The Hamburger Joe’s story is so well known by now that regular visitors to the area have it memorized.
What started as family’s desire to park their successful seafood restaurant from two states to our north in North Myrtle Beach spawned a bar and grill, which eventually led to the current moniker. Now, nearly 50 years since that origin story, Hamburger Joe’s has two successful locations.
We’re suckers for the second child, so we hit up the Surfside Beach location (again) and felt a need to inform anyone who hasn’t been there in
a while what they’re missing. Because while the seasonal changes to the Grand Strand are common, what Hamburger Joe’s has established is a tried-and-true lunch or dinner lock-down spot for golfers staying and playing the south end.
And they did it all with a single-sheet menu.
No fancy shtick, no screaming, no nonsense. Heck, even the dollar bills stuck to the walls have been removed in recent years.
We’ll get to the other stuff momentarily, but what initially drew our fancy was the namesake to the business. The smash-style burgers aren’t flat flavor. They’re seasoned to perfection, dropped on a bun with made-to-order toppings – ranging from lettuce to tomato to pickles and onion – and sauces of your choice.
Bigger appetitie? Simply go with the double or triple.
Feeling really hungry? Add bacon.
It’s that simple, and it’s by design. The burgers here aren’t trying to be fancy, just good. One of those suckers and a side of fries is the most common order here for a reason.
No. 2 on the list is a burger and a side of onion rings. Call that niche defined, sure, but also call it a successful business model.
And while the beef is the main event, Hamburger Joe’s has enough options for those feeling something else or maybe just adding another early card.
You’ve taken our advice so far, so don’t stop now. Joe’s Gold Buffalo wings look exactly like you’d expect them to, and the combination of sweet and hot wrapped into one on their wings and drumsticks are the boss. They also have medium and hot traditionals, and you won’t go wrong with those, either.
The single-sheet menu is going to give you a look at hot dogs and grilled and fried chicken sandwiches and fried bologna, not to mention a BBQ pork sandwich or plate. The point of all that is to appease anyone who might argue with your burger joint suggestion.
But we don’t think there will be much pushback.
Hamburger Joe’s has long since proved it could handle business just fine pushing its smash patties.
Hamburger Joe’s, On the Quick
Address: 1410 US 17 Business, Surfside Beach
Phone: 843.215.9052
On the web: hamburgerjoes.com
Photos for this feature from Hamburger Joe’s Website
