Myrtle Beach Local Restaurants for the Best Food and Vibes

Myrtle Beach has long been a favorite beach vacation spot for families. Part of its charm is the local food scene, which celebrates regional and international cultures paired with traditional dishes. Scroll to learn about the best Myrtle Beach local restaurants and what to order.

Myrtle Beach Local Restaurants: Eat, Drink and Indulge

Big Mike’s Soul Food

No visit to the South will feel complete without soul food. That’s why Big Mike’s Soul Food ranks among the best Myrtle Beach local restaurants. Here visitors enjoy local flavor paired with Southern hospitality. Plus, this family-owned spot has served the community for more than 10 years.

Everything on the menu is cooked-to-order. Start with deep friend wings or collard green dip. Next select from soups, salads, fried seafood and chicken baskets, sandwiches, and grits. Interested in house specials? Try the Big Mike’s plate, which has one meat and three veggies. Meat options depend on the day, but examples include ribs, meatloaf and chicken bog – a South Carolina dish.

River City Café

Home to some of the best burgers in Myrtle Beach, River City Café has seven locations in the area.

House appetizers include onion rings, fries, Texas chili and fried zucchini. For the main course, visitors will find salads, sandwiches and hot dog plates. Those coming for burgers have more than 15 burger options, including veggie-only, chicken, beef, short rib and turkey. A few popular choices are R.C. Burger, Fork and Knife Burger, and Palmetto with pimento cheese.

Carolina Roadhouse

Carolina Roadhouse is one of the best Myrtle Beach local restaurants for golfers. In fact, Golf magazine named it as a “great place to eat with your buddies”.

Southern food and a cozy atmosphere welcome everyone to relax. Its menu, served for lunch and dinner, has salads, seafood, chicken, steaks, chops, ribs and handhelds. Popular appetizers include croissants and fried calamari. Carolina Roadhouse is also known for Danish baby-back ribs, Carolina flounder and fresh catch of the day. There is also a wine and beverage list.

Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant

For oceanfront dining in a casual setting, head to Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant. This lounge/bar provides a place to relax, eat and enjoy the view.

Kick off the meal with hushpuppies or shrimp. For the main course, try salads, soup, burgers, fish sandwiches, seafood, steak or pasta. The restaurant features its classic cheeseburger, fish Rueben, po boy, crab legs and seafood combo. Before or after eating, visitors are welcome to rent a fishing pole and fish from the pier.

Art Burger Sushi Bar

This fusion restaurant blends burgers and sushi, creating a fun environment for all ages. Plus, Art Burger Sushi Bar supports the art community by hosting local artists and sits close to the beach.

Come for lunch or dinner, and start with loaded house fries, mozzarella won tons or a fried chicken roll. Afterwards, select a burger. Options range from tuna and local beef to plant-based and turkey. Those interested in sushi have more than 12 options. Their local sushi chef will even design a roll based on customer request.

Sea Captain’s House

For more than 60 years, Sea Captain’s House has served fresh seafood paired with oceanfront views. In addition, they open for all three meals making it easy to dine here throughout the day.

For breakfast, grab a plate of buffet goodies, or select an omelet, benedict, French toast, pancakes or breakfast sandwich. Those coming for lunch enjoy she crab soup, salads, shrimp and grits cake, jambalaya, fresh seafood and handhelds.

Dinnertime offers some of the same but adds The Captain’s Favorites and specialty seafood. These menus feature captain’s seafood muddle, crab cakes, Carolina catch and snapper.

Villa Romana Italian Restaurant

Planning a special evening? Come to Villa Romana Italian Restaurant. This spot ranks among the best Myrtle Beach local restaurants for Italian food and a romantic atmosphere.

Start with tomato caprese or stuffed zucchini. Main entrees include veal, eggplant, seafood, chicken, pasta and flavorful cheeses. For more traditional dishes, try lasagna, eggplant or cheese-filled manicotti. Pasta lovers will enjoy ravioli, linguine, spaghetti and fettuccine. There are also seafood and chicken dishes infused with Italian flair.

Nacho Hippo

Nacho Hippo provides a fun place to sample Mexican food and margaritas. Add in the live music, and this is one of the best places to hang out on the Grand Strand.

The salsa sampler is a must-try appetizer. Yes, there’s also guacamole and queso. For the main course, order tacos, quesadillas or nachos. Each section comes with multiple options made with beef, seafood, chicken, steak and veggie-only ingredients. In addition, guests can make their own nachos. Those looking for huge specialties will find sloppy burritos, carnitas, and sriracha lime chicken.

After reading about the best Myrtle Beach local restaurants, check out these cheap eats in Myrtle Beach.

Want to plan a trip? Book a spacious vacation home in Myrtle Beach.