Crico's Pizza & Subs Gulf Shores AL: Why Locals Always Skip the Tourist Traps

You’re driving down Highway 59, the salt air is finally hitting your face, and the kids are screaming because they’re hungry. The big, flashy signs for the massive beachfront seafood halls are everywhere. They’ve got the gift shops and the 45-minute waits. But if you look just a few blocks back from the sand, tucked right next to the original Shrimp Basket, there's a small, green-trimmed building that’s been quietly feeding the locals since 1998. That’s Crico's Pizza & Subs Gulf Shores AL.

Honestly, it’s the kind of place you might drive past if you weren't looking for it. It doesn’t have a giant mechanical shark or a foam machine. What it does have is Michael Lochrico, the owner who keeps this family-run spot humming. While the rest of the world changes, Crico's stays basically the same. It’s consistent. It’s reliable. And in a tourist town like Gulf Shores, that’s actually a rare commodity.

What Makes Crico's Pizza & Subs Gulf Shores AL Different?

Most people come to the Alabama coast for the shrimp, but they stay for the pizza. Why? Because after three days of fried oysters, your soul needs carbs and melted cheese.

The crust here isn't that floppy, paper-thin New York style, but it’s not a thick, bready Chicago deep dish either. It’s right in the middle. Think medium thickness with enough structural integrity to hold a mountain of toppings without folding like a wet napkin.

They use fresh dough made in-house daily. You can tell. There’s a specific "pull" to the dough that you just don't get from the big national chains.

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The Menu Staples You Can't Ignore

• Crico's Favorite: This is the heavy hitter. It’s loaded with pepperoni, bacon, sausage, ham, and for a little kick, jalapenos and onions.
• The PB&J: No, it’s not peanut butter. It’s Pepperoni, Bacon, and Jalapeno. It’s salty, spicy, and smoky. It’s a local cult classic.
• Cricostix: If you leave without these, you basically didn't go. They are thick breadsticks smothered in garlic butter and parmesan.
• The Subs: They don’t just throw some cold cuts on a bun. The Italian sub with capicola, ham, genoa salami, and provolone is a legitimate meal on its own.

The Famous (and Sometimes Controversial) Lunch Buffet

For years, the Crico's lunch buffet was the stuff of legends. It was the cheapest way to get full in Gulf Shores. For about $7.00 and change, you got all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and a drink.

Here is the thing: post-2020, the buffet situation has been a bit "on and off." Some days it’s there, some days it’s not, depending on staffing and the season. If you are specifically driving there for the buffet, give them a quick ring at (251) 948-3100 first. Even without the buffet, the lunch specials are still probably the best deal within two miles of the beach.

Survival Tips for the Summer Season

Gulf Shores in July is a different beast. If you walk into Crico's Pizza & Subs Gulf Shores AL at 6:30 PM on a Saturday in the middle of June, expect a wait. The dining room is small. It’s cozy, sure, but it fills up fast.

The locals know a secret. They call ahead the moment the doors open at 11:00 AM. You can actually schedule a pickup for later in the evening. This bypasses the frantic "we’re hungry now" rush and ensures your pizza is coming out of the oven exactly when you pull into the parking lot.

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And speaking of parking—it’s tight. The lot is shared with a few other spots. If it’s slammed, you might have to hunt for a second, but it’s worth the thirty seconds of frustration.

The "Hole in the Wall" Reality Check

Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for white tablecloths or a quiet, romantic atmosphere, this isn't it. It’s loud. It’s crowded. There are kids in flip-flops with sand still on their ankles. The service is fast and friendly, but they are moving at a 100-mph pace during the "hangry" hours.

It feels like a real neighborhood pizza joint. It’s the kind of place where the person behind the counter might remember your name if you come twice in one week.

Delivery: The Condo Life Hack

Most people don't realize Crico's delivers to both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’re staying in a condo and don't want to fight the traffic on the Parkway, this is your best move. Nothing beats sitting on a balcony overlooking the Gulf with a Crico's All Meat pizza and a cold drink.

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Just keep in mind that during peak season, delivery times can stretch. They aren't magicians; they have to sit in the same traffic everyone else does.

Actionable Steps for Your Visit

Ready to grab a slice? Here is how to do it like a local:

1. Check the Hours: They generally run 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, but during the "off-season" (winter), things can shift. Always check their website or Google listing before heading out.
2. Order the "Cricostix" with Cheese: Plain is fine, but adding the extra cheese and a side of marinara is the move.
3. The Garlic Secret: If you love garlic, ask for extra on the crust. They don't skimp.
4. Grab a Salad: Surprisingly, their salads are massive and fresh. If you need a break from the grease, the Greek salad is a solid choice.
5. Download the Menu: Keep a PDF of their menu on your phone if you're staying for a week. You’ll probably end up ordering more than once.

Crico's doesn't need to be fancy because the food speaks for itself. It’s a piece of Gulf Shores history that hasn't been corporate-washed. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's the authentic taste of the island.