Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day on the Gulf Coast

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – National Cheeseburger Day is a chance for people across the country to celebrate one of America’s most beloved foods, and the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a setting that makes the day even more special. With its blend of beachside dining and vibrant food culture, the region is a natural fit for honoring the American classic, the cheeseburger.

This year’s celebration takes place today, Friday, September 18. From Orange Beach to Gulf Shores, restaurants are preparing to serve everything from gourmet burgers topped with creative ingredients to no-frills favorites that emphasize flavor and tradition. The variety reflects both the region’s culinary range and its welcoming coastal spirit.

The Gulf Coast experience adds something special to the holiday. Whether enjoying a cheeseburger with waves crashing in the background or relaxing in the salty air, the atmosphere enhances every bite. For many, it’s not just about the food but also the setting.

Jimmy Buffett's hit song "Cheeseburger in Paradise," released in 1978, remains part of the day's soundtrack. That connection runs deep in Gulf Shores, where his sister, Lucy Buffett, built LuLu's into a Gulf Coast staple. The lighthearted anthem is still played at local spots and gatherings, blending music and food into a celebration of Gulf Coast living.

National Cheeseburger Day on the Alabama Gulf Coast is more than an excuse to indulge. It celebrates community, music, and the simple pleasures that make coastal life unique. A cheeseburger in paradise, enjoyed on the shore, captures the day's spirit perfectly.

Here are a few Gulf Coast spots to get your Cheeseburger in Paradise:

LULU’S GULF SHORES LuLu's was founded by Lucy Buffett, Jimmy Buffett's sister, linking the restaurant directly to the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" legacy celebrated on this holiday. LuLu's burgers are seasoned with the signature Salty Peppa blend. Choose the "Pa-menna" burger, featuring bacon and fried green tomato, or the Crazy Sista Burger with classic toppings and your preferred cheese. Additional toppings, such as sautéed onions or jalapeños, are $1 each, and bacon or guacamole is $2.

Situated directly on the beach, The Hangout presents six burger options. Savor the traditional Hang 10, the Mushroom-Swiss, or the standout Lifeguard Burger, which includes two half-pound patties, bacon, an egg, onion straws, and three cheeses. Additional popular choices are the Alabama Wagyu Burger, the Shaka Burger with fried shrimp, and the Bama BBQ Burger, topped with slaw, cheddar, and smoky sauce.

TACKY JACK’S With three coastal locations, all set on the water, Tacky Jack’s pairs its longstanding burger tradition with scenic waterfront views. The TJ Burger features two quarter-pound patties, smashed and seared to enhance flavor, served on a toasted, buttered bun with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, fries, and chips. Guests can personalize their burger with additional toppings through the restaurant’s “Jack It Up” options.

COSMO’S RESTAURANT & GTS ON THE BAY Both sister restaurants serve a custom-ground patty blending Angus chuck, short rib, and brisket. Grilled to order on toasted sourdough, it comes topped with lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Add cheese for $1 or bacon for $1.50.

FLORA-BAMA YACHT CLUB & OLE RIVER GRILL Perched along Ole River across from the main lounge, these waterfront sister spots offer build-your-own burgers cooked to order. Guests start with a char-grilled patty on a brioche bun, then customize it with options including Swiss or cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. Every burger is served open-faced alongside hot French fries.

THE GULF Overlooking Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, The Gulf keeps things classic with its signature Gulf Burger. Made with 100% natural beef and grilled juicy to order, it is finished with a savory house garlic aioli that complements the simple, quality ingredients. Guests can grab a table on the sand or under the palm trees and enjoy casual waterfront dining right by the pass.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH Sitting on sugar-white sand where Highway 161 meets the Gulf, CoastAL serves its elevated Signature CoastAL Burger. The kitchen starts with a juicy patty, then stacks it with aged white cheddar, cherrywood-smoked bacon, caramelized sweet onions, tomato, crisp dill pickles, and fresh green leaf lettuce. A wild mushroom demi-glace and rich bacon aioli finish the dish, served with your choice of house fries, pasta salad, or fresh seasonal fruit.

SUNLINER DINER With nostalgic 1950s-style locations in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Sunliner Diner turns classic comfort food into showstoppers. The towering Jukebox Burger anchors the menu, featuring three beef patties stacked high with Swiss, cheddar, and American cheeses, crispy bacon, a fried green tomato, an onion ring, a fried egg, and fried pickles. It's crowned with Creole hollandaise and served on a toasted brioche bun.

BLEUS BURGERS Bleus Burgers offers 16 beef burgers and three chicken options. Standouts include the Reuben Burger, with Swiss, pork belly pastrami, and spicy garlic slaw on marble rye, and the Beer Cheeseburger, topped with smoked cheddar, beer-pickled jalapeños, onions, and house beer cheese. The Easy Rider combines caramelized onions, arugula, smoked Gouda, and spicy aioli. Each month, one burger becomes the “Donation Burger,” with 25% of its sales benefiting charity. Every burger comes with fries or a side salad.

Want more burger options? Discover more tasty locations and vote for your favorite at BestBurgersGulfShores.com.