Not all that long ago, Gordon Biersch had a menu that checked every box, working through a methodology that appeared to be trying to please everyone.
The approach worked more in the Market Common location than it did elsewhere, where decisions were made that closed all but four non-airport locations beginning in 2022. The pandemic hit, and it hit hard.
Yet, the Market Common location for the mini-chain is now an anomaly in two ways.
First, it navigated COVID-19 when even other locations at live-work community could not. And, secondly, it has navigated almost two decades of business since Market Common “went public” in late 2007 and early 2008.
During our recent visit, we couldn’t help but dig into all that because, damn, this place is good.
And Gordon Biersch no longer needs a blanket menu to do the trick.
The scaled back version nixed ancillary items meant to appease. What was left was the proverbial meat and potatoes that makes GB stand out among its brethren in the highly populated section on the south end of city limits.
The Bavarian pretzel, the Marzen BBQ wings and chicken schnitzel sliders welcome you to some of the top of the menu.
Dotting the middle of the page are the baby back ribs, Cajun fish tacos and the signature ribeye.
Throw in some pizzas – the Caprese is excellent for the non-meat eaters among you; the grilled Wagyu is awesome for those that partake.
Or the sandwiches and burgers: The Marzen BBQ bacon burger, the crispy chicken sandwich and chicken avocado sandwich all bang.
Our gang didn’t get into the desserts.
We were too focused on the main event.
For all the beverage options we have at our disposal, this is why Gordon Biersch feels like a safe bet to last another 16 years in Market Common. The beer.
Only the least observant among your party might miss the huge tanks in the back right-hand corner of the restaurant when you hit up the host stand. Those doozies are brewing gloriousness.
Personally, I went with the flight to pair with my blackened fish tacos. Six four-ounce pours included (from light to not-so-light) Very Berry Seltzer (replacement), Golden Export, Marzen, Hefeweizen, Czech Pilsner and Schwarzbier. They were out of the Winterbock this day, hence the seltzer, but even that was good.
The Myrtle Beach location, unlike the others, is also offering a Pale Ale and an IPA. That’s another testament to how well this joint is doing. We’re not shocked.
This place has survived for a reason. And it wasn’t because it checked every box.
Gordon Biersch, on the quick
Location: 3060 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach (Market Common)
Phone: 843.839.0249
On the web: gordonbierschrestaurants.com
(Photos for this piece from Gordon Biersch Facebook Page)
