Restaurants & Dining
Food Dude Grub Crawl: Restaurants at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach
Part two of our “Grub Crawl” takes us to The Market Common, which isn't exactly up the Food Dude's alley.
In fact, the chick-centric MC has become the headquarters for the sort of foo-foo food I usually stay away from, like the fine-dining destinations of Divine Prime and Tommy Bahama's Restaurant and Bar.
But if you shop around, there are plenty of places at The Market Common to get your grub on, even if they do require using utensils instead of the finger-licking, rib-sticking places I prefer. Here are the Food Dude's top five:
King Street Grill
3040 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This corner cafe may have the market cornered for traditional Dude Food at Market Common. You know, the kind of food you can drink a beer with.
From appetizers such as the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and burger, meatball and BBQ sliders – to the main dishes – excellent burgers and sandwiches you have to flatten with your fist to fit in your mouth – this is Food Dude territory.
Of course, King Street Grille also offers fancier entrees, which makes it perfect for those days when the Food Dude has spent the day shopping with the Food Dudette. It’s also a nice place to sneak off for a cold beer.
Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant
Speaking of a cold beer, Gordon Biersch brews its own suds on-site and offers a wide range of beers and ales to take the edge off from involuntary window shopping.
But the solids are just as savory as the liquids, including several dishes that are doused in sauces made from the house’s home brews, like the Brewer’s Chicken in Marzan sauce or the N.Y. Strip in Gordon Biersch steak sauce.
The menu is filled with Dude Food options – fish tacos, burgers, pizzas and flatbreads. The only thing tougher than picking out a dish is deciding what beer to wash it down with, but those are good problems to have.
Nacho Hippo
1160 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This Mexican cantina is as much about the margaritas and cervezas than the actual food, but those with a taste for some Southwestern spice can find what they’re looking for here.
The Hippo has become a popular hangout with its $3 margaritas and live music on the weekends, but you can also get some good grub. The Oh @&#! Nachos and fish tacos are top notch.
Best of all, the open-air decor and festive environment make for a great place to take a break from shopping.
P.F. Chang's
This popular national chain has taken Chinese food to the next level, even for Food Dudes who don’t normally do Asian cuisine.
But Chang’s has something for everyone, especially if you like a little heat with your meet. The Flaming Red Wontons and Dynamite Shrimp starters will set your taste buds on fire.
Of course, the main courses do offer some dishes that fall in the chick food category, but there’s also items like the Wok-Charred Beef, Chang’s Spicy Chicken and Salt & Pepper Prawns that are right in the Food Dude’s wheelhouse.
Travinia Italian Kitchen
4011 Deville St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
While walking through the streets of the Market Common shopping district, you can smell this Italian eatery calling your name.
Aromas of garlic, oregano and fresh-baked bread permeate from the doors of this somewhat upscale cafe, but the food is something you can really sink your teeth into.
Offering steak, veal and chicken dishes done the Italian way as well as shrimp, scallops and other fresh catches, Travinia is all about the food. You won’t go home hungry.
