Myrtle Beach is known for its wide sandy shoreline, warm ocean breezes, and no shortage of things to do when you step off the beach. But ask any local, and they will tell you the food scene is just as much of a draw as the waves.
From fresh seafood shacks overlooking the water to laid-back breakfast spots and one-of-a-kind hangout spots, the flavors of the Grand Strand are something you will want to explore all week long.
Whether you’ve traveled into town and are staying at Captain’s Quarters Resort or just driving through hungry, here is a roundup of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach to add to your list.
1. Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge
- 1306 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- pier14.com
- Best For: Ocean views, seafood, casual family dining
For great views paired with a solid seafood meal, Pier 14 is one of the more memorable dining experiences in Myrtle Beach.
Built out directly over the Atlantic Ocean, this landmark spot gives you the sensation of eating above the water, with waves rolling beneath you as you work through fresh catch, prime rib, or a plate of peel-and-eat shrimp.
It is a place that feels genuinely tied to the beach in a way that indoor-only restaurants simply cannot replicate.
2. New York Prime
- 405 28th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC
- newyorkprime.com
- Best For: Upscale steak and seafood, special occasions
Foodies assemble! When a meal calls for something truly exceptional, New York Prime is the place to visit. This award-winning steakhouse has been a Myrtle Beach institution for over two decades, consistently earning top marks for its USDA prime-only beef, colossal seafood platters, and polished supper club atmosphere.
The 28-day aged steaks are the centerpiece of the menu, but the fresh Florida stone crabs and a wine list that runs hundreds of labels deep make this one of the most well-rounded fine dining experiences on the Grand Strand.
3. Drift
- 980 Cipriana Dr, Unit A-6, Myrtle Beach, SC
- drifteatery.com
- Best For: Breakfast and brunch, creative coastal cuisine
If you are looking for a casual breakfast or brunch, Drift has become one of the most talked-about morning destinations on the Grand Strand.
This chef-driven coastal eatery serves breakfast and brunch with a flair that goes well beyond standard diner fare, with standout dishes like the Chorizo Hash Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, and Drift Shrimp and Grits drawing both locals and vacationers who want to start the day with something more inspired.
Drift is a spot where good food, a relaxed coastal vibe, and locally sourced ingredients come together in a way that makes you want to linger long after your plate is cleared.
4. Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts
- 3301 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
- johnnydswaffles.com
- Best For: Creative breakfast, families, pancake lovers
A beach vacation deserves at least one morning spent at one of the Grand Strand’s great pancake houses, and Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts is a family favorite that delivers every single time.
The menu at this spot is anything but ordinary, with creative options like the Red Velvet Cinnaroll Waffle, Crab Cake Benedict, and Churros French Toast making every visit feel like an occasion worth waking up for.
It is a chef-driven, family-run operation that has earned a loyal following among locals and repeat visitors who know a good breakfast when they taste one.
5. Hook & Barrel
- 8014 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
- hookandbarrelrestaurant.com
- Best For: Sustainable seafood, upscale dinner, date night
Hook & Barrel brings a refined, seafood-forward dining experience to Myrtle Beach with a seasonal menu built around sustainable local ingredients and creative preparations you will not find anywhere else on the Strand.
The steam galley, where she-crab soup is prepared right in front of you, is a signature touch that sets this restaurant apart, and the rotating fresh catch lineup means the menu is always reflecting what is best from local waters.
One nibble and you will understand why this spot has become a dinner favorite among locals and visitors alike.
6. Nacho Hippo
- 1160 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
- nachohippo.com
- Best For: Casual family dining, Tex-Mex, loaded nachos
Sometimes the best hangout after a long day on the ocean is a casual, fun-loving spot that keeps things lively, and Nacho Hippo fits that description perfectly.
Famous for its award-winning nachos made fresh to order and piled sky high, along with handcrafted tacos and giant margaritas, this Myrtle Beach restaurant is a go-to for family groups and friend crews who want bold flavors and a festive beach town atmosphere.
The open-air cantina setting adds to the feel of a place where everyone at the table finds something they love.
7. Wicked Tuna at the 2nd Ave Pier
- 110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- thewickedtuna.com
- Best For: Fresh seafood, sushi, waterfront dining
Travel a short drive south toward Murrells Inlet, and you will find Wicked Tuna, a waterfront seafood restaurant that has earned its place among the area’s most beloved dining destinations.
Situated right on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, the Wicked Tuna operates its own fishing fleet to back up a genuine hook-to-plate philosophy, meaning the sushi, seared fish, and seafood plates on your table came from the water with as little time in between as possible.
The views across the marsh and the creative menu make this one of those meal experiences that becomes a permanent fixture on a visitor’s list of Grand Strand favorites.
8. Dead Dog Saloon
- 4079 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC
- deaddogsaloon.com
- Best For: Waterfront hangout, live music, all-day dining
Located south of Myrtle Beach along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Dead Dog Saloon is a local institution with a personality all its own. Open from breakfast through late night, with live music rocking the stage most evenings, this family-owned spot has been a cornerstone of the Murrells Inlet food scene for over two decades.
The menu spans everything from in-house smoked meats and fresh seafood to burgers, pasta, and a selection of Benedict options in the morning, giving every member of the family something to look forward to, whether you visit at 8 AM or after the sun goes down.
If you’re in the mood for some live music, be sure to check out their events calendar to see what’s going on when you plan to visit.
9. Greg Norman Australian Grille
- 4930 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC (Barefoot Landing)
- gregnormanaustraliangrille.com
- Best For: Waterfront steak and seafood, wine, North Myrtle dining
For a North Myrtle Beach dining experience that combines great views with serious culinary ambition, Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing is a standout you should not miss.
Set on the Intracoastal Waterway, this wood-grilled steak and seafood restaurant has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for nearly two decades and pairs an impressive wine and bourbon list with a menu of Australian-influenced fare that feels genuinely distinct from anything else on the Strand.
The Shark Pub happy hour, the patio seats overlooking the water, and the elegant dining room make this a spot that works equally well for a relaxed lunch or a celebratory dinner.
10. RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
- 1210 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- riptydz.com
- Best For: Ocean views, rooftop drinks, casual coastal fare
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach and rounding out the list is RipTydz, a lively oceanfront restaurant and rooftop bar located right on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
With multiple levels of seating that give you an unobstructed view of the ocean, this spot is a natural choice for visitors who want to eat with the Atlantic as their backdrop and keep the beach energy going well into the evening.
The menu covers a range of casual coastal favorites, from seafood baskets and burgers to cocktails best enjoyed from the rooftop with salt air and a sunset on the horizon.
Explore the Myrtle Beach Restaurant Scene
The Myrtle Beach restaurant scene has something for every appetite and every occasion, whether you are starting the morning with a creative breakfast, settling in for a long waterfront dinner in Murrells Inlet, or catching sunset views from a rooftop bar right on the ocean.
No matter where hunger takes you during your vacation, the Grand Strand delivers the kind of delicious, memorable food that keeps visitors coming back year after year. And when you book your stay at the oceanfront Captain’s Quarters, you’re front and center to all of it.