Familiar Food: Myrtle Beach’s Top 5 Chain Restaurants

When talk turns to where to eat on a Myrtle Beach golf trip, we focus almost exclusively on local establishments, but chain restaurants remain wildly popular.

The Grand Strand is home to more than a few chain restaurants and here are our five favorites:

— When you are on a golf trip with the boys, a steak dinner is hard to beat and so is a trip to Outback. With four area locations, an Outback Steakhouse is always nearby and we all enjoy a good sirloin, a Caesar salad, and the bloomin’ onion appetizer.

— In the battle to be Myrtle Beach’s best Italian chain, I’ll take Carrabba’s by the width of a piece of angel hair pasta over Olive Garden. The fresh bread and olive oil Carrabba’s provides will start your dinner off on the right foot, and the pork chop marsala accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes is a winner. If you want something a little simpler, the wood-fired pizza is the way to go.

— If seafood served by a name you know is a top priority, Bonefish Grill has three area locations and the menu is good. I can almost taste the Bang Bang shrimp and Chilean sea bass.

— Everyone knows about Subway, but here is a vote for Jersey Mike’s. They slice the meat in front of you (so it’s a little slower), ensuring a fresh sandwich. The Original Italian with provolone, pepperoni, ham, prosciuttini and cappacuolo is a personal favorite, just make sure you get it Big Mike’s Way, including the olive oil blend and red wine vinegar.

— Last but certainly not least, if you are in North Myrtle Beach, don’t drive past Hickory Tavern. The Carolinas-based chain is a great place to watch a game and they specialize in wings and burgers. If you’ve never been, give it a try.