Shipp's Harbour Grill In Orange Beach: Reviews & Menu

Miss Viviane Nienow DVM 07 May 2025

What does it take to build a culinary legacy, and how does it endure in the face of both triumph and adversity? Shipp's Harbour Grill, a beloved institution in Orange Beach, Alabama, exemplifies the dynamic narrative of a restaurant that has navigated the currents of success, faced the flames of a kitchen fire, and ultimately, sought new horizons.

The allure of Shipp's Harbour Grill has always resided in its promise: a casual waterfront dining experience that promises fresh gulf seafood, tender steaks, and an array of sushi. The restaurant, perched at 27842 Canal Road in Orange Beach, has long been a popular destination for those seeking a taste of the sea combined with the warmth of Southern hospitality. With a rating of 3.5 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru, and having garnered 1530 reviews and 51 photos, the restaurant was clearly a favorite, offering a diverse menu, featuring items like Gulf shrimp tacos, fresh oysters, and grilled fish, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has been a place where people can relax, enjoy the sunset, and savor fresh local cuisine. The Upper Deck offered an elevated dining experience perfect for the whole family. The restaurant also hosted weddings, celebrations, breakups and all kinds of events.

The restaurant's menu was known for its diversity, a testament to the culinary vision of Chef Matt Shipp and his wife, Regina. They created a menu and atmosphere that was sure to tantalize taste buds.

Chef Matt Shipp: A Culinary Profile
Full Name	Matt Shipp
Profession	Chef, Restaurateur
Education	Culinary Institute of America
Spouse	Regina Shipp
Restaurants	Shipp's Harbour Grill (Orange Beach, AL), (Also worked with Christian Mendoza)
Cuisine Style	Seafood, Steaks, Island Fare, Sushi, Old School Recipes
Key Achievements	Created a diverse menu and atmosphere at Shipp's Harbour Grill, popularizing fresh Gulf seafood, steaks and sushi.
Known For	His commitment to fresh ingredients, his ability to create a casual yet gourmet dining experience, and his partnership with his wife Regina.
Location	Orange Beach, Alabama
Recent events	Shipps Harbour Grill was purchased by the Fishers team.
Reference	Example.com (For illustrative purposes, replace with a valid source)

The setting of Shipp's Harbour Grill played a significant role in its appeal. Located in a picturesque marina, the restaurant offered a tropical outdoor seating arrangement with wooden tables adorned with fresh flowers. This created a welcoming atmosphere where guests could enjoy the waterfront view and the perfect end to their day.

The restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients was evident throughout its menu. Dishes such as Gulf shrimp tacos, fresh oysters, and expertly grilled fish showcased the best of local cuisine. Signature drinks like the "Shipp's Face" were perfect for hot summer evenings, complimenting the casual and relaxing waterfront environment. The menu's diversity was a key attraction, with both casual fare and gourmet options available, making it a place for a wonderful meal.

The restaurant has been a location for many events. From weddings to casual get-togethers, Shipps Harbour Grill seemed to have had something to offer for all kinds of events.

The history of Shipps Harbour Grill took a turn when, on a fateful day, the kitchen experienced a fire. The swift response of the Orange Beach Fire Department played a critical role in containing the damage, according to Regina Shipp. In the aftermath, the resilience of the community shone through, with locals offering their support.

Despite the initial success and popularity, the restaurant had to navigate challenges. Shipp's Harbour Grill's gluten-free menu, for example, was found to contain inaccuracies, a matter that raised concerns about transparency and accuracy. While a dedicated gluten-free menu was provided, some items listed as gluten-free unfortunately included fried items that were not fried in a dedicated fryer, leading to questions regarding the overall accuracy of the labeling.

Then, came the news of the acquisition. On [Insert Date - Based on available data, there's no specific date mentioned in the content provided for the purchase] the Fisher's team purchased Shipp's Harbour Grill. This marked a new chapter for the establishment, leaving many locals and tourists with a sense of sadness, as the restaurant held a special place in the community for many years. The purchase of the establishment also meant that Chef Matt Shipp would explore new opportunities.

The shift in ownership, however, does not erase the restaurant's legacy. Shipp's Harbour Grill has left an indelible mark on Orange Beach's dining scene, demonstrating the enduring appeal of great food, breathtaking views, and the spirit of community.

The restaurant, in its years of operation, had many fans who spoke about their experiences. Many found the restaurant to provide excellent service and delicious freshly caught seafood. The reviews speak for themselves.

Shipp's Harbour Grill, from its inception, offered a perfect blend of casual and gourmet dining, showcasing fresh Gulf seafood, steaks, and sushi. The restaurant has, at one point, been known for its wide variety of old school recipes. The menu catered to a wide variety of tastes. The upper deck provided an elevated dining experience. While the exact details are unknown, a fire in the kitchen threatened the legacy, requiring quick action from the Orange Beach Fire Department.

The restaurant, beyond the food and the setting, stood as a testament to the dedication of its owners and the warmth of its staff. The restaurant provided people with a place to find excellent service.

Shipps Harbour Grill, in its essence, was the place where food and community thrived. Its story is one of culinary excellence, adaptation, and the enduring power of a well-loved restaurant in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama.

The restaurant was a place to make reservations and the process was easy.