Restaurants & Dining
Top 5 Restaurants to Grab Some Grub While Holiday Shopping in Myrtle Beach
More and more visitors are turning their Christmas shopping chores into a Myrtle Beach vacation, mixing the business of marking off their shopping lists with the pleasure of a Grand Strand getaway.
It makes sense; there are more malls and outlet stores on the Strand than many mid-sized cities, and there are fewer people to knock down on the way to a clearance rack. Hotel rates are reduced in the winter, crowds are lighter at local shopping centers and the stores open their doors at odd hours.
Christmas shopping has become a lot like an Olympic decathlon. Shoppers must sprint to the bargains, carry overstuffed shopping bags, dodge oncoming shopping carts and play defense against would-be snoopers. All that running, jumping and heavy lifting can cause shoppers to work up a big appetite.
Here are the top five places to grab some grub near the top five places to go Christmas shopping:
* Barefoot Landing: There are lots of restaurants and shops to choose from at this North Myrtle Beach multi-complex, but only one that is sure to put you in a jolly good mood – Dick's Last Resort.
OK, so it isn't as much the Christmas spirit as the Grinch and Scrooge attitude, but who wants to be greeted and seated with a phony smile when you can get the rude and crude service you really desire?
A little good-natured ribbing with Dick's ill-tempered elves and some surprisingly tasty food (despite the intentionally tasteless establishment) is just what Santa ordered to get you giggling. In fact, it just might be the best way to vent some pent-up anger and silence a grumbling tummy.
* Broadway at the Beach: With dozens of unique shops and boutiques to choose from, Broadway also offers the broadest selection of dining opportunities for Christmas shoppers on the go.
But when you need to refuel on the fly, it's hard to go wrong with Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery. Discounted appetizers and pints of home brew are available during happy hour, and a full and diverse menu ensures that your party will find something to satisfy their taste buds and hunger pangs.
* Coastal Grand Mall: Usually the term “Sticky Fingers” around a shopping mall refers to shoplifting. But at Coastal Grand, even the mall cops know it's the place for the best rack of ribs in town.
Sticky Fingers specializes in Southern barbecue, including Carolina pulled pork and Memphis-style ribs. One whiff of the place and you're going to want to put some meat on your bones. And for those with BBQ lovers on their shopping lists, pick up a few jars of their sauces for stocking stuffers.
* The Market Common: This urban-style shopping district has it all – upscale shopping and fine dining to match. But who wants to eat at some stuffy establishment when there's always a party at the Hippo?
The Nacho Hippo is the best place to take a timeout from Christmas shopping for a bite to eat and a sip to drink, especially if you like slurping on a tropical frozen drink. The Hippo makes some mean margaritas and daquiris, not to mention a creative Mexican and Caribbean menu for a Feliz Navidad.
* Myrtle Beach Mall: This recently renovated mall is conveniently located across from the Tanger Outlet Stores in the heart of Restaurant Row, so there are plenty of shopping and dining options.
But if you're looking for a place to take a break from the rat race, check out the Islamorada Fish Co., coincidentally adjoining the Bass Pro Shops. Where else can you stock up on fishing gear and then go next door for some fresh catch? It's like a great day of fishing without the actual fishing.
Islamorada Fish Co. features a 2,500-gallon salt-water fish tank that might make it tempting to test out the new rod and reel, but the freshest catches come from the kitchen. Old Bay and Beer Shrimp, Appalachacola Bay Oysters and Mahi Mahi Tacos are among the goodies from the sea served at this eatery.
