As Alabama’s first certified Green Restaurant, the Safari Club at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo opened its doors in 2019 and is a unique and exciting dining experience. The Safari Club has been singled out by the Green Restaurant Group of Boston as a leader around the Gulf Coast in conservation, recycling and reduced waste. The zoo and the restaurant have made great strides to be an energy efficient operation. No Styrofoam products are used. Plastic straws, napkins, to-go containers and all utensils are bio-degradable or recyclable. 

They have teamed up with the City of Gulf Shores recycling program to recycle a variety of waste. In addition, through the zoo’s sustainability committee, the Safari Club helps the zoo with composting materials and the zoo provides the restaurant with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables from their Munsell Sustainable Garden. “We work hand-in-hand with the zoo on recycling, composting and green certification,” says David Craft, restaurant manager.

The Safari Club offers a nice selection of eats, from tantalizing small plates and handmade artisan wood-fired pizzas to a full variety of seafood and meat selections cooked on an open flame. They offer gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as wild caught and ‘barely touched’ seafood to ensure every palate is satisfied. Local favorites include Crunchy Goat Cheese and Tempura Cauliflower appetizers, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Coconut Shrimp, Bacon Jam Burgers, Safari Salad and local Crab Cakes. For sides, choose between plantain chips, homemade coleslaw, hummus with pita chips or a variety of vegetables. There is also an extensive wine and craft beer selection.

According to Craft, the Safari Club is experimenting with a Natural Awakenings recipe for Cilantro Rice to add to their summer menu. “We are always happy to try new healthy recipes to keep our menu enticing and our zoo patrons coming back for more,” says Craft. 

In addition to the scrumptious menu, the Safari Club has indoor or outdoor seating that is a great place to relax, enjoy great food and take in the sights and sounds of the zoo.

The restaurant is a fully equipped venue that can handle large parties or special events. Throughout the beautifully landscaped 25 acres, the zoo has integrated a variety of indoor and outdoor settings that can be reserved for groups ranging from 20 to 500 people.

Join the Safari Club gang for all day happy hour and live entertainment on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular ‘Delta Donnie’ is a must see, and, for Sunday brunch, Timmy G. will never disappoint.

“Safari Club is a unique dining experience nestled right up next to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Our guests can enjoy a wide variety of foods all while sitting on the back porch watching lemurs, giraffes and tigers,” says Craft. “Please call us about our menu and upcoming entertainment. We are proud and happy to answer questions about your dining experience.” 

Location: 20499 Oak Rd. E., Gulf Shores, AL. 251-256-7007. For more information visit AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.com/Dine-at-the-Zoo. Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed 11-3; Thu, Fri, Sat 11-8; Sun 10-2.