Overview

Nestled in the charming town of Fairhope, Alabama, Market by the Bay stands out as a coastal gem that perfectly captures the essence of fresh, Southern seafood with a modern twist. Located conveniently at 7 S Church St Suite C, this restaurant offers an inviting space that balances a relaxed, cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped—ideal for casual gatherings or a refined yet approachable dining experience.

The menu highlights a well-curated selection of coastal favorites, focusing on fresh Gulf seafood with standout dishes like the Coastal Red Beans N' Rice, Gulf Seafood Mac & Cheese, and thoughtfully composed Tuna Poke Bowl. The seafood platters are a particular draw, offering generous servings of shrimp, catfish, and combinations like the Jubilee Platter, which includes a delightful medley of claws, fish, oysters, and shrimp. These options reflect the region’s rich maritime heritage while satisfying diverse palates.

What elevates Market by the Bay beyond its quality ingredients is the attentive, friendly service and the vibrant yet unpretentious environment. Guests consistently praise the staff's warmth and expertise—from the welcoming bartenders crafting cocktails to servers who balance professionalism with genuine care. This synergy creates an experience where every detail, from spicy tuna to hush puppies with a crunchy crumble, feels thoughtfully prepared.

For those seeking a satisfying seafood meal with a Southern coastal flair, Market by the Bay fits the bill perfectly. Whether treating yourself to a beautifully seasoned grilled shrimp platter, indulging in a rich seafood mac and cheese, or finishing with a decadent seasonal dessert like key lime white chocolate cheesecake, you’re in for a memorable experience. It’s clear the restaurant targets both locals and visitors looking for authentic fare in a casual yet polished setting, making it a must-visit destination in Fairhope’s culinary scene.

In summary, Market by the Bay offers not just food but an experience shaped by fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and warm hospitality. It’s a spot where the tastes of the Gulf meet genuine Southern charm—a place to enjoy serious eatin’ in a space that feels like a natural extension of the bay itself.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Small plates
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Mike Konnie
Feb 16,2026
5/5
Fabulous food and service. Amanda did a great job! Cocktails were excellent.
ALLAN BARNETT
Feb 16,2026
5/5
We made a little trip to Fairhope and encountered this restuarant. Put it on your list of things to do. Casual, friendly. Menu is pretty simple and the food was really good. My better half had Shrimp tacos and she thoroughly enjoyed them and I had the shrimp Poboy, plenty of food you will not go hungry. Price is good atmosphere hood
Cecelia Amos
Feb 16,2026
4/5
At the very least, this restaurant is 4 stars with a possibility of 4.5 stars. The interior of the restaurant is clean, relaxed, and cozy, but not cramped. Service was very good and they are friendly people. The seafood was delicious. The crab claws appetizer was well seasoned with a delicious sauce. We each got a seafood platter: my mom got the fried catch of the day, triple tail, and I got the grilled shrimp, which was perfectly seasoned. On a side note, the hush puppies were quite good, like crispy little balls of cornbread. We also got their seasonal dessert: "Sonja's Creation" - slice of homemade key lime white chocolate cheesecake. The graham cracker crust was perfectly balanced with hints of white chocolate and perfectly melded key lime flavor to the cheesecake. It was so good, we got a second slice! We ended up spending over $100 with the tip, but depending on what is ordered, I believe it would be priced like a typical casual seafood restaurant in a downtown area. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this restaurant a try, especially since there are other items on the menu and especially since they put a lot of effort into their dessert.
Jim Napier
Feb 16,2026
5/5
Absolutely love going here because the food is always delicious and the service is always perfect. Very cool environment. You can't go wrong
Devin Crawford
Feb 16,2026
5/5
My mom and I had a great experience. As we entered the door the bartender was very inviting and greeted us with a smile and bubbly attitude. We found our seats and were quickly attended to by our server, Amber. She was very sweet and attentive. We ordered cocktails and they came out pretty fast. I had a raspberry lemon drop while my mom had the old fashioned. Both made to perfection. We both ordered the gumbo and when I say it’s the best I’ve ever had outside of my mom’s, that’s no lie. Our food came out quickly as well and was so delicious! We both had crab claws; fried and Nola BBQ. There were enough claws that 4 people could have shared them and still been full. I was observing other patrons and everyone was happy with their food, drinks, the taste, and serving sizes. Kudos to everyone in the front and back of the house. You made a lot of people happy that day!
Kanae Malbrough
Feb 16,2026
5/5
We wanted to try this Market by bay at this location. Luckily it wasn’t busy on Tuesday night, so no wait. The waitress was super friendly and food was very very good!
Lumber Guy
Feb 16,2026
4/5
Gumbo and po boy were good. Prices are decent. Grilled shrimp salad needs work for the price. Iceburge lettuce needs some spinach etc to add some love, shrimp were ezcellent and plentiful. 2 waitresses were working hard but struggled to keep up.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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