The Hangout

Let's face it, you to to The Hangout for the entertainment and atmosphere. The food is okay and the most expensive in Gulf Shores that we've found.

However, the kids love the place, the staff does an average to good job considering the size and volume and the bar tenders are very good. It's got lots to offer all ages, from the giant sand mountain out back to the live music, plentiful outdoor seating, easy beach access, gift shop and surprisingly clean restrooms.

It's worth at least one visit on your next trip to the Gulf.

The Hangout is located right on the beach and for that reason they take advantage of the facts that they get as many patrons as they want.  The service was atrocious.  They were not busy.  Our server passed by us twice, then stopped two more times to say he would be right back.  He finally took our drink orders about ten minutes later.  We were sitting across from the drink station and it took him another 5 minutes to get our drinks together or so we thought.  Turns out he was getting to-go cups of ice water for a family of 8 who he was not serving. It was outrageous.  He then poured two of our four drinks, left them sitting there and got us our drinks after another 5 minute wait.  

The food was the saving grace.  I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich.  It was topped with applewood bacon (yum).  It was cooked well without being overly crunchy.  The menu description said it came with onion rings.  Lo and behold they meant there were two onion rings on the sandwich and it came with fries.  Very unclear.  It was still delicious.  I got the yellow cajun mustard on the side.  It was a very overpowering sauce (good move on my part).  I would replace it with some sort of sweet barbecue sauce.  However, it was a really good piece of chicken.  Everyone else seemed happy with their food.  

Back to the service.  He asked us twice if we needed anything and then brought the check before we finished eating.  He did not offer dessert or to-go boxes.  

So if this was just on food alone, I would give it a solid four.  But the service? TERRIBLE.  The prices are just uncalled for with service like that.  

Overall, location is good.  Music was great.  Food was great.  Service sucked.  (And I normally find that word profane).

Food was great, atmosphere awesome. Great place for vacation, just a little overpriced (but that's to be expected).