77. Theme Restaurants
It may have all started in the early 1970s with a small, humble rock ‘n’ roll themed café in London, England, called Hard Rock Café. Visited by Eric Clapton and other 70s rock gods and goddesses, a half-century later the popular concept of dining in a themed restaurant has really caught on world wide. The building design, the décor, and the music all work together to create or re-create a theme that sets the mood. Whether you like rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia (Hard Rock Café), a singer/songwriter’s tropical paradise (Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville), snarky service and miserable staff (Dick’s Last Resort), or the old fashioned corner diner of the 1950s (Johnny Rocket’s), there’s a theme for just about everyone. Myrtle Beach is no stranger to these fabulously fun-filled dining establishments, where great food and entertainment go hand in hand. It’s like dinner and show!
The first Hard Rock Café opened in London, England in 1971. Eric Clapton donated an old Fender guitar to hang on the wall as a gag between him and his musician friends. The rest, as they say, is history. With great food, seasonal live entertainment, and special events, Hard Rock Café is for the family that’s ready to rock.
With his iconic song that conjures up images of lazy summer days, hammocks and tropical beaches, Jimmy Buffett launched himself into music history as the inventor of a lifestyle and music genre. Margaritaville, on Lake Broadway at Broadway at the Beach, opened to great fanfare, with a Jimmy Buffet concert to follow, in 2004. Now one of more than two-dozen restaurants and resorts, Margaritaville” is a state of mind everyone can enjoy.
The joint your mama always warned you about,” and the shame of Barefoot Landing,” Dick’s Last Resort in North Myrtle Beach, takes an irreverent approach to customer service, but offers outstanding food, live entertainment, and tons of good-natured fun. It’s unlike every other restaurant in Myrtle Beach, and it’s no wonder Dick’s has remained a must visit” destination for returning visitors year after year since opening in 1992.
This national chain is built upon American music and Southern cuisine, a solid combination for those whose idea of dinner and a show is some good comfort food and a concert. Touring acts play the concert hall while local and regional acts hit the stage in the restaurant’s bar area and back por
This Carolina Forest hunting-lodge-style eatery is tucked back near the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a great view from its back patio, where outdoor firepits and cornhole boards bring people to party on the porch. Owner and avid hunter/fisherman Ronnie Hribar opened this place as a tribute to
From the local paintings hanging on the walls to the burgers on the easel-shaped menu named after the world’s most famous artists (Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Picasso, et al.), ART Burger Sushi Bar exudes creativity from all angles. They’re also becoming famous for their nitrogen-infused drinks, which is an art form in itself. As the name suggests, diners can enjoy a selection from their full menu of creative sushi rolls, one of the generously-portioned burgers, or both!
The southernmost point of the continental United States has been an iconic destination for island lovers for decades. So it only makes sense that Myrtle Beach is home to a tropical-themed eater that pays homage to the Florida Key. Menu options reflect the Caribbean feel of the place, with Conch Chowder, Live Lobsters, Cuban Rice Bowls, Oysters Hemingway, and many other seafood dishes available all day.
Just in case there was any doubt about the theme of this restaurant and bar in North Myrtle Beach, the owners decided to put the word sports into the name of the place. With walls literally covered with memorabilia, over 150 large screens for seeing all the action, and a huge room full of games, this place is more or less a sports fan’s heaven on earth. As for the fare, Overtime serves traditional bar food (wings, burgers, nachos, etc.) that’s kicked up a notch or two.
Named after the famous Jimmy Buffet song, this island-themed restaurant serves fresh salads, several signature dishes, and, of course, some pretty impressive burger options that include The Cheeseburger In Paradise (sharp cheddar, fried onion strings, Frickles, horseradish sauce), Guacamole Bacon, and The Aloha (teriyaki, cheddar, grilled onions, pineapple salsa). There’s also a nice list of non-alcoholic island drinks.
There was a time in American history when things were significantly simpler – no smart phones, no world wide web, no Netflix. And back in the 50’s, the place to be on a Friday night was the local diner, where, at least from the way things look in movies from that period, everyone met to happily eat burgers and drink milkshakes and floats. If that sounds appealing to you, then check out Johnny Rockets, where the staff breaks into song-and-dance routines every so often and the menu is full of classic American standards.
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