The Myrtle Beach area is home to more than 1,000 restaurants and no matter what you are looking for, it’s here; but those numbers can also be overwhelming, leading golfers into the comfortable arms of chain restaurants.
For the record, there is nothing wrong with chains – there is a reason they have locations across the country – but many of us like to sample local cuisine when on the road, and we are here to help in that regard.
If your group wants to enjoy an outstanding local restaurant that mostly won’t break the bank, here are five of Myrtle Beach’s best and most underexposed eateries.
● Pawleys Island is home to a collection of restaurants – Perrone’s, Frank’s and Bistro 217 for starters – that rival the best the Palmetto State has to offer, but if you
are looking for a moderately priced option, prioritize Rustic Table. Specializing in Southern comfort food, the meatloaf dinner, country-fried steak and shrimp creole are just a couple of the choices guaranteed to delight at Rustic Table. (Rustic Table Fried Chicken Plate pictured right)
● Thai Bistro is one of Myrtle Beach’s newest restaurants, and if your group wants Asian food, it’s an appealing option. Featuring Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Korean dishes, there is something for everyone, including sushi. Here is a vote for the Basil Thai lunch special, which includes fresh basil, green beans, bell peppers, chili garlic sauce and a choice of protein. Thai Bistro is located just off 38th Ave. North, making it easy to access after rounds at Myrtlewood, Grande Dunes or Pine Lakes. (Thai Bistro top photo)
● If you are in North Myrtle Beach and want barbeque, Brisket is the spot. Everything is made in a custom-built 4,200-pound smoker that holds up to 750 pounds of meat. The food is every bit as good as it sounds. The sliced brisket, accompanied by homemade mac and cheese and hush puppies, will quickly become one of your favorites. Even more importantly, make sure you order the homemade pork rinds and pimento cheese appetizer. It’s awesome.
● With three locations – Surfside, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle – Dagwoods may not be underexposed but it’s a local sandwich shop that comes with the highest of recommendations. The Myrtle Beach locale is a hole in the wall and you wouldn’t want it any other way. The bread is made fresh, the menu is creative, and the portions are substantial. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a chocolate chip cookie.
● Tucked away on 79th Avenue, Fire & Smoke is the type of place you won’t find unless someone tells you about it. Featuring a combination of prime steaks and a
small plate menu that will leave you salivating, Fire & Smoke is a treat. Recommendations? Anything on the menu. Seriously. The pork belly, portabella ravioli and shrimp Madagascar headline the small plate lineup while the filet and Mountain River elk chops are personal favorites. This is the priciest restaurant on our list, but it’s worth the splurge. (Pictured right)
Dining options are almost unlimited on a trip to Myrtle Beach, but you can take a trip to Rustic Table, Thai Bistro, Brisket, Dagwood’s or Fire & Smoke confident in the quality of the experience that awaits.
