10 Great Seafood Restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area
It is extremely hard to pick just 10 great seafood restaurants since we have so many in this area. Nevertheless, here are some of my favorites.
We have an incredible array of restaurants that specialize in preparing locally caught fresh seafood. It amazes me when visitors to our area go eat at national chains. I’m sure Red Lobster is a treat in Peoria, but here on the coast it’s worth seeking out independently owned restaurants. The ambiance is unique, and the flavors are outstanding.
To find more great Myrtle Beach area restaurants, please visit http://www.MyrtleBeachRestaurantNews.com.
1. Capt. Dave’s Dockside Restaurant
4037 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-5850
www.captdavesdockside.com
The old Dave’s was torn down to make way for this new upscale waterfront haven. A high-tech grill allows for superbly cooked meats and succulent sushi-grade seafood. Southern Living magazine recommended the bacon-wrapped scallops. I recommend the tuna filet.
2. Lee’s Inlet Kitchen
4460 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-2881
www.leesinletkitchen.com
Fried seafood, broiled seafood and grilled seafood are what has been served here for six decades. They do it well. Dress comfortably, including a loose waistband.
3. Sea Captain’s House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd.
Myrtle Beach
448-8082
www.seacaptains.com
This former beach cottage is a landmark for locals and visitors. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in a spectacular oceanfront setting, and reservations are never accepted except for large private parties. There is a breakfast buffet, but we like the Crab Cakes Benedict off the menu. Daily lunch specials are always a treat, and for dinner you can’t go wrong with any seafood dish.
4. SeaBlue
503 U.S. 17 N.
North Myrtle Beach
249-8800
www.seablueonline.com
This romantic little restaurant has quickly earned a stellar reputation for its tapas (small-portion plates) and discriminating wine list. Chef proprietor Kelly Graham and executive chef Bryan Bodle are an excellent team for creating exciting menus with dishes such as Pan Fried Black Bass with creamed leeks, celery heart and grape salad.
5. Umi Pacific Grille
U.S. 17 at Lake Arrowhead Road, in the Galleria Shopping Center
Myrtle Beach
497-6016
Umi is a new entry in Myrtle Beach’s upscale dining ranks, and reactions are favorable. The décor is sleek and sophisticated to match the splendid Pacific Rim menu. As with most Grand Strand restaurants, you don’t need to go over the top with your manner of dress; “nice casual” works almost anywhere in town. Umi does not use any oils containing trans fats.
6. Drunken Jack’s
4031 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-2044
www.drunkenjacks.net
The atmosphere is casual, but the seafood is serious. You get a great view of the inlet, plus excellent local seafood like crab cakes, shrimp and flounder. They also have char-grilled steaks. Don’t forget to “Say hey” to Bubba Love’s statue outside.
7. River Room
801 Front St.
Georgetown
527-4110
www.riverroomgeorgetown.com
The specialty is Shrimp and Grits with tasso ham and Andouille sausage; a bonus is a fresh-baked fluffy biscuit hidden under the grits. The Herb-crusted Grouper, McClellanville Crab Cakes and Pecan Chicken Salad are all delicious. The building is historic, the ambiance cozy and warm and there’s a great view of the Sampit River.
8. Oliver’s Lodge
4204 U.S. 17 Business
Murrells Inlet
651-9523
www.oliverslodgerestaurant.com
This gem started life as a private residence, then became a boarding house. Fresh seafood has been served there since 1910, making it the oldest restaurant on the Grand Strand. It’s popular for good reason – the food is incredible. Try the Flounder Roosevelt stuffed with crab and topped with lobster cream sauce, or Tasso Cream Shrimp over creamy grits. The building has been lovingly restored, and the dining room overlooks a lush lawn, live oaks and the inlet. The Sunday brunch is famous for its fried chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet.
9. Sara J’s
314 Atlantic Ave.
Garden City
651-1657
Fried seafood, broiled seafood, steamed seafood and even stewed seafood – diners come in droves for the excellent and affordable seafood, and the view of the inlet is gorgeous. You can also call ahead to place an order and pick it up curbside.
10. Harrelson’s Seafood Market
4368 U.S. 17 Business South
Murrells Inlet
651-5707
Harrelson’s has been in business for many years, but it was recently purchased by members of the Springs family; they’re the ones who own the hugely popular Crab Cake Lady shop featuring An Mathis Spring’s delectable crab dishes. Now An and her grandsons, Sean and Denny, provide fresh seafood for retail customers and to commercial businesses. They also cook some of that fresh local seafood and serve it to a grateful public for lunch. Their Blackened Grouper Sandwich is quite possibly the best in the world.
