Unearth The Voyage
Myrtle Beach is more than just sandy shores and amusement parks; it’s a food lover’s paradise with flavors from around the world. Whether you crave fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, or comfort food that warms your soul, this coastal city has something delicious waiting for you. From family-owned classics that have served generations to modern eateries pushing culinary boundaries, these fifteen restaurants represent the very best dining experiences the Grand Strand has to offer.
1. Sea Captain’s House (oceanfront Southern-seafood classic)
For more than six decades, this oceanfront gem has welcomed hungry beachgoers with open arms and incredible views. Families return year after year, creating memories over bowls of their legendary she-crab soup while watching waves crash just beyond the windows.
The menu celebrates Southern coastal cooking at its finest, with fresh catches prepared using time-honored recipes. Breakfast starts your day with hearty portions, lunch keeps you fueled for beach adventures, and dinner transforms into something truly special as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
What sets this place apart is its unwavering commitment to tradition without sacrificing quality. Servers treat guests like old friends, and the kitchen never cuts corners. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just need a break from sandcastle building, the warmth and flavor here make every visit worthwhile.
2. Hook & Barrel (sustainably-minded seafood)
Sustainability meets exceptional taste at this locally cherished seafood haven. Every plate tells a story of careful sourcing and environmental responsibility, proving that doing good can taste absolutely incredible.
The dining room reflects the restaurant’s eco-forward philosophy with thoughtful design choices that create an inviting atmosphere. Fresh catches arrive daily, transformed by skilled chefs into dishes that highlight natural flavors rather than hiding them under heavy sauces.
Reservations are strongly recommended because word has spread about this special spot. Dinner service runs nightly, giving you the perfect excuse to dress up a bit and enjoy seafood prepared with both expertise and conscience. Locals know this is where you go when you want something beyond the typical tourist trap, and visitors quickly understand why it’s earned such devoted fans throughout the community.
3. Aspen Grille (steaks & Lowcountry touches)
Prime cuts and Lowcountry flair come together beautifully in this refined dining destination. The moment you step inside, you know you’re somewhere special, where attention to detail matters and every element works in harmony.
Steaks are the stars here, cooked to absolute perfection with that ideal char on the outside and tender juiciness within. But don’t overlook the fresh seafood options that showcase regional flavors with sophisticated preparation techniques. The wine list runs deep, offering bottles that complement every dish on the menu.
This is where locals bring out-of-town guests to impress them, and where special occasions deserve to be celebrated. The staff knows their craft inside and out, guiding diners through choices without being pushy. Expect to linger over your meal, savoring each course in an atmosphere that balances elegance with genuine Southern hospitality.
4. The Library Restaurant (tableside fine dining)
Step back to an era when dining was theater and every meal felt like an event. Tableside preparations aren’t just for show; they’re culinary performances that engage all your senses while skilled servers work their magic right before your eyes.
Caesar salad gets tossed with practiced precision, Steak Diane sizzles dramatically, and desserts arrive engulfed in blue flames that dance across your table. The old-school charm permeates every corner, from the decor to the service style that prioritizes grace and professionalism.
This restaurant understands that memorable meals involve more than just taste. Watching your food prepared tableside creates anticipation and appreciation for the craft involved. It’s perfect for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or any evening when you want to feel genuinely pampered. The experience transports you to a time when restaurants were destinations, not just pit stops between activities.
5. New York Prime (USDA Prime steakhouse)
Aged beef reaches its full potential in this longtime Grand Strand favorite. USDA Prime cuts dominate the menu, each one carefully selected and expertly prepared to showcase why quality matters when it comes to steak.
Consistently high ratings from diners don’t happen by accident. This steakhouse has earned its reputation through unwavering standards and a commitment to delivering exactly what guests expect: perfectly cooked meat, classic sides done right, and service that anticipates your needs.
The atmosphere strikes that ideal balance between special-occasion worthy and comfortably approachable. You can celebrate a promotion or simply indulge your craving for an exceptional steak without feeling out of place. Classic steakhouse sides complement the main attractions, and the kitchen understands that sometimes simple preparations allow superior ingredients to shine brightest. It’s no wonder locals and visitors alike return again and again to this reliable favorite.
6. Carolina Roadhouse (crowd-pleasing coastal fare)
Since 1995, this lively spot has been feeding hungry crowds with generous portions and flavors that please everyone at the table. Families love it because there’s something for even the pickiest eater, while seafood enthusiasts appreciate the quality and variety.
Seafood platters arrive piled high with coastal favorites, ribs fall off the bone with that perfect smoky char, and the energy in the dining room buzzes with conversation and laughter. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to whisper or worry about kids being kids.
What keeps people coming back for nearly three decades is consistency paired with value. You know what you’re getting, and you know it’ll be good. The staff moves efficiently through busy shifts, keeping drinks filled and tables cleared. Whether you’re stopping in after a day at the beach or gathering for a casual family dinner, the welcoming vibe makes everyone feel right at home.
7. Croissants Bistro & Bakery (brunch & pastries)
Buttery croissants and perfectly poached eggs have made this local institution a beloved morning destination. The bakery case tempts you the moment you walk in, filled with pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat.
Benedicts come in creative variations that go beyond the standard, each one crafted with care and plated with an eye for presentation. Cakes for special occasions showcase the same attention to detail, and the catering menu has saved countless local events with delicious, reliable food.
Daytime plates range from light and refreshing to hearty and satisfying, accommodating different appetites and moods. The atmosphere feels European-inspired yet unmistakably local, where regulars greet staff by name and newcomers quickly understand why this place has such devoted fans. Mornings here start on the right note, with quality ingredients transformed into breakfast and brunch dishes that fuel your day with both flavor and joy.
8. Blueberry’s Grill (breakfast/brunch favorite)
Blueberry hush puppies sound unusual until you taste them and realize genius comes in unexpected forms. This daily breakfast and brunch favorite has built a following by taking familiar comfort foods and adding creative twists that surprise and delight.
Benedicts arrive in inventive combinations you won’t find anywhere else, each one thoughtfully composed to balance flavors and textures. Portions are hearty enough to fuel hours of beach activities, yet the kitchen never sacrifices quality for quantity.
Open every single day, this spot has become a reliable tradition for vacationing families and a weekend ritual for locals. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone, from coffee-craving early risers to late brunchers seeking a leisurely meal. Service stays friendly even during the busiest holiday weekends, and the kitchen consistently delivers food that tastes like someone actually cares about your breakfast experience. It’s comfort food elevated just enough to feel special.
9. Wicked Tuna – 2nd Ave Pier (sushi & hook-to-plate seafood)
Watching the Atlantic roll beneath you while enjoying fresh sushi creates an experience that’s quintessentially Myrtle Beach. Perched on the pier, this restaurant combines spectacular views with seriously good food, proving location and quality can coexist beautifully.
The hook-to-plate concept means seafood doesn’t get much fresher, traveling minimal distance from ocean to kitchen to your table. Sushi chefs work with precision, creating rolls that balance traditional technique with coastal creativity. The rooftop bar adds another dimension, perfect for sunset cocktails and appetizers.
Open seven days a week, it accommodates spontaneous cravings and planned celebrations equally well. The pier setting makes every meal feel like a mini-vacation, even for locals who live minutes away. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or prefer your seafood cooked, the menu offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes. The combination of fresh ingredients, skilled preparation, and unbeatable views makes this a standout destination.
10. Fire & Smoke (chef-driven steakhouse)
Chef and owner Tyler Rice brings personal passion to every plate at this intimate steakhouse. Unlike chain restaurants following corporate recipes, this kitchen operates with creative freedom, resulting in dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure.
Prime cuts form the foundation, but American-fusion influences elevate familiar steakhouse fare into something more adventurous. The intimate setting means you’re not just another table in a massive dining room; the staff recognizes faces and remembers preferences.
Inventive doesn’t mean complicated here. Rice understands that good cooking enhances rather than obscures quality ingredients. His approach respects steakhouse traditions while incorporating modern techniques and unexpected flavor combinations. The smaller space creates an exclusive feel without pretentious attitudes. Reservations are wise because word spreads quickly when a chef truly cares about the dining experience. This is where food enthusiasts come when they want more than just a meal; they want culinary creativity backed by technical skill and genuine hospitality.
11. Drift – A Coastal Eatery (modern breakfast & lunch)
Coastal style meets quality-focused cooking in this stylish daytime destination. From 7am to 3pm daily, Drift serves breakfast and lunch that looks Instagram-worthy but tastes even better than it photographs.
The modern interior reflects careful design choices that create a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. Natural light pours through windows, highlighting fresh ingredients that form the backbone of every dish. The menu avoids gimmicks, instead focusing on well-executed classics and creative combinations that actually work.
Quality is the guiding principle here, evident in everything from the coffee to the final bite of your meal. Ingredients taste fresh because they are, and the kitchen treats them with respect rather than burying them under heavy sauces. It’s become a favorite for locals seeking a morning meal that feels special without requiring reservations or formal attire. The limited hours create a sense of occasion; when you catch Drift during their service window, you’re in for a treat.
12. Cafe Old Vienna (German-Austrian Alpine lodge)
Schnitzel and spaetzle transport you straight to the Alps without leaving the South Carolina coast. This authentic German-Austrian experience brings European mountain lodge charm to an unexpected location, delighting guests with flavors rarely found in beach towns.
Traditional preparations honor Old World recipes, resulting in dishes that taste like they were served in Vienna or Munich. Beer steins clink, hearty portions satisfy, and the cozy atmosphere makes you want to linger over your meal. The Alpine lodge aesthetic creates a unique dining environment that contrasts wonderfully with typical coastal restaurant themes.
Seasonal hours vary, so checking their current schedule before visiting is wise. When they’re open, the experience is worth planning around. It’s perfect for anyone craving something different from endless seafood options, or for those with European heritage seeking a taste of home. The authenticity shines through in every detail, from the decor to the accents of staff to the carefully prepared plates that emerge from the kitchen.
13. Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse (churrascaria experience)
Endless meat carved tableside transforms dinner into an interactive feast. Gauchos circulate with skewers of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, slicing portions directly onto your plate until you flip your coaster to signal a much-needed break.
The salad and seafood bar offers far more than typical greens, featuring hot sides, fresh seafood, and Brazilian specialties that could constitute a full meal on their own. But pacing yourself is key because the parade of meats keeps coming, each cut seasoned and cooked differently to showcase various flavors and textures.
This churrascaria experience appeals to hearty appetites and adventurous eaters willing to try cuts they might not normally order. The festive atmosphere encourages celebration, making it popular for birthdays and group gatherings. Come hungry, wear stretchy pants, and prepare for a meat-centric adventure. The price includes unlimited servings, so the value is excellent if you arrive ready to sample everything the gauchos bring around.
14. Big Mike’s Soul Food (meat-and-three favorite)
Fried chicken achieves crispy perfection here, with seasoning that makes you understand why soul food has such devoted followers. Big Mike’s serves the kind of comfort food that feeds both body and spirit, prepared with recipes passed down and perfected over generations.
The meat-and-three format lets you build your ideal plate from rotating daily specials. Collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning, cornbread crumbles with buttery goodness, and every side dish tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love. Blue-plate specials offer tremendous value for generous portions.
This beloved local spot represents authentic Southern cooking without pretense or inflated prices. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, where everyone from construction workers to business professionals gathers for honest, delicious food. It’s the antidote to fancy fusion cuisine, proving that simple ingredients cooked with skill and care create meals worth celebrating. One visit explains why Big Mike’s has earned such loyal local following.
15. Tidal Creek Brewhouse (brewpub with legit food)
Craft beer and coffee roasting happen under one roof at this versatile brewpub that refuses to be just one thing. Breakfast kicks off the day with quality morning fare, lunch keeps the momentum going, dinner satisfies evening cravings, and weekend brunch brings it all together in a leisurely celebration.
The food deserves equal billing with the beverages, prepared by a kitchen that takes pride in serving more than just beer-soaking bar snacks. Fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparations mean you’re getting legitimate restaurant-quality meals alongside your house-brewed pints.
The dog-friendly beer garden adds another layer of appeal, creating a relaxed outdoor space where four-legged friends are welcome. It’s become a community gathering spot where locals meet for everything from morning coffee to late-night beers. The versatility means you can visit multiple times in one day for completely different experiences. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a coffee snob, or just hungry for good food, this brewhouse delivers on all fronts.
