Danielle Jeanjaquet
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has some of the best restaurants in the Southeast!
While this tourist destination is primarily known for its fresh seafood dishes and Southern comfort food, Myrtle Beach offers many delicious eats from all sorts of cuisines. You might be surprised by the various Asian, Italian, and Mexican flavors you can find across the Grand Strand.
I grew up in the Myrtle Beach area, so I’ve been to countless restaurants all across the city.
Myrtle Beach has so many yummy eats to choose from, but the top 10 restaurants on this list are sure to impress you.
In no particular order, let’s start off with an upscale seafood restaurant that’s been wowing the Grand Strand for more than 30 years.
#1. Gulfstream Cafe
Gulfstream Cafe is a classic Myrtle Beach restaurant that has been hosting my family’s birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events for years!
The restaurant offers a beautiful waterfront view of Murrells Inlet, which creates a very laid-back atmosphere even with the upscale cuisine and service.
You might even check out the rooftop deck for a cocktail and a perfect view of the sunset!
Gulfstream’s menu is full of coastal dishes and classic Southern eats. I highly recommend ordering the Daily Local Catch – you can have confidence that you’ll be served a fresh fish caught right off the Carolina coast.
You might also try the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes or the Grouper Francaise, some other favorites of my family!
They also offer a Sunday brunch buffet and a more affordable Early Evening menu.
#2. Croissants Bistro & Bakery
If you are looking for the perfect brunch restaurant in Myrtle Beach, Croissants is the way to go!
They offer delightful customer service and classy Southern eats, for breakfast and lunch.
While they always like to change up their menu based on the season, I highly recommend their Dutch Style Pancakes or Chicken Salad Croissant.
Croissants is also known for their baked goods and pastries, so you can’t leave without trying one of their delicious desserts!
Their french macarons and various cake slices are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
#3. Pop Pop’s Pit BBQ
For an authentic Southern barbecue experience, you have got to check out Pop Pop’s!
This restaurant has two locations: one in Murrells Inlet, and the other in Socastee on Highway 707.
Their low and slow cooked barbecue is some of the best in Myrtle Beach! And, the menu is full of delicious platters, bowls, and sandwiches to choose from.
You can’t leave here without trying the pulled pork with their world-famous BBQ sauce. I’m a big fan of their mustard-based sauce as well.
The smoked brisket is another fan favorite – it will literally melt in your mouth! Ask about their award-winning Deluxe Mac ‘n Cheese.
#4. Sea Captain’s House
Another one of Myrtle Beach’s best restaurants is the renowned Sea Captain’s House.
This is one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular places to eat, and with good reason. Sea Captain’s has won Southern Living Magazine’s best seafood restaurant 4 years in a row.
This charming 1930’s cottage has been transformed into a bustling oceanfront dining experience. The views of the beach are the perfect accompaniment to their delicious seafood dishes.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I highly recommend their award-winning She-Crab Soup. Their Grilled Shrimp & Berry Salad is an amazing healthy option! And, you definitely have to ask your server about the Carolina Fresh Catch of the day.
#5. River City Cafe
For a more relaxed dining experience, you might check out River City Cafe!
This low-key burger joint hosts many locations all over Myrtle Beach, including a few that sit right along the ocean.
Their burgers are voted Best of the Beach all of the time. They offer so many fun flavor combinations, but I really like the Surf-n-Turf and Nacho Crunch Burger.
For healthy options, they also have some yummy chicken and turkey burger recipes!
Their Blooming Onion and Buffalo Chicken Bites make some great appetizers, but they also give you a complimentary basket of roasted peanuts. You can even throw the shells on the floor – don’t worry, they’ll clean up for you!
#6. Wahoos Fish House
The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk hosts a variety of local eateries with fun live music and great food.
However, my favorite Marsh Walk restaurant would have to be Wahoos Fish House!
They offer some lovely two-story views of the Inlet, and a variety of classic and innovative dishes to go with it.
For something more classic, you’ve got to try their Shrimp & Grits or Bourbon BBQ Mahi.
And, for a dish that’s more modern and edgy, you can try an item off their extensive Sushi Menu! You’re sure to find something exciting and instagram-worthy on their Specialty Rolls list.
#7. Thai Lao
While Thai Lao might not be every tourist’s first pick, it’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
My family has eaten the Thai cuisine here for years and years. The chef never disappoints with their amazing flavors and large portions.
Their Pad Thai is truly some of the best I’ve ever had, and I’m also a huge fan of their Massaman Curry and Panang Curry recipes.
You might also try their Tomyum Soup for something lighter and more rejuvenating.
Thai Lao is located right in the middle of downtown Myrtle Beach, so this hidden gem is easy to get to and open every day!
#8. Conch Cafe
If you want a relaxed, beachfront dining experience, you should check out the cozy Conch Cafe!
Located in the chill beach community of Garden City, Conch Cafe offers simple, but delicious, surf and turf dishes. You can eat inside or dine outside on their deck!
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, you might try their Beach Club Melt or Shrimp Po’ Boy.
A lot of people are big fans of their fried seafood platters, and they also have a lite fare list for more healthy salad and soup options!
#9. Art Burger Sushi Bar
For a funky, modern option, I recommend sitting down for a meal at Art Burger Sushi Bar!
With beach views and a location that’s right in the middle of downtown Myrtle Beach, you and your tummy are bound to have a good time.
If you’re up for a gourmet burger, the Munch Burger or the Gordo’s Burger are some yummy options.
And, if you’re feeling sushi, you might try their Carmelita or Zack Attack rolls.
What’s more: they offer a full nitrogen-infused bar! Their smoking nitrogen cocktails are such a fun experience, and taste great too.
#10. Blueberry’s Grill
To wrap up our list of Myrtle Beach’s top 10 restaurants is none other than Blueberry’s Grill.
They have two locations: one in Myrtle Beach, and one in North Myrtle. At both, you’ll find yummy Southern eats for breakfast, brunch, and lunch!
While they do offer many dishes that are actually blueberry-based, you might enjoy a variety of their menu options, including the Country Benedict and the Southern Skillet.
This is also the place to be if you are looking for gluten-free and vegetarian eats!
Definitely check out the Healthy Corner section of their menu for some diet-friendly options.
That’s all for my list of the top 10 restaurants in Myrtle Beach!
Which of these restaurants sounds yummy to you?
And, which of these Myrtle Beach eats have you tried?
I’d love to know in the comments below!
