Beyond the boardwalk and tourist hotspots, Myrtle Beach hides a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer authentic flavors, local charm, and dining experiences you won’t find in travel brochures. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, international cuisine, or southern comfort food, these under-the-radar eateries deliver unforgettable meals that locals have been keeping secret.
1. Drunken Jack’s: Pirate-Themed Paradise with Waterfront Views
Salt-kissed breezes welcome you at this Murrells Inlet institution where seafood takes center stage. The restaurant’s weathered wooden exterior belies the treasure within – platters of golden hushpuppies, fresh-caught seafood baskets, and their famous she-crab soup.
Families gather on the spacious deck overlooking the marsh, watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch. The pirate-themed décor tells tales of the legendary Drunken Jack, a rum-loving sailor who allegedly haunts these waters.
Don’t miss their signature oyster roasts during cooler months – a quintessential lowcountry experience that brings locals and visitors together around steaming tables of briny delights.
2. Gulfstream Cafe: Sunset Dining with Panoramic Marsh Views
Perched above Garden City’s mirrored marshlands, this timber-beamed haven offers the most spectacular sunset views in the Grand Strand. Floor-to-ceiling windows transform evening meals into nature’s theater, with golden light streaming across your table.
Begin your culinary journey with velvety she-crab soup before diving into their seafood cioppino – a fragrant tomato broth swimming with local catches. The chef’s shrimp pasta combines Atlantic prawns with garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs for a dish that captures coastal Carolina’s essence.
Smart diners arrive early to secure window seats and enjoy happy hour specials on the outdoor deck where dolphins occasionally make surprise appearances.
3. Tupelo Honey: Southern Classics with a Creative Twist
Morning sunshine filters through rustic farmhouse windows, illuminating plates of reimagined Southern classics at this beloved brunch destination. Their shrimp and grits transcend the ordinary with roasted red pepper sauce and goat cheese crumbles that add unexpected depth.
Families laugh over shared plates of mac-and-cheese waffles topped with Nashville-style hot chicken – a sweet-spicy combination that epitomizes their innovative approach. The restaurant’s honeycomb motif appears throughout, from wall decorations to the shape of butter pats melting atop freshly-baked biscuits.
Sweet tea flows freely here, often infused with seasonal fruits like peach or blackberry. Weekend visitors should arrive early or expect a cheerful wait among other hungry patrons.
4. Sarah J’s Seafood Restaurant: Family-Run Fish House with History
Behind an unassuming storefront in Garden City hides a seafood sanctuary run by three generations of a local fishing family. Photos of their record-breaking 507-pound blue marlin adorn walls alongside vintage fishing gear – silent testimonials to their authentic sea-to-table philosophy.
Jumbo-lump crab cakes contain barely enough binder to hold together mountains of sweet meat caught in nearby waters. Their oysters Rockefeller arrive bubbling hot under a blanket of spinach and parmesan, while pan-seared scallops showcase the kitchen’s delicate touch.
Regulars know to ask about off-menu specialties featuring whatever unusual catch arrived on family boats that morning. The patriarch still visits tables nightly, sharing tales of coastal life that season each dish with local heritage.
5. The Claw House: New England Lobster Shack with Southern Charm
Nautical flags snap in the breeze outside this maritime-themed eatery nestled along Murrells Inlet’s marshfront boardwalk. The New England-meets-South Carolina concept delivers lobster rolls that would make a Mainer proud alongside Carolina shrimp that never traveled further than the local docks.
Lobster nachos have achieved legendary status among locals – crispy tortilla chips buried beneath tender chunks of sweet meat, melted cheeses, and chipotle cream. Their signature steam pots arrive overflowing with crab legs, mussels, potatoes, and corn on the cob – perfect for communal feasting.
The wraparound porch offers prime real estate for watching fishing boats navigate the inlet while pelicans dive for dinner. Come sunset, strings of Edison bulbs illuminate conversations over key lime pie and coffee.
6. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood: Buffet Elevated to Art Form
Forget everything you thought about seafood buffets. Benjamin’s 170+ item spread redefines the concept with quality that surpasses quantity in this nautical-themed landmark. Ship models suspended from ceilings and aquariums teeming with tropical fish create an underwater atmosphere before you take your first bite.
Stations dedicated solely to crab legs attract devoted fans who make pilgrimages during blue crab season. Their scallop cakes offer a delicious alternative to traditional crab versions, while fried green tomatoes showcase southern influences alongside international options.
Behind glass walls, watch chefs shuck oysters and prepare sushi to order. The dessert section deserves its own zip code – with bread pudding drowning in warm bourbon sauce that alone justifies the trip.
7. Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts: Breakfast Wonderland with Chef Pedigree
Morning aromas of vanilla and cinnamon waft from this cottage-like breakfast haven in Surfside Beach where Food Network-featured Chef Jamie Daskalis creates morning masterpieces. Regulars line up for her signature red velvet waffles – crimson beauties topped with cream cheese icing and fresh berries.
Benedicts receive star treatment with variations like pork-belly topped versions on homemade biscuits bathed in chipotle hollandaise. The cinnamon roll waffle combines two breakfast favorites into one indulgent creation – a spiral of cinnamon sugar baked into waffle batter and finished with cream cheese drizzle.
Walls showcase Chef Jamie’s cookbook and culinary awards alongside family photos that emphasize the restaurant’s heart. Coffee comes in generous mugs with unlimited refills perfect for lingering weekend mornings.
8. The Library Restaurant: Old-World Elegance in Unexpected Location
Hidden down a side street away from oceanfront chaos, heavy wooden doors open to reveal burgundy walls lined with actual books and soft lighting from crystal chandeliers. This 40-year institution feels more Manhattan than Myrtle Beach, attracting couples seeking romance and food lovers pursuing excellence.
Tuxedoed waiters perform tableside magic, flambéing steak Diane and bananas Foster with theatrical flair. Their wine cellar houses over 200 selections, with sommeliers guiding patrons through perfect pairings for dishes like rack of lamb and escargot.
The piano lounge attracts a sophisticated after-dinner crowd sipping cognac and exchanging stories. Reservations remain essential despite being overlooked by most tourist guides – a deliberate choice that keeps this literary-themed jewel preserved for those in the know.
9. Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine: Royal Thai Flavors in Coastal Setting
Golden elephant statues guard the entrance to this family-owned gem where three generations of Thai women create authentic dishes that transcend typical beach town offerings. Hand-carved fruit garnishes and orchid blossoms transform plates into edible art before flavors even reach your palate.
Their signature pineapple fried rice arrives dramatically presented in a halved pineapple shell, studded with cashews, raisins, and Gulf shrimp. Seafood pad thai combines local catches with imported rice noodles, bean sprouts, and tamarind sauce for a dish that bridges continents.
Walls adorned with photos of Thailand’s royal family and landscapes remind diners of the cuisine’s noble origins. Weekend specials often feature rare Thai ingredients the family imports specifically for dishes rarely found outside Bangkok.
10. Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar: Mediterranean Soul Meets Carolina Coast
Terracotta walls and olive branches create Mediterranean warmth in this sophisticated yet unpretentious Italian haven. The chef’s handmade pasta program produces daily specials like black squid ink linguine with local clams that sell out nightly.
Their signature diver scallops arrive perfectly caramelized atop mushroom risotto enriched with white truffle oil. Blue crab pasta combines lump crabmeat with angel hair, lemon butter, and fresh herbs for a dish that honors both Italian tradition and Carolina’s seafood bounty.
Bread service deserves special mention – house-baked focaccia arrives warm with roasted garlic confit and herb-infused olive oil that regulars have been known to purchase by the bottle. The rustic wine bar attracts couples who linger over dessert and digestifs while planning their next visit.
11. Hook and Barrel: Sustainable Seafood with Environmental Conscience
Reclaimed wood and recycled glass bottles transformed into light fixtures announce this restaurant’s eco-friendly mission before you even open the menu. The chef’s commitment to sustainable seafood goes beyond buzzwords – each dish lists its source and harvest method.
Their seafood tower celebrates local waters with tiers of peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters, and stone crab claws accompanied by house-made mignonettes and cocktail sauces. The legendary crab soup combines lump meat with sherry cream base – a recipe guarded more carefully than pirate treasure.
The frutti di mare arrives loaded with local catches in white wine sauce that diners sop up with grilled bread. Even the cocktail program emphasizes sustainability, using paper straws and garnishes grown in their rooftop garden.
12. Dead Dog Saloon: Soulful Waterfront Hangout with Canine Tribute
Hundreds of framed dog photos cover walls at this beloved Murrells Inlet institution where live music and waterfront views compete for attention with seriously good food. The restaurant’s unusual name honors the founder’s beloved retriever – whose bronze statue greets guests at the entrance.
Their honey-butter hushpuppies arrive piping hot – golden orbs that disappear from baskets before main courses arrive. Steam pots brimming with shellfish, corn, and potatoes satisfy seafood cravings, while slow-smoked ribs showcase the kitchen’s versatility beyond oceanic offerings.
Local musicians perform nightly on the expansive deck where strangers become friends over shared sunset views and ghost stories about the inlet. Weekend breakfast brings locals who swear by the crab cake benedict as hangover cure after Saturday night revelry.
13. Flamingo Grill: Retro Supper Club with Modern Culinary Mastery
Pink neon and Art Deco flourishes transport diners to Miami circa 1985 at this time-capsule steakhouse that refuses to chase trends. The vintage atmosphere – complete with Frank Sinatra soundtrack – sets the stage for seriously impressive cuisine that locals have treasured for decades.
Their prime rib undergoes 30-day in-house aging before slow-roasting to ruby-centered perfection. Maryland-style crab cakes contain barely enough binding to hold together sweet jumbo lump meat, while yellowfin tuna arrives with peppercorn crust and wasabi cream that bridges old-school and contemporary tastes.
Career waitstaff remember regular customers’ preferences and anniversary dates, adding personal touches rarely found in tourist areas. Weekend reservations remain coveted among locals celebrating special occasions away from the beachfront crowds.
