| Dining Overview | Top  |
Myrtle Beach is covered in restaurants, many of them chains. They dot every thoroughfare, and the variety is endless (although seafood is definitely king). Most eateries cater to the tourist crowd, but there is also a host of nicer places to celebrate special occasions.
There's a string of themed restaurants in the city: Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, NASCAR Cafe and Planet Hollywood cluster in the Broadway at the Beach area. Market Common includes P.F. Changs, Tommy Bahamas and Gordon Biersch Brewery.
You should be able to find a spot to please everyone along Restaurant Row—the stretch of Highway 17 from North Myrtle Beach through Myrtle Beach. Most visitors eat breakfast in their hotels, but there are plenty of pancake houses in the area that serve breakfast until 2 pm.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.
| Local & Regional | Top |
This casual waterfront eatery features local seafood favorites. Indoor and outdoor seating areas are available. Snag some oysters Rockefeller or a tuna martini as an appetizer or opt for the pan-crusted grouper. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 4307 Highway 17 S., Murrells Inlet. Phone 843-651-5850. http://www.captdavesdockside.com.
This rustic waterfront seafood restaurant is a local favorite with its raw bar, happy hour, live entertainment during the summer and an outdoor deck. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 4065 Highway 17 S., Murrells Inlet. Phone 843-357-2891. http://www.creekratz.com.
This nautical-theme restaurant is located on the water and offers reasonably priced choices. Go when it opens to watch the spectacular sunrise over the water. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-448-8082. http://www.seacaptains.com.
This casual oceanfront eatery attracts a lively crowd after sunset with indoor and outside seating. Enjoy live music and karaoke nightly. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 2003 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-916-9111. http://www.bummz.com.
The legend of Drunken Jack's involves an abandoned member of Blackbeard's crew—a pirate was left behind to sleep off a hangover. The hushpuppies are excellent, although the wait can be long. Daily for dinner. Reservations not accepted. $$. Most major credit cards. 4031 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. Phone 843-651-2044.
Burgers, fries and foot-long hot dogs are the order of the day at this local hangout. The Formica countertops can be crowded, but the historic surroundings and great food are worth the trip. Open Monday-Friday for lunch. Reservations not accepted. $. Cash only. 900 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-448-7424.
Umi Pacific Grille
Don't let the dark nightclub atmosphere—complete with shiny chains and glossy blue decor—fool you: This latest offering from local restaurateur group Divine Dining hits the mark with inventive and well-prepared Pacific rim choices, including spicy lobster noodles, seared scallops with black bean sauce, duck moo-shu and Thai fried rice with pineapple.
Order some teppanyaki to go or saddle up to the sushi bar for the nightly specials. The seafood dishes are all fresh. Nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 9912 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-449-3344. http://www.nakatoatmbeach.com.
This typical sushi bar is suitable for both family and business dinners. Japanese hibachi-style dishes also are served. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 4926 Highway 17 S. (Barefoot Landing), North Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-272-8801.
Bodo's strays from traditional background music by playing music from groups such as Pink Floyd. Guests enjoy German favorites such as schnitzel and real potato pancakes in a setting framed by stained-glass windows. Order the pancakes in advance, or you'll face a half-hour wait. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. 407 Eighth Ave. N., Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-448-1310.
This intimate waterfront restaurant serves delicious pasta and other dishes in a typical Italian setting. Try the brick-oven-fired pizza—its mouthwatering, yeasty crust is unforgettable. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for large groups. $$. Most major credit cards. 1310 Celebrity Circle (Broadway at the Beach), Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-444-0006. http://www.amicisbistro.com.
For fresh pasta and Northern Italian dishes, head to this restored colonial home. Extensive wine menu. Try the
linguine alle vongole or experiment with one of the house specialty pastas. Nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2109 Highway 17 N., Little River. Phone 843-249-7888. http://www.chiantisouth.addr.com.
Serving excellent Italian dishes, this restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 4886 S. Kings Highway (Barefoot Landing), North Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-272-1176.
| Breakfast & Brunch | Top |
This place is known for its huge breakfast buffet, which comes in several incarnations—from full to Continental. There are plenty of warm, fresh-baked breads. Breakfast favorites can also be ordered a la carte. Daily for breakfast and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2005 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-626-4700. http://www.papasmb.com.
This eatery features elegant food in an art-gallery setting. The paintings lining the walls are for sale. A coffeehouse is also on-site. Opt for one of the yellowfin tuna entrees for a divine eating experience. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 7726 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-449-9370. http://www.collectorscafeandgallery.com.
This upscale restaurant offers fine dining in a library setting. Books line the walls, and the service is excellent. The steak Diane ranks among the best entrees, but don't forget to save room for the cherries jubilee. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1212 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-448-4527. http://www.thelibraryrestaurantsc.com.
This classy restaurant is ideal for a special date or an evening with friends. Try the escargot, and sit out on the veranda. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 9706 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-497-2636. http://www.thoroughbredsrestaurant.com.
| Other Options | Top |
The heavenly smell of baking bread makes this the perfect place to grab a quick meal. Delicious sandwiches are served on lighter-than-air croissants. Make sure you sample one of the sinfully sweet desserts; the turtle cake is excellent. Daily for breakfast and lunch, with longer hours Monday-Friday. Reservations available. $. Most major credit cards. 3751 Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-448-2253. http://www.croissants.net.
This kosher delicatessen includes a small market. Try the olives imported from Israel. Open Sunday-Thursday 9 am-8 pm, Friday 9 am-3:30 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 1007 Withers Drive, Myrtle Beach. Phone 843-946-6650.
