend that you put Playa in Orange Beach on your list of places to check out next time you are in town!