Zeke's Landing & Marina, Orange Beach

Growing up, Zeke’s Marina on Cotton Bayou was where you went to charter a fishing boat, or get bait, frozen menhaden or squid, before heading out into the Gulf to try your luck. There really wasn’t much to it. Several of these marinas dotted the Orange Beach area where gas, ice, and fish cleaning stations were essential for the sportfishing crowd.

A lot has changed over the years, as has Zeke’s. You see the sign on the left as you drive toward Florida on Perdido Beach Boulevard before crossing Perdido Pass. It’s now Zeke’s Landing and Marina. The Zeke’s Landing part is a sprawling restaurant and entertainment area that fronts Cotton Bayou and the marina docks. 

It is a beautiful setting with upscale dining inside and out. I made reservations for six on a Saturday evening because reservations are available for patio seating only. It’s first come, first served for inside dining. As soon as you walk in the door, you feel the ambiance. There is a blackboard with daily specials listed, and the menu has a nice selection of dishes for every taste.

As we were seated outside, we were glad the temperatures had eased off a bit from summer norms. Large tables were filled with happy people in good spirits. We were next to a table of 8 or 9 women from Louisiana celebrating a friend’s birthday. They were having fun! 

After ordering drinks, I walked along the patio taking in the scene. It’s an expansive area with tables for dining with views of nice sport fishing boats and round Tiki Bar boats that you can rent. Tiki Boats have bar stools surrounding a round bar in the middle so you can belly up and enjoy a slow cruise around Orange Beach. As I passed by, one boat was heading out with music playing, and another group was loading up.

Around the corner of the patio dining area is another outside bar with an open area for lawn seating. The football game was on a large screen TV with groups of families and friends enjoying the comfortable lounge seating. The dry storage boat facility can be seen from the patio and one can watch as boats are carried to and from the loading dock. Waterfront dining can be so entertaining.

With a nice selection of appetizers and salads, we perused the menu while enjoying our cocktails. I ordered and enjoyed the spiny Lobster Roll with fries since it’s something you don’t get every day. Swordfish was the fish of the day, and it was well-received. The Lamb Lollipops were spicy but flavorfully delicious. On this evening, they had sold all the wagyu meatloaf which was one of the specials.

By day or night, Zeke’s Landing & Marina offers a variety of raw bar and seafood options including local oysters, tuna tartar, sashimi of the day, and fresh seafood boils, sandwiches, and burger options. You can bring your own “catch of the day” and Zeke’s will prepare it served family-style for up to four people. They even offer Moroccan Whole Fish, flash-fried and crisp with a Moroccan sauce.

I recommend Zeke’s Landing for a special occasion in a nice, pleasant atmosphere. If fishing is on your mind, they have a full array of inshore and offshore options. If partying is what you’re seeking, try the Tiki Bar boats for small groups, or a sunset cruise. There is also a dock store adjacent to the dry storage facility.

There is a lot to see and do at Zeke’s. They are available for large parties and receptions.  Whether you are celebrating a quiet dinner or a big event, Zeke’s Landing will make sure it is a special occasion!