Where we live + what we love
We live in Myrtle Beach, one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. While visitors come for the attractions, theaters, and oceanfront resorts, locals like us know there’s another side of the Grand Strand.
From locally owned restaurants and neighborhood favorites to independent shops and memorable experiences, these are the places we recommend to friends and visit ourselves. Whether you’re a visitor looking to get beyond the tourist strip or a local searching for something new, this guide highlights the Myrtle Beach spots we think are worth your time.
are you a grand strand local? sign up for our weekly newsletter
Get on the Grand Strand Weekend List
a free weekly newsletter for locals
Sign up to receive recommendations: events, restaurants, music, wine, & Lowcountry living 🥂
Dining
Dine Like a Local
If there’s one advantage to living in a tourist town, it’s definitely the dining options! There are so many locally-owned restaurants in and around Myrtle Beach with great wine lists, exceptional menus, pretty views & fun atmospheres.
BRUNCH SPOTS
From Pawleys to the Market Common, here’s where brunch is worth it.
- Seasons by 10/Fold — mimosa flight and magical grits
- Local | Eat Drink Celebrate — live music in Pawleys
- Drift, A Coastal Eatery – pretty room, serious brunch menu
- Saray Bakery – like a Parisian bakery, but in Myrtle Beach
BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD
From Murrells Inlet to the oceanfront, here’s where to order seafood on the Grand Strand.
- Hook & Barrel — locally caught, coastal casual, and consistently great
- Sea Captain’s House — oceanfront and exactly what Myrtle Beach seafood should feel like
- Drunken Jack’s — on the water in Murrells Inlet, order the hushpuppies
BEST BURGERS
From a 1960s diner drive-thru to a Lowcountry smokehouse stack, here’s where to find a great burger on the Grand Strand.
- River City Cafe — seven locations, the Bacon Ranch is the move
- BISQIT — the Smokehouse Burger is obnoxiously tall in the best way
- Hamburger Joe’s — casual NMB classic, don’t skip the onion rings
COOLEST BREWERIES
locally-owned breweries worth an afternoon — all with great outdoor spaces and cold craft beer.
- Tidal Creek Brewhouse — dog friendly patio, fire pits, and the best tomato pie
- Black Drum Brewing — ocean views at Kingston Plantation
- Grand Strand Brewing Co. — downtown Myrtle Beach, smash burger, 12 beers on tap
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
From wood-fired pizza to upscale date night, here’s where to eat Italian on the Grand Strand.
- Luigi’s — date night anchor
- Gio’s Italian Kitchen — upscale, great wine list
- Crave — trendy, fun atmosphere
MEXICAN SPOTS
From street tacos to fancy margaritas, here’s where to eat Mexican on the Grand Strand.
- Nacho Hippo — street tacos, mile-high nachos, always a good time
- Luna Mexican Bar & Grill — upscale, Murrells Inlet, order the enchiladas suizas
- Sol y Luna — fancy Mexican, Taco Tuesday is the move
ASIAN EATS
From homemade dumplings to hibachi night, here’s where to eat Asian on the Grand Strand.
- Flaming Fin — date night sushi, order the rosé
- Co Sushi — rolls and cocktails at the Market Common
- Dumplings & Seafood — homemade dumplings and a robot cat server
WATERFRONT DINING
From oceanfront happy hour to boat-up spots on the waterway, here’s where the view is part of the meal.
- Salt & Lime — ocean views and spicy margaritas
- Bummz Beach Cafe — beach shack vibes, craft beer, buffalo shrimp
- 357 Coastal Raw Bar – excellent oysters, ceviche, and waterway views
See + Do
Things to Do
You’ve probably seen billboards for all of the attractions around town… those didn’t make the list. Here are some cool things to do that are off the beaten tourist past.
SHOPPING
The locally-owned boutiques worth skipping the mall for.
- The Shoe Center — huge selection including On Clouds, men and women
- Dressed by Jess – cute women’s clothes, bags, gifts, and shoes at affordable prices
- Centro Shoes — cute shoes and clothes, two locations in Pawleys and the Market Common
- Mimi Seabrook — fun Southern looks, bright colors, women’s clothing
- Ooh La La — gifts, invitations, and shoes
- Socialite Boutique — trendy women’s clothing
- Pink and Red — Lilly Pulitzer and more
- Monkees at Barefoot Landing — higher end women’s boutique
- Studio 77 — beautiful gifts and the best wrapping on the Strand
- Barbara’s Fine Gifts — where locals go for wedding gifts and china
SCENIC WALKS
The outdoor spots worth lacing up for.
- Myrtle Beach State Park — nature trails and beach access
- Huntington Beach State Park — the best birding and beach on the Strand
- Brookgreen Gardens — sculpture gardens, wildlife, and stunning grounds
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Get on the water, drop a line, or paddle — here’s where to do it.
- Captain Smiley’s — fishing excursions on the water
- Kayaking in North Myrtle Beach — paddle through the marsh
- Pier Fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park — the most scenic spot to cast a line
Seafood Market
Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Seafood
Best spot for a local fresh catch: If you’re looking for local seafood in Myrtle Beach, drive straight to Seven Seas Seafood! They give great recommendations and will put it on ice for your drive home.
📸: Seven Seas Seafood in Murrells Inlet
LATEST GRAND STRAND FIELD NOTES
-
Anto’s Pizza Romana (Conway, SC)
First place at the Pizza World Cup in Rome — and they sell out of slices by mid-afternoon. Get there early.
-
Kosta Bowls (Georgetown, SC)
Healthy never looked so good — or tasted this tropical.
-
Shoe Center by Rachel (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Here’s where to go for cute shoes.
-
Villa Tuscanna (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Locally owned, made from scratch, packed every night — Villa Tuscana fills up by 6pm for a reason.
-
Loleo Juice Bar (Myrtle Beach, SC)
The place you go when you want to feel like you’re doing something good for yourself.
-
Village Bar & Grille (Myrtle Beach, SC)
The dive bar locals have been keeping to themselves. The pierogis are just one reason.
Your Grand Strand Weekend Guide
weekly newsletter for locals
Find a place to stay
Check out deals on Hotels.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.