10 Reasons Jesse's On The Bay Is The Gulf Coast's Hottest Waterfront Dining Destination Of 2025
Jesse's On The Bay has firmly established itself as the Gulf Coast's premier destination for casual-fine dining, continuing its reign of excellence into December 2025. This stunning Fort Morgan, Alabama, establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a complete sensory experience that marries breathtaking waterfront views with an uncompromising commitment to culinary perfection. It stands as the second, more ambitious venture from the team behind the original, beloved Jesse's Restaurant in Magnolia Springs, delivering an upscale yet relaxed ambiance that captures the true spirit of coastal Alabama.
Since opening, the restaurant has become the go-to spot for locals and tourists alike seeking a memorable meal, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a special occasion celebration, or just a sophisticated evening enjoying a sunset cocktail. The unique two-story concept, featuring a fine dining upstairs and a casual pub downstairs, ensures that Jesse's On The Bay offers a perfect setting for every kind of guest, making it a pivotal culinary landmark in the Gulf Shores area.
The Visionaries: Owners and Culinary Team Profile
The success of Jesse's On The Bay is rooted in the passion and vision of its dedicated leadership team, who have cultivated a culture of excellence and a deep connection to the local community and its ingredients. This commitment to quality permeates every aspect of the restaurant, from the sourcing of Allen Brothers Steaks to the preparation of fresh Gulf seafood.
- Owners: Steve & Angie Coltharp. The husband-and-wife duo purchased the original Jesse's in Magnolia Springs in 2012. Their vision was to create the most talked-about steakhouse on the Gulf Coast. The opening of the Fort Morgan location, Jesse's On The Bay, was a realization of their dream to expand their unique dining concept to a spectacular waterfront setting on Mobile Bay.
- Executive Chef (Jesse's Restaurants): Randy Harris. Chef Harris oversees the culinary direction for both of the Coltharps’ restaurants, ensuring consistency and a high standard of execution across all menus.
- Chef de Cuisine (Jesse's On The Bay): Brooke Ghioto. Chef Ghioto is the creative force leading the kitchen at the Bay location. She is known for her innovative approach to classic Southern and Gulf Coast cuisine, often working with Executive Chef Randy Harris to source the freshest local produce and proteins. Her expertise is critical in maintaining the restaurant's reputation for both exceptional steaks and exquisite seafood dishes.
The Unrivaled Menu: Steaks, Seafood, and Signature Dishes
The menu at Jesse's On The Bay is a deliberate and masterful blend of classic steakhouse fare and vibrant coastal cuisine. It expertly caters to all palates, offering everything from luxurious, dry-aged cuts of beef to the most delicate and flavorful catches from the Gulf of Mexico. The focus on quality ingredients, many sourced locally, is evident in every dish.
The Steakhouse Experience: Dry-Aged Excellence
The restaurant is best known as a Steakhouse Destination, specializing in both dry and wet aged steaks. The dry-aging process, performed in-house, intensifies the beef's flavor and tenderness, providing a depth of taste rarely found in the region. Guests can select from various cuts, all perfectly prepared to their liking.
One of the standout appetizers that highlights their commitment to quality beef is the Prime Dry-Aged Beef Tartare. This dish sets a sophisticated tone, offering a fresh, savory, and richly textured start to the meal.
Coastal Culinary Masterpieces
While the steaks draw a crowd, the fresh Gulf selections are equally compelling. Chef Brooke Ghioto and her team showcase the best of the local waters, featuring seasonal catches like grouper and shrimp. They've even been pioneers in the area, experimenting with the technique of dry-aging fish to enhance its flavor and texture, a testament to their innovative spirit.
A must-try entrée that has garnered significant attention is the Creole Spiced Pan Seared Redfish. This dish is a complex, flavorful creation, typically served over a rich and savory dirty Missimati rice and complemented by tasso ham, peppers, onions, and a luxurious horseradish chive and butter sauce. Other beloved coastal offerings include the elevated take on shrimp and grits.
The Ambiance and The Cold Hole Bar: Two Experiences in One
What truly sets Jesse's On The Bay apart is its dual-concept design, which offers two distinct dining and social environments under one roof. This allows the restaurant to cater to both the special occasions crowd and those looking for a more casual, relaxed evening by the water.
The Upstairs: Casual-Fine Dining and Waterfront Views
The main dining room, located upstairs, provides an upscale atmosphere with some of the most breathtaking waterfront views in all of Fort Morgan. The ambiance is relaxed yet elegant, making it the ideal setting for enjoying the full curated wine list and the extensive handcrafted cocktails menu. The large windows ensure that the spectacular sunset menu experience is perfectly framed, a nightly ritual that guests travel from as far as Fairhope, Point Clear, Orange Beach, and Foley to witness.
The Downstairs: The Cold Hole Bar
For a more laid-back vibe, the downstairs Cold Hole Bar offers a completely different experience. This area focuses on Pub Fare, including gourmet burgers and casual appetizers, alongside a full bar. It’s the perfect spot for boaters, beachgoers, or anyone looking to grab a quick, high-quality meal and a drink without the formality of the upstairs dining room. The Cold Hole Bar ensures that the Jesse's quality is accessible to a wider audience, solidifying its role as a community hub in Gulf Shores.
Why Jesse’s On The Bay is a 2025 Must-Visit Destination
The restaurant’s continued success is built on more than just food and views; it’s about the overall experience and the consistent delivery of quality. Its establishment has elevated the dining scene in the Fort Morgan area, turning a quiet peninsula into a culinary destination.
The commitment of Steve and Angie Coltharp to sourcing the best ingredients and fostering a talented team, including Chef de Cuisine Brooke Ghioto, ensures that the dining experience remains fresh and exciting. Whether you are indulging in a perfectly cooked Allen Brothers Steak, savoring the complex flavors of the Creole Spiced Pan Seared Redfish, or simply enjoying a cocktail as the sun dips below Mobile Bay, Jesse's On The Bay delivers a truly memorable moment. Its reputation for exceptional service and a stunning setting makes it a standout on the entire Gulf Coast, continuing the legacy of the original Magnolia Springs location, which even won the Gulf Coast Media UltiMEAT Award in a testament to the brand's quality.
In a region known for its seafood shacks and casual eateries, Jesse's On The Bay provides a much-needed option for upscale dining without the pretentiousness. It is a true hidden gem that is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about culinary landmarks in the South.
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