Often times, the best beach grub can be found not by what places are advertised but by simply asking a local resident where to go. Have you ever been curious about the places Myrtle Beach residents just can’t get enough of? These Myrtle Beach restaurants might be off the beaten path but are definitely worth a trip if you want the best homemade eats.
Check out our rundown of Myrtle Beach local’s favorite restaurants:
Best Myrtle Beach Burger
Winner: River City Café
With several Grand Strand locations, you won’t have to venture far to get your hands on a juicy, hand-pressed patty from this local favorite. Known for fresh ingredients and creative concoctions, River City Café offers more than 25 signature burgers to choose from including the “Nacho Crunch Burger”, “Fried Mac and Cheese Burger”, and “Peanut Butter Burger”. If you prefer something a little tamer, try classics like the “Bacon Cheeseburger” or “Black-N-Bleu Burger” or just make your own one-of-a-kind creation.
Honorable Mention: Burkey’s; Art Burger Sushi Bar; Hamburger Joe’s
Best Myrtle Beach BBQ
Winner: Little Pigs BBQ
Little Pigs fits the bill when you think of a true “hole in the wall” local dive. Don’t let that keep you away, though, as this family run restaurant serves up the most succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender barbecue along the strand. Both locations (one in Socastee and another in Myrtle Beach) house smoke and roast all the meats and offer an impressive slew of hearty sides to match. The menu is simple but jam packed with a flavor punch and includes options like pulled pork or chicken, whole or half rack of ribs, and chili as entrees with sides like mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, baked beans, slaw, green beans, and potato salad – to name a few.
Honorable Mention: Simply Southern Smokehouse; Prosser’s BBQ; Hog Heaven
Best Myrtle Beach Seafood
Winner: Wahoo’s Fish House
Located on the south end of the strand in the Seafood Capital of the state (Murrells Inlet), Wahoo’s Fish House offers fresh, local seafood – plain and simple. Selections range from local oysters, fried calamari, she crab soup, lump crab cakes, and lobster fritters to seared tuna, salmon, mahi mahi, scallops, and succulent fried seafood baskets. Enjoy tantalizing bites as you gaze over the very spot that your seafood came from as Wahoo’s sits inlet-front and offers spectacular views of the marsh. This local favorite is well worth the short drive south!
Honorable Mention: Captain Dave’s Dockside, Flying Fish Public Market
Best Pizza in Myrtle Beach
Winner: Michael’s Pizza, Pasta, Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, this local pizza joint has been a favorite for over ten years running and they show no sign of slowing down any time soon. Classis New York pizza available by the slice or by the pie can be found here in all of your favorite combinations – meat lovers, buffalo chicken, mega veggie, spinach and feta, and white – to name just a few. The thin, crispy crust, homemade sauce, and generous toppings make this pizza a true winner.
Honorable Mention: Ducati’s Pizzeria, Gino’s Real New York Pizza, Capriccio Restaurant
Best Myrtle Beach Mexican Fare
Winner: Sun City Café
Sun City Café might not be your typical Mexican restaurant but that’s what puts them a step above the rest. This locally owned and operated eatery is only open a Wednesday-Saturday for dinner during the summer (you can check their Facebook page for off-season schedules) but is well worth the effort. All ingredients are fresh and if something can be made from scratch you better believe it is – down to the handmade tortillas. Selections include tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other classics that you’d expect. Don’t forget to grab a fresh-squeezed margarita to complete your south of the border tour.
Honorable Mention: Bandito’s Mexican Cantina; Fiesta del Burro Loco
Best Myrtle Beach Tapas
Winner: Boom Boom Wine Room
Nestled in a small space right off Highway 17 Bypass, Boom Boom Wine Room offers a cozy atmosphere and killer tapas plates, making this a perfect spot for date night or a girls’ night out on the town. All menu selections are made with fresh, local ingredients and change often to reflect what is in season. Though the menu varies, popular items include: baked lamb and pork meatballs, warm bacon n’ cheddar biscuits, braised short rib, and customizable charcuterie plates – to name a few. Boom Boom also offers a unique Cruvinet system that allows guests to find the perfect one, three, or five ounce wine sample to accompany each course.
Honorable Mention: Fire and Smoke Gastropub; Divine Prime
Best Myrtle Beach Sushi
Winner: King Kong Sushi
Located within the bustling Broadway at the Beach complex, King Kong sushi artfully balances offering an extensive sushi selection while maintaining an incredibly high quality product. Culinary minimalists will enjoy the diverse nigiri, sashimi, and maki selections while those who like to live on the wild side will surely find plenty to keep them busy with the specialty roll selections. Popular specialty rolls include the “South Carolina Roll”, “Lava Roll”, and the “Hurricane Roll” – to name a few.
Honorable Mention: Co Sushi; Art Burger Sushi Bar