A Family Night Out at Broadway at the Beach's The Grumpy Monk

Tucked into the heart of Broadway at the Beach, The Grumpy Monk has built a reputation as one of the area's go-to spots for casual dining with a side of live entertainment. 

Our recent Friday night visit from two local families showed exactly why both locals and visitors love this place. 

Food & Drink 

A few of the dishes steal the show. The Philly cheesesteak is a genuine contender for one of the best versions on the Grand Strand. The Monk Turds, a playfully named app, are crispy, cheesy, ranch-loaded – a fun way to start the meal. 

The nachos and “Big Kid” chicken fingers cover the kid-approved basics without feeling like an afterthought. The California rolls and fish and chips are both solid picks. 

The bar's specialty drinks are an experience of their own — the Red Lava or Blue Lagoon, 42-ounce fish bowls (yours to take home), packed with fun extras like rubber duckies and heart-shaped straws. 

For dessert, close things out with an Ice Cream Flight, which features an assortment of 8 or 12 mini ice cream cones, enough to make the whole table happy. 

Atmosphere & Entertainment 

The Grumpy Monk's waterfront setting is one of its best features. 

Guests can dine indoors or step out to the beer garden, where speed boats lit up in neon lights cut across the water after dark. Live music is a regular fixture, and a recent Friday night set from local performer Rodney Millsaps brought a relaxing, soulful sound to the room. 

The restaurant's casual, high-energy setting and expansive menu make it a comfortable stop for groups with kids of all ages, and servers like Amber, whose two sons have also worked at The Grumpy Monk, add to that welcoming feel. 

Good to Know 

Sports fans will want to note The Grumpy Monk's Buffalo ties — the restaurant is owned by a Buffalo native, and Bills memorabilia is woven throughout the space, making it a popular gathering spot for Bills games. 

A small, hidden "Buffalo Bill" is tucked somewhere in the dining room for guests to spot; it's become an unofficial scavenger hunt for regulars. 

Here’s one more tip before you go: happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.  During this time, most dishes are only ten dollars and they have a great selection of appetizers, drinks and craft brews that are marked down.