The Best Restaurants Near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach has a reputation for beach arcades, mini golf, and souvenir shops, but the food scene here is seriously underrated. The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles of coastline and is lined with restaurants at every price point and personality, from casual seafood shacks right on the marsh to white-tablecloth steakhouses that could hold their own in any major city. One thing is certain: you will not go hungry.

Here’s a breakdown of the best restaurants near Myrtle Beach, organized by vibe and occasion.

Seafood on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

If fresh coastal seafood is your priority, Murrells Inlet is your destination. Known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” this small fishing village sits just south of Myrtle Beach and is home to a half-mile wooden boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants. Boat captains unload their haul daily, and much of it goes straight into the kitchens right in front of you.

Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge MarshWalk institution since 1979

The menu leans heavily on locally caught fish, with standouts like the Seafood Royale — fresh-caught triggerfish grilled and topped with lump crab, sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, and béarnaise sauce. Their shrimp and crab fondue is another must-order, and the hush puppies alone are worth the drive.

Wicked Tuna hook to plate · three restaurants in one

Wicked Tuna operates its own fishing fleet with a genuine hook-to-plate concept. Their boats bring in local tuna, grouper, blue crab, and shrimp daily, and you can see the on-site fish house from the water. Three restaurants in one location: a chic sushi bar, a bourbon bar, and the “Tuna Shak” sports bar. The fresh catch piccata, prepared with whatever came in that morning, is one of the most consistently excellent dishes on the MarshWalk.

The Claw House New England lobster house on the South Carolina coast

Ships its shellfish directly from New England. Lobster rolls, crab nachos, seasonal oysters on the half shell, and their Raw Bar Sampler — loaded with oysters, shrimp, clams, tuna ceviche, and lobster and crab salad wraps — make it a strong contender for the best raw bar in the area.

Dead Dog Saloon three bars · live music nightly

More of a full-on experience than just a meal. Blue Crab Nachos, shrimp and grits with red pepper and bacon cream sauce, and Fried Green Tomatoes topped with fresh shrimp and goat cheese are fan favorites. Great for families during the day; the vibe shifts to a lively crowd after dark.

Creek Ratz laid-back anchor of the MarshWalk

More outdoor seating than in, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, live music nightly, and a menu covering fried seafood baskets, raw bar items, mahi-mahi tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. Don’t miss the fried pickles. Named after the local kids who grew up playing in the marsh, it has genuine community spirit.

Hot Fish Club one of the oldest restaurant buildings on the Grand Strand

Roots tracing back to the 1700s. The outdoor seating under mossy oak trees, a lively gazebo bar, and a playground make it a great family pick. Lobster Pot Pie, Blackened Mahi Stuffed with Crabmeat, Blue Crab Fondue, and Bam Bam Shrimp are highlights on a menu that blends Lowcountry tradition with creative touches. Their Lowcountry boil — shrimp and smoked sausage, one pot — captures the heart of regional cooking.

Lee’s Inlet Kitchen family-owned since 1948

The oldest restaurant in Murrells Inlet. Recipes handed down for generations, with a menu that reads like a love letter to traditional coastal cooking: fried flounder, clam chowder, and shrimp cocktail served in a warm, nostalgic setting.

Bimini’s Oyster Bar fresh steam pots · authentic Calabash seafood

Known for its fresh steam pots and oysters, with a focus on authentic Calabash seafood — a regional staple originating from nearby Calabash, North Carolina, famous for its light, perfectly fried seafood dishes.

Fine Dining and Special Occasions

The Myrtle Beach area punches well above its weight when it comes to upscale dining. Celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or simply craving a truly exceptional meal? These spots are ready for you.

Aspen Grille best fine dining on the Grand Strand

Consistently regarded as one of the best fine dining restaurants near Myrtle Beach. Chef Curry Martin’s seasonally changing menu is rooted in Southern cuisine with a personal, contemporary twist. Dry-aged USDA Prime steaks, locally sourced seafood, and creative dishes like French onion soup and Panko-Crusted NC Mountain Trout make every visit feel special. Live music on certain evenings, an extensive wine list, and a soft-lit setting that strikes the right balance between elegant and relaxed. Reservations are strongly recommended.

New York Prime best steakhouse in Myrtle Beach for over two decades

USDA Prime-only beef, aged 28 days, served Pittsburgh-style with your choice of family-sized sides. Colossal shrimp, Florida stone crab, and an impressive seafood tower round out the menu. The lively, upscale supper-club atmosphere and polished service make it a great choice for groups or a memorable night out.

The Library Restaurant the only three-star restaurant on the Grand Strand since 1974

Bow-tie-clad servers, black tablecloths, dim lighting, and tableside preparation of classics like Caesar salad, Steak Diane, and flambéed Bananas Foster give it a timeless, old-world elegance. This is the spot for a milestone celebration.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Marina Inn · Intracoastal Waterway

The Myrtle Beach location sits near the Intracoastal Waterway at the Marina Inn, and its USDA Prime cuts, served sizzling on 500-degree plates, are as reliable here as anywhere in the country. The Cowboy Ribeye and New York Strip are the standouts.

Greg Norman Australian Grille Barefoot Landing · waterfront

Blends stunning Intracoastal views with creative wood-grilled cuisine. The menu features exotic options like kangaroo alongside prime ribeye and fresh seafood. Happy hour at the Shark Bar, with waterway views and crab dip on the menu, is one of the better deals in the area.

Hook & Barrel sustainability-forward · great for dietary restrictions

A sustainability-forward approach to fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a seafood-centered menu. She-crab soup, angry clams, pan-seared scallops, and wood-grilled catch of the day anchor a menu that also thoughtfully accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free diners. The space mixes rustic coastal charm with modern touches in a way that feels genuinely inviting rather than contrived.

Villa Romana & Thoroughbreds Chophouse long-running special-occasion staples

Villa Romana delivers traditional Italian cuisine with a classic, special-occasion feel — a dependable choice when you’re craving old-school comfort done well. Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille has been a Myrtle Beach fixture since 1988; their steaks are consistently juicy and flavorful, with an intimate atmosphere that works well for a quiet night out.

Breakfast and Brunch

Starting your morning right on the Grand Strand is easy. Classic Southern diners, creative bistros, and everything in between are spread up and down the coast.

Blueberry’s Grill two locations · true scratch kitchen

The original at Grande Dunes near the Marriott, and a second at Barefoot Landing with Intracoastal views. Cage-free eggs, buttermilk pancakes, Ricotta Stuffed French Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict, and Charleston-style Shrimp and Grits. A step above the typical beach-town breakfast spot.

Croissants Bistro & Bakery French-themed · open 21 years

Tucked in a quiet shopping center a few blocks off the main highway. Croissants, sourdough, and challah are all baked in-house, and the menu runs French toast, egg Benedicts, and Southern-inspired dishes prepared with a European sensibility. Grab a seat outside when the weather cooperates.

Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts lives up to the name

Massive waffles, generous omelets with options for crab, salmon, or ribeye, crab cake Benedict, and fresh biscuits piled with creative toppings. One of the most satisfying breakfast stops on the Grand Strand, with gluten-free pancake options available.

Winna’s Kitchen, Hot Stacks Cafe & Mammy’s Kitchen casual, crowd-pleasing, and consistently good

Winna’s Kitchen does creative upscale comfort food with global flair — lemon ricotta toast, shrimp and grits, housemade pastries. Hot Stacks is the versatile family diner: chicken and waffles, spicy shrimp and grits, and avocado toast for the lighter eaters. Mammy’s Kitchen has been an institution since 1953 — homestyle buffet, crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, warm hospitality, and a rite of passage for longtime visitors.

Casual Dining and Family-Friendly Spots

When you want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and satisfying without the fuss of a reservation, these are the places to know.

Sea Captain’s House oceanfront · Myrtle Beach landmark

Consistently rated among the best casual seafood spots in the area. A warm, unpretentious atmosphere and a solid menu of fresh coastal dishes. Go for the she-crab soup — it’s the benchmark version on the Grand Strand.

Bovine’s northern end of the MarshWalk · wood-fired everything

Wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and ribs with excellent views of the Inlet. The atmosphere is upscale but approachable — a strong choice when you want something a notch above casual without committing to a full fine-dining experience.

Russell’s Seafood Grill family-owned · local favorite in Murrells Inlet

The straightforward, good-value option that locals love. Focused on consistency and freshness, with excellent fried oysters, daily specials, outstanding She-Crab soup, and a staff that makes first-timers feel like regulars.

Carolina Roadhouse & House of Blues large groups · high energy

Carolina Roadhouse has been a reliable high-energy pick since 1995, with generous portions across ribs, burgers, salads, and Southern comfort food — great for groups up to eight. House of Blues at Barefoot Landing combines live music with Southern comfort food and American classics; the bottomless brunch on weekends is consistently fun.

A Note on Where to Go for the Freshest Local Experience

The best local tip anyone in the Murrells Inlet area can offer is this: skip the chain-heavy stretch of Ocean Boulevard for at least one evening and head to the MarshWalk. As the sun drops below the marsh horizon, the whole boardwalk comes alive with live music drifting from open-air decks, golden light reflecting off the water, and the smell of fresh seafood everywhere. It’s what a South Carolina coastal dinner is supposed to feel like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Myrtle Beach?

Aspen Grille is the consistent answer for fine dining, with a seasonally changing menu, USDA Prime beef, and locally sourced seafood in a warm, elegant setting. For seafood specifically, Wicked Tuna and Drunken Jack’s on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk are the strongest picks. For steaks, New York Prime has held the title for over two decades.

Where should I eat seafood near Myrtle Beach?

Murrells Inlet, about 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is the answer. The MarshWalk puts half a dozen excellent waterfront seafood restaurants within a short walk of each other, and boat captains are unloading fresh catch daily into kitchens you can see from the boardwalk. Wicked Tuna, Drunken Jack’s, Hot Fish Club, and Lee’s Inlet Kitchen are the strongest options depending on what kind of experience you want.

What is the best breakfast spot in Myrtle Beach?

Blueberry’s Grill is the step-above-the-rest option, with two locations and a genuine scratch kitchen. Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts is the one to go to if you want something hearty and creative. Croissants Bistro & Bakery is the quiet gem for anyone who wants house-baked pastries and a slower morning.

Is Myrtle Beach good for foodies?

More than most people expect. The MarshWalk alone offers a level of fresh seafood that rivals any coastal destination in the Southeast, and the fine dining options — Aspen Grille, New York Prime, The Library Restaurant — are legitimately excellent. The breakfast scene has quietly become one of the stronger ones on the Atlantic coast. The key is knowing which blocks of Ocean Boulevard to skip and where to go instead.

Can I do a Murrells Inlet dinner as a day trip from Jacksonville?

Yes. Murrells Inlet is about three hours north of Jacksonville Beach — manageable for a long day trip, and very easy if you’re already staying somewhere along the Grand Strand. The drive up U.S. 17 through the Lowcountry is worth its own time, and pairing a morning at Brookgreen Gardens with a MarshWalk dinner at sunset is one of the better days you can put together on this stretch of coast.