Since 1998, one little pizza shop just a few blocks from the sand has been quietly building a cult following that spans generations of beachgoers.
Crico’s Pizza & Subs in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has become the kind of place where locals plan their week around pizza night, and tourists return year after year just for a slice.
Read on to discover how a modest local pizzeria became one of the most beloved Gulf Shores pizza restaurants on the Alabama coast. 🍕
How Crisco’s Pizza & Subs won Gulf Shores’ hearts
Crico’s earned its staying power the old-fashioned way — by sticking to fresh, made-to-order pizza for nearly three decades without cutting corners. 🧄
The restaurant prepares every pizza fresh to order using only the freshest meats and veggies, a commitment that has kept generations of Gulf Coast families coming back long after flashier competitors have come and gone.
Longtime visitors often describe hearing about Crico’s from other locals before ever setting foot inside, which speaks to just how deeply word-of-mouth has fueled its popularity.
What really sets this long-standing Gulf Shores pizzeria apart is the balance between a classic crust and bold, inventive specialty combinations.
The medium-thickness crust is engineered to hold up under heavy toppings without turning overly bready, letting the ingredients shine through in every bite. 🍽️
Diners consistently praise the fantastic garlic bread as a must-order side, often suggesting an extra layer of cheese to take it over the top — proof that even the “extras” at Crico’s have built their own devoted fanbase.
Food Highlights
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Supreme Pizza: A loaded classic topped with pepperoni, beef, sausage, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers for a little bit of everything. 🍕
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All Meat Pizza: A hearty pie stacked with pepperoni, ham, beef, sausage, and bacon for serious carnivores.
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a spicy twist on tradition. 🌶️
- Crico’s Favorite: A bold combination of pepperoni, bacon, sausage, ham, jalapenos, and onions built for spice lovers.
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PB&J Pizza: A playful, salty-savory pie topped with pepperoni, bacon, and jalapenos.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A classic favorite topped generously with pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese on Crico’s signature made-to-order crust. 🍕
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Hawaiian Pizza: A sweet-and-savory classic with ham, pineapple, and crispy bacon.
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Crico’s Rastastix: Breadsticks topped pizza-style with pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapenos, served with ranch dressing. 🍍
Atmosphere
Crico’s keeps things casual, cozy, and family-friendly, with a welcoming vibe that fits right in with Gulf Shores’ laid-back beach culture. 🏖️
The dining room offers comfortable indoor seating for families and small groups, plus an outdoor patio with a front-row view of beachgoers strolling by.
It’s the kind of unpretentious spot where flip-flops and sandy feet are always welcome.
Bottom Line
Fresh, made-to-order pizzas; bold specialty combinations; legendary garlic bread; a family-friendly atmosphere; and nearly three decades of local trust make Crico’s Pizza & Subs a must-visit in Gulf Shores. 🍕🏖️
Address:
309 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
📞 (251) 948-3100
🕔 Open daily, 11 AM–9 PM (Fri–Sat until 10 PM)