Cheeseburger in Paradise

My 7-year-old son can now say he has devoured a true Cheeseburger in Paradise. For some odd reason a few summers ago, he latched onto the popular Jimmy Buffett song when he heard it on a CD in my car, and he talked about it every time we went to a restaurant that served cheeseburgers. Last Friday night, as we looked out over the Intracoastal Waterway as we waited for our meal at Lulu's at the Homeport Marina near Gulf Shores, Ala. Jack finally was able to order his true Cheeseburger in Paradise, minus the lettuce, tomato and Heinz 57. He did, however, order it with a big pickle and a cold root beer (thank goodness he thinks that Buffett sings about root beer and not a cold draft beer as the song says!). I'm not telling him otherwise until he's 21.

Talk about a happy kid. Just look at this face.




Lulu actually is Lucy Buffett, the younger sister of Jimmy. We asked our waiter if the famous singer ever popped in to visit, and he said when Buffett does show up, it's always a surprise. Otherwise, the place would be more jammed than usual. Lulu's menu also features Gulf Coast fare such as shrimp and oysters as well as traditional fare such as salads and sandwiches. With a casual atmosphere, don't even think about dressing up too much ... flip flops are just fine. And don't be alarmed if a tugboat and barges roar through the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Lulu's. The pilot honked his massive horn Friday night as he hung outside the pilothouse to wave to the crowd. After dinner, sit back for a few minutes and listen to the band. Lulu's has free entertainment every night.

We had to wait about 45 minutes to an hour for our seats Friday night, but Lulu's had enough activities to entertain kids that the wait didn't seem too long. Kids can build sandcastles at the playground or they can play beach volleyball. A corn toss game also is set up near the volleyball court. Don't worry moms and dads, picnic tables are set up for you to enjoy a beverage as the kids play.

In case you're headed for the beach later this summer, check out Lulu's at 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores, AL or call 251-967-5858.