Coffee, Casual Bites, Date Night Dinners & Desserts Worth the Drive
If you’ve ever wondered where the locals actually eat, this Myrtle Beach Foodie Guide is your answer — made by locals, for locals (and anyone who wants to eat like one). It covers everything from tucked-away coffee shops to go-to dinner favorites and over-the-top desserts that never disappoint. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting with good taste, here’s your cheat sheet to the best bites along the Grand Strand.
COFFEE SHOPS
Every great Myrtle Beach Foodie Guide starts with a solid caffeine lineup. These spots are local favorites for good reason (great coffee, better vibes).
Rustic Roast – Conway
Locals love: the reclaimed wood decor, seasonal lavender and cinnamon drinks, and the super friendly baristas who remember your order. Great for working remotely or catching up with friends.
182 Waccamaw Medical Park Ct, Conway, SC 29526
Beach Hippie Coffee – Myrtle Beach
A favorite for early risers who hit the beach before the crowds. The Tiki Island Latte is a local favorite, and their surf-inspired merch adds to the laid-back vibe. 5311 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Grand Strand Coffee – Myrtle Beach (both locations)
Clean aesthetic, strong pour-over game, and reliable Wi-Fi make this a go-to for digital nomads and creatives. Market Common location is more social; the 13th Avenue South shop feels like a secret hideaway. 2954 Howard Ave Unit E, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
410 13th Ave S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Milk and Honey Coffee Café – Surfside Beach
Tucked in a quiet plaza, this place nails the small-town charm. Locals swear by the maple brown sugar latte and the rotating breakfast sandwiches. 351 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Social Coffee Shop – Myrtle Beach (Broadway at the Beach)
A hidden gem among the bustle — elevated café drinks without the chain feel. 1303 Celebrity Cir E125, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Why these stand out: These are the community hubs — you’ll find students, small business owners, and off-duty chefs fueling up before service.
Pro Tip: Most have a local artist wall, pop-up events, or seasonal drink menus — check their socials to catch the next small-batch roast or poetry night.
CASUAL DINNER SPOTS
Whether you’re in flip-flops or just off work, these are the neighborhood go-tos that always hit the spot.
Tu Taco – Garden City, Myrtle Beach & Conway
Mexican Street Food
Loved for their quick service and bold flavors. The Garden City location’s full bar and beachy backdrop make it a go-to for locals. 1343 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
2520 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
201 Graduate Rd #107, Conway, SC 29526
Crooked Hammock Brewery – North Myrtle Beach (Barefoot Landing)
Brewpub / American
Kids can run wild on the lawn while adults enjoy craft beer flights and live music. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly scene with something for everyone. 4924 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Co Sushi – Myrtle Beach (Market Common)
Sushi / Asian Fusion
A Market Common must. It’s stylish but not stuffy, and their half-priced sushi Tuesdays from 4–6 p.m. is a solid local favorite. A quick heads-up: if you go on Tuesdays for half-priced sushi, expect a wait — but trust us, it’s worth it. 3098 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Big Chill Island House – North Myrtle Beach (Barefoot Landing)
Island-Inspired / American
It feels like a beach vacation every time. The rooftop seating is ideal for sunset drinks, and the island bowls are both hearty and healthy. 4736 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Gulfstream Cafe – Murrells Inlet
Seafood / Southern
Beloved for its sunset deck and dependable seafood. Locals know to ask for the “upstairs view” table. Sunday brunch here is a hidden gem — go early. 1536 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Dead Dog Saloon – Murrells Inlet (MarshWalk)
Seafood / Bar & Grill
Casual, classic, and never boring. The pulled pork nachos are legendary, and it’s one of the few places where tourists and locals actually mix. 4079 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Why these stand out: No pretense, just consistently great food, cold drinks, and the kind of spots where locals hang out year-round — not just in the summer.
Pro Tip: Go during golden hour, order a local draft, and bring your patience — the best tables are worth the wait.
NICER DINNER SPOTS
For birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because” nights, these are the places that make the Myrtle Beach Foodie Guide feel a little more grown-up.
Frank’s and Frank’s Outback – Pawleys Island
Steakhouse / Southern
Locals adore the twinkle-light courtyard (Outback) and seasonal Southern dishes like shrimp & grits. It’s where you take out-of-town guests to show off the Lowcountry. 10434 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
New York Prime – Myrtle Beach
Steakhouse
Not flashy, but always flawless. You’ll see real estate brokers, CEOs, and longtime locals at the bar. Pro move: get the thick cut sizzling bacon and a classic martini. 405 28th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Lombardo’s Italian Restaurant – Myrtle Beach
Italian
Intimate and dimly lit, it’s often where locals go for birthdays or anniversaries. Known for seafood pastas and a great wine list. 7604 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Hook and Barrel – Myrtle Beach
Seafood / Coastal American
Sustainably sourced and smartly plated. Locals appreciate the attention to detail (from wine pairings to the glass water bottle on each table). Don’t skip the smoked oysters. 8014 N Kings Hwy B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar – Myrtle Beach
Middle Eastern / Mediterranean
Authentic Mediterranean dishes served in a warm, welcoming space. Belly dancers perform Wednesdays (6:30–8:30) and Saturdays (7–9). 7211 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Parson’s Table – Little River
Fine Dining / Southern
A special-occasion favorite — the stained-glass windows and candlelight make it unforgettable. Their pan-seared duck breast is a standout. 4305 State Rd S-26-850, Little River, SC 29566
Why these stand out: They deliver more than just food — they offer experiences. Each one is unique, chef-led, and woven into the local fabric of its community.
Pro Tip: Book ahead and mention if you’re celebrating — several offer complimentary champagne or dessert with a heads-up.
DESSERT
If dessert’s your favorite part of the meal, this section of the Myrtle Beach Foodie Guide is for you. These over-the-top treats, cozy bakeries, and ice cream favorites are ones locals swear by.
The Dolly Llama – Myrtle Beach
Waffle & Shake Bar
Bubble waffles and stacked shakes that go big on flavor. It’s fun, photogenic, and worth the sugar high. 505 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Cinnaholic – Myrtle Beach
Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls
Custom cinnamon rolls with endless topping combos — from cookie dough to fruit. Bonus: 100% vegan. 1399 S Commons Dr Suite B-8, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Pineapple Hut Soft Serve – Myrtle Beach (Broadway at the Beach)
Soft Serve
Bright and beachy, this is where the locals take their friends when Dole Whip cravings hit. 1175 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Crazy Mason Milkshakes – Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach
Milkshake Bar
Next-level milkshakes stacked with full slices of cake, candy, and cookies. Come hungry. 2461 Coastal Grand Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
801 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Why these stand out: They’re more than desserts — they’re experiences. Fun, creative, and unapologetically indulgent.
Pro Tip: These spots can get slammed post-dinner — swing by in the afternoon or post-lunch for faster service and better parking.
Final Thoughts
Forget the frozen daiquiri stands and tourist-bait chains. If you want the real flavor of Myrtle Beach, this is where to start. From early-morning espresso runs to sunset seafood and late-night sugar rushes, these local favorites never miss.
