Why Trust This Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide?
I've eaten my way through Myrtle Beach for over a decade. Seriously. When my cousin moved here in 2012, I started visiting every summer and eventually relocated myself. What you're getting isn't some algorithm-spit list. It's real fork-in-mouth experience from someone who knows that finding great restaurants near Myrtle Beach SC means balancing tourist hotspots with local secrets. That seafood joint everyone raves about? Tried it twice - first time magical, second time disappointing. I'll tell you why.
Must-Try Restaurants Divided by Location
Myrtle Beach stretches over 60 coastline miles - you won't drive from Murrells Inlet to Little River for dinner. Here's how the scene breaks down:
Oceanfront Dining Winners
SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar remains my go-to for special occasions. Their seared scallops with truffle corn puree? I dream about it. But bring your wallet - dinner for two tops $150 easily.
| Restaurant | Address | Specialties | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeaBlue Restaurant | 4800 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach | Scallops, Dry-Aged Steaks | $$$$ | 5-10 PM daily |
| Hook & Barrel | 8014 N Kings Hwy | Local Catch of the Day | $$$ | 4:30-9:30 PM (Closed Mon) |
| Croissants Bistro | 3751 Robert Grissom Pkwy | Shrimp & Grits Breakfast | $$ | 7 AM - 2 PM daily |
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Gems
The MarshWalk is where locals escape tourist crowds. Dead Dog Saloon isn't just a clever name - their she-crab soup earned my eternal loyalty after I tried it post-nor'easter in 2019. Coziest damn meal I've ever had.
Family Spots That Don't Suck
Look, I get it - finding kid-friendly restaurants near Myrtle Beach South Carolina that adults can tolerate requires strategy. Avoid Broadway at the Beach chains. Instead:
- Duffy Street Seafood Shack: Paper tablecloths + crayons. Parents drink $5 Bushwackers while kids destroy shrimp baskets. Win-win.
- Johnny D's Waffles: Breakfast lines stretch forever but move fast. Their red velvet waffles justify waking kids up early.
Food Type Deep Dives
Seafood Showdown
New South vs. Original Benjamin's Calabash. Here's the real scoop: New South serves fresher shrimp but Benjamin's has that famous all-you-can-eat deal. Honestly? I prefer Captain George's for buffet quality, though their 79th location gets chaotic.
| Seafood Spot | Freshness (1-5) | Value (1-5) | Kid Chaos Level | Best Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Bar & Grill | 5 | 3 | Moderate | Blackened Mahi Sandwich |
| Benjamin's Calabash | 3 | 5 | High | Fried Oysters |
| Captain George's | 4 | 4 | Extreme | Snow Crab Legs |
BBQ Worth Your Time
Most beach BBQ joints are tourist traps. Exceptions exist: Little Pigs Bar-B-Q near airport has smoked pulled pork that makes me forgive their dated decor. Pro tip: Order extra vinegar sauce.
Breakfast Champions
Skip IHOP. These spots serve real Southern breakfasts:
- Johnny D's: Worth the hype. Get there by 7:30 AM on weekends.
- Rococo's Creperie: Unexpected find near 17th Ave. Their Nutella-banana crepe is stupidly good.
- Whisk: Artisanal bakery with sourdough biscuits so flaky they should be illegal.
Restaurant Cheat Sheet by Budget
| Budget Level | Don't Miss Spot | Sample Meal Cost | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Wallet | Peaches Corner (Ocean Blvd hot dogs) | $7.50 for chili dog + drink | Old-school boardwalk chaos |
| Reasonable | Bimini's Oyster Bar (Market Common) | $29 for dozen oysters + beer | Modern coastal chic |
| Treat Yourself | Frank's Outback (Pawleys Island) | $95 for 3 courses with wine | Romantic garden oasis |
Peaches Corner deserves attention. Tourists dismiss it as a hot dog stand, but locals know their foot-longs beat fancier options. Cash only though - they've refused card readers since 1937.
Seasonal Considerations
Restaurants near Myrtle Beach SC transform drastically by season. July weekends? Expect 90+ minute waits everywhere. November-January? Half the places shutter. My survival rules:
- Summer: Reserve 45 days out for premium spots or eat at 5 PM sharp
- Winter: Call ahead - "closed for renovation" often means "see you in March"
- Spring/Fall: Magic window. Walk-ins possible at almost everywhere except top 3 places
Local Secrets Most Blogs Miss
After living here, I've discovered under-the-radar spots:
- Thai Cuisine near 38th Ave: Looks sketchy, tastes incredible. Their Panang curry cured my 2018 sinus infection.
- Clark's Seafood: Not actually seafood - it's a dive bar with killer burgers. Cash-only locals' haunt.
- Villa Romana: Looks like generic Italian until you try their veal parm. Leftovers feed you for days.
Tourist Trap Warning Signs
How to spot restaurants near Myrtle Beach South Carolina designed to disappoint:
- Menus with photos of every dish
- "World Famous" in signage (they aren't)
- Handwritten "Seafood Special Today!" signs - means frozen stuff expiring soon
- Free dessert promos - quality inversely proportional to giveaway desperation
Example: Avoid any place on Ocean Blvd between 8th and 15th Avenues. I made that mistake twice during visits. Never again.
Your Burning Restaurant Questions Answered
Where's the freshest seafood near Myrtle Beach?
Murrells Inlet. Straight from docks to kitchens. Creek Ratz or Wahoos Fish House won't steer you wrong.
What restaurants near Myrtle Beach SC take large groups?
Liberty Tap Room (Broadway at Beach) handles 20+ easily. Book 72 hours ahead though.
Where do locals eat off-season?
Market Common area stays lively year-round. Travinia Italian Kitchen or Tupelo Honey won't be ghost towns in January.
Best romantic dinner spot?
Frank's Outback in Pawleys Island. It's 30 minutes south but worth every mile. That garden patio? Swoon.
Most overrated restaurant?
Sorry, but... Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. It's basically airport food with better decor. Fight me.
Where to eat cheap near the beach?
Sam's Corner hot dog stands. Three locations, all under $10 for loaded dogs. Extra chili costs nothing.
Gluten-free options?
Clean Eats in Market Common. Dedicated GF kitchen - even their fried chicken is celiac-safe.
Final Reality Check
Finding amazing restaurants near Myrtle Beach SC requires strategy. You want seafood? Head south to Murrells Inlet. Need quick family fuel? Hit Johnny D's at dawn. Celebrating something? SeaBlue's your spot. Just avoid anywhere with giant neon crabs on the roof - that's my golden rule. Oh, and if you try Clark's Seafood because of this guide? Tell them Dave sent you. They won't know who that is, but it'll confuse them hilariously.
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