BLUEGILL Restaurant — Restaurant in Spanish Fort

When you combine the finest fresh local seafood with that easygoing Gulf Coast atmosphere, you find yourself at the BLUEGILL, "a Great Local Dive" that’s been a cornerstone of Causeway history since 1958. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an institution. From the outside, it looks like a grand seafood market sprawled out by the canal, calling out to you with the promise of good food and good times. Step inside, and you’ll find an air-conditioned haven where the wait for a seat is short, and the anticipation is sweet. Or, if you prefer, take a spot on the outside covered patio, where ceiling fans keep the Gulf breeze dancing just right. This place, my friends, embodies the spirit of the Gulf Coast, offering a relaxed vibe that makes it the perfect spot to savor the flavors and essence of our beloved region.

We were greeted at the door with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family and promptly led out to the back patio, where the air was as inviting as the folks themselves. Within seconds, our waitress appeared, ready to take our appetizer order. She was the epitome of Southern charm—friendly, professional, and knew that menu like the back of her hand. She told us about the specials, and I couldn't resist trying the so-called "trash fish," which was a name that did it no justice at all. It was grilled Mahi-Mahi, a true Gulf Coast delicacy, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

But first we had to try the Blue Gill famous Flaming Oysters. Which arrived a few minutes after we placed our order. A tray full of grilled oysters on the half shell covered in Parmesan Cheese. The mouth watering aromas of butter and garlic waiffed up from the oysters. The taste was amazing the Salty goodness of a just sucked oyster with just a splash of Tobasco was the perfect taste of the gulf coast. The parmigiana cheese gave it a little chewiness and Complimented it perfectly. The size of the oysters stood out, much larger than some of the world famouse oyster houses of the French Quarter. The Flaming Oysters were big, plump, and juicy. These oysters were right off the grill, the shell still hot, but the oysters were the perfect temperature.

Now, let me tell you about this Maui Maui. It arrived with those perfect grill marks, a sign that it was handled by a true expert. Drizzled with a tarragon sauce, the aroma of the grill and buttery richness filled the air, a scent that would make anyone's mouth water. The fish itself was firm, fresh, and flaky, just the way it ought to be. It wasn't falling apart from being overcooked; no sir, it was held together just right. And that freshly squeezed lemon? It added a zing that elevated the flavor to new heights. This fish was hot, ready to be enjoyed right away, and I tell you, it was simply delicious.

At BLUEGILL, folks, you don't just sit down to eat; you immerse yourself in the very heart and soul of the Gulf Coast. This ain't just a restaurant; it's a piece of living history, steeped in the rich traditions and flavors of our beloved region. Every dish is a testament to the culinary heritage that has been nurtured here since 1958. When you walk through those doors, it's not just a meal you're getting—it's a homecoming. It's where the food tells a story as rich and vibrant as the Gulf itself, and each visit feels like you're returning to a place where you...

We want to thank Keri - General Manager for an amazing recovery on the Swai aka Trash Fish that was served instead of the Mahi Mahi on table 25 tonight. Keri was knowledgeable, pleasant, warm, upbeat and hands down awesome! Thank you Keri.

I was recommended to visit more than a year ago and I finally did. The atmosphere is just great, relaxed island beach vibe with live music and an open view of the frill where they make those grilled oysters 😊. We arrived before the crowd and are happy that we did so, whilst we were leaving there was a wait... 😳. They have a large parking lot, a ramp that leads up to the restaurant, kid friendly menu with activities and coloring.

The cook on the food was spot on, and I have to give credit to their chicken tenders which our son ate the whole dish. They use real sliced of chicken breast and not some boxed breaded product that has so many ingredients you can't pronounce, the breading was also light and not salty. GREAT Chicken TENDERS!

We ordered the crab claws, half sautéed and half fried. They were good, the sauteed versions sauce was delish and the fried was light, golden and a tad on the salty side but it was compensated by the sweet of the crab, it was towing the line though.

The grilled oysters came to the table and they smelled great. I had asked before we ordered them if the restaurant uses REAL BUTTER (from cows) on the oysters and I was told yes and hence I had to order them. Once they hit the table though, that yellow from beta carotène was gleaming at you... 😔 Not REAL BUTTER, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil - Liquid "Butter" Yellow Gold... 😔 It was very disappointing because I was really excited that I found a company that valued the health of the guest or at least the quality of this dish. Anyway I ate em and chocked it up as another L.. Good flavor with the parmesan and the grill.

The Mahi Mahi was a decent filet for $25 and the wild rice was delicious, it probably has that fake butter on there 😔. Anyway the Mahi with the crab meat, and shrimp was a good dish.

My wife however,... 😂 😂 😂 We will not be coming back. She said instead of Trash Fish they should put Trash in front of the Mac n Cheese because the pasta was so overcooked that there was no texture, it was a paste once you put it in your mouth. I would though, alone, to have a beer and that Mahi, sans that fake butter, I think I might bring them a sealed block of KerriGold or Restaurant Butter...

My wife and I had dinner, consisting of mainly appetizers, on Sunday 2/23/19. The bill total was $71.55..., no big deal. The food was good although the service was a little slow. My wife wanted me to use two $25 gift cards that she had and I would pay the remainder using my card. Our waitress had to get some assistance on how to do this and I asked if there was any problem, that I would put the total on my card. The lady helping her said that there was no problem other than they could only take $20 from each card, leaving a balance of $5 on each one. I paid the remaining $31.55 with my card and left a $14 tip. After we left, and taking the 2 cards, my wife wanted a Starbucks. When we wanted to use the 2 cards, supposedly with $5 on each to pay for coffee, the person at Starbucks told us that there was only $1 on each card. Now that means that Bluegill took more than $20 from each card and that the tip was actually $22. That is a tip in excess of 30%, which is a bit excessive in my eyes and a bit unethical in the way it was done. Going to have to think long and hard about ever going back to Bluegill and I may be telling all of my friends about this.....

Just returned from another less than memorable meal at Blue Gill. This time the grilled oysters were only half cooked... My extra dry vodka martini was all vermouth and no vodka. The twice baked potato casserole was not very good. The service was good, but the meal and drinks, yuk!!!!!

Just returned from another trip to Bluegill and it only gets worse. This will be our last. At one time we could go there and rely on a good meal with a tasty entree, but no more. The food is only getting worse. The service is good, but with changing times and the costs involved, it has bottomed out. The cost keeps going higher and the quality keeps getting...