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Food Dude Finds the Best Mexican Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

By Terry Massey May 02, 2012

Plenty of Mexican restaurants can be found in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas.

Hola, and happy something-O De Mayo!

That's about the extent of the Food Dude's Spanish, except for the important words - taco, chalupa, burrito and cerveza. Those words and "grassy ass" will get you everything you want at a Mexican restaurant.

So in honor of Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for "The Fourth of July" (told you my Spanish was bad), the Food Dude offers up the best places on the Grand Strand to get some great grub from south of the border.

1) Nacho Hippo: This new Market Common cantina has become a hot spot in more ways than one. In addition to serving spicy dishes, the Hippo also has become a happening hangout among local and tourists alike.

With a "hip" decor and open-air feel, the Hippo has live music on the weekends and $3 margaritas all the time. It's a great place to take a break from a day of shopping at Market Common.

But the chilled-out atmosphere doesn't overshadow the food, with creative dishes such as the Hippo Egg Rolls and the Oh #@! Nachos (I think I know the translation that one).

2) Abuelo's: This Coastal Grand Mall restaurant takes Mexican food to the next level, featuring all the standard dishes you expect and some obscure ones you've never had before but will want to have again.

Like the house special Los Mejores De La Casa, with wood-grilled, bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin medallions and shrimp stuffed with jalapenos and cheese. But I stick with the enchiladas, and for an extra buck they will put scrambled eggs over them (holy huevos, it's good).

The bar serves excellent margaritas, of course, but I love the chilladas, a mix of iced draft beer and spicy bloody mary mix that hits the spot on a summer day. Speaking of, enjoy drinks and apps on the side porch.

3) Fiesta Del Burro Loco: This Tex-Mex eatery offers all the traditional favorites in a festive atmosphere, as the name implies (Crazy Donkey Party?). This place is known for fun as much as its food.

A huge bar area and patio deck are the centers of activity as folks pack the area for happy hour drink specials and free snacks. Every day is a party at Fiesta Del Burro Loco, but it also hosts the biggest Cinco De Mayo party of the year in the parking lot.

4) Fiesta Mexicana: This small but thriving cantina has a huge local following, mainly for its mix of great food and cheap prices. Lunch specials are in the $6 range and you often need a doggie bag.

Surprisingly, this restaurant transforms into a party spot on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar area boasting a disco ball over a makeshift dance floor while Mexican jams play over the sound system.

5) La Playa: If you're on the south side near Pawleys Island and stuck in a seafood rut, La Playa takes you even farther south and beyond the border for some creative Mexican meals.

Some dishes are served in a vulcan stone to keep them hot and tasty, and fresh seafood is well represented on this unique menu. After dining here, you won't be a La Playa hater (that's Spanish and Gangsta).

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