Myrtle Beach restaurant and bar recommendations

[akl432]

Hi Dis'ers! My boyfriend and I are taking a 4-day trip to Myrtle Beach (leaving in a week and a half) and would love to hear your restaurant and bar recommendations!

Restaurants: We are looking for good seafood places (seafood platters, fish & chips, po'boys, etc.) that are not rip-offs. Ocean views would be nice, but are not a requirement. So far, we have found:
Sea Captain's House - fancy atmosphere with ocean views; looks like a nice place for a romantic dinner
Mr. Fish - food photos look delicious; fun-looking atmosphere

Bars: We are looking for places with ocean views. Live music would be ideal, but is not a requirement. So far, we have found:
Ocean Annie's - directly on the beach; live music

We are staying at the Sand Dunes Resort, which is near 74th St (north of the boardwalk area, south of the Apache Pier). We would like to have multiple options, in case more places re-close due to Covid (no debates, please). Thank you so much for your help! We can't wait for our vacation!

 

[OhhBother]

I live 20 minutes south of Myrtle. You'll find the best seafood restaurants in Murrells Inlet -- Drunken Jack's, Hot Fish Club, Wicked Tuna, Graham's Landing... The list goes on. They're all good.

Please, please wear a mask while you're here. SC is seeing big COVID-19 increases, and Horry County - where Myrtle Beach is - was just designated a COVID-19 hot spot by DHEC. Have a wonderful, safe vacation.

 

[mikehn]

As mentioned above, Murrells inlet's the place to be. It's about 20 minutes south.

 

[SamFaniam]

One of the local stations is keeping a running list of closed restaurants.
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/06/15/list-grand-strand-restaurants-close-after-positive-covid-cases/

 

[NCRedding]

74th North or South? If you are south, definitely go to Murrells Inlet. Sea Captain's house used to be one of my favorites, but the last few times I've been, I was very disappointed in the quality of the food. Also, the place just seems tired and old. I like the Flying Fish Café in Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle. It overlooks the waterway.

For brunch or lunch (if they are open) I recommend Croissants (two locations), off the beach. Nice sandwiches, soups, pastries, etc.

The Bowery in downtown Myrtle Beach has live music (not sure of the current schedule or if it is even open).

 

[akl432]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! We are staying at the Sand Dunes Resort, which is near 74th St (north of the boardwalk area, south of the Apache Pier).

It looks like Murrell's Inlet is about a 30-minute drive. Are the Murrell's Inlet restaurants worth that length of a drive compared to options closer to Myrtle Beach? If so, we will drive down to Murrell's one day.

I would love to hear of more recommendations closer to Myrtle Beach, as well!

I am looking up all of your recommendations so far!

 

[monsterkitty]

I live 20 minutes south of Myrtle. You'll find the best seafood restaurants in Murrells Inlet -- Drunken Jack's, Hot Fish Club, Wicked Tuna, Graham's Landing... The list goes on. They're all good.

Please, please wear a mask while you're here. SC is seeing big COVID-19 increases, and Horry County - where Myrtle Beach is - was just designated a COVID-19 hot spot by DHEC. Have a wonderful, safe vacation.

We vacationed in Myrtle Beach last summer. We loved Wicked Tuna and Drunken Jack's.

 

[monsterkitty]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! We are staying at the Sand Dunes Resort, which is near 74th St (north of the boardwalk area, south of the Apache Pier).

It looks like Murrell's Inlet is about a 30-minute drive. Are the Murrell's Inlet restaurants worth that length of a drive compared to options closer to Myrtle Beach? If so, we will drive down to Murrell's one day.

I would love to hear of more recommendations closer to Myrtle Beach, as well!

I am looking up all of your recommendations so far!

Yes!

 

[izzy]

We vacationed in Myrtle Beach last summer. We loved Wicked Tuna and Drunken Jack's.

I second Drunken Jack’s. I’ve been known to go just for their hush puppies and honey butter.

 

[akl432]

74th North or South? If you are south, definitely go to Murrells Inlet. Sea Captain's house used to be one of my favorites, but the last few times I've been, I was very disappointed in the quality of the food. Also, the place just seems tired and old. I like the Flying Fish Café in Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle. It overlooks the waterway.

If our choice for one night is between Sea Captain's House and Flying Fish Cafe, would you recommend Flying Fish Cafe?

 

[akl432]

I second Drunken Jack’s. I’ve been known to go just for their hush puppies and honey butter.

That sounds delicious! I will take a look at their menu!

 

[akl432]

I live 20 minutes south of Myrtle. You'll find the best seafood restaurants in Murrells Inlet -- Drunken Jack's, Hot Fish Club, Wicked Tuna, Graham's Landing... The list goes on. They're all good.

We vacationed in Myrtle Beach last summer. We loved Wicked Tuna and Drunken Jack's.

I second Drunken Jack’s. I’ve been known to go just for their hush puppies and honey butter.

Between Drunken Jack's and Hot Fish Club, which one do you like better, and why? (Considering food and atmosphere - we would love to get a water view table outside, or at least a water view table inside.)

 

[YoYoAurora]

Between Drunken Jack's and Hot Fish Club, which one do you like better, and why? (Considering food and atmosphere - we would love to get a water view table outside, or at least a water view table inside.)

I'd choose Drunken Jack's, but that's just me. I love dining outside and people watching. And the hush puppies and honey butter are worth the trip!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

If our choice for one night is between Sea Captain's House and Flying Fish Cafe, would you recommend Flying Fish Cafe?

Personally, I wouldn't be going right now given what is shaping up. But if you go, for the view. Sea Captain's house. It overlooks the ocean. Flying Fish overlooks the waterway But if they have to open the drawbridge it's pretty cool.
Food. I can't really compare the food because I haven't eaten at the Sea Captain's house. We did not like what we got at the Flying Fish. We got two different varieties of Fish Tacos. There really wasn't much fish in them at all. One dinky piece. They were also spicy and that was not revealed either on the menu or by our waiter. That said the food wasn't really bad or anything. We just ordered the wrong thing and will certainly give it another try because other dishes that I saw looked good and most people were enjoying them.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Please, please wear a mask while you're here. SC is seeing big COVID-19 increases, and Horry County - where Myrtle Beach is - was just designated a COVID-19 hot spot by DHEC. Have a wonderful, safe vacation.

An even more important recommendation than the restaurant choices.

 

[OhhBother]

Between Drunken Jack's and Hot Fish Club, which one do you like better, and why? (Considering food and atmosphere - we would love to get a water view table outside, or at least a water view table inside.)

I'd recommend Drunken Jack's for a more "vacation" atmosphere. Hot Fish Club is a more traditional restaurant. At Drunken Jack's, the hush puppies are all that and more. There's even a hush puppy sundae for dessert. And, yes, it's yummy.

Another great, quiet restaurant in Murrells Inlet is Costa. It's Italian and seafood, and it's by far my favorite place to eat. Another great local place is Gio's for Italian.

I saw someone recommended Croissant's for brunch, and I'd normally second that. But they just announced they've temporarily closed both locations due to a COVID-positive employee. Eggs Up Grill is also great for breakfast, but at least some of their locations are temporarily closed. Even the Starbucks in Pawleys Island, where I live, is temporarily closed due to COVID.

Our cases really are spiking here. You can still have a wonderful vacation if you just take precautions. My husband and I walked on the beach for an hour yesterday afternoon and didn't get within 100 feet of anyone else. Just use common sense, and protect yourself. Go home with memories, not a virus!

 

[mikehn]

One other thing, Murrells doesnt start hoppin till about 5pm. So time your arrival depending on how lively you want it.

 

[HeatherC]

One of the local stations is keeping a running list of closed restaurants.
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/06/15/list-grand-strand-restaurants-close-after-positive-covid-cases/

‘Wow! Last time I looked there were three closures. Now it is up to 9. Not good.

 

[akl432]

Thanks, everyone, for your recommendations so far! Several have commented to recommend cancelling, due to the current Wuhan coronavirus situation. Our condo is already fully paid and non-refundable, so we can't cancel. We'll go and will practice safe measures. Thank you for your concern!

 

[PamNC]

another vote for restaurants at Murrells Inlet - and it's a lovely place to stroll after dinner. Also Bimini's Oyster Bar.