Restaurants & Dining
Oldies and Goodies: Myrtle Beach’s oldest restaurants you can’t miss on your next trip
Myrtle Beach is known for many things. Nostalgia and great food are among the top of the list. The two are intertwined in family memories of dinners spent with sun-kissed cheeks and belly laughs around the table.
Many restaurants, like the beach itself, have stood the test of time. Whether they serve down-home cooking, refined gourmet meals or a simple scoop of ice cream, these Myrtle Beach hot spots have been staples for decades of locals and visitors. Many are family-owned and have been run by multiple generations of the original family.
In Business More Than 70 Years
Peaches Corner - Established 1937
900 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Older than Myrtle Beach itself (the town wasn’t incorporated until 1938), Peaches Corner has seen the beach grow and evolve over its more than 75 years in business. However, the food at this happening hotspot on the Boardwalk is much the same as it was back in 1937. Burgers, hot dogs and breakfast are menu favorites, and the family-owned eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere that will take diners right back to the good old days.
The Bowery - Established 1944
110 9th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Home to country supergroup Alabama and countless memories for beachgoers through the years, The Bowery has been a beloved bar and restaurant on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for more than 70 years. Live music and cold beer are the big draw for visitors, but if you’re looking for some grub, Duffy’s at the Bowery serves up some of the best fried goodies in town.
Captain Juel's Hurricane - Established 1945
Little River, S.C., just a short drive north of Myrtle Beach, is known for its fresh seafood, and Capt. Juel’s Hurricane is right at home here. One of the oldest restaurants on the Grand Strand, Capt. Juel’s serves up a bountiful mix of seafood favorites, including seared tuna, bacon-wrapped scallops, seafood platters and even a full sushi menu.
In Business 50-70 Years
Hoskins Restaurant - Established 1948
Hoskins Restaurant has been a staple of North Myrtle Beach visitors since the late 1940s. The family-style eatery serves fresh seafood, steaks and more. It has been operated by the same family in the same location for more than 60 years.
Lee's Inlet Kitchen - Established 1948
Started by restauranteurs Eford and Pearl Lee in 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is still owned by the original family and continues to serve seafood favorites to adoring fans. The restaurant has undergone several expansions over the years, but the family recipes remain the same. Seafood is served any way you can imagine, and there are a few options for those who don’t enjoy fish.
Oceanfront Bar and Grill - Established 1948
100 9th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Oceanfront Bar and Grill has been a family-owned business in the heart of Myrtle Beach since 1948. It has seen many changes over the years with damage sustained in Hurricane Hazel, the closing and opening of numerous neighbors, and the revitalization of downtown with the construction of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Customers love the relaxing atmosphere along with the foot-long dogs covered in the family’s secret-recipe chili.
Painter's Original Ice Cream
Established in 1952, Painter’s Original Ice Cream still delights fans at their North Myrtle Beach location. Visitors line up in the parking lot for a taste of cool nostalgia on hot summer nights all summer long. The ice cream is homemade and hand-dipped, served in a variety of cups, cones or concoctions.
Mammy's Kitchen - Established 1953
Mammy’s started as a drive-in restaurant with curb-side service and only 12 bar stools for inside seating, and it has grown into a visitor favorite for breakfast on the Grand Strand. Having survived Hurricane Hazel and a tornado in the early 2000s, Mammy’s has operated in the same location under the same name since 1953. Many visitors have adopted the restaurant as a family tradition, bringing new generations every year.
In Business 40-50 Years
Sam's Corner
You won’t find white tablecloths and daily specials at Sam’s Corner in Myrtle Beach, but what you will find is a simple menu of tasty foods that have been delighting fans since 1976. Famous for hot dogs, Sam’s also serves up burgers, breakfast favorites, sandwiches and much more in a diner-style atmosphere perfect for beach visitors.
Chesapeake House - Established 1971
9918 Highway 17 North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Chesapeake House has been serving seafood and steaks on the Grand Strand since 1971. Located on Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach, the family owned restaurant offers great waterway views and fresh-made specialities, including their famous cinnamon rolls. The Chesapeake House is an original restaurant on the popular Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach.
Sea Captain's House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
With a prime oceanfront location and an eclectic Southern-inspired menu, Sea Captain’s House is a special treat for visitors and locals in Myrtle Beach. The building — which has been a family beach cottage and an inn — almost met its demise in the 1960s when plans were to tear it down and build a high-rise hotel. It was supposed to be a restaurant for a year or two while the owners awaited financing, and the rest is, of course, history. The Sea Captain’s House serves up seafood, steaks and salad. They’re famous for their changing daily lunch specials.
In Business 30-40 Years
These restaurants have been serving fans for between 30 and 40 years on the Grand Strand.
Admiral's Flagship - Established 1979
All-you-can eat seafood buffets are a favorite among visitors with cravings for a variety of treats from the sea. Admiral’s Flagship, located in Murrells Inlet, is where it all began. The restaurant was the first to serve an endless buffet on the Grand Strand, and more than 30 years later, they’re still going strong. Crab legs, prime rib, fried fish and shrimp creole are among the items served.
Kings Famous Pizza - Established 1980
3511 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The red-and-yellow awning of Kings Famous Pizza may be just as iconic as the restaurant itself. Located on the main drag in Myrtle Beach, King’s is easy to spot and has been a pizza lover’s favorite for more than 30 years. The menu at the family-run eatery includes pizza, pasta, subs and gyros.
Bodo's - Established 1984
Locals and visitors looking for authentic German cuisine on the Grand Strand have been coming to Bodo’s German Restaurant since the early 80s. Located in the heart of the beach near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Bodo’s serves up traditional German fare. It can best be described as a dive” with eclectic and modest decor. Those who love it come for the food and appreciate the unique eatery.
Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge - Established 1984
1306 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge started as a nightclub in 1984 and quickly changed gears to a more family-friendly restaurant and bar. Despite a brief closure after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Pier 14 has been going strong for more than 20 years. The menu features a variety of seafood, burgers and sandwiches and includes both lunch and dinner.
Bimini's Oyster Bar & Seafood Cafe - Established 1985
930 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Bimini’s has been serving oysters and shellfish since the mid 80s. Visitors are serenaded with the sounds of Jimmy Buffett, reggae and beach music in this island-inspired eatery. Cold drinks and a variety of hot foods are also on the menu.
Villa Romana Italian - Established 1985
707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The family-owned Villa Romana has been serving high-end Italian fare on the Grand Strand for more than 30 years. High-quality ingredients and interesting takes on classics are staples of this eatery, keeping locals and visitors coming back year after year.
Gulfstream Cafe - Established 1985
1536 South Waccamaw Drive, Garden City, SC 29576
Diners looking for a great view and a tried-and-true favorite for seafood on the Grand Strand can’t get enough of Gulfstream Cafe in Garden City Beach. Serving to-go lunches, Sunday brunch and nightly dinner, Gulfstream stays busy putting out fresh seafood dishes, steaks and sides. The unique location offers views of both the ocean and inlet at the point in Garden City.
In Business 20-30 years
These restaurants have been serving fans for between 20 and 30 years on the Grand Strand. They are still the babies of the Myrtle Beach restaurant industry.
Angelo's Steaks and Pasta - Established 1988
Visitors looking for a great steak at the beach have flocked to Angelo’s Steak and Pasta for nearly 30 years. The steaks are served on sizzling platters, and many people will tell you they are indeed the Best Steaks in the Universe,” as the Angelo’s website proclaims. Other options include an Italian buffet or pasta favorites from the regular menu.
Franks & Frank's Outback - Established 1988
Although the history of Franks restaurant goes back only about 20 years, the Franks location has roots to the 1930s when it was a family-owned grocery store boasting the only phone in Pawleys Island. Now a favorite among locals and tourists, Franks serves a refined menu of seafood and steaks.
River City Cafe - Established 1989
404 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Locals and visitors flock to River City Cafe for some of the best burgers on the beach. For more than 20 years, River City has perfected its simple but extensive menu of burgers and other sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual — peanut shells are thrown on the floor with wild abandon. Now with seven locations, no one is too far away to stop in at this favorite gr
Thorny's Steakhouse and Saloon - Established 1994
With billboards lining the path to the Grand Strand, Thorny’s has long been a favorite treat for visitors to the beach. The restaurant serves up steaks, burgers, kids’ meal staples along with cold drinks. TVs throughout the restaurant play the biggest sporting events, and an arcade keeps the kids entertained.
Rivertown Bistro - Established 1994
For fans of fine dining, Rivertown Bistro is worth the short drive to Conway for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The Bistro opened in 1994 and suffered a short setback in 2008 when fire closed the eatery for about a year. The new building features a roof-top bar area and cozy seating throughout both levels of the restaurant. With a slew of loyal patrons, Rivertown is sure to stand the test of time.
Hard Rock Cafe - Established 1995
1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach has been a visitor favorite for two decades. This summer, the restaurant will leave its iconic pyramid-shaped building behind to move to a new home in Broadway at the Beach. It will continue to serve up All-American cuisine and music memoribilia as well as live acts and entertainment.
New York Prime - Established 1995
405 28th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
Diners looking for a high-end experience know that New York Prime delivers some of the best USDA Prime steaks on the Grand Strand — and they have for more than 20 years. New York Prime is tucked away on 28th Avenue North in the heart of the beach. Steak is the star of the simple menu and is served along with a variety of optional side dishes.
Carolina Roadhouse - Established 1995
4617 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
For many visitors to the beach, the vacation is not complete without a stop at Carolina Roadhouse. The roadhouse has been serving steaks, seafood, burgers and more to hungry beachgoers for more than 20 years. Entrees are served with the signature Roadhouse House Salad and a warm, buttery croissant drizzled with honey.
