Restaurants & Dining
Food Dude’s Favorite Mexican Restaurants Around Myrtle Beach
Let the Food Dude be your captain for this culinary cruise around the world, or at least the Grand Strand. We're going international, featuring cuisine from all over the globe that's served here in the Myrtle Beach area.
Our first port of call is lovely Mexico, our friends from South of the Border (both the US border and the tacky nearby tourist attraction). Pack your salt shaker and some ice because it's going to get hot in here:
Abuelo’s
With the Spanish translation meaning “Grandfather,” a trip to Abuelo’s near the Coastal Grand Mall is a lot like a visit to your grandparents’ casa … if they lived in Mexico.
Featuring many of the same traditional menu items as most Mexican restaurants, fresh, quality ingredients are what set Abuelo’s apart. And, just like at grandpa’s, the portions are such that you’ll likely need a doggie bag.
Abuelo’s also specializes in some creative seafood dishes, and the happy hour is one of the best in town. Offering $2.50 margaritas and sangria plus discounted appetizers, the festive atmosphere is enough to make your granny dance.
Bandito's
This brand-new cantina is unlike any other Mexican restaurant in Myrtle Beach. Also offering Caribbean cuisine, this oceanfront hot spot is as much about fun in the sun as it is spicy food.
Featuring a huge patio deck overlooking the Atlantic, Bandito’s takes patrons’ taste buds on a cruise to Cozumel and St. Somewhere. Frozen drinks and live music creative a laid-back island environment both inside and out.
But a creative menu focusing on fresh local seafood stands on its own. Fish tacos, tamales, burritos and enchiladas washed down with more frozen-drink options than you can shake a straw at make this the new hot spot on the Strand.
Fiesta del Burro Loco
960 Jason Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
With a name that literally translates to “crazy donkey party,” this Myrtle Beach institution has been a popular place for visitors and locals for its festive atmosphere and tasty menu.
Fiesta del Burro Loco’s lineup is more Tex-Mex in nature than others, offering traditional favorites from South of the Border with great grilled steaks and chops. There’s something for those with our without spicy taste buds.
But the main attraction is the bar area and outdoor patio deck, where patrons pack the house from happy hour to close. Discounted drinks and free snacks draw them in early and the party keeps rolling all night.
Habanero’s
This Pawleys Island establishment is one of the most popular spots in a town filled with excellent dining options. In fact, this is a huge locals’ hangout because of its great food and fun.
Enjoy a traditional Mexican lineup inside or on the spacious patio deck, where frozen drinks are prepared before your eyes at the outdoor bar.
Live music is common on the weekends, when the patio is the place to be in Pawleys Island.
Nacho Hippo
1160 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This hip new hangout in The Market Common area is as popular for its party as it is its food.
The menu features an innovative spin on traditional Mexican dishes, such as a wide array of tacos filled with barbecue pork, Korean beef and seared tuna, as well as the usual toppings. The Sloppy Burritos and Chimi-Chimi Bang-Bang are to die for.
But liquid refreshments and signature nachos are what bring in the crowds looking for a refreshing break from shopping. Fresh-squeezed margaritas are $3 all day every day and live music takes over the Hippo on the weekends.
Senor Frogs
1304 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
This franchise of the famous Cancun original brings the flavors and attitude of the Caribbean to Broadway at the Beach.
Good times and good food combine to create a spring-break environment, which is promoted by the festive bartenders and servers. It’s the sort of place you go for lunch or dinner and a party breaks out.
The patio deck overlooking Lake Broadway is the hub of activity, while the indoors is more about the food. Try the Enchilada Stack Attack or Baja Fish and Shrimp Tacos for a true taste of all things south of the border.
