Iconic Myrtle Beach Restaurants You Need to Try!
You may not know that Myrtle Beach is known for more than our beaches and attractions — but also for classic, southern restaurants that have stood the test of time.
These long-running restaurants help tell the story of Myrtle Beach, where the Grand Strand has come from and where we are going.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of most iconic area restaurants that are nostalgic and quintessentially “Myrtle Beach” experiences that you must try if you're looking to get the real experience of dining in Myrtle Beach.
Sea Captain’s House
The Sea Captain’s House was built in 1930 and first used as an oceanfront home, then a hotel. In 1962, the house was converted into a restaurant that has now operated for over 50 years! The warm southern hospitality still shines as well as the award-winning seafood dishes. The Sea Captain’s House offers events and live music throughout the year with spectacular ocean views from almost every seat.
Peaches Corner
Located in Downtown Myrtle Beach, Peaches has been one of a few staples to the Ocean Boulevard area as the city has changed over the years since 1937. Peaches Corner is known for their foot long hotdogs, cold beer, and other traditional American eats. A landmark to visitors for the past 83 years, Peaches Corner is known for its dedication to hard work, loyalty, and love for Myrtle Beach.
Mammy’s Kitchen
A Myrtle Beach icon since 1953, Mammy’s Kitchen is known for its homestyle country-cooking and elaborate breakfast buffet. Although the owners have changed over the years, the classic American diner style of the restaurant has remained the same, serving locals and visitors as family.
Thorny's Food Sports Fun
Thorny's, a culinary jewel since 1994, delights families and food aficionados with its award-winning ribs, exceptional Prime Rib, and juicy steaks, all nestled within a welcoming ambiance that embodies the spirit of Myrtle Beach. As a destination for families, Thornys stands out for its ability to cater to diverse palates with a menu that features signature steaks, comforting home-style meals, vibrant salads, and the freshest seafood catches of the day.
Gulfstream Café
Since 1985, the Gulfstream Café has been a staple to Garden City Beach, not far from Murrells Inlet, and known for its laid-back southern charm. From seafood dinner cuisine to a southern Sunday brunch, the Gulfstream Café is a Grand Strand tradition inviting visitors to sit back and enjoy the marsh view.
Captain Juel’s Hurricane
Family owned and operated since 1945, Captain Juel’s has stood the test of time by serving their delicious fish sandwich, stuffed grouper and hushpuppies – to name a few. The restaurant sits along the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River, SC, and is the perfect place to relax after a long day in the sun.
The Bowery
Located near the Boardwalk, The Bowery has been a Myrtle Beach landmark since 1944. The country music group “Alabama” played for tips as the house band beginning in the summer of 1973, securing The Bowery’s spot in music history.
Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge
Pier 14 is a fishing pier in Myrtle Beach that was constructed in 1926 and been destroyed and rebuilt several times by hurricanes. In 1986, Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge opened, giving a nod to the fishing history and over-the-ocean location by serving fresh seafood dishes.
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood
Since opening in 1986, Original Benjamin’s brought “Calabash style” cooking to Myrtle Beach.Offering over 170 different buffet options, many sourced locally from seafood and produce vendors, Original Benjamin’s also features a nautical museum inside the restaurant and one of the largest model ship collections in the world.
The Brentwood Restaurant and Bistro
The Brentwood was built in 1910 and was formerly known in the area as a bed and breakfast in the 1940s in Little River. In the mid-1980s, the home was purchased by two restaurateurs who wanted to open a bistro serving food at the highest level, while keeping the charm of the Victorian era home intact – and that’s exactly what it is today!
Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor
Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor has been serving old fashioned ice cream from their location in Myrtle Beach on King’s Highway since the 1970s. Known for their classic and unique flavors, such as Blackberry Cheesecake, this is a local favorite with returning loyal customers year after year.
Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons (not necessarily in that order), and two fur babies. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a lineup of clients on the East Coast, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit www.ashleymdaniels.com.