New Gulf Shores seafood spot lets customers build their own steamer pots
The North Carolina seafood franchise tailored its menu to Gulf Coast tastes at its new Alabama location.
Mason Reed 
Topsail Steamer is bringing a fresh, coastal-inspired concept to Swiger Square in Gulf Shores. While the seafood franchise originated in North Carolina, this new Alabama location has been carefully tailored to embrace local tastes and regional flair.
A Localized Experience
Local owner Pat Mahon emphasized that catering to the Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast market was a top priority. Instead of relying solely on imports, the restaurant sources its shrimp from trusted local suppliers, including Bon Secour, Billy’s, and Aquilla. Mahon notes that the menu has been adapted to meet regional expectations, even incorporating crowd-pleasing staples like Conecuh sausage from nearby Evergreen as an alternative to traditional kielbasa or andouille.
Steam, Eat, and Gather
The restaurant’s motto, “take home, steam and eat,” encourages an experiential dining atmosphere. Customers can choose from two pot sizes—the “Low Tider” for two to three people or the “High Tider” for five to six—which come pre-packed with fresh ingredients, spices, and sauces. Once finished, the recyclable pot can be repurposed as a cooler, a planter, or sent for recycling.
Customizable Seafood Boils
Beyond the seven signature menu buckets, guests are encouraged to build their own combinations. Every pot starts with a foundation of corn and red bliss potatoes, with diners adding items like scallops and clams from Apalachicola, Florida, or crab legs. The team is also exploring a seasonal crawfish option to further align with Gulf Coast traditions. The commitment to local quality extends beyond seafood; the restaurant sources its cornbread and pies from a Fairhope bakery and its corn from local produce growers.
Visit the New Location
Topsail Steamer has been open since early May and has expanded its hours to seven days a week. For those exploring more family-friendly dining options in the area, check out these five beach restaurants kids will love. To stay updated on the best dining and entertainment across the region, keep following 205focus.com for more local insights, including looks at Orange Beach’s newest live music and food venues.
