Great Eats: Top 5 Restaurants at Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing has been a go-to spot for dining, nightlife and shopping since its opening in 1988, but the 100-acre entertainment complex is currently at the height of its popularity.

A 2018 renovation project and an infusion of new shops and restaurants have elevated Barefoot Landing’s status in the market. For golfers, Barefoot’s 16 restaurants, which offer a variety of dining experiences, are at the heart of the property’s appeal.

If you are looking for a great meal in North Myrtle Beach, here are, after much deliberation, the top 5 restaurants at Barefoot Landing.

● If a casual dinner and good craft beer are atop your wish list, Crooked Hammock Brewery (top photo) is the place to go. With indoor and outdoor seating, games, live music and a relaxing vibe, Crooked Hammock has been a hit since it opened in 2020. The grilled meatloaf is a winner and it can be complemented by your choice of 13+ craft brews. This is a great spot.

Greg Norman’s Australian Grille is the destination of choice for groups in search of a fine-dining experience. The Shark’s only steakhouse overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and the menu is even more alluring than the views. The filet and ribeye are always good but if you want to live life on the edge, the 8-ounce Australian ostrich might be the play. If budget is no issue, go with one of the wagyu offerings.

● While the new restaurants attract all the attention, Umberto’s is a Barefoot institution. The family-style dining experience begins with Italian beans and greens and keeps getting better. The food is good, the portions are huge, and people return to this Pittsburgh-style Italian eatery year after year. Order the shrimp scampi and enjoy your evening.

● If your group is in search of a great breakfast before golf, Blueberry’s Grill is the place to go. The menu ranges from bananas foster French toast, omelets and benedicts to the cheezo rizo skillet (chorizo, home fries, scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce; yes, it’s as good as it sounds). Blueberry’s Grill is open through lunch (3 p.m.) and there isn’t a bad offering on the menu.

LuLu’s features a laid-back atmosphere golfers love. With live music, a scratch-made menu, a beach volleyball court, and views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the reasons for LuLu’s popularity are many. Owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, the menu is long on coastal cuisine, including the pimento burger with fried green tomatoes.

There are numerous other outstanding options, including Flying Fish, River City Cafe, Taco Mundo and Cafe de Paris, so if you are in the neighborhood, Barefoot Landing is worth a visit.