Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay

Dining At Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay In Gulf Shores, AL Awakens A Feeling Of "Coming Home"

When you find a local hangout such as Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay in Gulf Shores, AL off Cty Rd 6 you are tempted to want to keep the "secret" to yourself. After all, the ambiance is like a "Cheers" waterfront dive --- where everyone learns your name and treats you like long-lost friends.



On my first visit to the new Oyster Bar located behind the restaurant that opened a year ago, my husband and I were greeted with such a friendly "Hey Guys! Have a seat and we'll get right to ya" I had to wonder if we are experiencing a Deja Vu.

Of course we aren't entrenched in a Deja Vu, but soon realize the face behind the greeting is of an old acquaintance from pre-Hurricane Ivan days --- Carlton Martin, former proprietor of SunPlace Else --- a walk-up eatery formerly located on West Beach in Gulf Shores. The now clean-cut Martin stands elbow deep in oyster shucking when we arrive. The sun is beginning to set on our beloved Bon Secour River beyond and a boyish looking Reed Lightfoot croons "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay --- Watchin' The Tide Roll Away ..." in his throaty, years-older sounding voice.

We didn't know it when we first arrived, but we found "home."

You see our very first eating experience upon arriving to Gulf Shores more than 10 years ago was at the Fish Camp Restaurant overlooking the Bon Secour River not far from where the current Happy Harbor Restaurants sits. We were smitten by the ambiance. The waterfront tables afforded us a great view of pelicans dive bombing for their meal while seagulls laughed. We recall asking the wait staff where they liked to eat and were referred to SunPlace Else just across from the Gulf Shores beach. I'll never forget the magic of hearing a singer there perform a cover of Cat Steven's "Wild World" with dogs howling for effect.

We couldn't get enough of our beach and river eating experiences. Life then seemed easy, breezy and uncomplicated by ordinances.

Then came hurricanes --- with Ivan the meanest.

As the saying goes "Life Happens." Our beach and river eating experiences were forever changed. The Fish Camp became condos, SunPlace Else II in Fort Morgan held little appeal and we lost touch with Carlton Martin.

Things "grew up" seemingly overnight. We found new "Hangouts."

But this evening we awaken to a new experience sitting in the screened-in Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay. We bask in the opportunity to enjoy oysters for $3 a dozen with $2 beers as we peek at the very river that captured our hearts so many years ago.

But enough about us and our memory-laden, sentimental experiences, you say. You want to know "What's in it for me?" "Why should I want to go?"

Here's why: you will not find another outdoor, riverfront oyster bar on the island.

You will not be able to purchase a dozen freshly shucked, sweet Apalachicola oysters for $3 a dozen. You will not find beer in a bottle sold for $2. Lastly, you will not find another Carlton Martin --- or Sawya, who makes a point to greet us after we are seated --- or freshman server Justin Morris who is so eager to please whenever I ask a question that he runs upstairs to secure the correct answer.

Here's what I learn about the food. Specials are posted daily and last the entire day. This day? AYCE (All You Can Eat) Mullet. Other specials include AYCE fried shrimp; Buffalo Crawfish; Peel-n-Eat Steamed Shrimp (Wednesdays!) and AYCE Southern Fried Chicken (Sundays).

Here's what I enjoy about the PoBoy's ordered. They are made on imported from Louisiana's Gambino's Bakery bread. Yes, it makes a difference and yes, the PoBoy ranks in my mind as one of the best I've eaten in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Foley area. The bread has an exterior "crust;" a dense,yet "springy" interior. Lettuce is cut in pieces The classic sandwich is served with mayo, tomatoes and pickles and the crawfish is fried with a flour-based crust. Fries are frozen fried, seasoned, beer-battered

Here's one of the more shocking revelations: sandwiches are served on diner-style plates (not melamine) and the meal including soda cost under $10! (Did you GET what I just said? The healthy portioned Po'Boy stuffed in great, AUTHENTIC, fresh-tasting bread is served on REAL PLATES with a seasoned side of fries or slaw and it COST LESS THAN $8!)

I don't know how they do it but sensing an opportunity to "reward" myself for choosing a meal for under $15 I decide to order the fried cheesecake dessert.

I am not exaggerating to admit it is the best fried cheesecake I've had anywhere. Not anywhere on the island --- anywhere.

"What makes this fried cheesecake so good?" you ask.

It is a fried cheesecake filled crepe --- as opposed to a crushed corn cereal-encrusted cheesecake served everywhere else. The plate is presented with two slender pieces of cheesecake with choice of syrup flavorings drizzled atop. We choose Raspberry but additional choices are Key Lime, Chocolate or White Chocolate, Cinnamon or Caramel.

Here's what else sets the fried cheesecake above others: it is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Most restaurants just top with a sprinkling of powered sugar with a flowerete of fresh-from-a-can-creamed-oil topping.

Now lest you think I rate the Happy Harbor Oyster Bar so highly because I am blindsided by memories, overcome by the sweet balmy air or hypnotized by the hum of sentimental music, know this: I made a point to express my displeasure that I cannot find a single, solitary restaurant that serves up a real, cut potato French Fry (except Villaggio Grille at the Wharf ) and I cannot for the life of me understand how Wendy's can successfully do so when other restaurants won't...

But I only voice my complaint in love --- and only to the nice server Justin. I want Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay to be best. I never want to be without the restaurant and oyster bar nearby to lift my mood. It is easy to fall hard for Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay. For my husband and I the experience is like a "coming home."

Want to go?

Happy Harbor Restaurant is located at 4159 Cty Rd. 6 on the ground level of a two level building. The Oyster Bar is located in a screened-in building behind the restaurant and has a partial view of the Bon Secour River near Oyster Bay. Tel: 251.968, 2778. Find Carleton Martin, Gen. Mgr.and tell him "Beachin' Betty" or "River Rick" from BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals sent you. If you own a kayak, take it. You can pay $5 to launch onto the Bon Secour River or "eat a meal and the launch is free," says Martin. I suspect if you feel like we do you'll return --- and feel right at home.

Note: if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke you may want to limit your experience to the air-conditioned restaurant. On another note: parking gets crazy around the oyster bar. Unless you own a truck that can jump curbs you may want to park up front and walk to the rear. You may not be able to negotiate your way around otherwise.

Where to go to have a "Beachin' Good Time!"

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