The Holy Cooper Trinity

Everyone in the Bay area knows of the Cooper restaurants, all leaders in dining experiences since the late 90s. Each restaurant has set a standard for excellent food, even better costumer service, and a pristine restaurant, setting them head and shoulders above the rest.

By Caroline Edmondson

Brothers David J. Cooper Sr. and Angus R. Cooper originally took over the local Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which has always been a favorite of the Cooper family. Originally owned by another and even set to close, the Cooper brothers were devastated and fought to keep it afloat. David even traveled to New Orleans to speak with Ruth’s Chris founder Ruth Fertel to try and convince him to keep their favorite restaurant in Mobile open. David and Ruth were able to come to an agreement, and thus the first of the Cooper restaurants was born. Today, their businesses include two additional Cooper-founded restaurants on the Bay: Felix’s Fish Camp and BLUEGILL. Each restaurant is unique and offers a variety of different menu items, but all share the same goal of creating a memorable guest experience for anyone who walks through their doors.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is well known for its high-quality selection of steaks, white tablecloths, and luxurious dining experience. Specializing in custom-aged USDA Prime Midwestern beef (the finest 2 percent on the market), Ruth’s Chris broils their steaks exactly the way each diner wants it in order to lock in the flavor. Finished with butter and freshly chopped parsley, each steak is served on a sizzling 500-degree plate to keep your food warm between bites and friendly chatter with your dinner guests. Ruth’s Chris is the perfect place for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate dinners, or just when you’re craving a top-grade, expertly prepared steak.

Felix’s Fish Camp combines the Coopers’ love for steak as well as their love for Mobile’s plentiful seafood. Situated on the Causeway along Mobile Bay, Felix’s has the best views of the sunsets in town, so guests should be sure to arrive in plenty of time to catch the breathtaking scene. Here, diners enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, specialty drinks, and incredible service. Try their famous Turtle Soup, Shrimp & Grits (shrimp sautéed with chives and served in a creamy rosemary sauce with grits), or their Crabmeat Stuffed Fish Fillet (broiled boneless premium white fish fillet with Felix's delicious Gulf crabmeat stuffing, topped with a ladle of herbed Alfredo sauce).

The Cooper’s third restaurant is BLUEGILL, famous for having some of the best entertainment and oysters on the Bay. Try their famous Flaming Oysters (fresh shucked oysters from a flaming hot grill, ladled with a perfect concoction of butter plus a few secret ingredients and drizzled with cheese, all served sizzling to your table), or stick with a classic such as one of their delicious Po-Boys. BLUEGILL also hosts a wide variety of local singers and musicians, making sitting on their patio and enjoying some seafood to the music the best way to spend your day. You can always find a list of upcoming guests on their website.

No matter which of the three restaurants you decide to visit (although you should make it to all three eventually), you are sure to be met with good food, even better service, and an experience that will stick around in your memory for years to come.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

2058 Airport Boulevard, Mobile

251.476.0516

Felix’s Fish Camp

1530 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort

251.626.6710

BLUEGILL Restaurant

3775 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort

251. 625.1998