Sand, seafood, sunsets—and maybe one too many frozen drinks
There’s just something about eating by the ocean that makes everything taste a little better. Maybe it’s the salty breeze, maybe it’s the fact that flip-flops count as formalwear—but either way, Myrtle Beach knows how to do waterfront dining right. Some places are laid-back and easygoing, others have a little more buzz, but they all know the assignment: good food, great views, and zero pressure. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a beach day or just need an excuse for another round of margaritas, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight spots where the ocean is always on the menu.
Bummz Beach Cafe
If your idea of a perfect beach day involves flip-flops, frozen drinks, and zero plans, Bummz Beach Cafe will fit right in. The food is straight-up comfort—burgers, shrimp baskets, nachos, the kind of stuff that’s somehow even better with sand still stuck between your toes. Out on the patio, picnic tables and tiki torches make it feel more like a neighborhood cookout than a restaurant. Live acoustic music floats through the air most afternoons, adding to the laid-back charm. Heads up: the Adirondack chairs facing the beach fill up fast around sunset, and once you’re in one, you may never want to leave.
Location: 2002 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
The Claw House
The Claw House brings a little New England seafood shack energy to the Southern coast—and honestly, it works. Sitting right on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, the place is lively without feeling chaotic, especially once that golden hour glow kicks in. The lobster rolls, oysters, and crab legs are what people rave about, but don’t sleep on the chowder either. The nautical decor is just enough to feel fun without crossing into pirate-themed territory. Pro move: grab a table on the deck, order a seafood tower, and pretend you’re on vacation—even if you live down the street.
Location: 4097 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC
Black Drum Brewing
Black Drum Brewing pulls off that sweet spot between trendy and comfortable without even trying. Think rustic wood and metal inside, fire pits and breezy patios outside, and a craft beer list that deserves its own applause. The menu leans into Carolina coastal favorites like smoked pork and seafood boils, but nothing feels fussy or overdone. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a low-key date night as it does for a group hang. Bonus points for snagging a sunset view with a beer flight in hand—it never gets old.
The Wicked Tuna
If you’re looking for a spot with energy, fresh seafood, and a little bit of a scene, The Wicked Tuna delivers. The MarshWalk location keeps the views front and center, while inside, the vibe skews lively without feeling like a nightclub. Sushi and seared tuna are the real standouts here, and knowing they have their own fishing fleet somehow makes everything taste even better. It’s not uncommon to see a few photo ops happening during sunset, and honestly, we get it. If you’re making a night of it, this is where you want to start (and maybe stay).
Location: 4123 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC
RipTydz Oceanfront Grill & Rooftop Bar
RipTydz is basically Myrtle Beach’s all-in-one oceanfront playground. There’s an indoor restaurant, a sprawling beach-level deck, and a rooftop bar that somehow feels like its own little party. Daytime is super family-friendly, but at night, the rooftop turns into more of a lively, cocktail-fueled scene. The food keeps it simple—fish tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, burgers—and the frozen drinks are dangerously easy to keep ordering. If you’re the type who likes your seafood with a side of energy (and ocean views for miles), this one’s a no-brainer.
Beach House Bar & Grill
Some beach bars try to dress things up. Beach House Bar & Grill leans the other way, and that’s exactly why it works. Right across from the sand, it’s casual to its core—open-air tables, simple seafood baskets, burgers, cold beer, no fuss. You can hear the waves, smell the salt, and soak up that old-school Myrtle Beach vibe without even trying. It’s not fancy, and that’s the point: come as you are, sandy feet and all.
