Hickory Tavern
1580 U.S. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach; (843) 249-6670
www.thehickorytavern.com
Hickory Tavern, a casual dining and sports bar, opened earlier this year. It’s one of the newest and most popular gathering spots along the ever-expanding North Myrtle Beach U.S. 17 strip. As evidenced by their selection in this contest, it’s already become a “Readers’ Favorite.” Based in Charlotte, and with locations in upstate South Carolina as well, this newest location offers clean, contemporary decor and a multitude of hi-res flat-screen TVs with all the games. The Hickory Tavern menu boasts numerous sandwiches, salads and entrees, but their wings really set tongues a waggin’. Choose from 10 different flavors including Honey Bee Sting, Caribbean Jerk and the fiery Asian-style Red Dragon. Wings may be ordered traditional (fried) or smoky charred style. If you prefer your wings extra crispy, try ordering them “naked” with sauce on the side. Daily specials and rotating draft beer selections add even more flavor and fun. Open daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Wild Wing Cafe
4706 U.S. 17 S. (Barefoot Landing), North Myrtle Beach; (843) 361-9464
www.wildwingcafe.com
Wild Wing Cafe has been a mainstay at Barefoot Landing for more than a decade. With an indoor and outdoor bar and ample dining area, it’s popular with visiting families, golfers, sports fans and wing maniacs alike. Boasting 33 in-house, scratch-made sauces, Wild Wing Cafe makes no bones about their specialty. Their wing menu is laid out very logically, grouping spicier, sweeter and more exotic varieties accordingly. The handy “hot pepper guide” is there to let you know what you’re getting into before you boldly order the “China Syndrome,” or another of their hottest, “The Braveheart.” Located along the lake at Barefoot Landing, Wild Wing Cafe does wings right, and it’s only minutes from area hotels and the neighborhoods of Barefoot Resort and the North Strand. Open daily at 11 a.m.
Buffalo WIld Wings
Myrtle Beach: 1990 Oakheart Road; (843) 236-6868, North Myrtle Beach: 518 U.S. 17 N.; (843) 281-9464
www.buffalowildwings.com
With two Grand Strand locations, Buffalo Wild Wings delivers the full wings, sports and beer experience. The U.S. 501 location is just minutes from Coastal Carolina University and is a particularly popular game day gathering place. Wings are available in both traditional and boneless styles or in a combination platter. An array of wing sauces satisfies myriad tastes, from the more tame (Mild, Medium, Honey BBQ and Garlic Parmesan) to the adventurous (Asian Zing, Mango Habanero or the Blazin’, made with a scorching Ghost Pepper sauce). Quench your thirst with BWW’s vast selection of brews, including domestics, imports and full-flavored craft beers. Strategically placed TVs ensure that you don’t miss a moment of the action and a full kids’ menu is available for the younger sports fans. Open at 11 a.m. daily.
Magoo’s Sports & Spirits
3308 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach; (843) 236-3303
www.magoosofmyrtlebeach.com
Magoo’s Sports & Spirits has been a Myrtle Beach locals’ favorite since 1995. Featuring a large mahogany central bar, booths and high-top tables, all with easy views of any of the 24 large-screen TVs, sports-minded patrons come to watch just about every game imaginable. A popular place to shoot pool or throw darts, Magoo’s is particularly loved for its wings. A variety of familiar sauces are available for wing platters ranging from 10-piece to 100-piece. New flavors such as Jalapeno BBQ and Peanut Thai are also crowd favorites. The Wing Sampler (four flavors, five wings each for only $17.99) is another favorite for those who crave variety. Happy hour (Monday through Saturday, 4–7:30), excellent wings, game day specials and a friendly locals’ atmosphere keeps Magoo’s a “Readers’ Favorite.” Open daily 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Fat Jack’s Wings & Things
353A U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach; (843) 238-3355
www.fatjackswings.com
Locally owned and operated, Fat Jack’s Wings & Things boasts of its secret recipes and its hospitality. Wing plates and takeout platters ranging from 8-piece snacks to 100-wing party trays (choice of five sauces) appeal to a variety of appetites and tastes. Specialty sauces like the Hawaiian (sweet spices, Polynesian sauce and pineapple) or The Ragin Cajun (a medium sauce with a kick of Bayou spices) are made in-house. Ask about the ever-changing “sauce of the month,” such as Garlic and Honey, or one of Fat Jack’s flavorful dry rub styles (Blackened, Lemon Pepper, Old Bay). Local favorite New South Brewing offers four premium craft beers on tap in addition to domestics and German imports. Carry out orders let you watch the big game at home. Closed Monday. Open 3–9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
