Myrtle Beach & The Grand Strand boasts 60 miles of beaches – but there's so much more to this beloved summer vacation. Take the burgeoning food and beverage scene, for example. Beyond the strips of all-you-can-eat buffets and pancake houses, you'll find an array of eclectic eats. Whether you're craving oyster stew, fried green tomatoes, grilled-to-perfection steak, waffles, or a bagel piled high with cream cheese (or butter, if that's your thing), Myrtle Beach offers it all. From white-tablecloth fine dining establishments to charming mom-and-pop eateries, here's how to eat and drink your way through Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The Best Sandwich Shops in Myrtle Beach
Dagwood's Deli: Myrtle Beach & Surfside Beach
A trip to the beach isn't complete without a good ol' hoagie, hero, or sub (or whatever you call your sammies) piled high with cold cuts, cheese, and crunchy veggies. Dagwood's Deli, which has been serving up sandwiches since 1988, is best known for its laid-back ambiance, and, of course, a wide variety of offerings. Here, think beyond the typical ham and cheese or turkey sandwiches in favor of something more adventurous. Whether you opt to build your own subs or order up one of the local favorites – including The Beach Boy (salami, pepperoni, and provolone), The Northern (hot pastrami, corned beef, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing) – you really can't go wrong. The deli has two locations: one by the iconic SkyWheel and another in nearby Surfside Beach.
Kaminsky's New York Deli: Myrtle Beach
Travelers craving a traditional New York-style sandwich should head straight to Kaminsky's New York Deli. The sandwich spot, which opened in 2008, is owned by Mike & Eva Kaminsky, formerly of Long Island, New York. This family-owned establishment offers everything from specialty sandwiches and homemade salads to nostalgia-inducing egg creams and pillowy soft knishes. Before chowing down, remember to save some room for crumb cake – and thank us later.
The Best Sushi in Myrtle Beach
The Wicked Tuna: Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet
For the best sushi in Myrtle Beach, look no further than The Wicked Tuna. This local haunt offers creative concoctions, including the Maryland roll (spicy tuna, cucumber, tempura shrimp, kani, blue crab, Maryland crab cakes, cream cheese, masago, scallions, spicy mayo, and a sweet glaze), and the signature Wicked Tuna roll (tempura shrimp, lobster salad, cucumber, sears ahi tuna, ponzu sauce, sweet chili, and wasabi mousse). Wicked Tuna has locations in Myrtle Beach proper and Murrells Inlet (about 15 miles north of downtown). What's more, fresh seafood is always on the menu here: The restaurant also has its own fishing fleet and fish house, where all of the seafood is distributed to the eateries within 24 hours of coming off the boat.
The Best Waffle House in Myrtle Beach
Johnny D's Waffle House: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, & Surfside Beach
Johnny D's Waffle House is a Myrtle Beach mainstay, attracting locals and travelers alike with three locations spread across Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. It's helmed by award-winning pastry chef Jamie Daskalis, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. From recipe testing to plating presentation, Daskalis put her heart and soul into each and every menu item, from the homemade Belgian waffles – which are available in multiple iterations (think: cinnamon roll, red velvet, funfetti, and banana split), to more innovative dishes like the Brisket Skillet or Pork Belly Benedict.
The Best Bakeries & Coffee Shops in Myrtle Beach
Benjamin's Bakery: Surfside Beach
Satisfy your sweet tooth – and get your caffeine fix – with a visit to one of these local establishments. Drive over to Surfside Beach to visit Benjamin's Bakery, which has been baking New York-style bagels, breads, and pastries, for over 25 years. Owner and founder Lee Zulanch moved down south from Long Island and realized the region was "under-bageled" – and they definitely delivered. Everything is made fresh and the coffee is roasted right in-house. Do yourself a favor and order a pączki (a Polish version of a donut that's filled with jam or custard and topped with powdered sugar) and an iced coffee (there are at least a dozen flavor options) and grab a table outside.
Croissants Bistro & Bakery: Myrtle Beach
The family-owned-and-operated Croissants Bistro & Bakery (est. 1995) – which has two locations throughout Myrtle Beach – is another excellent option. Come for the pastries (don't miss the apple or blueberry turnovers) that line the large glass display case and coffee (iced cappuccino, anyone?), but stay for the brunch and lunch offerings. It's safe to say that the ultra-fluffy Pennsylvania Dutch-style pancakes are among the best we've ever had – especially when they're stuffed with blueberries and smothered in a creamy, orange-infused marmalade. Save room for a side of cheesy hash browns and snag a table out on the outdoor patio for prime people-watching opps.
The Best Seafood in Myrtle Beach
Hook & Barrel: Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its fresh fish (just drive down North Kings Highway, and you'll find dozens of all-you-can-eat seafood buffets). However, you can't miss Hook & Barrel (the sister restaurant of Croissants, which is conveniently located right next door), which is chef Heidi Vukov's latest (and arguably) greatest project. The hip haunt has prosecco on tap, nautical-inspired decor (there are jellyfish lamps over the bar), and sustainable seafood. The oyster stew is prepared right in front of you, while the thick-cut Bourbon Bacon appetizer – smothered in a brown sugar glaze – is a carnivore's delight. (Its Insta-worthy presentation, seen here below, is a bonus.) Other must-tries include the Oysters Ala Heidi (stuffed with bacon, spinach, onion, mascarpone, sambuca, cream sauce, and tarragon hollandaise), the fried flounder and grits (which also features andouille sausage and peppers in a flavorful tomato broth), and the Baked Alaska.
Other Must-Visit Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
Crepe Creation Cafe: Myrtle Beach
Très magnifique! Make your way to Crepe Creation Cafe for – you guessed it – crepes. The restaurant also serves Belgian waffles and other European-inspired staples. There's an excellent bar (the housemade sangria is not to be missed, nor is their wide variety of martinis), and the dessert crepes are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Come here for a post-dinner dessert and live music.
Abundance: Myrtle Beach
Abundance, which opened in April 2021, is an excellent option for fine dining. Co-owners Colin Stiles and William Tyson set out to transform the Myrtle Beach food scene by offering the same upscale dining experience that you'd find in major cities like Charleston, New York, or Boston. The French-inspired menu, helmed by Joe Palmitessa and John Boulanger, features foie gras, escargot, steak frites, and even game meat like elk and kangaroo. (End the meal with a slice of decadent duck fat cake, which Stiles sets on fire right before your eyes.) The art-filled space is warm and welcoming, with Stiles pulling triple duty as host, waiter, and owner.
Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro: Little River
Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro in nearby Little River is owned and operated by acclaimed chef Eric Masson. The eatery, which is housed in a 100-year-old Victorian mansion (BTW, it's also said to be haunted – and ghost tours are also available for those who dare), is known for its innovative cuisine that combines classic French cooking techniques with traditional Lowcountry delights. While the menu changes daily, you can always expect Chef's award-winning southern-inspired Bouillabaisse, which features local fish (think: snapper, grouper, clams, and jumbo shrimp) in a saffron and fennel-fueled broth. Pro tip: Ask for extra bread to sop up all the soupy goodness. Plus, the restaurant also hosts a slew of events like Lowcountry boils, lobster bakes, and live jazz.
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