Best Restaurants in the Grand Strand for a Day Date

I LOVE a fun day date. The food that seems distasteful at dinner like a salad or a sandwich is appealing for lunch. White wine, or sparkling, or rosé is crisper and happier in the middle of the day. Plus, the sunshine fills the restaurant with bright, natural light (every photographer loves the good light!!!!!).

I get it: a day date may seem lame if you’re a parent. Why would you go out in the middle of the day, only to return to wide-awake children, hours from slumber? Let me point out a few attributes which could change your mind: you could probably talk a friend or a family member to watch your children in the middle of the day for free ALSO lunches are less expensive. In other words: you’ll spend a lot less money. Also, it feels a little mischievous to sneak away in the middle of the day for a date. So say cheers at noon and hit up the best restaurants in the Grand Srand for a day date…

restaurants for your next day date

Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

a hidden gem

Downtown Myrtle Beach – This hipster spot is a hidden gem in the touristy downtown area of Myrtle Beach. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of Myrtle Beach and into a farm-chic Napa restaurant (maybe because it reminds me of farmstead!) The fantastic wine list, fancy but reasonably priced menu, and bright atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a day date brunch. Bonus: bottomless mimosas are an option for the weekend brunch, and we sat close to a table who took full advantage by ordering two mimosas prior to ordering food. The “you are beeeeaa-U-tee-ful” comments wafted through the room towards the end of our day date 🥂 Order I ordered the Justin Sauvignon Blanc with a lobster roll and my husband ordered the charred caesar salad with a beer. I kept sneaking bites from his salad, which had some sort of a smoky dressing on it that made it a little bit addictive. We’ll be back, and you should check it out, too.

Anchor Café

on the water

Myrtle Beach – After taking a nice stroll along the pier overlooking a lot of beautiful boats, you’ll arrive at the Anchor Café. It’s small and charming with fancy bar food, cold beer, and water views. We tried the wings which are spicy and crispy and I’d have a hard time ordering something else from the menu the next time we go back after trying these… delicious.

Rivertown Bistro

for downtown vibes

Conway, SC – Hands down, one of the best restaurants in the Grand Strand. Conway is definitely not a tourist destination, but this spot is a locals’ favorite and always crowded – for good reason. Order the tuna, it is DIVINE.

Hook & Barrel

cool spot for seafood

Myrtle Beach – You’re just not going to find a cooler spot for seafood in the Grand Strand. Hook & Barrel’s menu is fantastic, lit jellyfish dangle over the bar, and the atmosphere is open and bright. Open during the week for dinner and on the weekends for a killer brunch. Order start with the ceviche, it’s insanely delightful.

Lulu’s

if you can’t find a sitter

North Myrtle Beach – Kids love the gigantic sand wonderland which acts as a babysitter. If you can’t get a human babysitter, this is a great option to attempt a drink + uninterrupted conversation. Order a margarita (they are legit) and sit at an outdoor table to keep one eyeball on the kids.

What are your favorite day date spots?? Comment below!

Read next: where to find a decadent breakfast in Myrtle Beach, a weekend guide to Pawley’s Island, and take your camera to Huntington Beach State Park,