Take a Pub Crawl to These 10 Murrells Inlet Bars

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Murrells Inlet is known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” but the tiny village also prides itself in its liquid refreshments. In fact, there's a popular saying you will see on hats and bumper stickers: “Murrells Inlet: A drinking town with a fishing problem.” You will find out what that motto means by taking a pub crawl to these 10 waterfront watering holes:

* Bubba's Love Shack: The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is the obvious place to start your tour de bars, and Bubba's is the best place to kick it off. Named for a living local legend who makes regular appearances at the bar, Bubba's Love Shack serves great frozen drinks, like the house special Inlet Dream orange piña colada and the Murrells Inlet Margarita.

* Dead Dog Saloon: Legend has it that the old dog that used to hang out at this place still haunts the hot spot. There’s nothing like a little liquid courage for confronting a canine ghost, and the Dead Dog's outdoor bar and patio deck are just the place to find it. A wide selection of cold beers and frozen drinks go nicely with the live music and even a hammock to enjoy the show.

* Drunken Jack's: This haunt also has a connection to a local legend. Drunken Jack's Island, which can be viewed from the patio deck, was named for a pirate who got stranded while hiding a stash of rum. When he was finally discovered, Jack's sun-bleached bones were surrounded by empty bottles and, presumably, he had passed the time with a smile on his face. Pay tribute by ordering the house special Drunken Punch, but stay off the island.

* Flo's Place: Just a short distance from the MarshWalk is a taste of New Orleans in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Flo, the owner/operator of this establishment with connections to the Crescent City, serves the meanest hurricanes this side of Bourbon Street.

* Greg's Cabana Bar & Grill: Experience a beach bar atmosphere without the beach at this small but happening hangout. Popular among locals, Greg's Cabana Bar offers a wide selection of drink specials. Sit outside in the sunshine or enjoy the shade on the patio deck.

* Hot Fish Club: This waterfront hot spot is legendary in its own right. Named for the former Hot and Hot Fish Club that was located at nearby Huntington Beach State Park, this place honors the spirit of the founding fathers' ritual flounder fry and sipping session. The large deck overlooking the inlet is the ideal place for a few cold beers or cocktails.

* K-Rae's Waterway Bar & Grill: This waterfront bar sits on the Intracoastal Waterway and offers scenic views of the Lowcountry backwaters. Located near a busy marina, the establishment beckons you to enjoy a cold drink, listen to live music and watch the boats sail by with the sunset as the backdrop.

* O'Keefe's Irish Pub: Looking for a little luck of the Irish on your Murrells Inlet pub crawl? This place has it, including a wide variety of Ireland's top imported beers and whiskeys. Against your better judgment, try an Irish trash can or an authentic black & tan.

* Suck Bang Blow: Named after the three reactions it takes to power a motorcycle, this biker bar is a must-see even if you aren't into Harleys. Featuring a burnout pit, stage and dance floor, and a huge bar, SBB offers a unique experience and a great spot to hang out. Not surprisingly, SBB is more of a beer joint than an umbrella drink bar.

* Wahoo's: Your Murrells Inlet pub crawl starts and ends at the MarshWalk, and this popular late-night patio bar serves as the finale. Featuring live music on the stage and lots of patrons at the bar, Wahoo's is the perfect spot for a night cap before catching a cab back to Myrtle Beach.

Once you get back to Compass Cove Resort, it's time to call it a night and get a good night's rest. After all, there are even more bars to be discovered during your Myrtle Beach vacation, so make Compass Cove your party headquarters.