Local residents in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area shake their heads when they see vacationers flock to chain restaurants and order seafood.
Why in the world, they wonder, would these people dine at places where chances are the seafood has been frozen, when there are many locally-owned restaurants that offer fresh grouper, flounder, crab, oysters, shrimp, snapper and more that was likely harvested that very day?
It’s a mystery, but in the meantime that’s more fresh seafood for us locals.
Oh all right; twist my arm. I’ll let you know some of the best seafood restaurants in the world. There’s a good reason that Murrells Inlet, located minutes south of Myrtle Beach, is called the Seafood Capital of World.
But keep in mind that our neck of the Coastal Carolina woods is not all about fried Calabash-style seafood. In fact, if you know where to go, we have places with world-class chefs who serve incredible broiled, grilled, baked and sautéed seafood.
And our sushi and sashimi? I’d put a few of our sushi chefs up against any Japanese master.
Next time you come visit the most fun vacation beaches on the planet, which would be Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas called The Grand Strand, consider checking out one or more of these locally-owned restaurants. The fish is fresh, the views are spectacular and you can try a new dish.
The cuisine isn’t all about soul food, but nonetheless your culinary soul will be thrilled.
Bovine’s Southwestern Grill
3979 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-2888
www.bovineswoodfired.com
This waterfront restaurant in Murrells Inlet has casual fine dining specializing in wood-fired grilled items, including locally caught seafood, and brick oven-baked gourmet pizzas. The view is spectacular, and the kitschy Southwestern décor, such as saddle bar stools, is stylish and fun.
Capt. Dave’s Dockside Restaurant
4037 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-5850
www.captdavesdockside.com
The old Dave’s was torn down to make way for this new upscale waterfront haven. A high-tech grill allows for superbly cooked meats and succulent sushi-grade seafood. Southern Living magazine recommended the bacon-wrapped scallops.
Carriage House Club at Litchfield Plantation
Kings River Road
Pawleys Island
237-9121
www.litchfieldplantation.com
Arriving at this refined restaurant on the grounds of a former rice plantation takes you through an avenue of live oaks. They’re open for superb breakfasts and elegant dinners. It’s also a popular site for weddings; the grounds are impeccably groomed.
Creek Ratz
4065 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
357-2891
www.creekratz.com
Life just doesn’t get much better than sipping a cool drink on the deck at Creek Ratz. Fresh seafood and the awesome inlet view bring diners back. For lunch or dinner, this is a happy and casual place. The Grouper Sandwich is delicious.
Divine Fish House
3993 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-5800
www.divinefishhouse.com
If you want a more upscale atmosphere, dine inside and appreciate the inlet view and gorgeous décor. If you’re wearing shorts and flip-flops, dine outside at their Wahoo’s Bar. The seafood is great inside or out.
Drunken Jack’s
4031 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-2044
www.drunkenjacks.net
The atmosphere is casual, but the seafood is serious. You get a great view of the inlet, plus excellent local seafood like crab cakes, shrimp and flounder. They also have char-grilled steaks. Don’t forget to “Say hey” to Bubba Love’s statue outside.
Emi Bistro and Sushi Bar
47 Da Gullah Way (beside U.S. 17)
Pawleys Island
235-2313
www.emifusionbistro.com
Shozo Sakata is one of the best sushi chefs in the Grand Strand area, and his lovely and delicious creations are featured in the sushi bar. It’s fun to get a ringside seat and watch him perform amazing knife skills. The regular menu has an esteemed reputation for its unique upscale Asian cuisine that fuses some of the best elements of French and continental cooking methods.
Frank’s and Frank’s Outback
10434 U.S. 17 (Ocean Highway)
Pawleys Island
237-3030
www.franksandoutback.com
As one of the most esteemed fine dining restaurants in the Grand Strand area, it’s hard to believe Frank’s used to be a filling station/convenience store. The seafood and steaks are legendary, as are the gourmet pizzas and other fine fare served in the open-air part called Frank’s Outback. If you like roasted garlic, try the GOOP appetizer. You can feel comfortable dressed to the nines or wearing business casual attire.
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen
4460 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-2881
www.leesinletkitchen.com
Fried seafood, broiled seafood and grilled seafood are what has been served here for six decades. They do it well. Dress comfortably, including a loose waistband.
Louis’s at Pawleys
10880 U.S. 17 (Ocean Highway)
In the Hammock Shops at Pawleys Island
237-8757
www.louisatpawleys.com
Owner/chef Louis Osteen has been credited with the revival of gourmet Southern food, which is showcased at this Pawleys Island restaurant. Some folks dress up as befits the cuisine, but after all this is Pawleys Island so “nice casual” also works. Full-blown casual is appropriate in the adjacent Fish Camp Bar.
Marina Raw Bar
U.S. 17 at Vereen’s Marina
North Myrtle Beach
249-3972
www.marinarawbar.com
Situated by a marina off the Intracoastal Waterway, the nice view of yachts does not overshadow the delights of a bucket of steamed oysters, a nice piece of flounder or a soft shell crab.
Nance’s Cedar Hill Landing Restaurant
5225 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-8706
Try a seafood platter or a bucket of steamed oysters, and while you’re loving those you can also enjoy the beautiful inlet view. It’s a very casual place.
Oliver’s Lodge
4204 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-9523
www.oliverslodgerestaurant.com
This gem started life as a private residence, then became a boarding house. Fresh seafood has been served there since 1910, making it the oldest restaurant on the Grand Strand. It’s popular for good reason – the food is incredible. Try the Flounder Roosevelt stuffed with crab and topped with lobster cream sauce, or Tasso Cream Shrimp over creamy grits. The building has been lovingly restored, and the dining room overlooks a lush lawn, live oaks and the inlet.
Rice Paddy Restaurant
732 Front St.
Georgetown
546-2021
The location inside an old bank exudes Southern charm and hospitable gentility. Be sure to check out the former bank vault that’s now a wine cellar. Gourmet Southern cuisine is on the menu; the lump crab cakes, and specials like shrimp and grits, are outrageously delicious. While the meals are upscale, about any manner of dress would work here except for T-shirts and flip-flops.
Rivertown Bistro
1111 Third Ave.
Conway
248-3733
www.rivertownbistro.net
Owner/chef Darren Smith has a deft touch for creating innovative gourmet dishes that stay true to his Southern roots. For lunch the Spring Roll, Quesadilla of the Day and many entrée salads are popular. Dinners are delightful wonders with choices like Crispy Eggplant and Tomato Stack with feta, pesto and tomato caper sauce; Fried Flounder with blackened green tomatoes, lump crab, stone-ground grits and shellfish cream; or Chargrilled Ribeye with blue cheese scallion butter, roasted new potatoes and fried onion strings.
River Room
801 Front St.
Georgetown
527-4110
www.riverroomgeorgetown.com
The specialty is Shrimp and Grits with tasso ham and Andouille sausage; a bonus is a fresh-baked fluffy biscuit hidden under the grits. The Herb-crusted Grouper, McClellanville Crab Cakes and Pecan Chicken Salad are all delicious. The building is historic, the ambiance cozy and warm and there’s a great view of the Sampit River.
Sawgrass Room at Pawleys Plantation
70 Tanglewood Drive
Pawleys Island
237-6100
www.pawleysplantation.com/dining
Many people assume since Pawleys Plantation is a gated upscale housing community that the restaurant is not open to the public, but that’s not so. Anyone is welcome to dine in the plantation-style restaurant and enjoy daily breakfasts, graceful dinners on Thursday and Friday nights and lavish Sunday brunches. Appropriate attire is suggested.
Sea Captain’s House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd.
Myrtle Beach
448-8082
www.seacaptains.com
This former beach cottage is a landmark for locals and visitors. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in a spectacular oceanfront setting, and reservations are never accepted except for large private parties. There is a breakfast buffet, but we like the Crab Cakes Benedict off the menu. Daily lunch specials are always a treat, and for dinner you can’t go wrong with any seafood dish.
SeaBlue
503 U.S. 17 N.
North Myrtle Beach
249-8800
www.seablueonline.com
This romantic little restaurant has quickly earned a stellar reputation for its tapas (small-portion plates) and discriminating wine list. Chef proprietor Kelly Graham and executive chef Bryan Bodle are an excellent team for creating exciting menus with dishes such as Pan Fried Black Bass with creamed leeks, celery heart and grape salad.
Thoroughbreds
9706 N. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach
497-2636
www.thoroughbredsrestaurant.com
When you want a quiet and upscale evening with top-notch cuisine and service, this is a dependable choice. Thoroughbreds is known as a romantic spot, but it’s also a great place for enjoying juicy steaks or Grouper Neptune with a group of friends.
Umi Pacific Grille
U.S. 17 at Lake Arrowhead Road, in the Galleria Shopping Center
Myrtle Beach
497-6016
Umi is a new entry in Myrtle Beach’s upscale dining ranks, and reactions are favorable. The décor is sleek and sophisticated to match the splendid Pacific Rim menu. As with most Grand Strand restaurants, you don’t need to go over the top with your manner of dress; “nice casual” works almost anywhere in town.
