Myrtle Beach, also known as Grand Strand, is a popular tourist destination not only on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina (which has lots of things to do as a whole) but in the southeastern United States. It is a long 60-mile stretch of beautiful sandy and clean beaches, but more importantly, it is accessible to the public. Aside from its stunning beaches, Myrtle Beach is known for its world-class golf courses, family-friendly amusement parks, vibrant nightlife, and numerous specialty shops and boutiques. But no Myrtle Beach experience is complete without access to its diverse culinary scene. This resort city offers a wide range of dining options, especially on its boardwalk, from seafood to international cuisine. A visit to Myrtle Beach is more than just fun in the sun and heat but also a rewarding gastronomic tour. With that in mind, here are some of the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach!
10 Bagel Factory
The Bagel Factory has been providing freshly baked bagels in Myrtle Beach for over 10 years. This bagel shop is very popular with both locals and visitors, especially those who are looking for breakfast and lunch options, with an emphasis on bagel sandwiches. The restaurant's menu includes omelets, pancakes, and waffles, as well as sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups for lunch, but some of the most popular items include the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel, the Nova Lox Bagel, and the Turkey Club Bagel. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, with a cozy dining room and friendly service.
- Address: North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Hours: Mon to Sat 7 am - 2 pm; Sun 8 am - 2 pm
- Price: $$
9 Drunken Jack's
Tourists craving dishes such as the She-Crab Soup, the Lowcountry Boil, and the Seafood Platter after enjoying hours of tours and activities in Myrtle Beach can drive down the road to Drunken Jack's. Those three are the restaurant's most popular dishes. The restaurant also serves non-seafood options such as steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The atmosphere at Drunken Jack's is lively and festive, as it often features live music. There is a lively bar area where diners can enjoy cocktails and drinks. The restaurant also offers diners stunning views of the beautiful Murrells Inlet marsh and the surrounding natural scenery.
- Address: 4031 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Hours: Mon to Thur and Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm; Fri to Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Price: $$
8 River City Café
Why does the name River City Café ring a bell? It's all about the burger! River City Café is a great choice for those looking for a laid-back dining experience with delicious burgers on the Grand Strand. River City Café boasts a menu of various classic American fare, with a focus on burgers made from 100% Certified Angus Beef. The burgers are cooked to order and come in a variety of creative flavor combinations, such as the Blue Cheeseburger, the Nacho Burger, and the Chili Cheeseburger. This restaurant which has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and beach-and-surf-inspired decor, also serves sandwiches, salads, and seafood.
- Address: 7 locations (3 in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Conway, and North Myrtle Beach)
- Hours: Daily 11 am - 10 pm
- Price: $$
7 The Melting Pot
Anyone looking for cuisine other than grilled meat and fresh seafood can check out The Melting Pot and enjoy fondue and other delicious dishes. The Melting Pot on Myrtle Beach is part of a chain that specializes in serving a variety of fondue dishes, including cheese fondue, entrée fondue, and chocolate fondue. Prawns, vegetable broth, pound cakes, and biscuits are also part of the restaurant menu. Delicious wine, whiskey, and martinis are among the most ordered drinks. Meanwhile, the restaurant has a calm ambiance and spectacular decor for an engaging dining experience.
- Address: 5001 N Kings Hwy, Ste 104 Myrtle Beach, SC
- Hours: Mon to Fri 4 pm - 9 pm; Sat to Sun 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Price: $$
6 Nance's Creek Front Restaurant
Anyone looking for a combination of fresh seafood, stunning waterfront views, and a laid-back dining experience in the Myrtle Beach area must check out Nance's Creek Front Restaurant. The restaurant has been serving diners since 1993 and its seafood dishes are cooked with locally caught fish and shellfish. Some of the most popular dishes include the fried seafood platter, the Lowcountry boil, and the stuffed flounder. The restaurant also has non-seafood options like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Nance's Creek Front Restaurant is quite busy even in the winter, as its steam pot of mussels, clams, shrimp, red potato and corn on the cob is a crowd favorite.
- Address: 4883 US 17-BUS Murrells Inlet, SC
- Hours: Mon to Sat 4 pm - 9 pm
- Price: $$
5 The Parson's Table
The Parson's Table is a fine dining restaurant that offers a wide range of upscale American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of the restaurant's signature dishes include roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, and pan-seared scallops. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to complement these classic and coastal dishes. Housed in an old church building that has been beautifully restored and converted into a unique and elegant dining destination, The Parson's Table is one of South Carolina's highly regarded restaurants.
- Address: 4305 McCorsley Ave Little River, SC
- Hours: Mon to Sat 4 pm - 9 pm; Closed Sunday
- Price: $$
4 Frank's Restaurant and Frank's Outback
When it comes to fine dining, Frank's Restaurant has earned its fame since 1988 along the Grand Strand. Frank's Restaurant serves a variety of contemporary American cuisine, with a menu that changes regularly. Some of the guests' favorites are Frank's shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and lamb chops. The restaurant's wine list is extensive, reflecting its classic and elegant atmosphere. Frank's Outback is a more casual, outdoor dining area located behind Frank's Restaurant. It serves seafood, sandwiches, and salads in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Both Frank's Restaurant and Frank's Outback are highly regarded by locals and visitors alike for their excellent food, service, and atmosphere.
- Address: 10434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC
- Hours: Tue to Thur 5 pm - 8:30 pm; Fri to Sat 5 pm - 9 pm; Closed Sunday - Monday
- Price: $$
3 Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
Owned by celebrity chef Paula Deen and her family, this popular restaurant serves Southern-style home-cooked dishes, such as fried chicken, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings. Paula Deen's Family Kitchen also serves a variety of sides, including all-time American favorite macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. Paula Deen's Family Kitchen is unique even in its family-style dining experience. Instead of ordering individual dishes, guests choose from a variety of entrées and sides and share them with the table. This is the restaurant's way of providing guests with a taste of Southern hospitality.
- Address: 1202 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Hours: Daily 11 am - 8 pm
- Price: $$
2 Carolina Roadhouse
Anyone looking for a classic American steakhouse experience with hearty portions and friendly service must locate Carolina Roadhouse. The restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists for its Roadhouse Ribeye, BBQ Pork Ribs, and Prime Rib. Other specialties include giant seafood platters and lump Crap Dip with old bay pretzels. The classic American menu at Carolina Roadhouse focuses on steaks, ribs, and other grilled meats. The restaurant also serves seafood, salads, and other classic sides. It can get busy during peak dining times so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during the summer tourist season.
- Address: 4617 N. Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC
- Hours: Sun to Thur 11 am - 9 pm; Fri to Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Price: $$
1 Sea Captain's House
This restaurant, which has been serving traditional seafood dishes for over 50 years, is a household name in Myrtle Beach. Sea Captain's House continuously serves unique seafood dishes, including grilled shrimp, fried oyster salad, crab cakes, and lobster tail. The restaurant also has a variety of non-seafood options, like chicken and pasta dishes and steak. Aside from its perfect location that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Sea Captain's House also boasts dining rooms with distinctive decor and atmosphere and can accommodate up to 300 guests. Post-dining, guests can hang out at the bar or shop for locally-made souvenirs at the gift store.
- Address: 3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC
- Hours: Daily 7 am - 9 pm
- Price: $$