A Budget-Friendly Night Out at The Beach
Myrtle Beach and surrounding Horry County are home to an impressive 2,000 restaurants. So, when I tell you The Beach has a dish you will love, you can count on it! Combine dinner with the variety of entertainment available in the area, and you have the recipe for a perfect night out.
I know that date night at The Beach can be expensive, but I have tips to keep you from cracking open the piggy bank. Here is a guide to some favorite spots.
Myrtle Beach
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Start your evening at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse with happy hour prices. Their happy hour is daily from 4 PM to 6:30 PM and you can enjoy discounted prices on small plates and signature dishes, as well as drink specials including wine, beer, and cocktails!
The Carolina Opry
After dining, head straight across the road to Carolina Opry, known for its talented cast who sing, dance, play instruments, and entertain with side-splitting stories. The all-male clogging group, All That! is a crowd favorite, and guarantees an unforgettable night.
Local's Tip: Sign up for their mailing list for special local prices.
Myrtle Beach: The South End
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Located in The Market Common, Travinia offers a happy hour from 4 – 7 PM with reduced prices on wine, beer, and appetizers. Appetizers are large enough to count as an entrée, and the entrées can be shared. Check their website for the schedule, and enjoy live music while savoring meatballs, mussels in white wine, and Short Rib Rigatoni.
GTS Theatre
Rich and Elizabeth Wylde came to The Beach as celebrated comics and hypnotists, known as Wild 4 Hypnosis Comedy Show, and had been the show hypnotists for Jerry Springer. Rich and Beth put down roots and opened GTS Theatre in 2016.
GTS is an intimate 140-seat venue with six different shows that rotate during the year. Elvis, as the saying goes, “has left the building,” but when he returns this winter, I’ll be ready!
The Michael Bairefoot Magic & Comedy Show at GTS Theatre is not just a mind-bending display of magic; it is performed while maintaining hilarious banter with the audience. It is adult comedy at its best—the adult jokes sail right over children’s heads, while the children’s jokes are amusing no matter your age! Every show will be different because Bairefoot interacts with the audience throughout the show. And there is no telling what people will say (or do!) during the show!
GTS also offers an Elton John Tribute Show and the Motor City Musical, the Original Motown Tribute Show to celebrate over 60 years of our musical history. I’m telling you, it is hard not to sing along with all these golden oldies!
Surfside Pier and Downtown Surfside
Take a leisurely stroll on the Surfside Beach Pier, which offers free access to visitors. After soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, explore the nearby restaurants, many of which feature happy hour specials and live music. These local eateries provide a variety of dining options and capture the cozy, small-town beach vibe, making it the perfect way to spend your date night.
Myrtle Beach: The North End
Hook and Barrel Restaurant
On the upper end of the Beach, start your evening with happy hour at Hook & Barrel, known for its hip, nautical ambiance and offering specials on the wrap-around porch and at the bar from 4 – 6 PM. Specials include $5 well drinks, $6 select wines, and $7 seasonal cocktails such as Fish House Punch and Lemon Basil Martini. They also feature a variety of seafood dishes that are highly recommended!
Alabama Theatre
ALABAMA fans know that the group honed their skills at The Beach, working for eight years as the house band at the “world famous” Bowery. The Bowery opened in 1944 and has been pulling in crowds seven days a week ever since. They even bill themselves as the 8th Wonder of the World.
To give back to the community the band thinks of as home, Alabama built a state-of-the-art theatre over 30 years ago (in 1993).
Located just a short drive from Hook & Barrel, Alabama Theatre hosts a show called ICONIC, featuring a combination of professional musicians, dancers, and choreographers. The theatre is known for its high-quality performances that change every season. To get the best deals, check their website for any available promotions or discounts, kids under 16 are typically free!
Thoroughbreds
Using my secret weapon (Happy Hour!) you can eat, drink and be merry at Thoroughbreds Chophouse, and outstanding local fine-dining establishment. Sitting at the bar, you can enjoy 20% off pub entries Tuesday-Friday between 4:30 and 6:30.
The Escargot is silky and divine, Lamb chops are served lollipop fashion, and Blackened Beef Tips come topped with spring mix and bleu cheese crumbles. The house Pinot Noir goes down so smoothly you’ll have to cut yourself off at two!
Long Bay Theatre
For something different, go see a play! The Long Bay Theatre has a variety of offerings, in a variety of locations, with talented local actors. I’m going to start calling them a band of gypsies!
The hilarious show I attended recently was in Myrtle Beach, but the current show is a pop-up in the Myrtle Beach Mall near the AMC Theatres. Be sure to double-check the location of your booked show before you jump in the car!
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is a fantastic destination for a budget-friendly night out, offering a variety of activities that won't break the bank.
Tidewater Grill
Kick off your evening at Tidewater Grill near Cherry Grove Beach. This cozy nook is a little classy, a little beachy and perfect for starting a night out. It's renowned for its fresh seafood that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, all without emptying your pockets!
Catch their early bird specials or prix fixe menus for the best deals. Pair your meal with a house wine or craft beer, and you’re golden. The staff here? As sweet as pie and always ready with a smile.
Greg Rowles Theatre
Once your belly's happy, waddle on over to Greg Rowles Theatre for a show that'll knock your socks off! This theatre’s got performances so good you'll be clapping like a seal.
Look out for early booking discounts or mid-week deals here – they’re like finding money in your couch cushions. Every seat is primo, so you don’t need to worry about craning your neck or squinting!
Captain Archie's Bar
Now, if your feet are itching for a bit of a boogie, slide on down to Captain Archie's Bar. This place is buzzing with local bands, no cover charge, and great waterfront views.
They have enough happy hour specials to make your wallet do a jig and a solid menu of fried seafood, burgers and more if you'd prefer this more laid-back spot for dinner. It's also great as a place to end your evening with a drink and some dancing with friendly locals that make it feel like a big ol' neighborhood party.
Fat Harold's Shag Club
Or if you’re in the mood for some good ol’ shag dancing (the kind with your feet!), mosey over to Fat Harold's Shag Club, one of the area's famed Carolina Beach music venues. They’ve got free shag dance lessons on select nights, and live music that’ll have you cutting a rug in no time.
No admission fees here – just pure, unadulterated, foot-tapping joy. The regulars are a hoot and might even teach you a thing or two about the dance that’s part of the local culture.
Conway
Just a short drive over the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the historic town of Conway. Go early (or stay late) and enjoy walking the streets. Or do both! An early dinner, walk to the Main Street Theater for a play, then take a stroll and enjoy the quiet of a downtown lit by thousands of mini-lights.
Rivertown Bistro
I recommend starting with happy hour at Rivertown Bistro. It's between 3 – 5 pm, and you can enjoy lowcountry spring rolls and crab dip in the cozy bar area with comfy club chairs and tables, or sit at the bar.
Kainan Filipino Eatery
For dessert, you can be adventurous and try a Halo-Halo at the new Kainan Filipino Eatery, right across the street from the theater. Be sure to order it with Ube ice cream, made from Purple Yams and condensed milk. It will consist of layers of coconut, sweet corn, Leche Flan, banana slices, palm fruit, and sprinkles.
Theatre of the Republic
End your evening with a play at the Main Street Theatre. The Theatre of the Republic showcases local talent in dramas and musicals, providing an entertaining and memorable experience (and have been for over 50 years!)
Myrtle Beach offers an incredible variety of dining and entertainment options, making it the perfect destination for a night out. With 2,000 restaurants and numerous theaters, there’s always something new to explore. Come to The Beach and discover your next favorite night out!
Jo Clark is a travel writer—and a self-proclaimed beach bum! An award-winning photographer and a food and wine lover from South Carolina’s Grand Strand, Jo seeks off-the-beaten-path places with abundant wildlife, good food, and delicious wine! Born, reared, and educated in southwestern Virginia, she loves history, has edited two WWII books, and co-authored several Civil War biographical volumes. She is the editor of Recipes Travel Culture online magazine, and a member of IFWTWA, TravMedia, and the Travel Writer’s University. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @JoGoesEverywhere or on Facebook at Have Glass, Will Travel.