Food-loving travelers know that you can’t pay a visit to Philadelphia without trying an authentic (and iconic) Philly cheesesteak. The same goes for deep-dish pizza in Chicago, tacos in Austin, gumbo in New Orleans, lobster in Maine … and the list goes on. Of course, with more than 1,700 restaurants serving their tasty 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 fixture for more than half a century, the Sea Captain’s House offers freshly caught and expertly prepared seafood, accompanied by sides of sweeping oceanfront views. And while the beach cottage-turned-restaurant serves 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 full menu at seacaptains.com.
Hook & Barrel — Shrimp & Grits: Located on North Kings Highway in the exclusive Dunes section of Myrtle Beach, Hook & Barrel is an upscale eatery founded by the folks behind Croissant Bistro & Bakery, a locals’ favorite on the Grand Strand. While Hook & Barrel’s focus on freshness and flavor can be seen up and down 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 Chicken Marsala, Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Caprese and Eggplant Parmigiana transport diners to Southern Europe with fresh flavors and tasty recipes. 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: Found in a small strip mall off the Highway 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, Little Pigs is something of a hole-in-the-wall eatery — but as connoisseurs of barbecue joints know, the best of ’em tend to be. Little Pigs serves up North Carolina-style, hickory-smoked barbecue — specifically, pork shoulder chopped and served on its own as an entrée or inside regular and jumbo-sized sandwiches — along with tasty sides like baked beans, hush puppies, 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 go far — 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, which are served on soft flour tortillas with all the fixings, are an always-solid choice. Diners can grab them in their choice of mahi, tuna, shrimp, chicken or vegetarian, all 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 best dishes the Grand Strand has to offer, head back to your comfortable accommodations and wide-ranging amenities at The Cottages at North Beach Plantation to rest up for more signature experiences in the Myrtle Beach area. Book your getaway at The Cottages at North Beach Plantation today — and start planning your upcoming Grand Strand indulgences!
