Fire & Smoke

As tapas become more popular in America, it’s only natural that the Grand Strand’s dining scene will see the arrival of new restaurants specializing in small shareable dishes.

Fire & Smoke is one such place.

Billing itself as Myrtle Beach’s first “authentic gastropub,” this north end eatery offers an excellent selection of cocktails and craft beer along with their American fusion food selection.

Fire & Smoke Food

The menu is divided into three categories – Bar Snacks & Sharing Plates, Small Plates, and Comfort Food Revisited, and sampling all of the interesting items would prove futile for even the pickiest diner.

Snack and Shareable options include a Cheese Ensemble and Charcuterie Plate that change with the chef’s preferences, Duck Confit Nachos (tortilla chips, tomato jam, machego cheese, duck confit, pineapple pico), Soft Pretzel Braids (toasted onion sea salt, honey mustard, ale & cheddar fondue), and F&S Wings (salt-brined, hickory-smoked, wood-grilled, choice of blackberry bbq, fiery sriracha honey, or parmesan garlic).

The Small Plate section is the largest on the menu, and covers a pretty impressive amount of ground. Here is where you’ll find favorites like Grilled Oysters (mignonette, smoked bacon, chipotle), Crispy Pork Belly (cider-braised mustard greens, mustard maple lacquer), Seared Scallops (squash puree, wild mushroom fricassee, white truffle foam, d’espellette pepper), Stuffed Piquillo Peppers (chorizo, goat cheese, rice, toasted almonds), and Memphis-Style Ribs (dry-rubbed, hickory-smoked, blueberry bbq glaze, apple jicama slaw).

There are also a few salads to choose from, like the Compressed Watermelon Salad (baby arugula, frisee, feta cheese, pickled watermelon rind, Limoncello vinaigrette), Wood-Grilled Caesar (smoked tomato Caesar dressing, French bread crostini, white anchovy), and the Fire & Smoke Seasonal Chopped Salad.

For something a bit larger, check out the Comfort Food Revisited section for dishes like Short Rib Bourguignon (honey-roasted Cipollini onions, fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, chanterelle mushrooms), Lobster Cobbler (carrots, peas, lobster béchamel, bread crumbs, fennel pollen ice cream).

Fire & Smoke Atmosphere

For all of its fancy food and drinks, Fire & Smoke is a pretty relaxed and casual affair, which is the way tapas are meant to be enjoyed. The interior is a simple rectangular room with a bar at the far end of the space that seats six patrons, or so. Other seating options include tables and booths, and due to the popularity that the place has earned, don’t be surprised if there’s a short wait for a spot if you show up during peak hours.