Every region of the country has its own, must-try-while-you’re-there signature dishes, and the Grand Strand is definitely no exception. And considering the Myrtle Beach area’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, few visitors would be surprised to find that fresh seafood concoctions tend to hold sway on any list of local culinary favorites.
While certainly not a comprehensive list (the full rundown of “gotta-try-this” foods on the Grand Strand is a much lengthier one), here are five signature local treats, along with some of the best spots on the Grand Strand to get them:
Shrimp and Grits — As the name implies, this traditional Lowcountry favorite combines a pair of main ingredients that are readily available in the region: fresh local shrimp and hot corn grits. (And while the dish is seen with regularity on lunch and dinner menus these days, it was originally a breakfast dish often referred to in the Lowcountry as “breakfast shrimp.”) On the Grand Strand, one of the best versions of this signature dish can be found about 4 miles north of Caribbean Resort & Villas at Hook & Barrel, where the shrimp is served over Adluh stone-ground grits with a spicy added twist — andouille sausage. Explore the full menu at hookandbarrelrestaurant.com.
She Crab Soup — Guests at Caribbean Resort & Villas won’t have to venture far to taste one of the Grand Strand’s best versions of this rich and creamy soup featuring Atlantic blue crab meat — the Sea Captain’s House, located right next door to the resort, serves some of the area’s most acclaimed. See what else the treasured local seafood restaurant, a favorite among foodies in the Myrtle Beach area for over 50 years, has cooking at seacaptains.com.
Oysters — The Sea Captain’s House is also home to some of the area’s best oyster offerings, available broiled or fried as an entrée, or fresh, raw and on the half shell as an appetizer with a lemon wedge and cocktail sauce.
Key Lime Pie — While this decadent dessert flavored with the tart, aromatic juice of the Key lime may have originated farther south in the Florida Keys, it’s an established after-dinner dynamo on the Grand Strand. One of the best versions — made with real Key lime juice and baked in a flaky chocolate crust — can be found at Sweetgrass Bakery and Cafe, located just over 3 miles north of Caribbean Resort & Villas on North Kings Highway. Check out the bakery’s full menu of fresh-made goodies at bakerybysweetgrass.com.
Bloody Mary — We’ll conclude our list with this popular Grand Strand cocktail featuring vodka and tomato juice, and often accented with other spices and flavorings such as hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, horseradish, celery and olives. Visitors can grab one of the area’s best at the Flying Fish Public Market & Grill, located at North Myrtle Beach shopping/dining/entertainment hot spot Barefoot Landing. Explore the restaurant’s full menu at flyingfishmarket.com.
To take your own culinary tour of the Grand Strand while enjoying a comfortable and luxurious home base on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, book your getaway at Caribbean Resort & Villas today. With our wide range of comfortable accommodations, extensive amenities and convenient and central location, you and your vacation crew are sure to cook up some fun and make some lasting memories during your Myrtle Beach getaway.
