Finding a good local restaurant is one of the joys of travel and with more than 1,000 eateries, the Myrtle Beach area provides no shortage of opportunities.

Like any destination, Myrtle Beach has a surplus of chain restaurants but what makes the area’s dining scene so strong is the plethora of outstanding local options.

Next time you are in town, here are five establishments – ranging from a burger joint to Mediterranean food – that you likely haven’t eaten at but need to.

— Whether you are looking for lunch, a great happy hour or dinner, you won’t go wrong at 44 & King, (top photo) which is located right in the heart of town. Touting its pub atmosphere and a menu long on Southern comfort food, 44 & King is a winner. The chef’s charcuterie cheese board is a great way to start a meal and the ribs, smoked for 12 hours, is at the top of the entree list. The menu is diverse, the food is good, and the drink menu is outstanding.

— A gastro pub, Fire & Smoke (pictured right) can deliver a small plate or fine dining experience, depending on what your group is looking for. If you go the small plate route, the duck confit tostada is hard to beat. Meanwhile the entree menu, which offers everything from wild boar meatloaf to an 18-ounce Kansas City strip steak, will delight.

— Looking for a meal that’s quick, inexpensive and good? Go to Burky’s Grill, located just off Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. Burky’s offers a ‘50s style dining experience that includes a double cheeseburger combo for $7.39 (pictured below). If you want to be a little adventurous, order the Cincinnati chili, which features spaghetti noodles, chili and cheese. You may feel your arteries clogging with each bite, but it’s well worth the $3.10 you pay.

— If your group wants to watch a game while enjoying dinner, Handley’s, located in Carolina Forest, is the place to go. With 28 TVs, indoor and outdoor seating, 68 beers and quality food, there is a lot to like at Handley’s.

— We all love a good burger, Italian food or a steak, but let me recommend the Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar. It might be a little out of your comfort zone, but you are on vacation so why not try something new? The chicken shish tawook – skewers of marinated chicken cooked over an open flame – is a good place to start.

Myrtle Beach is home to a lot of great local restaurants, so make sure you give them a try and let us know what you think.