Restaurants & Dining
Hot Summer Menu Items at Myrtle Beach Restaurants
Some people would say that summer is the best time to vacation in Myrtle Beach, while others might recommend spring or fall. Either way, the area’s culinary scene is heating up and there are some great new things to try at eateries around town.
We’ve all had the fried seafood that the area is famous for, so why not go out and sample some dishes and drinks that are trending among locals and tourists alike?
Check out this list, keep an open mind, and pick a few things to try next time you’re in town!
Nitrogen-Infused Drinks
Ice makes drinks cold, but nitrogen makes them stunningly colder. That’s the trick at ART Burger Sushi Bar, a new spot on Ocean Boulevard that infuses beverages with the odorless element to make what are literally the coldest drinks in town. Whether you’re sipping on one of their specialty cocktails or the beer of your choice, it’s a great way to keep your drink extra cold while enjoying a great meal on their large outdoor patio this summer.
Moonrise Brunch
Having breakfast for dinner is a great idea sometimes. Brunch for dinner? Even better. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, head out to Tupelo Honey at The Market Common from 10 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for a menu full of things like Sweet Potato Pancakes, Chorizo, Egg, and Pimento Cheese Tacos, Bacon Sweet Potato Hash, as well as a creative list of cocktails. Technically more of a menu than a menu item – well, you get the idea.
Craft Beer
For those who are tired of drinking Bud Light-ish lagers, several establishments around the Grand Strand are now offering impressive lists of craft beers from all over the place. Atlas Tap House offers close to 150 unique selections from breweries like Terrapin, Oskar Blues, Dogfish, Stone, and Rogue, while right across the street at Bumstead’s Pub hops-fans can take their pick from a worldwide selection of beers. Other hotspots for craft brews in the area include Mellow Mushroom, Liberty Steakhouse, and Gordon Biersch.
Pressed Sushi
Oshizushi, or pressed sushi, is a rectangular version of the traditional Japanese rice and fish dish that Myrtle Beach got its first taste of when CO Sushi opened its doors at The Market Common. The preparation packs extra flavor into the almost-too-big-to-eat-in-one-bite pieces, but nothing is stopping the diner from slicing them in half with a chopstick. Options include Salmon and Avocado with lemon aioli, Glazed Eel and Avocado, Spicy Tuna with garlic aioli and serrano pepper, Inari Tofu with ginger and scallions, and Shime Saba (Mackerel) with cucumber and ponzu.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Flavor-wise, it’s pretty hard to argue against fried food. Whether it’s chicken, fish, Oreos, or veggies, there’s something about the crunchy texture that enhances the savory characteristics of your favorite foods. And if you’ve never bitten into a green tomato that’s been lightly floured and dunked in hot oil, now’s the time to give it a go. Croissants Bistro & Bakery utilizes them in their Shrimp and Grits, Pier House offers them in their Sunset Shrimp Stack starter, and Reflections Bar at the Marina Inn serves them up with bacon relish and avocado mayonnaise during dinner hours.
Seafood Macaroni & Cheese
We’re not sure who started the trend of pasta with seafood and sauce, but let’s hope it’s something that’s here to stay. One thing is for sure – there is no shortage of places to enjoy the dish. At 710 North Myrtle Beach, you can roll a game of ten-pin while downing Lump Crabmeat and Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese, Crossroads at House of Blues serves up a made-from-scratch Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Fire & Smoke offers a slightly different dish with the exact same name. Other area eateries with versions of the trendy item on their menu are SeaBlue, Waterscapes, and Mr. Fish.
