South Carolina’s Grand Strand is a veritable who’s who of restaurants that bring something different to the table.
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the Waccamaw River to the marshes of Garden City and Murrells Inlet, views of the bodies of water that have formed our very being are there for the taking. They add a peaceful serenity to any breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner that aren’t going to be found anywhere else.
These six are a good bet to leave you taking as many photos of your surroundings as the food on your plate.
SARA J’S, GARDEN CITY BEACH
Sara J’s is going to throw some non-seafood options at you. And while we’re sure the grilled chicken or hamburger steak are dandy, there’s no reason to avoid the fish and shrimp here while overlooking the heart of the Garden City “skyline”. It’s a bevy of raised beach houses separating the slightly elevated Sara J’s from the ocean.
WICKED TUNA, MURRELLS INLET
The Marshwalk has a whole bunch of great options to take in sites. From Goat Island to the fishermen bringing in their hauls to the pirate ship, there really isn’t a bad view here. With Wicked Tuna, though, you also get the front-row seat to the pier. It lets you feel even closer to the water from the back side of the restaurant. (Wicked Tuna top photo)
BONFIRE, CONWAY
Listed as “A smokin’ taqueria”, Bonfire is a solid mixture of barbecue and tacos with a few additional outside-the-lines dishes added to the menu. It’s all packaged together in a quiet segment of the Waccamaw river in the outer ventricle of the heart of downtown Conway. Seating options span indoor luxurious spots to the back deck high tops to even a few picnic tables off the side.
RIVER CITY CAFE, BAREFOOT LANDING
With eight locations, River City helps divine the burger game in and around Myrtle Beach. If you’ve ever daydreamed about a bizarre burger, they’ve probably got it. And it’s going to dwarf your expectation. It just so happens that one of the brand’s smallest locations is one of its most awesome ones. The views of the Intracoastal from the back side of Barefoot only accentuate it all.
TIN ROOF, MYRTLE BEACH
Tin Roof’s experience begins on the third floor. From more feet above sea level than much of the county, it’s a three-in-one joint that features up-and-coming (and even a few established) musicians, drink specials on the daily and a food menu that keeps it relatively simple while not disappointing anyone. A few floors above the boardwalk, that’s not going to happen anyway. (Tin Roof pictured right)
DAMON’S GRILL, MYRTLE BEACH
There’s a reason so many folks who come to Myrtle Beach on a job interview are wined and dined at Damon’s. The menu is vast and hits every palette combination imaginable, sure. But being located mere feet from the Atlantic is a box-checker for convincing someone to say yes to that new gig.
