Some of the best meals along the Grand Strand aren’t in Myrtle Beach at all. Head south from Myrtle Beach and you’ll land yourself in Murrells Inlet, also known as the ‘Seafood Capital of South Carolina’. Fishing boats unload fresh catches daily, restaurants line the marsh, and dinner often comes with live music, salty air, and a front-row seat to one of the best sunsets on the coast.
For generations, this little fishing village has been supplying fresh seafood to the South Carolina coast. Some restaurants have been local institutions for decades, like Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, founded in 1948. Others put a fresh spin on coastal cooking. All of them share one thing in common: they’re the kind of places people recommend before you even ask where to eat.
If you’re planning a Myrtle Beach vacation, these are the restaurants we think deserve a spot on your dining itinerary.
1. Drunken Jack
Photo Credit: Sergii Koval
- 4031 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Seafood
- $$
The name is more historic than it may first sound. In the early 1700s, pirates actually hid in the winding waterways of Murrells Inlet to escape capture, including pirates like Blackbeard. Local legends tell of a pirate named Drunken Jack, who was left behind on an island with a huge stash of rum. So a trip to this spot is also due diligence in experiencing the history of the area!
You’ll find hush puppies and baked stuffed flounder served with a waterfront view. You’re not limited to the bounty of the sea at Drunken Jack’s. You’ll also find sirloin steak, slow roasted prime rib, and Southwestern chicken on the chargrilled side of the menu.
2. Hot Fish Club
- 4911 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Seafood & Southern
- $$$
While excellent seafood is not hard to find in Murrells Inlet, Hot Fish Club is one that locals will tell you not to skip. Think Lowcountry marsh views, Lobster Pot Pie, and Seafood Corn Chowder. And if you’re in the mood, they’ve even got a standing sushi menu!
The fare here leans a little more refined than a typical seafood house, with decadent offerings like Lobster Stuffed Lobster Tails. If it’s available, the local catch is always a safe bet. The deck out back doesn’t hurt either. Time your reservation around sunset if you can. It’s one of those restaurants where people linger over another drink because nobody’s in a hurry to leave.
3. Inlet Crab House and Raw Bar
Photo Credit: YOOONIE
- 3572 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Caribbean and Southern Seafood
- $$-$$$
Located just off the south end of the MarshWalk, Inlet Crab House and Raw Bar is an easy stop if you’ve spent the afternoon exploring the waterfront, taking a fishing charter, or strolling through the nearby shops and marinas. This spot also has major points for authenticity as the only Captain owned and family operated restaurant in Murrells Inlet.
This spot tops our list for group dining. The family style platters are overflowing with generous portions of fresh seafood and made for passing around the table. Snow crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and Lowcountry boils are all favorites. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Style points here are less for a killer view and more for who can crack a crab leg with the most skill.
4. Wicked Tuna
- 4123 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Seafood and Sushi
- $$$
Wicked Tuna is what happens when a sushi bar, a seafood house, and a front-row seat to the Murrells Inlet marsh all end up in the same place. It has arguably one of the best spots on the waterfront, sitting right beside the marina where many of the fishing boats unload their catch. Grab a shareable plate of Oysters Rockefeller and a table outside, and it’s the recipe for a perfect meal.
While you may guess the menu would be seafood forward, it has a great ‘land and sea’ balance. You’ll find Po’Boys and Chicken Inlet Alfredo, alongside classic sushi, seafood platters, and sushi tacos. Notable mention for those looking for a vegetarian or healthy option: the themed salads here are thoughtfully crafted and easily make a meal on their own.
5. Dead Dog Saloon
- 4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- American & Seafood
- $$
The Dead Dog Saloon is a whole scene in the best way. By late afternoon, the deck starts to fill up, with folks waiting for the evening band to set up. Boats are drifting past on the marsh, and there’s a good chance someone has put in an order for one of their classic “Two Hand Burgers” or Blue Crab Nachos.
Located right on the MarshWalk, the menu covers everything from fresh seafood and burgers to shrimp and grits and crab cakes, so it’s an easy choice when everyone in your group wants something different. Hearty breakfasts are popular here, too, if you’re looking for a waterfront start to the day.
The live music is really the heart of the experience here. Local bands play most nights throughout the week.
6. Inlet Prohibition Company
Photo Credit: Louis Adam
- 4660 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- American, Cocktails & Tapas
- $$$
This family-owned restaurant sits just a few blocks from the MarshWalk and has the kind of menu that you’ll want to read through before deciding. While the downstairs dining room at Inlet Prohibition Company has more of an old-neighborhood tavern vibe, the rooftop is one of the better spots in Murrells Inlet to grab a cocktail and take in the view.
Speaking of cocktails, the bar leans into the Prohibition theme with house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and classics like the Old Fashioned and Smoked Manhattan alongside creative seasonal drinks. If bourbon is your thing, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
The kitchen turns out elevated comfort food and shareable plates, alongside entrees such as Bourbon-Glazed Meatloaf, Shrimp & Grits, and Braised Short Rib. You can tell the chefs take their craft seriously here — and patrons tend to agree.
7. Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar
- 4606 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
- Coastal Italian
- $$-$$$
If you’re looking for a slight detour from the seafood heavy menus, Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar serves up a warm Italian feel to Murrells Inlet.
Local chef Jimmy Pronesti has built a menu around Coastal Italian cooking, with pastas, seafood, and steaks, with elevated takes on rich sauces and creative combinations. Start with the Sausage Stuffed Banana Peppers, then share the Pan Seared Diver Scallop and Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe.
The atmosphere feels a little quieter than some of the restaurants along the MarshWalk, making it an easy choice for a date night or a dinner where you want to linger over a glass of wine from one of the most extensive wine lists in the Myrtle Beach area.
Stay Near the Best Dining in Myrtle Beach
One of the best things about staying in Myrtle Beach is that you’re never far from a great meal. Murrells Inlet is well worth the short drive for some of the best eats in the area.
Looking for the perfect home base? Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark puts you just a short drive from Murrells Inlet while keeping you close to all the attractions, shopping, and entertainment Myrtle Beach is known for. Book your stay today, and we’ll see you on the Inlet!
