It’s easy to pick out a few restaurants along the coast that you’ve fallen in love with over the years.

We certainly have.

When it comes to the Myrtle Beach area, we caution against sticking with just one body of water. South Carolina’s northern coastline is carved up and even defined by water. We’ve got the Atlantic Ocean, of course, but also offshoot in the form of the marshes of Murrells Inlet, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Waccamaw River.

Along each are restaurants that draw our attention over and over again.

ANCHOR CAFE AT MARINA INN
There aren’t many spots even along the Atlantic where you will see the types of behemoths that dock at the marina just off the right side of Anchor Cafe. Now fix your gaze dead ahead, and you’re looking past the Intracoastal Waterway straight onto the Grande Dunes Resort Course. Anchor isn’t open year-round for obvious reasons, but this open-air restaurant has turned its one-time happy hour concentration into more of a well-rounded option for the food and drink.

BONFIRE TAQUERIA
The Waccamaw River is especially quiet most of the time, save for a few small fishing boats or jet skis cruising up and down downtown Conway. That’s a big part of the appeal for Bonfire, which has been built and then re-built in its location. The calming black water, a drink and a few of the signature tacos will take you to a Zen-like state that is usually reserved for a trek to the woods or yoga studio. Bonfire is local, and it’s association with the Waccamaw backs up that idea. (pictured right)

DEAD DOG SALOON
The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is no longer a hidden gem. In many ways, we have Dead Dog to thank for that. For all the somewhat strange imagery on the walls (you have to see and appreciate it for yourself), once you get past the first few steps, it all opens up into a realm of awe, as the Marshwalk comes into focus and you realize why the initial draw exists. Then, the hush puppies come and you find yourself hooked. The rest is icing on the cake.

LULU’S
Barefoot Landing’s Lulu’s is just fun. Everything about the restaurant is wrapped about that single idea – from the beach volleyball offset to the side or the patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in the back. Music is frequently playing inside and the food options span the quick hitters to the seafood platters that will set you back a few extra bucks (but are still worth it). Or, you can just get the fried green tomato BLT and thank us later.

SEA CAPTAIN’S HOUSE
Arguably the creme de la creme of all Myrtle Beach eateries, Sea Captain’s is the white-glove treatment meets the Atlantic Ocean meets excellent food meets awesome views. Smack dab in the middle of Myrtle Beach city limits, Sea Captain’s is one of the area’s oldest and most prestigious restaurants. And after decades of business as usual, the owners added a true back patio and bar as a way to entertain customers awaiting a table inside. It’s a home run added to a grand slam.

(Murrells Inlet Marshwalk Top Photo)