Perch — Restaurant in Gulf Shores

Highly disappointed with the transparency of information. I feel as though my whole party was taken advantage of. We come to the place for a birthday celebration. We booked in advance and received all of the info. What we were not told is that the menu for the evening would be fixed and would cost $75 per person regardless of personal preference. One of my friends just wanted a soup and salad and was told it would still be $75. This prompted the folks in my party with allergies to question what they would be able to eat as neither the soups, salads, entrees (without major modifications), and desserts would not met their dietary requirements. After pleading with management we were able to order off of the regular menu only after the manager made a snide comment that they were a destination location, perhaps implying that our local group of designers, engineers and small business owners that uphold the backbone of the coastal community was not the target demographic for their establishment; and any and all assistance needed would be met with droll sarcasm and huffy chagrin.

Finally we get to the cake cutting. We had worked all night making a beautiful gluten and dairy free cake that catered to the majority of our parties dietary restrictions and our celebrant was overjoyed to have such a seldom indulged treat (good gluten free is hard to find that doesn’t taste/ turn into sand in your mouth). We get the bill and find that they have charged us $25 as a cake fee for bringing it into the building. As a business policy, I can understand charging a fee for plates and utensils, and even taking up the real estate in their fridge, but to not have that disclosed up front, and even still one would think that charge would only be placed in lieu of an in house alternative. However, they do not make gluten and dairy free cakes, and if they did, I’m sure it would not be half as good as the one we had which was made by someone with the allergy. Even those who did not have the allergy admitted that most of the gluten free food had a weird texture and flavor that this was missing.

Needless to say the lack of proper communication and the discrimination toward those with food allergies in their policies is the reason we will not return for safety and moral reasons. If you truly hold yourself to a higher standard, do better for all not just those who bring outside of the community money and are happy to throw cash...

Don't waste your time at this restaurant. Before I begin with the details, you can try calling them and they will NOT answer their phone. It will go to voicemail every time.

The food is mediocre at best. The ribeye was barely seasoned and they didn't trim the fat. For $67, you would expect high quality work from the chef. It came with the horseradish potato souffle, and to my surprise, it was quite literally inedible. How could something have such horrible flavor and also be dry? To top it off, substitutions to entrées are NOT allowed. The $18 addition of seared scallops were way over priced for both the quantity (2) and quality; as they were overcooked and of course, under-seasoned. The brussel sprouts and asparagus were okay compared to the rest of the menu. If you opt in for the bread, be prepared for disappointment in that as well. The flavor of the butter with the fennel bread was not compatible; however the cornbread was fine. But for over $10 for just 2 pieces of corn bread and a small piece of fennel bread, it's basically a scam. For the price that you pay for these meals, the food quality and quantity is NOT worth it.

Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, however, the hosts were rude and refused to accommodate us when we asked to move to another empty table. They said they were booked up, which I understand; however there wasn't assigned seating for all of the 4 top tables that were available (as they had to look and pick what table to seat us at originally) and we also had a reservation. To top it off, they were classist with how they sat people. "Old money" dressed folks got sat indoors, and people who were dressed a little bit more down were sat outside on the deck where seagulls swooped in trying to get food.

Overall rating, which is generous based on our experience, 2/5 stars. Waste of money and time. I do not recommend eating here and we will never return. My advice to this restaurant would be to answer your phones, be accommodating to paying guests regardless of their appearance, and get with the chef to adjust how the food is cooked...

Our first time at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, and here at the Perch restaurant and bar. What a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sunset and evening moonrise over the water. Outside porch was appointed with large cushy couches and chairs and tables for dining too. Fire pits add just the perfect ambiance to a perfect evening. My favorite libation of choice is always an Old Fashioned...ordered one from our very courteous and attentive waiter Gary. He made one for me himself, and it was perfection...two nights in a row! Also ordered some bar food in the from of smoked pork belly and cheese grits, onion rings, and chocolate put du creme. Wow. The food was amazing! Served hot and delicious...perfect in every way here...even watched Alabama football from a comfy couch next to a cozy warm fire. It just does NOT get any better than this!! Highly recommended.

Just came home from spending the last week at the Lodge, and being at the Perch twice while there. They’ve changed. Sit down food only, no fun small plates like last time we were there. No substitutions allowed, which is ridiculous for a fine restaurant, and even more-so for the Perch. Still the most outstanding feature of this restaurant is the bar and the bar tenders. These guys are real pros, very personable, and very attentive. Really enjoy their mixing techniques…they make THE best Old Fashioneds on the beach! Still highly recommended; just be aware of the food changes…they are disappointing. The food prep is very good, as expected. Just be prepared to accept exactly what they serve. Management should lighten up on this. Folks need better choices. Wish you’d go back to the amazing...