Restaurant Reviews – South
Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration. Rating of stars is “regionally adjusted” and is based off a limited number of visits; one of the real keys to an excellent restaurant, regardless of price or cuisine, is the consistent delivery of a fine dining experience.
///// 2013
Name: 21 Main at North Beach
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: 719 North Beach Blvd., N Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.315.3000 / https://www.21mainatnorthbeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
The elegant 21 Main Prime Steakhouse and Sushi Bar are located at North Beach Plantation, a luxury oceanfront resort. The restaurant was a little tough to locate, they are directly across from ‘Barefoot Landing’ but you need to enter via 48th Ave. Their menu offerings go beyond what you normally find at traditional steakhouses. Despite the upscale dining it was still over-priced, not your any-night-of-the-week restaurant.
///// 2013
Name: Abuelo’s
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: 740 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.5533 / https://www.abuelos.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Abuelo’s located at Coastal Grand Mall, is an upscale Mexican restaurant. Nationally they are the top-ranked Mexican food restaurant and one of America’s top restaurant chains. They are also ranked locally as one of the Best Mexican Restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s worth trying if you are already down there; but it would be hard to justify the trip just to eat there. There are a number of other Mexican restaurants locally that are pretty good without having to take the over one hour drive.
///// 2014
Name: Angelo’s Steak & Pasta
Cuisine: Italian Steakhouse
Location: 2311 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.626.2800 / https://www.angelosteakandpasta.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
In 2012 they opened at their new location two blocks south of the restaurant they operated for 23 years at the southern end of Myrtle Beach. It’s still all about the steaks! Home of “The Greatest Steaks in the Universe”, they serve 100,000 steaks a year there. As good a steak as you will get at your upscale steakhouses. Great steaks, at an incredible value, it’s hard to beat this deal.
///// December 2022
Name: Aspen Grille
Cuisine: Southern
Location: 5101 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.449.9191 / https://aspengrille.net/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Established in 2009, but under new ownership since November of 2019, Aspen Grille is under the guidance of Roland Sciotto of Bistro 90. The restaurant is ranked #14 out of 618 restaurants located in in the heart of old Myrtle Beach. Dishes are based on traditional Southern cuisine with a twist. Their menu changes seasonally and offers simple, but flavorful dishes with ingredients sourced from the best local suppliers. They feature live entertainment several nights a week. Although it still one of the area’s most popular fine dining restaurant, it is overpriced, and we didn’t feel like we were getting our money’s worth. When it opened, it was one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach unfortunately that is no longer the case.
///// 2021
Name: Benny’s Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 1453 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Bch SC
Contact: 843.361.1056 / https://bennyrappas.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Open since 1996, it’s a small restaurant that is very unassuming from the street but is ranked #3 out of @280 restaurants located in North Myrtle Beach. Their chalkboard menu which changes daily, offers about a dozen entrée choices. If you don’t see what you like on the board, ask and they will prepare any dish for you if they have the ingredients. Although the entrees are a bit pricey, the food is terrific and well worth it. They do have an extensive wine list that is very reasonably priced. A trattoria is a home away from home for many Italians where the food is basic, simple, and most of all delicious. I think you’ll enjoy the casual fine dining at this trattoria.
///// 2013
Name: Bistro 90
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 7209 Highway 90, Longs SC
Contact: 843.390.5151 / https://bistro90.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
This out of the way place (rural location) is wonderful and well worth the trip. You will find fine dining in a casual atmosphere with something for everyone. Entrees range from a small pizza @$8 to a stuffed veal chop @$35. You should put Bistro 90 on your list of places to try.
///// 2013
Name: Bonefish Grill
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 103 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.280.6638 / https://www.bonefishgrill.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Consumer Reports rated Bonefish Grill as the best of the seafood restaurant chains. Why would you go to a seafood chain restaurant when you are at the beach? The reason to go is because it is better than most of the local seafood restaurants in the area. The restaurant has a local feel, quality, consistency and value is the recipe for their success. Usually I’m reluctant to recommend a chain restaurant but I’m a big fan of theirs.
///// 2015
Name: Cafe Old Vienna
Cuisine: Austrian-German & European
Location: 1604 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.946.6252 / https://cafeoldvienna.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Cafe Old Vienna is an authentic Viennese restaurant offering Old World European Cuisine since 1997. The husband and wife team of native Austrians Werner and Martina Horvath must be doing something right. The restaurant is ranked #7 out of @768 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach and they recently moved to a larger venue. If you have never had this type of cuisine you should give it a try.
///// 2011
Name: Chestnut Hill
Cuisine: Continental
Location: 9922 Highway 17 North, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.449.3984 / https://www.chestnuthilldining.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Upscale fresh, homemade foods in a formal setting built out over the lake.
///// 2017
Name: Chuck’s Steak House
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: 9695 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.449.7611 / https://www.chuckssteakhousemb.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: One Star
Chuck’s has been offering the original steakhouse and salad bar concept since 1979. The décor is laid-back in the hunting lodge motif. Steaks are the main attraction at Chuck’s, they were “VOTED BEST STEAK 2015 and 2016”. That said, I have no idea why the rave reviews. Neither the food or the service was what one would expect from a high-end steakhouse.
///// 2019
Name: Ciao!
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 5223 north Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.449.5700 / https://www.ciaomyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Ciao is a great local classic family run Italian restaurant that is located in a nondescript small strip mall. It is ranked #2 out of @699 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. It’s no longer a hole in the wall. In 2016 they took over the space next door, remodeled and added a huge bar. We enjoyed the dining experience at this place, and we weren’t disappointed. That said, there are a number of other Italian restaurants that are at least as good and half the distance away.
///// 2018
Name: Clark’s Seafood & Chop House
Cuisine: Continental
Location: 720 Hwy 17, Little River SC (at Coquina Harbor)
Contact: 843.399.8888 / https://clarksseafoodandchophouse.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
The owners of the Boundary House in Calabash have totally remodeled the restaurant location at what was Umberto’s. The décor is understated, with a nice view of the harbor / marina, outside seating & bar area are nice upgrades. All in all it we had a nice meal there, but it is really nothing special just a little more upscale then the Boundary House. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one.
///// June 2023
Name: Crave
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 5900 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.213.0500 / https://www.cravemb.com/cravemb
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: One Star
Crave is an Italian restaurant that is located along Kings Highway in a small strip mall with inadequate parking. It is ranked #17 out of @699 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. It has no ambiance at all, it’s as if a dive bar was converted into a restaurant. They have live music most nights which only reinforces the bar atmosphere. It’s a relatively small place with very limited seating. You are seated on top of each other, really don’t think they could have squeezed in another table. The venue is just too small for how popular they are. Although the food was decent it was not enough to overcome the other issues. I was very disappointed; it was not at all what I expected. They have plans to open another location in North Myrtle Beach sometime in July, perhaps this new location will not have these issues.
///// 2013
Name: Fibber McGees
Cuisine: Irish
Location: 1780 Queen Anne, Sunset Beach NC
Contact: 910.575.2271 / https://fibbermcgeesnc.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Irish tavern with a nice selection of bar food, with most of the clientele being locals
///// June 2017
Name: Filet’s on the Water
Cuisine: American
Location: 2120 Sea Mountain Highway, N Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.280.5200 / https://filetswaterfront.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: One Star
Relaxed waterfront restaurant with nice views
///// April 2022
Name: Flamingo Grill
Cuisine: American
Location: 7050 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.449.5388 / https://flamingogrill.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Located one mile south of Carolina Opry and the Dunes Golf Club on the corner of 71st Ave., Flamingo Grill opened in 1986 and is operated by the owners of Cagney’s Old Place. It’s a popular casual dining spot, in an art deco setting, with something for everyone. Old school, menu including specials offers almost fifty (50) entrée choices. Despite great reviews it isn’t really anything special, we found it to be pretty standard fare. There are any number of restaurants that are as good so it’s pretty hard to justify the over one-hour drive just to eat there.
///// 2019
Name: Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 4744 Highway 17 S, Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact: 843.663.3474 / https://www.flyingfishmarket.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Flying Fish is one of ten restaurants in the Homegrown Hospitality Group, this one is primarily a seafood restaurant and a fish market. They are located in Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach next to the Alabama Theatre, overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway they have indoor and outdoor dining options. It is a unique casual waterfront dining experience, featuring local seafood and a raw bar with a variety of shellfish and sushi. Would recommend a visit to the bar to take advantage of the great deals at Happy Hour. We were pleasantly surprised, a great value.
///// 2017
Name: Frank’s
Cuisine: American
Location: 1434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island SC
Contact: 843.237.3030 / https://www.franksandoutback.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Frank’s has been serving upscale American cuisine since 1988. There are two areas to eat in the restaurant; the more formal inside main dining room is Frank’s, and the more casual outdoor patio deck and covered terrace is Frank’s Outback. Entrees are a bit pricey, but the rest of the offerings on the menu are moderately priced. This restaurant is significantly better than most of the other restaurant offerings in the area, an extraordinarily good restaurant that does not disappoint. It’s too bad that it’s over an hour and a half away, but if you are in the area this restaurant should be the one you should go to. It’s a very busy place so be cautious about making dining plans there during prime tourist season. Frank’s Outback is everything I want in a restaurant, outdoor dining that’s about as good as it gets!
///// March 2023
Name: Greg Norman Australian Grille
Cuisine: American
Location: 4930 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.361.0000 / https://gregnormanaustraliangrille.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Open since 1999, the restaurant is located on the waterfront at Barefoot Landing. The menu features grilled meats and seafood and is ranked among the finest of Myrtle Beach’s upscale dining establishments. They also have an extensive wine list, which has earned Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” for the last seventeen (17) years. Guests can enjoy beautiful alfresco waterfront dining and if you come by boat they have dock space adjacent to the restaurant deck. Despite the food being very good and the elegant setting it is still very pricey. Neither the food nor the service was what one would expect from an upscale restaurant. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one. Therefore, it’s hard to justify the expense. Although we had a nice meal there, it really wasn’t anything special and it wasn’t worth returning for.
///// 2021
Name: Inlet View
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 1800 Village Point Road, Shallotte NC
Contact: 910.754.6233 / https://inletview.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Family owned and operated since 1978, The Inlet View is a three story bar and grill on the Intracoastal with spectacular panoramic views. Nothing fancy here. The atmosphere is casual, easy-going and comfortable, with indoor or outdoor dining options. The pace is usually a bit leisurely, so don’t be in a hurry if you go, relax and enjoy the view. They are a member of the “Brunswick Catch” program so the menu focuses on locally sourced fresh seafood although there is something for everyone on the menu. They don’t accept reservations, but they do offer a convenient phone ahead seating policy. They are definitely located off the beaten path but whether you come on the road or by water, it should be on the top of your list of places to go to eat. Love this place!
///// 2018
Name: Joe’s Bar & Grill
Cuisine: American
Location: 810 Conway Street, N Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact: 843.272.4666 / https://www.joesbarandgrillonline.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Joe’s Bar & Grill has been a staple of North Myrtle Beach for over 30 years, it is located just across from the Alabama Theatre. Joe’s is a little hideaway place, a local’s favorite. It serves upscale fare in a casual setting, think fishing / hunting lodge rustic grace, where the ambiance is laid-back. It’s a bi-level eatery with seating either in the main dining room or out on the screened-in porch both with panoramic views of the saltwater marsh. The Raccoon Cove Deck Bar is outside with a fireplace where the raccoons entertain the guests. Joe’s is a little pricey but is still a pretty good value.
///// May 2023
Name: La Cucina
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 1780 Chandlers Lane, Sunset Beach NC
Contact: 910.579.9777 / NA
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Intimate casual restaurant preparing hearty Italian specialties.
///// August 2023
Name: Lombardo’s
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 7604 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.497.6699 / https://www.lombardosmyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Lombardo’s is a family owned and operated restaurant that prepares its traditional Italian cuisine using the family’s recipes for all their dishes. This intimate bistro has a warm, classy atmosphere, its upscale dining without the upscale pricing. Both the food and wine are reasonably priced, although the specials are a bit pricey. Godere!
Editor’s note –
We were charged fees that were not communicated by the wait staff that amounts to an additional $18.36 or 16.5% to our bill. I reached out to management regarding surcharging more than the advertised prices but did not get any response. Needless to say, I won’t be going back there anytime soon
///// October 2024
Name: Lucca Italian Chop House
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 4924 Main Street, Shallotte NC
Contact: 910.754.2334 / https://www.luccachophouse.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Lucca is a local Italian restaurant, dining in a casual relaxed atmosphere with a menu that offers something for everyone. An exceptional value, the food is very good, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. All in all, we had a nice meal there, but it really wasn’t anything special.
- Italian menu average price is $23 was $20
- Chop House menu average price is $39 was $48
///// December 2022
Angelo’s which is permanently closed has rebranded and are now operating as Lucca Italian Chop House. It’s really like there are two restaurants that are both operating under one roof. The Italian menu prices are inexpensive ($20), serving a wide variety of pizzas, pastas, and traditional Italian dishes. Unfortunately, they no longer have a brick oven. The steakhouse menu prices are exorbitant ($48), meats are cooked in an 1800-degree Southbend Broilers. Dining is in a casual relaxed atmosphere with a menu that offers something for everyone. That works for the Italian menu , but not so much for the steakhouse menu which has prices of an upscale restaurant, and they just aren’t one. I’m sorry to say that it was simply not up to our expectations, we were disappointed.
///// 2020
Name: Luigi’s Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 503 61st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.497.7080 / https://www.luigismyrtlebeach.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Luigi’s is a great local classic family run Italian restaurant. Serving traditional Italian cuisine with a broad-based menu that offers something for everyone. Established in 2006, they have stood the test of time. Currently they are ranked #5 out of @699 restaurants that are in Myrtle Beach. They are located just off the beaten path, being far enough from Kings Highway to allow for a quiet meal on their in season outdoor patio dining. The food is wonderful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. An exceptional value, what’s not to like? Amore al primo assaggio!
/// 2019
Name: Martini
Cuisine: Continental
Location: 98 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 943.249.1134 / https://martininmb.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
This popular establishment went through a change of ownership and name in 2013. What was originally Martini’s Restaurant & Piano Bar is now simply just Martini. A favorite among locals, the restaurant is ranked #4 out of @219 restaurants located in North Myrtle Beach. It was just all right, neither the food nor the service was what one would expect from upscale dining establishments. Having said that, I have no idea why the rave reviews. Relax while listening to the live entertainment in the piano bar lounge and take advantage of the great deals at Happy Hour, you should check it out if you have not already.
///// 2018
Name: New York Prime
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: 405 28th Avenue, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.8081 / https://newyorkprime.com/location/Myrtle-Beach-SC/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
High-end steakhouse reminiscent of “old-school” New York steakhouses. They primarily serve steaks at an exorbitant price to people willing to pay it. I don’t object to that if I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I was disappointed, it’s no Ruth’s Chris.
///// 2022
Name: P.F. Chang’s
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Location: 1190 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.839.9470 / https://www.pfchangs.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
A popular Chinese chain restaurant, they are located at The Market Common, in the heart of Myrtle Beach. It’s a very busy place so be cautious about making dining plans there during prime tourist season. P.F. Chang’s is an upscale Chinese restaurant, the food is divine but the portions are small and a bit pricy. They serve Asian food that you cannot get anywhere else. The dining options in Myrtle Beach are plentiful, but they are one of the best restaurants in the area. We have enjoyed everything we’ve ever ordered there and it is one of my wife’s favorite restaurants.
//// August 2024
Name: Parson’s Table
Cuisine: American
Location: 4305 McCorsley Avenue, Little River SC
Contact: 843.249.3702 / www.parsonstable.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Established as a restaurant in1978, they have stood the test of time. The restaurant has been consistently receiving rave reviews. They occupy what was the Little River Methodist Church that was constructed in 1885. Upon walking through the antique doors, every room is filled with stained glass pieces. It was just all right, neither the food nor the service was what one would expect from an upscale dining establishment. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one. They used to be an exceptional value, unfortunately that is no longer the case.
///// 2013
Name: Rioz
Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: 2920 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.839.0777 / https://www.rioz.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: One Star
Brazilian steakhouse offering meats carved tableside with an extensive salad bar.
Name: Rioz
Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: 1315 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.492.9777 / https://www.rioz.com/location/rioz-north-myrtle-beach-sc/
///// October 2023
Name: Rivertown Bistro
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 1111 3rd Avenue, Conway SC
Contact: 843.248.3733 / https://www.rivertownbistro.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Located in the Historic District of downtown Conway, South Carolina, Rivertown Bistro offers unmatched atmosphere and unequaled culinary fusions. The food is outstanding, a tremendous value with prices being very reasonable for the quality of the food served. It is one of the few area restaurants that offer creativity, quality, and atmosphere comparable to fine dining restaurants in major metropolitan areas. This is far above most of the other restaurant offerings in Myrtle Beach. It’s too bad that it’s over an hour away but definitely worth the trip. If you are going to try one new restaurant this should be the one you should go to. It’s the cat’s meow!
///// 2017
Name: Ruth’s Chris
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: 8761 Marina Parkway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.839.9500 / https://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/myrtle-beach/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Four Stars
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located next to the Grande Dunes Marina overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, is renowned for its aged USDA Prime steaks. They offer a variety of other dishes besides their unbeatable signature sizzling steaks. Despite being a franchisee of the largest upscale steakhouse restaurant group in the world it is everything one would expect from a high-end steakhouse; the only negative is it is very pricey but it is so worth it.
///// 2010
Name: Sea Blue
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: 503 Highway 17 North, N. Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.249.8800 / https://www.seabluerestaurant.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Four Stars
Despite its location in a strip shopping center Sea Blue is a dining destination restaurant that not only uses the finest high quality, locally produced foods, but also offers contemporary cuisine in a sophisticated yet tranquil environment. The atmosphere – trendy, hip urban bar setting is rare for the area and is outstanding. Their extensive wine list boasts over 500 selections by the bottle and over 50 by the glass.
OpenTable, a provider of online restaurant reservations, has named Sea Blue Restaurant & Wine Bar in North Myrtle Beach a 2014 Diners’ Choice Award winner for the Top 100 Best Restaurants in America. The awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Sea Blue Restaurant & Wine Bar, a modern and casual fine dining restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, was ranked #1.
For more information » click here
///// 2017
Name: Sea Captain’s House
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 3002 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.8082 / https://www.seacaptains.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
The Sea Captain’s House is an oceanfront restaurant in the heart of Myrtle Beach that has won more awards than any other restaurant in the area. They have received numerous Best of the Beach awards from The Sun News readers as well as being named the Best Seafood Restaurant Reader’s Choice Award by Southern Living Magazine four years in a row. We do not agree the food does not live up to its reputation. It may still be worth a visit because of the unique oceanfront setting.
///// 2018
Name: Snooky’s
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 4495 Baker Street, Little River SC
Contact: 843.249.5252 / https://www.snookysonthewater.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Located at Cricket Cove Marina (Mile Marker 345) in Little River. The view overlooking the marina and ICW is outstanding. Hidden from the road, it is a little out of the way but not hard to find and worth it. New owners since our last visit who have made some changes including adding a raw bar. Cool little place that you should really make it a lunch stop next time you are in the area.
///// November 2022
Name: Sole
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 3401 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact: 843.443.3488 / https://solemyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Sole is a family owned and operated local classic Italian restaurant. It’s a small place, located along Kings Highway in a strip mall, with seating for only fifty (50) people. Serving traditional Italian cuisine with a broad-based menu that offers something for everyone. The food is reasonably priced, although the specials are a bit pricey. It is ranked #7 out of @689 restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. It is always nice to have the owner come to your table, Patty the owner doted on us and made us feel at home there. We enjoyed the dining experience at this place. That said, there are a number of other Italian restaurants that are at least as good and half the distance away.
///// 2008
Name: The Boundary House
Cuisine: American
Location: 1045 River Road, Calabash NC
Contact: 910.579.8888 / https://boundaryhouserestaurant.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Casual dining in a ship-themed setting
///// 2018
Name: The Brentwood
Cuisine: Low Country French
Location: 4269 Luck Avenue, Little River SC
Contact: 843.249.2601 / https://www.thebrentwoodrestaurant.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Located in a 1910 historic Victorian house, The Brentwood features five elegant private dining rooms with two bars, five fireplaces, a piano bar upstairs and an impressive wine collection. Enjoy their unique Low Country French Cuisine.
///// 2017
Name: The Chef & The Frog
Cuisine: French Asian fusion
Location: 605 S. Madison Street, Whitesville NC
Contact: 910.640.5550 / https://www.chefnc.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Located in downtown Whitesville, a fine dining restaurant in an unexpected locale. Serving New Southern Cuisine mixed with continental European classics and a twist of Asian, they prefer to describe it as Fresh, Creative, & Affordable. This is a really good restaurant in a nice small town that is far better than most. What a pleasant surprise!
///// 2019
Name: The Library
Cuisine: European Continental
Location: 6613 North Kings Highway Unit D, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.4527 / https://thelibraryrestaurantsc.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Established in 1974 this is the most formal and classic restaurant along the Grand Strand and ranks among the finest of Myrtle Beach’s upscale dining establishments. A couple of years ago they moved from downtown Myrtle Beach to a new location in a strip mall just a bit north. They have a limited menu that only offers about a dozen entrée choices. The food is excellent but a little pricey, not your any-night-of-the-week restaurant. It was a Four-Star establishment, unfortunately that is no longer the case. It is still one of the few quality dining options in Myrtle Beach, significantly better than most of the other restaurant offerings in the area.
///// 2018
Name: The Oyster Rock
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 9931 Nance Street, Calabash NC
Contact: 910.579.6875 / https://theoysterrock.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: One Star
The Oyster Rock is a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant. The owners of the Boundary House and Clark’s have totally remodeled the restaurant location at what was Colemans. The décor is understated, overlooking the Calabash River, featuring indoor and outdoor dining options. All in all, we had a nice meal there, but it is really nothing special. The prices are those of an upscale restaurant and they just aren’t one.
///// 2009
Name: Thouroughbreds
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: 9706 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.497.2636 / https://thoroughbredsrestaurant.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille was one of the best fine dining restaurant in Myrtle Beach. Not so much, anymore.
///// 2016
Name: Toscana Italian Kitchen
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 2703 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.712.2699 / NA
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Toscana Italian Bistro is a nice local classic family run authentic Italian restaurant and is the sister restaurant of Villa Tuscanna. It’s a small place, located in a strip mall, with seating for only fifty (50) people. It’s a comfortable, friendly casual environment, but we were very disappointed that they had No Bar. Surprisingly it is ranked #4 of all the restaurants located in Myrtle Beach. Frankly it did not live up to that kind of top tier rating. There are a number of other Italian restaurants that are superior and half the distance away.
///// 2015
Name: Tupelo Honey Café
Cuisine: American
Location: 3044 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Bch SC
Contact: 843.315.3780 / https://tupelohoneycafe.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Known for its incredible Mountain South cuisine and artsy décor, Asheville-based Tupelo Honey Cafe opened in Myrtle Beach this February. They recently completed renovating a marquee location in Market Common that was the Tommy Bahama Restaurant location before. The restaurant is spacious, with very high ceilings, multiple seating areas, and ample outdoor seating. The full bar offers a very nice craft beer selection, many from the Carolinas. The motto here is “Creative Southern Food that’s Good for the Soul”, which really turned out to be just pub grub with a southern twist. Frankly, we were disappointed.
///// December 2023
Name: Villa Romana
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.4990 / https://www.villaromanamyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
A quintessential Italian restaurant, it feels like the great Italian restaurants that were more prevalent many years ago. Apparently, they have renovated since our last visit the traditional Roman architecture with its columns, statues, and fountains have been removed. Frankly, although it was a bit kitschy I miss them. The roving accordion player contributes to its old-world charm. Established in 1985, the menu reflects home-style interpretations of their family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. What makes them great is they are happy to prepare any dishes you want as long as the ingredients are available. It’s an exceptional value, the food is wonderful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. What’s not to like?
///// 2015
Name: Villa Tuscanna
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 97 Highway 17 North, N Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.280.2288 / https://www.villatuscanna.com
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Two Stars
Small local classic authentic family run Italian restaurant.
///// Bar / Happy Hour
Martini
98 Highway 17 South, N Myrtle Beach SC
943.249.1134 / https://martininmb.com
Relax while listening to the live entertainment in the piano bar lounge and take advantage of the great deals at Happy Hour.
88 Keys Piano Bar
6613 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC
843.712.1726 / https://thelibraryrestaurantsc.com/88-keys-piano-bar/
Live music nightly, the sole upscale piano bar in the area