Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails – Putting New Spin on Gulf Favorites
From the drinks to the dressings and from the entrees to the desserts, the words “fresh” and “in-house” permeate the servers’ descriptions and the items on the menu. Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails, formerly West End Grill, located at 1154 West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is gearing up for its second high season in business and is poised to become a favorite with sand and sun seekers from Spring Break to Labor Day and well beyond.
Owner Brent Sexton and Chef Tony have remodeled and redecorated outside and inside, while studying each menu offering to be sure that the taste and quality will guarantee plenty of happy returning diners. All sauces are made from scratch. The burgers are grilled with 100% certified Angus beef. The seafood comes from the waters of nearby Bon Secour. Even the syrups in the mixed drinks are all-natural and made daily. Sous chef Mike puts his own signature into the desserts he enjoys creating. Owner Sexton loves being near the kitchen but finds himself all over the restaurant. He worked with a friend on all the recipes, experimenting and perfecting until he was pleased with the results.
Open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., you can ask to be seated in the clean, cheery indoor dining area or outside on the large wraparound porch when the weather warms up. The hostess and wait staff at Beach House Kitchen are friendly and eager to serve. Maybe you will be lucky enough to sit at one of Katelyn’s tables. She’s a treat. So much fun with boundless energy and enthusiasm. I told her about a particular food allergy, and she went straight to the chef to be sure I avoided any problems. There are eight well-placed flat screen televisions along with tables, booths, high-tops and seats at the bar to accommodate every preference.
Beach House specializes in craft cocktails. Each one is made to order. The bartender uses bitters that are making a comeback. They even have virgin daiquiris, called mocktails.
Prices are very reasonable. There are several $8.00 lunch specials offered daily, as well as $8.99 specials offered at night. Very helpful if you are trying to vacation on a budget.
Pan-seared grouper was my husband’s choice while I opted for grilled flounder tacos. We both tried the pineapple slaw and black beans, and I had a side order of fresh green beans sauteed with onions. I asked for the secret to the black beans because they were unusually good. According to Sexton, they contain lots of lime juice with generous sprinkles of cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper.
Recent dessert offerings were key lime pie and red velvet cheesecake, both house-made. I can personally attest to the deliciousness of the key lime pie. Tart with a great crust.
There are many dining options along West Beach Boulevard, but I urge you to give Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails a try. You will be pleasantly surprised by the moderate price when you experience the quality of food and service.
