New Gulf Shores seafood spot lets customers build their own steamer pots

The coastal seafood experience has arrived in Gulf Shores. Topsail Steamer, a franchise with roots in the coastal traditions of North Carolina, has officially opened its doors in Swiger Square, bringing a fresh, interactive dining concept to the Alabama coast.

A Local Twist on Coastal Tradition

While the franchise originated in North Carolina, the new Gulf Shores location is intentionally tailored to the preferences of Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast diners. Owner Pat Mahon emphasized that sourcing local ingredients is central to the restaurant's strategy.

"Number one, we provide Gulf shrimp and in this neck of the woods they want Gulf shrimp versus North Carolina shrimp," Mahon said. "We source our shrimp locally from Aquilla. We use some others. There’s Billy’s, there’s Bon Secour and those are our primary."

Take Home, Steam, and Eat

Topsail Steamer is modernizing the classic family seafood boil. The restaurant provides everything needed for a high-quality feast, including the pot, spices, butter, cocktail sauces, and table paper. Customers can choose from two pot sizes: the "Low Tider" for two to three people and the "High Tider" for five to six. Once the meal is finished, the recyclable pot can be repurposed as a cooler, a flower planter, or sent to a recycling center.

This experiential dining approach encourages gatherings among friends and family, aiming to turn a simple meal into a memorable event.

Community-Focused Ingredients

The local influence extends beyond the catch of the day. The restaurant currently sources corn from a local producer and stocks pies and cornbread from a Fairhope bakery. Perhaps most notably for local diners, the menu now features the iconic Conecuh sausage from Evergreen as a primary option for its steam pots, replacing more traditional kielbasa or andouille.

Building Your Own Experience

While Topsail offers seven pre-designed signature buckets, the brand encourages customization. Every bucket starts with a base of corn and red bliss potatoes, allowing guests to add their choice of shrimp, scallops from Apalachicola, Florida, crab legs, or clams. The team is even exploring the addition of seasonal crawfish to cater to local demand.

After a soft opening during weekends in May, Topsail Steamer is now operating seven days a week in Gulf Shores. For more insights on the local culinary scene, check out these 5 beach restaurants kids will love or read about the latest live music and food venues in the area.

For those looking for more food news, stay tuned to 205focus.com for the latest updates on the region's growing dining landscape.