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Myrtle Beach restaurants offer something for every palette. With well
over 1,500 eateries of all kinds, sadly, very few are top-shelf, and,
sadly, the vast majority of them are best forgotten. Hey, this is the
Redneck Rivera, so what can you expect.
The following Myrtle Beach Restaurant Reviews are distilled from the
good, the bad and the ugly dining experiences of the officers, directors
and associates of the Myrtle Beach Golf Association, supplemented by
feedback from our golfers. While the primary focus is on the quality of
the cuisine, other important factors that also influence the ratings are
friendliness, service, presentation, facilities, cleanliness, value and
clientele.
It
is important to note that every establishment is visited anonymously,
and the reviewers pay all of their own checks (gratuities too), and are
not reimbursed one penny. Needless to say, they are quite picky about
where they are going to spend their hard earned money, and rather irate
when they feel that they have been taken advantage of.
Please note that we
do not review chain restaurants, except in cases where we find a
particular location to be either exceptional or exceptionally awful. We
also don’t review Calabash style (that’s an oxymoron that means that
everything is cooked in the same grease that the joint has been using
since they opened for business 20-years ago, so that everything tastes
exactly the same) buffets, buffet establishments or worst of all, those
insipid hangouts of the gastronomically retarded, trailer park misfits
that drink white Zinfandel, those habitats of the unwashed those
god-awful fondue joints. Why you ask, simply because we think its beyond
moronic to go out to diner, and have to wait on ourselves, much less
being expected to tip some clown, or clownette, who didn’t do a damn
thing except snort “Hi guys” (even to women) and then stand around and
whine with their fellow cretins.
To the right of each
of our Restaurant Reviews you will see three lights… a
green
light means,
“check it
out,” a
yellow
light means
“think-consider”
and a
red
light means
“forget about it!”
Please be advised
that, unlike the MBGA golf course ratings, rankings and reviews, the
MBGA Restaurant Reviews, once completed, rarely change – especially the
red-lighted eateries. The reasons for this are quite simple:
·
We can
only eat in just so many establishments,
·
Like most
people we like to frequent places we enjoy, so when we return to good
places that limits our time to be able to check-out any new places, and
·
We’re not
going to go back to some joint that we hated, and throw good money and
valuable time after bad.
Don’t
Be Fooled!
There is a local endorsement known as The Best of the Beach, that
area businesses, especially area restaurants, tout in their advertising
as a local “vote of confidence” for their business. Please be advised
that in most cases a Best of the Beach rating is a farce because the
local businesses “fix the results” by getting all of their staffers,
suppliers, family members, neighbors, customers, buddies and pets to
send in ballots for them. We know one character that sent in 50 ballots
for himself in one week.
As
with all reviews, the MBGA Restaurant Reviews are strictly the
reviewer’s opinions, and should always be considered subjective!
Your comments and
suggestions are encouraged! Please send your dining feedback to MBGA.COM
at
Restaurants@mbga.com.
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Aspen Grille –
5101 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.9191). This is
definitely not the original Aspen Grille, which was fine-tuned
like a Swiss watch by one of Myrtle Beach’s top restaurateurs,
Ed Cribb. While the name's the same, and the pricey menu is
virtually identical to the original, this place is more like a
Timex instead of fine Swiss timepiece. At first glance, it
appears like nothing has changed (which is precisely what the
new owner is counting on), but as your lungs begin filling up
with cigarette smoke, and you see the dirty bar area and all of
the gloomy faces, you quickly realize this ain't the Aspen
Grille that we all loved. So we say forget about this
"knock-off!"
www.aspen-grille.com |
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| Atlantic Grill
& Seafood Bar
– Closed! |
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| Benny
Rappa’s Trattoria –
1453 Kings
Highway (Hwy 17 South) North Myrtle Beach (843.361.1056). Forget
that this great little Italian restaurant is in a trailer,
because its very nice inside and the fare is outstanding. Benny
and his wife Michelle create a new menu every day and post it on
blackboards. You can also have them fax the menu to you. While
some of the staff labor with English, they are warm and
personable.
www.bennyrappas.com |
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| Billy the
Kid’s Seafood
– 3456 Sea Mountain Hwy, North Myrtle Beach (843.399.3425).
This mom and pop restaurant is one of the very few places to
offer “select” oysters, and while there is no atmosphere
and the service leaves something to be desired it is a
friendly place with excellent seafood at bargain prices. |
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| Bimini’s
Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
– 730 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach (843.499.5549).
A great, noisy,
little hideaway with something always going on all day and into
the night. While the menu is limited all of their offerings are
fresh and very good. The salty crew (especially the characters
behind the bar) are warm and personable, and Sol, the owner, is
always on deck to keep the chaos under control. While the
newbies have to prove their mettle by downing Bimini’s Infamous
Oyster Shooter, we favor the fried conch, oysters on the half
shell, grouper bites and seared tuna along with a couple of cold
beers..
www.biminisoysterbar.com |
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Bistro 217
– 10707 Ocean Highway (Hwy. 17), Pawleys Island (843.235.8217).
This neat new offering from the folks who own the Island Deli in
Pawleys Island is much better than its sister eatery, and is
already one of the best choices in that part of town. It’s a
handsome facility that’s open for lunch and dinner. We prefer
their outside bar and dining area (it is covered with heating
and A/C). We like their Parmesan Crusted Shrimp, Tomato, Crab
and Jalapeno Soup and Sautéed Lump Crab Cakes. The service is
friendly and efficient, and the pricing is very reasonable.
www.bistro217.com
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| Black
Thai Restaurant –
710 Main
Street, Myrtle Beach (843.916.8424). Formerly Loyal Thai, the
first Thai restaurant in town, has a clean and interesting art
deco interior. This small eatery features authentic Thai cuisine
and a good wine list. We tried their BBQ Squid appetizer, pork
with garlic sauce stir-fry, shrimp with cashew nuts and their
Crying Tiger steak. We ordered all of our entrees with medium
spiciness, and had to add extra Thai chili sauce to get the heat
we prefer. While the service was a little slow, the food was
good and the prices are reasonable |
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Bummz Beach
Cafe
– 2002 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach (843.916.9111). One of
the few places in town where you can actually see the Ocean.
Limited menu, primarily burgers and sandwiches with a couple of
entrees or specials. Regulars get friendly service while new
faces are sometimes treated like second-class citizens. They
have added parking across the street, which certainly helps. Go
for the view and people watching.
www.bummz.com |
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| Caddy Shack –
Closed! |
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| Cagney’s Old
Place Restaurant
– 9911 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.3824). A busy
restaurant with a lot of character in its eclectic décor.
Everything on the menu is good, but nothing to really rate a
“wow.” A solid and consistent place where the décor and
efficient and friendly staff are it’s strong suits.
www.cagneysoldplace.com |
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Carolina Roadhouse
– 4617 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.497.9911). We know, we
said that, “we’re through with this joint,” but we have gone
back a couple of times for lunch. Old News: The bar, table and
menus were still “sticky.” The bartenders were still apathetic.
It’s still very noisy. There was still food and flatware on the
floor. The service is still “iffy” at best. Good News: The hosts
were a little more mature and efficient, and didn’t shriek over
the loudspeaker during our visits. Call us boring, but we again
split the baked potato soup and baby back ribs for our
appetizers, and both were still good. All of had their marinated
sirloin each time we’ve been back – obviously a hit. The prices
are reasonable, but we’ll just continue to only do lunch there.
www.carolinaroadhouse.com/caroroadhouse/roadh-intro.html |
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Carolina Wings
& Rib House
– 139 Willbrook Blvd., Litchfield Marketplace, Litchfield Beach
(843.235.2550). This is a great joint to pop into to catch the
game, and enjoy their casual atmosphere and solid eats. These
guys are real serious about their 23 kinds of “jumbo” wings, so
you’ve got to give them a shot. We also like their Southern Farm
Raised Fried Catfish, Buffalo Shrimp, Baby Back Ribs Trio and
Rob’s Famous Hot Chili. The beer is cold and the crew is
friendly.
www.carolinawings.com |
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| Carrabba’s
Italian Grill
– 6803 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.467.2600). This
bustling restaurant is one of the best in this small chain.
There is something for everyone, and everything on their menu
is surprisingly good, especially their veal, steaks and chops.
Conscientious and personable management takes pride in what
they do, which is reflected in their décor, fare and
service.
www.carrabbas.com/index.asp?HomeStoreID=9103 |
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Cedar Hill Landing
Restaurant & Oyster Roast – 5225 Highway
17 Business, Murrell’s Inlet (843.651.8706). This rustic little
seafood house is the southern-most restaurant on the creekside
of Highway 17 Business. It’s busy, noisy and the service is
loosey goosey, but you know that you’ve got a winner when you
see the Inlet locals eating there. If you want good seafood this
is your spot. If you want something else, then you need to go
somewhere else, because their non-seafood selections are rather
mediocre. For starters we usually go with either Oyster Stew,
She Crab soup, Buffalo Oysters or Crab Cakes. Sometimes we only
go with a bunch of their appetizers, and everybody shares. Our
favorite entrees are their steamed clams, blackened fish and, of
course, their large Oyster Roast.
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Cheeseburger in Paradise
– 7211 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach (843.448.9293). Forget
Margaritaville (see review below), as this cool new offering
from Jimmy Buffett and the Outback Steakhouse folks puts that
god-awful tourist trap to shame, and is a must for anyone
wanting good food and fun in a campy Caribbean atmosphere.
Unquestionably, some of the most personable bartenders on the
Beach make you feel like a local, and keep you entertained and
amused with their antics (like trying to learn how to juggle
bottles like Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail). The fare is
exceptional. For a real taste of the place try their Carnivorous
Habits Platter, featuring their signature Mini-Cheeseburgers,
BBQ Jerk Ribs, Teriyaki Wings and Onion Six Strings all for only
$11.95. Also, don’t leave without trying their Sweet Potato
Chips. Needless to say Margaritas and frozen drinks are their
bar specialties and the beer is icy cold. Please no Parrot
Heads!
www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com/locations/myrtle_beach.asp |
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Chestnut Hill Restaurant
– 9922 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.3984). This
restaurant on a lake is pretty much average for the higher-end
Myrtle Beach eateries. An extensive and solid menu with large,
well-prepared portions, but nothing that really knocked our
socks off. We go there on Sunday’s for their excellent brunch.
The service here can sometime be rather inconsistent.
www.chestnuthilldining.com |
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Chuck’s Steak House
– 9695 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.7611). Lately this
rustic, multi-level establishment has made a comeback lately.
While their salad bar is rather limited, it is associated with
the Charthouse restaurants, so the fare is consistent with their
steaks and prime rib being their trademarks.
www.chuckssteakhouse.com/myrtlebeach.htm |
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City Bar
–
7604
North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.7013). Formerly the
location of the venerable Longhorn Steakhouse (listed below),
this up-scale martini bar and restaurant became an excellent
reincarnation of the original City Bar (also listed
below). While they offer an eclectic bill of fare, and we
really enjoyed their “small plate” offerings, especially the
grilled lamb chops, Oysters Divine and beef tenderloin with a
side of sautéed spinach, their bartenders, except for Zack,
are quite snotty, so if Zack isn’t there sit at a table and
ask for Lindsey or Tasha. The new managers/hosts are also
rather cold fish as well.
www.divinedininggroup.com/html/splash/citybar_splash.html
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| City
Bar and Hog Wild Barbecue & Beer Joint
– Closed! Finally, after
taking the proverbial “gas pipe” since the day it opened, the
rocket-scientists that cooked up this fiasco, wised-up and put
it out of it’s misery. What a concept, martini’s, barbecue,
bikers and assholes! Who’d a thunk an idea like that could ever
bomb? The funny thing is, that it would have worked except for 3
things (1) incompetent management, (2) lousy food, and last, but
certainly, not least (3) the shittyest staff in town.
Unquestionably, the worst operation to hit the Beach since the
infamous V Grand debacle of the early ‘80’s. |
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Collector’s Cafe
– 7726 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.9370). A real
find! This “happening,” up-scale restaurant in an art gallery is
a true dining pleasure. Their menu changes, so often, that we
cannot tell you what entrées we prefer, but we can tell you that
we especially enjoy their Cuban black-bean cakes, Pan sautéed
scallop-cakes and filet of beef Carpaccio appetizers, followed
by whatever prime beef or veal entrées their most excellent
chef, Carlos McGrigor, is preparing for that evening’s repast.
While service can spotty, it is still one of the best games in
town.
www.collectorscafeandgallery.com |
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Dead Dog Saloon
- 760
Coastal Grand Circle, Coastal Grand Mall, Myrtle Beach
(843.839.3647) and 4079 Hwy. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
(843.651.0664). This is a great place to go anytime of the day
or night. A cool place that has one of the most interesting and
extensive menus in town, so allow some time to study it – an
adult beverage always seems to help our concentration. We
usually have 3 or 4 appetizers, or Boomer’s Bourbon Steak, or
Lucky’s Blackened Mahi Mahi. The staff is always friendly and
the prices are right. The dog maybe dead, but this place isn’t!
www.deaddogsaloon.com |
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| Divine
Fish House – 3978
Hwy. 17 Business, Murrell’s Inlet (843.651.5800). We went to
this big, beautiful, multi-level restaurant with a panoramic
view of the inlet with a party of eight. It features an
outside gazebo bar, sushi bar, three levels for dining and an
extensive menu. We experienced possibly the worst service we
have ever had to endure here. It took an hour for our
appetizers to arrive and another half-hour for our entrees.
All of these accoutrements and zero service, its all sizzle
and no fillet.
www.divinefishhouse.com
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| Duffy Street
Seafood Shack
–
The original
at 319 Sea Mountain Hwy, Cherry Grove (843.249.7902) and 220
Main Street, North Myrtle Beach (843.281.9840). While you can
still get baskets of roasted peanuts and icy cold beer here, and
the staff at the Cherry Grove location is pretty friendly, their
wonderful homemade breadsticks and garlic clams are gone, as the
clown who runs these joints has turned them into just another
dumpy tourist trap,
www.duffystreetseafoodshack.com |
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Emi – a Fusion Bistro & Sushi Bar
– 47 Da Gulla Way, Pawley’s Island (843.235.2313). Whenever we
visit this little treasure we head straight for the sushi bar
for always-fresh sashimi, makis, sushi, iced sake and plum wine.
The personable owners, Shozo and Keiko Sakata are Japanese, and
Shozo-San is a master behind the sushi bar. As to their dining
room fare, we have consulted with the well-known Myrtle Beach
epicureans, John and Rachel Gandy, as to their favorite dishes,
and they tell us that Emi’s sautéed Sea Bass, grilled Snapper
and filet mignon are excellent, and if the nightly specials
includes the sesame encrusted blue fin tuna it deserves serious
consideration.
www.emibistro.com |
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| E
Noodles & Company
– 400 20th
Avenue South, Myrtle Beach (843.916.8808) and 110 Kings Highway
(Hwy 17 South) North Myrtle Beach (843,663.1628). We almost
didn’t upload this review, because we don’t want this wonderful
little Asian fusion eatery to get so busy that we can’t get in.
The prices are so reasonable we order
entrées as appetizers. We especially like the shrimp tempura
and scallops in black bean sauce, followed by spicy sautéed Udon
noodles with sliced pork, snow peas and onions and Beef Chow Fun
(rice noodles sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, beef bean sprouts,
scallions and a touch of ginger). Of course, we like all of the
foregoing with their icy cold beer. Eddie is at the North Myrtle
Beach location, so we go there more often, but both of these
very special places have very nice people taking care of you.
www.enoodlesmb.com |
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| Finn McCool’s
Irish Pub & Eatery
– 501 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach (843.499.7616).
There isn’t
much atmosphere here, except on St. Patrick’s Day, and the
service can be spotty. The food, however, is very good. With
corned beef and cabbage, Longford (Irish) stew and grilled pork
chops and very reasonable prices, this neighborhood eatery is
well worth a visit.
www.finnmccoolsmyrtlebeach.com |
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Flamingo Grill
– 7100 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.5388). We’re
please to finally report that this handsome establishment has
returned to our list of favorite eateries. We really want to
commend the owners, the two Dino’s, on all of the improvements,
especially the extended and improved bill of fare. After a
couple of adult beverages at the bar, we usually settle in for
their Fried Cajun Oysters and Lowcounrty Crab cake appetizers,
followed by their signature prime rib which is marbled and
tender, and their Grilled Lemon Pepper Shrimp. With a New York
flair, great food, reasonable prices and improved service, we’ve
become regulars again.
www.flamingogrill.com |
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Flo’s Place
– 3197 Highway 17 - Business, Murrells Inlet (843.651.7222).
Now
here’s a different experience for you. This rustic little
Cajun-style eatery overlooking the inlet was well known for
being the haunt of the notorious Flo, a real character known
for her goofy hats, and cutting off neckties. Sadly, Flo has
gone to the big restaurant row in the sky. Her daughter,
Debbie, continues in Flo’s footsteps and is now the operator
of this joint that has so much interesting junk and oddities
hanging from every nook and cranny that you need to take some
time to just look around. We love the Garlic Crab, Cajun
Pickle Chips, Cajun Oysters Diablo and Crawfish Potatoes –
with icy cold beer. If you are in crappy mood, and want to be
cheered-up, this is the place.
www.flosplace.com
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| Frank’s
Restaurant & Bar
– 10434 Highway 17, Pawley’s Island (843.237.3030). One of
the very best restaurants in the Carolinas. A wonderful and
diverse up-scale menu that changes weekly, with personable and
professional service to match. Our favorites are the
McClellanville Crab Cakes and Spicy Fried Oysters for
appetizers, followed by their Pork Tenderloin or their
fantastic Rack of Lamb.
www.franksandoutback.com |
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| Greg Norman’s
Australian Grille
–
4930 South Kings Hwy, North Myrtle Beach (843.361.0000).
Probably the most
beautiful restaurant in town overlooking the Intracoastal
Waterway. With the closing of Aspen Grille, the mantle for the
best steaks in town has been handed to Greg Norman’s.
Regrettably, their inattentive service (especially their
bartenders) doesn’t measure up to the prices they demand, and if
you get seated in one of their sponge-like booths, you might not
be able to ever escape from the damn thing.
www.shark.com/australiangrille |
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Grossi’s
Italian Restaurant
–
Closed! |
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Hamburger Joe’s
–
809 Conway
Street, North Myrtle Beach (843.272.6834) and 1410 Kings Highway
(Hwy 17 South) Surfside Beach. This longtime favorite burger
joint has moved from their original location, to a larger and
too damn bright location around the corner. While the new place
has a cool marsh view, we liked the old location a whole lot
better. We still go there weekly for a couple of cheeseburgers,
fried bologna sandwiches or chicken wings and cold beers - and
to swap lies with the wily Marvin. They’ve opened a 2nd
one in Surfside Beach, and both locations serve lunch and
dinner. This is definitely a no frills joint, and they don’t
take plastic, so bring cash, and leave the phony-baloneys at
home.
www.hamburgerjoes.com |
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Islamorada Fish Company
– 10177 North Kings Highway (Colonial Mall), Myrtle Beach
(843.361.4700).
While this
eatery from the Redneck Disneyland people (Bass Pro Shops) has
one of the most interesting and beautiful decors in town, don’t
eat there! We went in for couple of adult beverages and to check
it out. We read the menu that sounded great and then made the
fatal mistake of eating there. While the service was friendly it
was sloppy, and the joint wasn’t in the least bit busy. Their
New England Clam Chowder and Bimini Bread were the only good
things we had there. We couldn’t find any Conch in either the
Conch Chowder or Conch Fritters. Nor could we find any crab in
the Blue Crab Fritters or Crab Cakes – they were all breading.
The Fried Shrimp was dry and tasteless, the Conch Fritters and
Crab Cakes were all breading and their Snapper Francaise was, in
a word, sickening. Their slogan is “As Fresh as You Can Get” is
laughable. They would be better served changing it to “As
Frozen, Bland and Over-Priced as You Can Get.”
www.ifcmyrtlebeach.info
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JD’s Pig
& Chicken
– 3010 Highway 17 Business, Garden City (843.357.0989). Now
here’s what a mom ‘n pop South Carolina BBQ joint is all about.
Cornball, Dogpatch atmosphere, snail-slow, friendly service, and
great food at bargain prices. Hushpuppies, pork BBQ, ribs, pork
chops, BBQ chicken, fried catfish and flounder – get the
picture? What it lacks in service and décor, it makes up for a
thousand-fold with its down-home, countyfied cooking.
www.jdspigandchicken.com |
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Jimmy
Buffett’s Margaritaville
– Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach (843.448.5455). This
expansive tourist trap is truly Parrot Head (you know those
obnoxious, yuppie twits that act like complete asses and think
they have to scream along with every Jimmy Buffett song) heaven.
To say that this place is noisy, over-priced and boring is the
best we can say about this joint. Add to that the fact that its
over-run with the equally obnoxious, manner less, screaming,
snot-nosed rug rats of the Parrot Heads (who take up all the
seats at the bar while they sip iced tea or colas and wait
forever for their tables) and this joint gives new meaning to
the word HELL! The service is arrogant and awful. As for the
food, you get large portions of expensive fast food, with
absolutely nothing redeeming. Strictly for Parrot Heads only!
www.margaritavillemyrtlebeach.com
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Kentucky
Fried Chicken
– 6100 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.2165). This is
without a doubt the worst, and dirtiest KFC we have ever had the
misfortune to visit. In fact, it is probably the worst food
establishment in the entire Myrtle Beach area. If you want
dried-out, rust-bucket brown food, instead of golden brown, this
dump is for you. The moron who owns this pigsty has been told on
numerous occasions about how disgusting his joint is, and how he
should change the grease more often than once a year, but he
could care less. What an ignorant ass! |
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| Key West Grill
– Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach (843.444.3663).
A very confusing
place. Great décor; a very good and reasonably priced menu; a
nice lake view, especially for the seasonal fireworks,
counteracted by shoddy service and a slow kitchen. When we have
the patience to go there, we enjoy the Conch Republic Fritters
and Five Spice Fried Calamari appetizers, followed by the Pepper
Crusted Atlantic Salmon and Southwest Pasta.
www.keywestgrill.net |
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Liberty Tap
Room & Grill
– 7651 North
Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach (843.839.4677). This is a favorite of
the Northend locals, especially around happy hour. You can eat
and drink outside on their spacious patio (they call it a “beer
garden,” but its only a patio), or inside in their large bar
area or dining room. Needless to say, we hit either the bar or
patio. While they feature their own micro beers, they’re to
frou-frou for us. We enjoy their Angus meatloaf, marinated pork
chop, jambalaya and, believe it or not, their sausage pizza with
pepperoni. Mostly, however, we just drink there (Now ain’t that
a surprise?).
www.tbonz.com/Ltap.asp?catID=1869 |
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Library
– 1212 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.448.4527). Step out of
the chaos of downtown Myrtle Beach into the serenity of this
32-year-old landmark. Known for their personal, tableside
service and ala carte pricing, this is an experience rather than
a meal. They also have a prix fixe menu. We love their
sweetbreads and Steak Tartare, but we are a little extreme.
There is truly something wonderful for every palette on their
bill of fare, so forget your budget and savor the experience.
www.thelibraryrestaurantsc.com |
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Longhorn
Steakhouse
– Closed! This small but
well-done steakhouse, located on King’s Highway at 77th
Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, was a local’s favorite for over
25-years. It was closed in late 2004 by the Divine Dining Group,
and was recently replaced by their 2nd attempt at an
upscale eatery called “City Bar,” (See above listings). |
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Luigi’s
Trattoria –
503 61st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (843.497.7080).
This small family-owned eatery has moved uptown, but has not
lost its charm nor its wonderful Sorrento, Italy, by way of New
Jersey, cuisine. The move, to what locals refer to as the
Latif’s Bakery building, by Luigi and his personable team
provides them with a bar and cocktail service to accompany their
wonderful, and reasonably priced, menu offerings. We usually
share the Antipasto salad, followed by veal French style,
grouper livornese, veal marsala, linguini in white or red clam
sauce or a couple of their nightly specials accompanied by fresh
spinach sautéed in garlic and sesame oil. |
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Luvan’s Old
South Fish Camp
– Plaza Lane, Garden City Beach
Closed! This used to be a great fish camp style
restaurant, but when Lou Prelip sold out it went to hell, and
finally closed. |
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Margarita’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant
– 9906 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.497.5960). Over the
last few years’ Mexican restaurants have popped-up all over
town, but this is the best one in
town, and they also have the very best margarita’s in town, if
you can believe that! Located in the heart of Restaurant Row,
they are open for lunch and dinner, and while the atmosphere is
typical, the fare is excellent and a bargain too boot. There’s
so much to choose from on the menu that we get “brain blocks,”
and have to have at least two ‘ritas each to decide. With so
many choices, all we’re going to say is that our favorite is the
“spicy hot” Steak Ranchero, with another couple of more ‘ritas,
of course. Oh yeah, the Mexican family who own and operate this
eatery are some of the friendliest folks in town. |
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Martini’s Continental Dining & Piano Bar
– 98 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach (843.249.1134). This
well-appointed, Mediterranean style, family-owned and somewhat
pricy restaurant is basically Italian. They feature veal, duck,
pasta, seafood, 60 different martinis and 120 wines (20 by the
glass). While we like the lobster and potato stuffed pasta
appetizer, Caesar salad and the Chateaubriand for two, we have
to wonder though if they have a lot of really dumb customers,
because the waiter/jerk we had treated us like we had just
climbed off the turnip truck.
www.martinisfinedining.com |
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Melting Pot
–
5001 North Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach (843.692.9003). Isn’t this
what everyone wants in a restaurant? Serve yourself, make a mess
that nobody cleans up, tip a server who only stops by your party
occasionally and pony-up heavy cash for the check – what a deal
(for them). While this joint is heaven for the unsophisticated
diner, especially the 20-somethings who think this silliness is
“romantic,” we think it sucks. If we wanted to fix our own meal,
we’d eat at home. Needless to say, they can keep their dips for
the dips!
www.meltingpot.com/MyrtleBeach/home.html |
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| Miyabi
Kyoto Japanese Steak House – 9732 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.9294). While, if
you’ve seen one Japanese steakhouse you have pretty much
seen them all, this establishment is a very nice one. It
features a beautiful sushi bar with real Japanese sushi chefs
(as opposed to all of the other nationalities that are rolling
sushi all over town); warm, personable staff and reasonable
pricing. If they had other Japanese dinner selections,
especially noodle dishes, this would be our top pick for
Japanese in town. We have not visited their Murrell’s Inlet
location.
http://capitaljapan.com/Miyabi.html
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| Nakato
Japanese Steak House Seafood & Sushi Bar – 9912 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843.449.3344). When this establishment did away with their
unique “floating” sushi bar, it became just another
Japanese steakhouse. Sadly, while it’s the oldest one in
town and has a very friendly staff, it has nothing to separate
it from all the rest of the Benihana wannabes in town, and its
always too darn hot in there as well.
www.nakatoatmbeach.com |
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New York Prime
–
405 28th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (843.448.8081).
The original New York Prime was history when Ed Cribb left and
opened his Aspen Grille. Ed’s recent move to Calabash, NC, is
the best thing to happen to NY Prime since then. While their
prime meats, extensive wine selection, cigar choices and New
York City décor, atmosphere and high prices remain the same,
their “customer service” has gone to hell in the proverbial hand
basket, and it’s no longer worth the high prices nor anyone’s
time!
www.newyorkprime.com/newyorkprime/nyp-myrtle/nypmyr-intro.html |
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Office Italian
Pub –
960 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach (843.839.9190). This
neon-infused locals' favorite is one of the friendliest joints
in town. The owner, Kerwin, and his crew go out of their way to
make you feel welcome, especially when Darren is behind the bar.
While they have a tasty, extensive and reasonably priced menu of
appetizers, salads, pizzas, Hoagies and burgers, we really enjoy
their lasagna with garlic rolls dipped in their garlic Alfredo
sauce from their Italian entree selections. They are open until
2:00 AM, and is a favorite of the late night crowd.
http://myspace.com/theofficeitalianpub |
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Palmetto Grill
–
Closed! |
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Penny’s Famous
Burgers
–
Closed! |
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Phillips
Seafood
– Hwy. 17
Bypass at 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach
(843.626.2722). Ever since the original Phillips Crab Houses in
Ocean City, Maryland went “chain,” it has gone from wonderful to
awful, and the Myrtle Beach store is just that – awful. This
big, noisy eatery actually “stunk” the last time we were dragged
back in there. Guess the smell had caught up with the food. 10
terrible meals out of 10, and snotty service to match, and we
say YUCK, and CAST OFF!
www.phillipsseafood.com/phillipsseafood |
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| River
City Cafe
– 404 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (843.448.1990),
208 73rd Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (843.449.8877),
9550 Shore Drive, Myrtle Beach (843.497.5299), 11 North Seaside
Drive, Surfside Beach (843.232.9797) and Highway 17 Business,
Murrell’s Inlet (843.651.1004). Another great little burger and
beer operation turned upside down by corporate mismanagement.
For years we had been loyal and happy customers who loved their
campy atmosphere, friendly people, thick Jalapeno cheeseburgers
and icy cold beer. Well the pea-brained corporate bean counters
ended all that. Now it’s dry, tasteless, wafer-thin burgers,
apathetic service and occasionally cold beer.
www.rivercitycafe.com |
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Rockefeller’s
Raw Bar
– 3613 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach (843.361.9677). This
little eatery does the “raw bar” thing a little differently.
They have “fighting chairs” bolted to the floor around the bar,
and they have “steam kettles” with five different ways of
steaming their shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops and crayfish. We
especially like their wine and garlic and FraDiavolo clams. We
also like this joint for a late night snack.
www.rockefellersrawbar.com |
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Rossi’s Italian
Restaurant
–
9636 North
Kings Hwy, The Galleria, Myrtle Beach (843.449.0481). Myrtle
Beach’s biggest Italian restaurant, and one of the most
impressive as well. A local favorite, they offer an extensive
menu, with something for everyone’s taste. We especially love
their Caesar salad, blackened steer butt, fried soft-shell crabs
with angel hair pasta Marinara. With the owner, Dean Morris,
always on the prowl, the staff are always on their toes (except
for Sir Charles and John behind the front bar who will get to
you eventually, and probably hit you with a wisecrack when they
finally do). Rossi’s is “smoke-free,” except for the bar. They
also have a piano/cigar bar, Eighty-Eights, next-door. |
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Sam Snead’s Grille –
Closed! |
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Sea Blue Tapas Bar
– 501 Highway 17 North, North Myrtle Beach (843.249.8800).
This beautiful little hideaway is a small treasure for
discriminating palates. The owners overlooked nothing in
creating this visual and dining delight; they even
added lighting over the end of the bar after we griped about
it. We tried the Fried Oysters with Wasabi Aioli, Pan Sautéed
Lump Crab Cakes, Seared Scallops, Carolina Sweetwater Rainbow
Trout, Oregon Lamb, Venison, Sea Bass and Petite Fillet with
Crumbled Gorgonzola and Balsamic Syrup. The filet and lamb
were “Excellent,” while the others were “good.” We also found
the Groth Sauvignon Blanc to be an exceptional compliment to
our fare. While defiantly not for the budget diner, we’re
already hooked on it! Reservations are strongly suggested.
www.seablueonline.com
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| Sea
Captain’s House
– 3002 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach (843.448.8082). A Myrtle
Beach While this landmark eatery offers one of the best views of
the Ocean in Myrtle Beach, their seafood is what its truly all
about. The décor reflects the early days of Myrtle Beach with
the knotty pine, while the oceanfront patio focuses on the
flavor of the new Myrtle Beach. We love their homemade oyster
stew, she crab soup, Sea Island shrimp salad, lump crabmeat au
gratin and Smithfield ham sandwiches, to name only a few of our
favorites there. They also serve breakfast and lunch.
www.seacaptains.com |
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| Soho
–
406 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (843.443.9441).
We think “Oh No” fits this place better than their pretentious
Soho moniker. This is a beautiful little spot, with some serious
babes usually working there (but not usually for long) and an
interesting bill of fare, but they foolishly try to be all
things to all people, and in doing so they fall short on all
counts. While the selections, which range from Japanese
(prepared by Chinese chefs), to beef and chicken, to a little
Mediterranean, are good, the beer is warm, the service is
terrible and the noise level rivals that of the old Pavilion
amusement park on July 4th. However, if it’s late,
and you’re under 30 and grease up and spike up your do, soak
yourself in Dakar cologne, wear threads from International Male
and lease your used BMW, this is definitely the joint for you.
http://sohomb.com |
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Spring House Family Restaurants
– 2600 North
Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach (843.626.5941), 4601 Highway 17 –
South, North Myrtle Beach (843.272.4880) and 3841 Highway 17 –
Bypass, Murrells Inlet (843.357.2785). The owner of this local
trio of dirty spoons prefers Fuddrucker’s to his own joints, so
that should tell you something. Sadly, we’ve been suckered into
all three of these choke ‘n pukes, and each one is worse than
the other. Obviously, cleanliness is not in this clown’s
vocabulary. It was so bad the last time we got dragged kicking
and screaming into their North Myrtle Beach location, that the
roaches that scurried out to join us only ordered water. They
serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can choose what time
of day you want to get food poisoning.
www.springhouserestaurants.com |
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Sugami Sushi Bar & Grill
– 4813 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.692.7709). This used
to be an intimate Japanese restaurant that was a local’s
favorite, but they’ve expanded it into ordinary. While they
still offer an excellent Japanese hot menu, and have a decent
sushi bar, there are no Japanese chefs, and the ones they have
are some of the rudest bastards we’ve ever encountered, so you
definitely don’t want to sit at the sushi bar. On the bright
side, they have some of the nicest bartenders and servers in
town. They cater to a younger clientele, and a rowdier late
night crowd. They also have the most inattentive management in
town. http://sugami.com |
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Sugar Shack
Jamaican Restaurant – 1609 Hale Beach Road, Ocean Isle Beach, (910.579.3844). While it is a
little out of the way, this is one of our very favorite and fun
places. Every dish is a “wow!” Caribbean pizza, spicy beef
Jamaican patty and crab cake appetizers followed by the best
baby back ribs or jerk steak we have ever tasted. They also get
our vote for the best key lime pie anywhere. Note: No mixed
drinks - beer and wine only. |
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| Thoroughbreds
Restaurant
–
9706 North
Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.497.2636). Hey, they’ve got a
fancier name and a great sign, but, sadly, that’s about the best
this once top-rated establishment has going for it now. While
still one of the prettiest restaurants in town with good
service, it’s lost its panache and flavour, while at the same
time retaining it’s steep pricing. They still have tableside
service, but as management has gotten more corporate, the
service has cooled and the clientele has become more geriatric.
www.thoroughbredsrestaurant.com
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| Umberto’s –
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach (843.272.1176). There is
only one Umberto’s, and it’s this one. This Italian
restaurant always gives you more than you can eat and more
than your money’s worth. Soup, salad, vegetable, pasta and
entrée make up every meal. Their monster cuts of meat are
their trademark. We love their stuffed “hot” banana
peppers appetizer followed by their veal shank osso bucco. The
only negative is that their service can get a little ragged,
especially if you like to keep the cocktails flowing.
www.umbertos.com |
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Umi Pacific
Grille
– 959 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach (843.497.6016). Formerly
Southern Market, this large eatery is, in a word, a mess. From
their miniscule bar with inattentive Casanova wannabe bartenders
to their ridiculously over-priced menu and inattentive, staff
this place is a waste of time and a ton of cash. The Divine
Dining (now there’s an oxymoron for you) Group made a feeble
attempt at a hip South Beach hotspot with this joint, and
they’ve bombed miserably. We were there on a Friday evening and
there were only 16 people there, and the service was still slow.
The check (including cocktails and wine) for the four of us was
$362 before the tip, and none of our entrees were worth writing
home about. We don’t know what Umi is supposed to mean, but we
think it means, “Loser!”
www.umipacificgrille.com |
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| Villa
Mare –
7819 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843.449.8654). Well Mama has
finally retired, but Fred and the rest of his crew have not
missed a beat. This personable little Italian delight is still
as wonderful as ever. We especially love their linguini with
white clam sauce, their spinach pizza (with extra fresh, sliced
garlic) as well as all of their tasty veal dishes. All at very
affordable prices.
www.villamarerestaurant.com |
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Villa Romana – 707 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843.448.4990). This little Italian eatery is truly a family
business. With the owner/chef Rinaldo and his wife, Franca
constantly checking on you, you’re made to feel like part of
their extended family. They love to brag about how all of
their dishes are “prepared from scratch,” and while they have
a real following for their steaks, we go there for the veal
and pasta. All of their entrees come with soup, salad and
homemade bread. Sadly, Mama Lucia has passed away and will
certainly be missed by all she made a part of her dining
family.
www.villaromanamyrtlebeach.com
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| Villa
Tuscanna
– 97 Kings Highway, North Myrtle Beach, 843.280.2288. This
attractive Italian eatery loves to tout – “Real Italian Owner,
Real Italian Chef and Real Italian Taste.” While we cannot
attest to the first two claims, we can endorse the “taste.” We
began with the clams Vongole Casino, a delightful combination of
the best of clams casino and clams
oreganata. They specialize in really flavorful veal dishes so we
tried their
saltimbocca,
which consisted of tender veal topped with proscuitto and fresh
mozzarella sautéed in mushroom marsalla and served over spinach.
We also tried their lasagna, which was good, but not great.
We’ll stick with the veal from now on. The portions are large
and the people are very friendly.
www.villatuscanna.com. |
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