There are lots of “S-words” that keep millions of vacationers coming back to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina every summer – the sun, sand, surf and, last but not least – seafood.
That list is not necessarily in order for seafood lovers who make their annual pilgrimage to the Grand Strand in search of the freshest seafood possible. From the local fishing boats, shrimp trawlers, crab traps and oyster beds to the nearby docks and seafood markets, the Myrtle Beach area is the perfect place to experience the best seafood during your vacation.
Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort don’t have to travel far to taste the seafood so fresh that it was swimming yesterday. From crab shacks and oyster bars to upscale restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets, visitors can find seafood on virtually every corner. But for those who want the freshest catches of the day, check out these honey holes:
Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market: Good times and great seafood collide at this Restaurant Row favorite, which serves and sells some of the freshest catches on the Grand Strand. Seafood platters, steamed shrimp, oysters and crab legs, and cold beer are the ingredients for a fun and festive atmosphere. Oyster lovers should check out their Sunday all-you-can-eat oyster roasts.
Hook & Barrel: From the owners of another local institution, Croissants Cafe & Bakery, comes another restaurant that brings the same attention to detail with fresh seafood. This upscale eatery allows patrons to choose the fresh catch of the day and the way they want it prepared – baked, grilled, pan seared or blackened. Hook & Barrel also has a fresh steamed gallery that includes shrimp, oysters and clams from nearby Bulls Bay.
Mr. Fish: The name says it all about this locally owned and operated establishment. The restaurant’s namesake, Ted Hammerman, is a longtime fisherman and seafood market magnate who decided to combine his access to the freshest fish in town with amazing recipes that highlight the best species from local waters. The menu is impressive, but the freshest catches are listed on a chalk board and often reflect the latest fish through the door. If you want to take some home to cook on your own, Mr. Fish Seafood Market is right next door.
Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk: Nicknamed the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet is tiny fishing village is filled with seafood restaurants. With so many options to choose from, your best bet is a stroll down the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a popular port for fishing boats to unload their daily hauls. Catfish Johnny’s, The Claw House, Creek Ratz and Drunken Jack’s are among the many waterfront restaurants that serve the freshest seafood in town.
Sea Captain’s House: You don’t stay in business for more than 70 years without doing something right, and for the Sea Captain’s House the secret to success is no secret – fresh seafood and timeless Southern recipes. Located in a former boarding house on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, the Sea Captain’s House is famous for its seafood platters piled high with fresh fish, shrimp, crab legs and more. Traditional favorites include She Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits and Oyster Stew. The ocean views only add to the experience.
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet: If your idea of seafood involves an all-you-can-eat setting, finding freshness can be a challenge. This Restaurant Row establishment uses both local seafood and prepares it in the traditional Calabash style – battered and deep fried to a golden crisp. The Original Benjamin’s offers a wide variety of seafood and “landfood” options, but the fried fish and shrimp are the main draws.
The only way to get fresher seafood is t catch it yourself, and that’s also an option for Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort guests. Flanked by Second Avenue Pier and Springmaid Pier, visitors can spend the day reeling in their dinner for a relaxing evening in your room. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today and prepare to be hooked by our fresh local seafood.
