What to eat in Myrtle Beach before your trip ends

A beach trip is incomplete without good food

Myrtle Beach offers a long list of must-try places to eat, from fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort that feels right for your final days on the coast.

Locals have been consistently pointing travelers toward hidden gems, low-key favorites, and solid buffets that capture true Grand Strand flavor before you head home.

Seafood musts

Start with Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, a long-running favorite for endless crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and strong value for the price. It’s a popular all-you-can-eat option for visitors who want variety.

Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is another staple, known for fresh catch plates like she-crab soup and flounder served in a casual dockside setting. It has been family-owned since 1948 and remains a longtime local favorite.

Pro tip: Go early to avoid the dinner rush and pair your meal with a sunset walk on the beach nearby.

Steakhouse stars

Thoroughbreds Chophouse and Seafood Grille earns top marks for aged steaks and classic surf-and-turf combinations. It is often cited by locals as one of the best spots for a higher-end dinner.

NY Prime is a go-to for dry-aged ribeyes and seafood towers in a quieter, more intimate dining room. It works especially well for a final night dinner.

Aspen Grille rounds out the category with strong Southern-leaning plates like scallops over risotto and prime filet. It also earns praise for seasonal cocktails and consistently strong service.

Southern comfort classics

Big Mike’s Soul Food is where you go for real comfort food, including smothered pork chops, fried chicken, collards, and mac and cheese. Locals often call their hushpuppies the best on the Strand.

Tupelo Honey blends traditional Southern dishes with modern touches. Shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes are top picks, and the restaurant stays busy with both locals and visitors. Many locals describe it as food that actually feels filling after a long beach day.

Italian favorites

Luigi’s Trattoria stands out for homemade pasta, veal dishes, and family recipes that feel old-school in the best way. Reviews regularly highlight consistency and generous portions.

Lombardo’s Italian Restaurant is quieter and more romantic, with dishes like grouper Florentine and shrimp scampi served in a candlelit dining room.

Villa Romano earns praise for bold sauces, classic red-sauce comfort, and an atmosphere that feels warmer than most tourist-heavy spots.

Fine dining gems

The Library is known for tableside Steak Diane and formal service that feels like a throwback. It is one of the few places in Myrtle Beach where dinner still feels like an event.

Bistro 90 offers a cozy setting with continental-style dishes like filet mignon and thoughtfully prepared seafood. Locals often describe it as underrated.

21 Main Prime Steakhouse in North Myrtle Beach delivers consistent quality on prime steaks and upscale sides. Reviews tend to highlight service as much as the food.

Fusion and unique bites

Hook and Barrel focuses on sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like wahoo tacos and seasonal specials give it a creative edge.

Flaming Fin is often described as a hidden gem for Asian-influenced seafood dishes. It is a smaller spot, but locals say the flavors stand out.

44 and King blends Southern comfort with modern twists. Their rotating specials are a big draw for repeat diners.

Breakfast and bakery

Benjamin’s is a low-key favorite for croissants, coffee, and pastries. Many locals recommend it as the ideal final breakfast before hitting the road.

It is also a calmer alternative to crowded hotel breakfast rooms, especially during peak season. It’s a calm place to grab a pastry and coffee before you hit the road.

Buffets and casual

Captain George’s remains one of the better-known buffet options for visitors who want variety in one sitting. Snow crab, shrimp, and carving stations keep it popular year-round.

Frank’s Outback (in Pawleys Island, south of Myrtle Beach) leans into Lowcountry-style dishes and local seafood in a more relaxed setting.

Sweets and snacks

Aspen Grille’s blueberry bread pudding is frequently mentioned as one of the best desserts in town, especially when paired with house-made ice cream.

Hushpuppies are everywhere in Myrtle Beach, but Big Mike’s is where locals say they hit the hardest. Boiled peanuts from roadside stands are another simple classic worth grabbing.

Budget bites

Hot Tomato offers affordable Italian plates that still feel filling and satisfying. It is a good option when you want to eat well without spending heavily.

P.F. Chang’s provides a familiar fallback for travelers who want consistency and variety. Prices stay reasonable compared to many tourist-focused restaurants.

Mixing high-end dinners with casual meals tends to create the most well-rounded Myrtle Beach food experience.

Booking tips

Reservations through OpenTable are smart for places like Tupelo Honey, Landry’s Seafood, and SOHO Steak, especially on weekends.

Reddit locals often advise skipping national chains when possible and prioritizing independent spots like Bimini’s Seafood for a more authentic experience.

Peak season books quickly, so planning usually pays off, since Myrtle Beach’s lakefront entertainment hub feels like a classic boardwalk.

Best weather to go

Myrtle Beach has a long warm season, but the sweetest weather is between late spring and early fall.

May starts in the upper 70s for daytime highs, summer often runs in the mid-to-upper 80s, and September stays warm in the low 80s before cooling further into October

Locals call this the perfect window for beach days without the heavy humidity that shows up later in summer. Fall is another great option if you prefer fewer crowds and easier hotel rates. September and October still feel beach-worthy, with warm water and cooler nights.

This isn’t the only great thing about SC; there’s also a South Carolina city with 100+ restaurants, mountain views, and zero beach traffic.

What is your go-to season for visiting Myrtle Beach, and which restaurant would you recommend to first-time visitors? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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