Anna Beth Ryan is the owner of The Beli: The Original Beach Deli in Gulf Shores.

Photos courtesy of The Beli/Facebook

The Beli opened in 2020 and has become a favorite among Gulf Shores locals and visitors. Opening during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Original Beach Deli was designed with an openair concept to accommodate social distancing and grab-andgo options for those looking for a quick bite before or after hitting the beach.

“The menu is personified into the essence of the types of people that would order the food,” owner Anna Beth Ryan said. “The names are based on people in my life or as just stated, the essence of that type of individual. A few of the recipes are loosely based on a recipe that the specific person in my life has given me.”

Ryan added that the deli recently obtained a beer and wine license and hopes to add “adult beverages” to the restaurant soon, along with extended summer hours, live music and small plates in the coming months.

“The absolute best part of owning the deli is the locals,” Ryan said. “The day-today antics with the people in this town is truly what makes the job so worthwhile.”

HERE ARE 5 MUST HAVE BITES FROM THE BELI:

The Big Momma combines sweet, spicy and savory.

Big Momma: Combining sweet, spicy and savory, this sandwich is perfect for those looking to experience a wild burst of flavors. The Big Momma features melted provolone and feta cheese, turkey, jalapeno, raspberry jam and hot sauce on toasted sourdough.

Miss V: Perfect for someone looking to add a little more spice to their life, this sandwich features spicy pimento cheese, turkey, salami, lettuce, tomato and chive mayo on toasted sourdough.

Surfer Dude: Of course, it would be a crime to abstain from seafood when visiting the beach! This sandwich features crab and shrimp seafood salad on a toasted hero roll, making it the perfect snack before going for a saltwater swim.

Doctor’s Orders: A new addition to the menu, this breakfast sandwich features sausage, cream cheese with sweet or hot mustard on a toasted white bagel.

For breakfast, consider the Doctor’s Orders. It's is a new addition to the menu.

Annoying Health Freak: Looking to cleanse your palette with a lighter option? This breakfast sandwich is the perfect addition to your morning, featuring turkey, egg white, spinach and avocado on multigrain bread.

Visit The Beli at 408 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

Offering a breakfast and lunch menu, The Beli operates Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

MORE SANDWICH SPOTS:

Want to explore the island’s brunch and lunch options? Here are 5 other eateries (not all-inclusive):

• Amelia’s Deli & Catering: 2200 E. 2nd St., Ste A, Gulf Shores
• Avenue Pub: 4575 S. Wilson Blvd., Orange Beach
• Bon Temps Poboys & Speciality Meats: 25908 Canal Road H, Orange Beach
• Cricio’s Pizza and Subs: 309 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
• Happy Pappys: 1550 A W. 2nd St., Unit 5, Gulf Shores

Editor note: This article was originally published in the Winter 2024 issue of Beachin' Magazine, a quarterly free publication of Gulf Coast Media. Pick up a copy at racks around the island, at our office, 901 N. McKenzie St., Foley, or read it here: link to e-edition.