Croissants Bistro & Bakery
Two Myrtle Beach locations: 3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway and 8014 N. Kings Highway; (843) 448-2253
www.croissants.net
A locals’ favorite since 1995, Croissants Bistro recently added a second location in the Grande Dunes area of Myrtle Beach. Noted for its award-winning bakery and custom cakes, Croissants is also a popular spot for lunch dates, special occasions and casual business meetings. Soft music, attentive servers and perfectly lit interiors create a welcome environment for guests to chat over home-brewed iced tea, mimosas or anything from the bar, but it’s the food that really sets Croissants apart. The bistro’s culinary team executes a lunch menu that is both familiar and inspired. Fresh-made quiche and soup specials change daily. Salads, artisan house-baked breads and seasonal fruit pair with a wide variety of sandwiches. The Fried Green Tomato Pimento Melt or the Monte Cristo (warm ham, turkey, Swiss and cranberry sauce on battered challah bread) are served with a choice of homemade chips, pasta salad or broccoli salad. Both locations open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
TBonz Gill & Grill
Myrtle Beach: 1169 Seaboard Commons; (843) 946-7111, North Myrtle Beach: 4732 U.S. 17 S. (Barefoot Landing); (843) 272-7111
www.tbonzgillandgrill.com
TBonz Gill & Grill wants you to know that they offer much more than their signature steaks and seafood dinners. Though they take their hand-cut filets and ribeyes very seriously, they are as equally serious about lunch. Quick, courteous service and delicious sandwiches and salads have helped make TBonz a Readers’ Choice winner. The restaurant is equally popular with casual diners or business professionals needing a quick break. Signature sandwiches include the TBonz Texas Melt (blackened prime rib, smoked turkey, jack cheese and bacon) and the Ahi Tuna Sandwich (sesame crusted with wasabi cream, pickled ginger and seaweed salad). If you’re craving slow-cooked baby back ribs or one of their signature steaks, TBonz happily serves its full menu all day long. Generous appetizers and entree salads as well as daily lunch specials are a favorite of locals and visitors on the go. Both locations open daily at 11 a.m.
River City Cafe
Seven area locations along the Grand Strand, including 404 21st Ave N., Myrtle Beach; (843) 448-1990
www.rivercitycafe.com
A regular “best of” winner for its legendary burgers, River City Cafe is as popular for lunch as it is for dinner. From the complimentary roasted peanuts (kids really love this) and the classic burger menu (along with plenty of non-burger fare), River City Cafe mixes great food with ultra-casual vibes and funky decor. Countless patrons have donated their old license plates to hang on the walls, adding to the ambience. Recognized by local, regional and even national publications, River City Cafe is among the “best places in the nation to feed the kids,” says USA Today. More than 25 specialty burgers including turkey burgers, veggie burgers, prime Angus burgers and even “chicken burgers” (grilled chicken breast prepared in a variety of ways), combine with soups, chili, salads, fish, pulled pork BBQ and hand-cut Idaho potato French fries. Open for lunch daily at 11 a.m.
Sea Captain's House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach; (843) 448-8082
www.seacaptains.com
The iconic Sea Captain’s House is a true Myrtle Beach original, serving guests along the oceanfront for more than 50 years. A transformed 90-year-old beach house retains all of its original charm, making Sea Captain’s House a quaint reminder of the Myrtle Beach of the 1930s. A perennial winner at area culinary events, it offers Carolina classics such as She Crab Soup, Shrimp Salad and their signature Crab Cakes. Fried or broiled seafood platters are available and include shrimp, scallops, flounder and oysters, with side items. A variety of salads are served including the Grilled Shrimp and Berry Salad, prepared with mixed greens, toasted almonds, strawberries and blackberries, bleu cheese and grilled shrimp. Their traditional Shrimp and Grits or Jambalaya are made from recipes passed down through generations. Also open for breakfast and dinner, lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Snak Shack
5211 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach; (843) 712-2195
Visitors often ask “So where do the locals go?” Answers vary and some secrets are held close, but in Myrtle Beach one unassuming lunch spot is regularly named: The Snak Shak, now located in the Pine Lakes Plaza on Kings Highway. The Snak Shak’s regulars rarely need to look at a menu. Instead they ask for their favorites, including daily specials such as Chicken Bog, homemade meatloaf, grilled pork chops or a fried fish platter served with country-style sides such as mashed potatoes and gravy or green beans. At the lunch counter and small tables, lively conversations fill the air while locals sip on sweet tea and complain about everything in the world except the food they’re eating. Carry out is also available for those who want their “snaks” on the go. The Snak Shak is open for breakfast and serves lunch until 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
