Food-loving travelers know that you can’t go to New Orleans without having a bowl of authentic (and iconic) gumbo. The same goes for cheesesteak in Philadelphia, deep-dish pizza in Chicago, tacos in Austin, lobster in Maine … and the list goes on. Of course, with 1,700-plus restaurants serving their delicious fare on the famously food-filled Grand Strand, we’ve got our fair share of signature dishes, too.
The next time you and your vacation crew are hungry for some uniquely Grand Strand grub, head for one of these five Myrtle Beach-area spots to get a taste of one of the area’s signature dishes:
Sea Captain’s House — She Crab Soup: A Grand Strand favorite for 50-plus years, the Sea Captain’s House specializes in freshly caught and expertly prepared seafood, served with sides of sweeping oceanfront views. And while the beach cottage-turned-restaurant offers an array of delicious dishes from the sea, the She Crab Soup, which features Atlantic blue crab, cream and a touch of sherry, is a must-have. Explore the restaurant’s entire menu at seacaptains.com.
Hook & Barrel — Shrimp & Grits: Found on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach’s exclusive Dunes section, Hook & Barrel is an upscale eatery founded by the folks behind Croissants Bistro & Bakery, a Grand Strand locals’ favorite. While Hook & Barrel’s focus on flavor and freshness can be seen all over the menu, the Shrimp & Grits really shine with fresh shrimp accompanied by bacon, andouille sausage and South Carolina’s own Adluh grits. Check out the full dining and bar menus at hookandbarrelrestaurant.com.
Maggie D’s — Fried Ravioli: At homey Myrtle Beach eatery Maggie D’s, authentic Italian dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmigiana and Shrimp Caprese transport diners to Southern Europe with tasty recipes and fresh flavors. But the biggest must-try might be found on the appetizers menu. Stuffed with cheese, fried to a golden brown and served with marinara for dipping, the Fried Ravioli is the perfect way to kick off a delicious dining experience. See the full menu at maggids.com.
Little Pigs Bar-B-Q — Carolina BBQ: Located in a small strip mall off the Highway 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, Little Pigs would be easy for outsiders to drive right by without noticing — but as connoisseurs of barbecue joints know, the best of ’em tend to be holes in the wall. Little Pigs serves up North Carolina-style, hickory-smoked barbecue — specifically, pork shoulder chopped and served inside regular and jumbo-sized sandwiches, or on its own as an entrée — along with tasty sides like hush puppies, baked beans, onion rings and cole slaw. Wash it all down with some sweet tea for a signature Southern experience. Learn more about the restaurant on its Facebook page.
Mr. Fish — Seafood Tacos: When the cooks at this seafood stop on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach need fresh catches, they don’t have to mount a long search — the eatery is attached to its sister seafood market, which can be found right next door. And of the many fresh-caught items on the Mr. Fish menu, the Seafood Tacos, served up on soft flour tortillas with all the fixings, are a can’t-miss choice. Diners can grab them in tuna, mahi, shrimp, chicken or vegetarian variations, each available with sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese and remoulade sauce. See the full Mr. Fish menu at mrfish.com.
After enjoying some of the Grand Strand’s signature dishes, head back to the comfortable oceanfront accommodations and wide-ranging amenities at Caribbean Resort & Villas to rest up for another day of taking in some of the Myrtle Beach area’s finest experiences. Book your beach getaway at Caribbean Resort & Villas today — and start planning all of your upcoming Grand Strand indulgences!
