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Article

10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Myrtle Beach Worth Checking Out

  By  Nora Battle

As a well-known family-friendly vacation destination, the Myrtle Beach area is home to a number of fun places to eat catering to those traveling with children in tow. While dining out with kids might not seem ideal to some, it’s definitely part of the family vacation experience, and we’re lucky to have restaurants in Myrtle Beach that help make it as fun and stress-free as possible. Here are ten of the best restaurants for kids in the Myrtle Beach area. 

LuLu's North Myrtle Beach
1. Lulu's

Located across from one of our favorite playgrounds at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, the family-friendly Lulu’s offers a pretty perfect family dining experience. Tables are spacious, the menu is perfect for both grown ups and kids, and the giant sand ‘beach’ offers a great spot for little ones to play in the sunshine while the grown ups enjoy a cold drink. Frequent live music and a bright gift shop inside the restaurant also offer great distractions for busy kiddos. 

Crooked Hammock Brewery
2. Crooked Hammock

On the other side of the Barefoot Landing playground, within walking distance of Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s, is Crooked Hammock Brewery—another great option for families dining out. This “backyard brewpub” and beer garden offers a family-friendly backyard, homemade craft beer, burgers, nachos and more. Kids can move about and play on the lawn or enjoy one of the outdoor games for entertainment, and after dinner families can explore all that Barefoot Landing has to offer—from carnival rides to post-dinner ice cream to fireworks and more.

local's fav River City Cafe - Myrtle Beach
3. River city

With seven locations along the Grand Strand, River City Cafe is a great option for families no matter what stretch of beach they’re staying on. With peanuts on the table and peanut shells on the floor, parents don’t have to fret over keeping their table area spotless. This casual dining restaurant offers some of the best burgers on the beach, along with fast service—which is key when you have hungry children to feed. Our kids love the colorful atmosphere and we love that lots of other diners often have children in tow, as well. 

local's fav
Thorny's steak dinner with cole slaw
4. Thorny's

Thorny's Restaurant in Myrtle Beach is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and strategic location in the heart of the city, making it a prime destination for both locals and visitors seeking fun, food, and sports. It offers a wide array of mouth-watering appetizers and award-winning entrees, alongside over 50 televisions and satellite entertainment, ensuring a lively gathering spot. With its commitment to great food and entertainment, Thorny's has cemented its place as a beloved venue in Myrtle Beach, perfect for any gathering​!

local's fav
5. Johnny D's

Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery is a safe bet for families traveling with children. The food is delicious and their creative menu items—think Funfetti Waffle or Chunky Monkey Cakes—are always crowd pleasers with our kiddos. We even love enjoying breakfast for dinner if it keeps our crew fed and happy. Johnny D’s has three locations along the Grand Strand and all boast a family-friendly staff and atmosphere that keeps the mood light and spirits up! 

local's fav Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
6. Medieval Times

As a child growing up in the Myrtle Beach area, I can remember almost every single time we visited Medieval Times. This popular family dinner theater features staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting, and a four-course, utensil-free meal served in a “castle.” It’s truly dinner and a show, and an experience that all family members will not soon forget. Tickets are required and can be purchased online. 

local's fav Dave & Buster's
7. Dave and Buster's

Located at Broadway at the Beach, Dave and Buster’s offers a sports-bar-style setting for American food and arcade games. It’s the picture of family-friendliness with its spacious seating, kids menu and wealth of games to entertain all ages, and it offers a nice air conditioned break for those visiting during the summer heat, as well. Families can enjoy all that Broadway at the Beach has to offer before or after dining at Dave and Buster's, as well, like nearby Ripley’s Aquarium or WonderWorks.

local's fav
crab legs over ice
8. Crabby George's

Crabby George's Seafood Buffet in Myrtle Beach offers an enticing all-you-can-eat dining experience, featuring over 120 items to choose from, ensuring a vast selection of flavors and dishes to satisfy any seafood lover. Conveniently located just minutes away from popular attractions such as Broadway at the Beach and Myrtle Waves Water Park, it's a must-visit for families and groups looking for a delicious meal in a prime location. The buffet includes a variety of seafood delights, including Alaskan KING Crab Legs, 22oz Maine Lobster, and Lobster Tails, along with an option to order from the menu for those preferring a specific dish!

local's fav Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo
9. Nacho Hippo

Nacho Hippo also offers a couple locations along the Grand Strand, one in The Market Common area of Myrtle Beach and one across from Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. We enjoy Nacho Hippo when dining out with kids for a few reasons. For one, they offer Tex Mex specialties we love in a vacation-type, laid back atmosphere. But we also love Nacho Hippo because with a basket of chips and salsa on the table, our children are happy for quite a while. Both locations offer live music often, as well.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
10. Pirate's Voyage

We are so lucky to have not one, but two live dinner theater options in the Myrtle Beach area. Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show is beloved by both my boys, and I’m not sure I have ever witnessed them eat a heartier meal than what we enjoyed at Pirate’s Voyage. The 4-course meal is outstanding, and the swashbuckling, Blackbeard-themed pirate performances align perfectly with a family vacation to a beach. The pre-show is also a treat and not to be missed, with opportunities to dress like a pirate (or mermaid) and learn a few popular pirate songs. 

Friends eating and smiling at the beach
11. Riptydz

RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar in Myrtle Beach is a dynamic destination that offers a unique dining experience right on the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This venue combines the best of both worlds as a part oceanfront restaurant and part beach bar, providing spectacular views and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. With over 17,000 square feet of space, RipTydz features multiple dining areas, including a main dining section, an oceanfront dining area and deck, as well as an ocean boulevard dining area, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for something new on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The Hangout
12. The Hangout

The Hangout Restaurant in Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its lively atmosphere, offering a unique mix of great food, live entertainment, and fun activities for both kids and adults. This vibrant eatery features full-service dining and a variety of entertainment options, including a courtyard with a sand pile, foam pit, games, and stages for live music, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. Its location at Broadway at the Beach makes it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a meal while taking in the sights and sounds of one of Myrtle Beach's most popular attractions!

local's fav Neptune Bistro & Raw Bar
13. Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar

Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar in Murrells Inlet offers a unique dining experience with breathtaking waterfront views, emphasizing a modern chef-inspired menu that includes brunch and a raw bar. This restaurant provides a wide selection of dishes using the finest ingredients, catering to various tastes with its diverse menu. As a relatively new addition to the area, Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar has quickly become known for its handcrafted cocktails and innovative approach to dining, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts looking for freshness and creativity in their meals​!

Shelbi Ankiewicz
Shelbi Ankiewicz is a senior at Coastal Carolina University studying communication, journalism, and intercultural studies. She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, but has resided in Myrtle Beach for 14 years. She is the Editor-in-Chief of CCU's student newspaper, The Chanticleer, and is a member of a two-year leadership program called the Wall Fellows. Shelbi enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling to major cities in the SouthEast, and attending concerts. In her free time you can find her hanging out with her frenchton bulldog, Oma, or visiting the local trails Myrtle Beach has to offer.