Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a vibrant jewel on the Grand Strand, consistently beckons travelers with its 60 miles of sun-kissed beachfront, world-class, celebrity-designed golf courses, and a plethora of outdoor activities catering to every taste. Beyond the obvious attractions, Myrtle Beach boasts a surprisingly diverse and thriving culinary scene. While the city certainly embraces its share of expansive buffets and casual seafood shacks, a deeper exploration reveals a tapestry of flavors, from classic old-school Italian eateries to unpretentious barbecue joints, lively Mexican cantinas, and innovative vegetarian and gluten-free options. Whether your heart desires a traditional Southern "meat-and-three" plate, a satisfyingly large slice of pizza, or an elegant seafood experience with panoramic ocean views, the Grand Strand offers a dining experience to remember. This guide unveils 15 of the very best restaurants that Myrtle Beach has to offer, each contributing to the area’s unique and flavorful identity.
- Sea Captain’s House
Step back in time at Sea Captain’s House, a Myrtle Beach landmark steeped in history and coastal charm. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1930s-era beach cottage directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this restaurant has been serving up memorable meals since 1962. The ambiance is one of relaxed elegance, with the gentle sounds of the surf providing a soothing backdrop. The day begins with a fantastic breakfast buffet, brimming with classic Southern breakfast fare. Lunch and dinner menus showcase a seafood-centric culinary approach. Don’t miss the award-winning she-crab soup, a creamy and decadent concoction brimming with sweet crab meat. The pecan-crusted grouper offers a delightful textural contrast and a nutty sweetness that complements the delicate fish. Shrimp and grits, a Southern staple, is executed flawlessly here, with creamy grits and perfectly cooked shrimp. For pasta lovers, the shrimp Alfredo is a rich and satisfying choice. Portions are generous, and most entrees include a selection of classic sides, such as a crisp tossed salad, a fluffy baked potato, golden-brown French fries, or creamy stone-ground cheddar grits. For an unforgettable dining experience, arrive early and request a table by the window, where you can soak in the breathtaking ocean views as you savor your meal.
- Address: 3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-448-8082
- Hook & Barrel
For the environmentally conscious seafood enthusiast, Hook & Barrel offers a guilt-free and delectable dining experience. Located on North Kings Highway, this nautically themed restaurant, a creation of the same visionary behind Croissants Bistro and Bakery, places a strong emphasis on sustainably sourced seafood. The open kitchen, featuring a steam gallery, allows diners to witness the chefs expertly preparing fresh oysters, mussels, and other oceanic delicacies. The fresh catch of the day, simply prepared and served with your choice of two sides, highlights the natural flavors of the ocean. The hearty Bouillabaisse, a seafood medley featuring lump blue crab, succulent mussels, and plump shrimp in a rich, charred tomato broth, is another must-try. The menu also caters to non-seafood lovers, offering a selection of generous salads composed of locally sourced vegetables, tender braised short rib, perfectly grilled filet mignon, and flavorful pasta dishes. The drink menu is equally impressive, with prosecco on tap and creative cocktails like the Fish House Punch and a spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita to complement your meal.
- Address: 8014 N Kings Hwy B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone: +1 843-839-5888
- Blueberry’s Grill
Blueberry’s Grill, with locations in Barefoot Landing and on North Kings Highway, is a bright and cheerful spot perfect for a weekend breakfast or lunch. This restaurant is particularly appealing to health-conscious diners, vegetarians, and those with allergies, offering a diverse menu with GMO-free chicken, lactose-free cheese, and gluten-free bread options. The menu is extensive, creative, and brimming with flavor, featuring everything from light and airy egg white omelets and hearty savory skillets to fluffy pancakes for breakfast. Lunch options include juicy burgers (including an Impossible option), creative sandwiches, and refreshing salads.
- Fire & Smoke
Don’t let the unassuming strip mall location fool you; Fire & Smoke delivers a truly exceptional dining experience. This gastropub-inspired restaurant boasts a menu of innovative and flavorful dishes perfect for sharing. Start with snacks like soft pretzel braids served with a decadent cheese sauce, rich duck confit nachos, or a carefully curated cheese and charcuterie plate. Small plates include grilled oysters, seared scallops, and hickory-smoked Memphis-style ribs glazed with a bright blueberry BBQ sauce and served with a refreshing apple jicama slaw. For a truly unforgettable large plate, don’t miss the Lobster Cobbler, a creamy lobster béchamel with bread crumbs, carrots, and peas, topped with a scoop of fennel pollen ice cream.
- Address: 411 79th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
- Phone: +1 843-449-0085
- Little Pig’s Bar-B-Q
While Myrtle Beach is renowned for its seafood, Little Pig’s Bar-B-Q offers a taste of authentic Southern barbecue. Helmed by Robert Huffling, this low-key barbecue joint has been serving up hickory-smoked Pee Dee-style ‘cue for over 20 years. Order the regular sandwich plate, featuring a generous stack of smoked pork on a warm bun with your choice of sauce and two sides like crispy hush puppies, tender greens, creamy coleslaw, or savory baked beans. Ribs are available after 4 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday, but be sure to arrive early as they tend to sell out quickly.
- Address: 6102 Frontage Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-692-9774
- Olympic Flame Pancake House
Located directly on Ocean Boulevard, Olympic Flame Pancake House is a convenient and classic breakfast spot before a day of fun in the sun. Open since 1975, this no-frills diner is a local favorite, known for its generous portions and friendly service. The signature buttermilk pancakes, available with a choice of over ten toppings like pecans, strawberries, and bananas, are a must-try. The massive breakfast menu also includes French toast, omelets, eggs, biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, cereals, and sides. Lunch options are varied, with burgers, sandwiches, and salads to satisfy any craving.
- Address: 1309 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Banditos Cantina
Banditos Cantina offers a lively atmosphere and stunning panoramic ocean views, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a margarita or a local craft beer. In addition to classic chips and guacamole, start with the street corn, topped with lime crema and cilantro, or the blistered shishito peppers. The menu features superfood salads, flavorful tacos, satisfying burritos, juicy burgers, customizable bowls, and large plates like the grilled shrimp with Carolina brown rice and habanero vinaigrette. The weekend brunch is also a standout, with dishes like a short rib breakfast bowl topped with a sunny egg on home fries, pico de gallo, scallions, queso, and sweet potato hotcakes.
- Address: 1410 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-712-2992
- Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
No trip to Myrtle Beach is complete without a visit to Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet. With a staggering menu of nearly 200 dishes, ranging from Alaskan snow crab legs, shrimp scampi, and calamari to a raw bar with local oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp, this restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the Southern-inspired sides like fried okra, creamy macaroni and cheese, crispy hush puppies, and flavorful collard greens. For those who prefer something other than seafood, Captain Benjamin’s also offers wings, fried chicken, steamed vegetables, and pork ribs.
- Address: 401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-626-9354
- 42nd Street Bar & Grill
For a more refined dining experience, 42nd Street Bar & Grill offers an intimate bistro setting and a creative menu heavy on seafood and internationally inspired fare. Highlights include a beef tartare with beets and balsamic-mustard dressing, pan-seared scallops topped with braised white beans, and a beef and mushroom Wellington made with 27-day aged sirloin. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring reds and whites from Northern California, Italy, and Australia.
- Address: 4209 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-945-9310
- Angelo’s Steak & Pasta
Angelo’s Steak & Pasta offers a wide array of dishes, from hand-cut steaks and seafood to classic Italian fare like lasagna, spaghetti, and veal marsala, making it an ideal destination for large groups or those traveling with picky eaters. Angelo’s also has a dedicated children’s menu and an all-you-can-eat early bird Italian buffet.
- Address: 2311 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-626-2800
- Peaches Corner
This iconic, family-run boardwalk restaurant has been serving comfort food since 1937. The foot-long hot dog, topped with slaw, mustard, chili, and onions, is a must-try. Milkshakes and ice creams are also popular.
- Address: 900 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-448-7424
- Cafe Old Vienna
Husband and wife duo, Werner and Martina Horvath, have been bringing authentic beer garden fare to the Grand Strand for over two decades. Choose from schnitzels, Viennese goulash, pierogies, and bratwurst, served with sides like spaetzle and red cabbage. The beer menu features German-Austrian lagers, hefeweizens, and pilsners.
- Address: 1604 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-946-6252
- Big Mike’s Soul Food
Big Mike’s promises soul food "the way your momma made it," with Southern staples like chicken sausage gumbo, seafood baskets, fried fish sandwiches, and shrimp and grits. Order the house special, a meat-plus-three combo, with refills on sweet tea.
- Address: 504 16th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-712-2048
- Mediterranean Bistro
This casual Mediterranean spot offers a break from seafood buffets and fried foods. Choose from appetizers like hummus and gyros, pitas, platters, and salads made with fresh ingredients.
- Address: 6104 Frontage Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-945-1145
- AJ’S Pizza
From appetizers like wings to pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, and subs, AJ’s is a great casual and affordable option for groups and families. The Surf & Turf pizza and Brooke’s Pimento are standouts.
- Address: 5917 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Phone: +1 843-449-4600
Myrtle Beach offers a culinary adventure for every palate, from casual beachfront eats to elegant fine dining.
