When you go to Myrtle Beach, you’re looking forward to fun in the sun. Maybe you’re here for some of the best golf the southeast has to offer. (Or even mini-golf!) When you’re here, though, you’re going to get hungry.
And Myrtle Beach is also famous for some pretty incredible seafood choices. Although not all seafood restaurants in the area fall into this category, the region is famous for its Calabash Style fried seafood. You’ll find Calabash buffets all over the eastern Carolina coast.
One beautiful part of the culinary scene in Myrtle Beach is the blending of traditional fare, with modern touches. Many restaurants bring their own touches to the traditional, and you could stay here for weeks if you wanted to try them all.
Top 5 local seafood spots in Myrtle Beach
Sea Captain’s House
Traditional seafood fare in an intimate 1930s cottage with an ocean view
History: Henry Taylor built the Sea Captain’s House in 1930. His family vacationed from High Point, N.C., for a decade at this beach cottage. Nellie G. Howard bought it in 1954, turning it into Howard’s Manor – an inn with 9 guest rooms and the southern hospitality and home cooking it’s known for today.
Favorite dishes: Sea Captain’s House features a local catch of the day, prepared fresh. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are deep-fried, served over corn salsa with jalapeno bacon jam. Their award-winning She Crab Soup is made with cream and a touch of sherry.
Favorite cocktails: A collection of five martinis steals the show. The Sunset Martini leads the way, made with Stoli raspberry vodka, fresh pineapple juice, and fresh orange juice. The Summer Sweet Martini is a stellar choice, too.
Non-seafood favorite: Their hushpuppies are extraordinary. Come for breakfast for excellent made-to-order omelets.
Ambiance: Outdoor dining with an ocean view is the perfect setting for your Myrtle Beach dinner, with top-notch service. Sea Captain’s House also features live music.
Mr. Fish
A huge array of seafood, including whole and filet fish and soft-shell crabs
History: Long-time Myrtle Beach fisherman Ted Hammerman opened Mr. Fish Restaurant & Seafood Market with his daughter, Sheina Hammerman, a Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts program graduate. The legend grew from Ted’s innovation in designing and improving fishing gear and Sheina’s event catering experience.
Favorite dishes: You’ll love the flavor and innovation of the sushi menu. The Sauteed Mahi Fish Tacos also made with your choice of chicken, shrimp, tuna, or vegetarian, with a delicious remoulade sauce. Staples such as fried shrimp and steamed crab legs are excellent.
Favorite cocktails: In addition to an awesome Moscow Mule, Uptown Margarita, and Pome Cosmo, Mr. Fish has a private-label wine.
Non-seafood favorite: The happy hour menu includes favorites such as chicken dumplings, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato fries.
Ambiance: A Mr. Fish hallmark is excellent service, and the dining room experience is pleasant, with a casual atmosphere perfect for the beach.
Captain George’s
A seafaring restaurant with a vast buffet, classic sides, and steaks in a great place to unwind
History: Captain George’s is a Grand Strand eatery across from Broadway at the Beach. It’s a distinctive dining experience with an excellent seafood selection.
Favorite dishes: Crab legs are so unforgettable and delicious you might not even need butter. Try Captain George’s signature dipping sauce for a one-of-a-kind taste. The Rockefeller oysters are wonderful, and the buffet is incredibly vast.
Non-seafood favorites: Try the dessert bar, featuring delicious cakes, cobblers, cookies, flan, and puddings.
Ambiance: Classy, but not stuffy, with friendly yet professional staff for 5-star treatment. Nice touches, such as linen napkins, with a down-home feel. It features lawn seating oceanside, too.
Bimini’s Oyster Bar
A leisurely cafe with ample servings of seafood with a flashy, island feel
History: Bimini’s Oyster Bar opened more than 30 years ago and has become an incomparable spot for locals and visitors. It’s a simple, family-owned oyster dive bar in the best sense of the word.
Favorite dishes: A basket of conch fritters starts you off right, whether you opt for steam pots loaded with fresh oysters or fresh grilled seafood for an entree. Top choices for grilled fare include fresh grouper, mahi, salmon, and tuna, seasoned and seared to perfection.
Favorite cocktails: You’ll have fun with the oyster shooters, chilled and uber-fresh, with a splash of hot sauce and a lager chaser. Blue margaritas are ace, and a beachy favorite, Sex on the Beach, is made right and made fast.
Non-seafood favorites: Appetizers such as buffalo wings, fried pickles, and mozzarella triangles are perfect for nibbling or enjoying with a beer. If you’re not into fish, try the burger, fresh chicken breast, or sirloin.
Ambiance: A nice melding of indoor and outdoor dining, with a casual vibe. One of the best bars around, for meeting friends or finding new ones. Family-friendly too.
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
A festal spot with a wonderful southern seafood selection, loads of sushi and an imaginative cocktail menu
History: This restaurant/seafood market is inspired by Seattle’s Pike Place Public Market.
Favorite dishes: The nigiri and sashimi sushi offerings are excellent. The Low Country Boil is a signature dish, featuring shrimp, corn on the cob, smoked sausage, red-skinned potatoes, and Old Bay seasoning. Also, choose the snow crab base for a remarkable diversion from the norm.
Favorite cocktails: Their oyster shooters are unique – made with pepper-infused Svedka vodka, house oysters, Zing Zang Bloody Mix, with Old Bay on the rim. Try a Big Bass Bucket. Recommended: The Captain Morgan Coconut, with orange juice, banana syrup, and strawberry puree. And you get to keep the bucket.
Non-seafood favorite: Try the baby back ribs, as part of the family feast meal, or as an entree. They’re served with a distinctive honey-apple barbecue sauce. The Southern Burger is superb: Certified Angus beef, pimento cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion, on a Brioche roll.
Ambiance: The best part: a picturesque view of the Intercoastal Waterway, where you can watch a sunset or boats drifting by. They have pleasant indoor and outdoor seating, right on the water, for a clean yet rustic seafood dining experience.
Whether you stop into one of these legacy establishments or try a new spot, you’re sure to love dining in Myrtle Beach!
