Squeezed between some of the hotels on the south end of city limits, first-time visitors to Damon’s don’t think much of the stairway on the front of the building.

With so much else going on during the drive down Ocean Boulevard, the parking lot is mundane enough, and the front of the building otherwise looks like several others up and down the stretch adjoining the Atlantic Ocean.

Heading up the stairs, it’s not as if the view inland is all that much. A conference center. Maybe a putt-putt course if your eyes are good. In the double doors you go, and that’s when it hits you.

Even from the hostess’ stand, the view worth the climb up that flight of stairs.

Damon’s Grill has been a mainstay for locals and tourists alike for decades. We’ll get to the food in a moment. But that panoramic spot from every single table in the entire building is why you came, even if you didn’t know it from the parking lot. Think of it akin to stadium-style seating: The tables near the back are bumped up slightly, allowing those who are against the back wall to still see the water.

And with the entire public area of the building sitting on hurricane lifts, even some of the most notable restaurants in town can’t give you this. We’re trying to prepare you for a reason.

Moments after you sit down, a server is going to ask you about drinks and maybe an appetizer. You’re not going to be ready. You’re going to be so entrenched in the view that your menu is still sitting idle.

Take a deep breath, because you’re about to wade into the second eye-opener of the visit. This menu isn’t huge, but it is vast. Damon’s rib basket choices (there are seven of them, mostly in various size options) butt up against the chicken dishes butt up against the five seafood plates but up against the sirloin burgers butt up against the sandwiches butt up against the grill choices that span steaks and pork chops.

There are also soups, salads, appetizers and a beefed up lunch menu, available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

We’ve seen people ask for a side of wings and be just fine and those who’d rather the sirloin and BBQ ribs plate. Point being, all appetites are welcome, and none of them would reflect more than two dollar signs on your run-of-the-mill foodie app. Damon’s knows they’ve got you the second you see the view, but they won’t treat you like it.

In fact, Damon’s happy hour isn’t one to ignore. From 4-7 even afternoon/evening the bar area does specials on 14-ounce pours of five different beer selections, house liquors and wine. There are also appetizer specials on some of the typical bar food. It may not be enough to call a full dinner, but it’s an easy way to get started.

And buy you some time to actually look at the menu.

Photos for this feature from Damon’s Facebook Page

DAMON’S GRILL, ON THE QUICK
Where: 2985 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Phone: 843.626.8000
On the web: ribsribsribs.com