Oysters are the star at this new old favorite in Orange Beach

Orange Beach has a fresh face on the dining scene, but it occupies a space that feels like a long-time neighborhood staple. Driftwood Oyster Bar has officially opened its doors at 23479 Perdido Beach Boulevard, bringing a new energy to the site previously held by the iconic Flying Harpoon 2.

A Familiar Foundation

The venue carries significant local history. For years, the two-story rustic building served as a home for The Flying Harpoon 2 until its operators closed the doors in October 2025 to move the business to Port St. Joe, Florida.

Stepping in to fill that void are restaurateurs Garrett Spence and Michelle Deerman. The duo, who have successfully operated Duck’s Diner in Orange Beach since 2014 and expanded with a second location in Gulf Shores in 2024, are taking on a different challenge with this project. Deerman noted that while she was initially hesitant about the expansion, her son’s vision and the strong performance of their other locations ultimately won her over.

Renovations and Refreshments

Spence recognized early on that the structure needed a tailored approach, noting that the building wasn't a fit for a Duck’s Diner concept. Instead, he worked to preserve the honky-tonk charm while making vital upgrades, such as moving the kitchen indoors and adding an interior staircase to improve flow and service. Following the announcement of the new venture, the renovations culminated in a successful opening just in time for Memorial Day weekend, which saw such high demand that the restaurant sold out of several items.

The Menu: Oysters and Beyond

The focus at Driftwood is sharp and seafood-forward. Drinkers can enjoy cocktails like the $9.30 Driftwood Bushwacker or the $10.35 Black Walnut Old-Fashioned, while the food menu centers on quality Gulf offerings. The raw dozen oysters are priced at $19.60, with baked and char-grilled varieties (Rockefeller, Creole) available for $16.50 (half-dozen) or $26.85 (dozen).

The kitchen also turns out Creole Gator Bites ($14.45), various po'boys, and the signature Classic Burger ($15.45) shared with their sister restaurants. While you won't find an oyster po'boy on the menu, it is a deliberate choice by Spence, who insists on sourcing fresh oysters from North Gulf Farms to serve exclusively on the half-shell.

As night falls, the atmosphere shifts, offering a late-night option in a market where few venues remain open until midnight. Between the downstairs overflow seating, live music, and popular seafood staples like the fish and shrimp tacos, the owners are confident they have found the right recipe for the area.

Driftwood Oyster Bar is located at 23479 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach. For the latest updates and music listings, visit the venue’s Facebook page.