There is a paw print in the logo of Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar, and I never knew why. While lunching there with girlfriends, I learned that the restaurant was named for the owners, Brian and Jodi Harseny’s, beloved black dog. His portrait is prominently displayed on an outside mural and on a particularly nice silhouette painting of Cosmo and his cat friend, Junior Mint, looking at the moon. Junior Mint is still alive, living the good life with the Harsenys, but Cosmo is in Dog Heaven.

We were in Food Heaven on a recent Tuesday, seated on the outdoor deck at Cosmos on Canal Road in Orange Beach. We were drawn there because we heard there was a $10 lunch menu, and as one friend said with great enthusiasm, “It's the best value in Orange Beach! “ And it was… 

“The ten-dollar Tuna poke bowl was generously portioned and was fresh and flavorful. Added to it was a perfectly ripe avocado half, finished with black sesame seeds, and I also had the perfect glass of Rose”, she said.  Another lunch lady at the table who ordered the Sesame Seared Tuna Salad (not on the $10 special) said, “The Romaine lettuce was fresh and green, and the Asian dressing was really delicious.”  I had the Salmon Salad; fresh Atlantic grilled salmon nestled on a bed of house greens and tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette. Served with julienne apricots, red onion, grape tomatoes, and roasted pecans, the apricots gave it a lovely touch of sweetness. It was the ideal girls' lunch!

Needing to know more about Cosmos, I asked to talk with the manager, who graciously took the time from overseeing the busy lunch service to chat with me. Jeff Furman, from Wisconsin, via Panama City, came to work at Cosmos in 2010.  When I asked about his restaurant background, he laughed and said,“ This is the first and only restaurant I have ever experienced.” He must have been good at it because he became the manager in 2021.

As a firefighter in the Air Force, stationed in Panama City, he was deployed 4 times to Iraq, Africa, and two classified destinations that he couldn’t reveal. He served for 4 years in active duty and the remainder in the reserves, officially retiring less than a month ago.  He was visibly emotional about his retirement milestone, and shared how supportive and understanding his bosses had been while he juggled two careers. Meeting Jeff was an unexpected turn in a restaurant review, but what a treat to hear his story. 

Cosmos Restaurant was established over nineteen years ago, and has the notoriety of their Banana Leaf Wrapped Chilean Sea Bass, being named as one of “The Top 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die”, by the Year of Alabama Food.” The menu is extensive, with fresh-caught seafood, pasta, and steaks; there is something for everyone. Jeff tells me the Pineapple Sangria is a great seller, as is the Coconut Pineapple Mojito, and their happy hour daily from 3-5 pm is touted as ‘the best on the Island'. The firecracker Shrimp appetizer is a must-try, according to Al.com. 

Seating 200 people inside or on the outside deck, they don’t take reservations, but there is live music every night from March until October to enjoy while waiting for a table. Jeff tells me an incredible statistic: on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, etc., the population on the Gulf beaches is the same as the city of Atlanta. That is half a million people and lots of tourist dollars! 

Jeff and our server, Natalie, couldn't have been nicer and made our visit to Cosmos very enjoyable. Besides imbibing in great food and atmosphere, Jeff’s pride in this restaurant was evident. Jeff, thank you for your service! In more ways than one.

Located at 25753 Canal Rd, in Orange Beach, Cosmos is open Sunday-Thursday 11 am to 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10:00 pm.  251-948-WOOF (9663)  Just like a loyal black dog, they will be happy to see you!