Written By Paul Grimshaw
Images By Jon Stell; Scott Smallin; Bobby Altman & courtesy Between the Antlers
RipTydz
1210 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
(843) 945-1204
Riptydz.com
RipTydz in downtown Myrtle Beach is one of the (if not the first) restaurant/bars to really do oceanfront rooftop dining correctly. The three-story, 500-seat oceanfront restaurant features stunning oceanfront views, live music (mostly on weekends and in season), DJ parties on the roof for the late-night crowd, and family-friendly dining on floors two and three. The open-air rooftop stays full of patrons year-round, while the second floor also offers ample oceanfront seating, as well as a large interior dining room. The menu ranges from bar food, salads, burgers and sandwiches, to exquisite seafood towers and everything in between.
Greg Norman Australian Grille
4930 US-17 S, North Myrtle Beach
(843) 361-0000
Gregnormanaustraliangrille.com
Co-created by, owned by and named for legendary golfer Greg Norman, this Australian-themed eatery has been a favorite Grand Strand go-to since 1999. Serving a stellar lineup of seafood, steaks, pasta and chef’s specials, Greg Norman also delivers on its stunning sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway and bustling marina. A large indoor/outdoor deck provides ample seating, even in inclement weather, and the inside dining room also faces west toward the views that have so many people talking.
The Cypress Room at The Island Vista
6000 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach (843) 449-6406
Islandvista.com
Family-friendly meets casual fine dining with an ocean view at The Cypress Room. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients make up an eclectic foodie-friendly menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served with style and a choice of al fresco or inside dining at the foot of the Island Vista Resort in the heart of the oceanfront Avenues. There’s even a poolside tiki hut serving pizzas. Indoor/outdoor bars accommodate in all weather.
Sea Captain’s House
3002 Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-8082, Seacaptains.com
A bona fide Myrtle Beach landmark, and one of the only remaining oceanfront cottages dating back nearly 100 years, the beloved Sea Captain’s House restaurant is celebrating 60 years of oceanfront dining. The original structure survived (barely) several major hurricanes including Hazel (’54), Hugo (’89) a few lesser storms as well, and the dining rooms were added on over the years. Famed for its breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Sea Captain’s House continues to serve countless generations of locals and visitors alike. The newer ShipYard outdoor bar and deck offers live music (in season) and limited al fresco dining and drinking just feet from the ocean.
Dead Dog Saloon
4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. (843) 651-0664
Deaddogsaloon.com
Considered by many as the “anchor” of the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk family of eateries, the Dead Dog Saloon, in all it’s manifestations, has continually capitalized on its greatest assets – it’s waterfront views, open-air dining and live entertainment. Breakfast, lunch and dinner keep this large bar and eatery/music venue busy year-round. Plenty of covered space houses guests when the rain pours, but when the skies clear again, the outdoor spaces fill to capacity. While you’re there try Boo Boo’s Tender Bites; tenderloin medallions served atop crusty French Bread slices with a mild garlic aioli, a splash of dark balsamic and shaved Asiago.
Ocean One
1 Norris Drive, Pawleys Island. (843) 235-8700
Austinsoceanone.com
The Pawleys Island coastline and Atlantic Ocean views are only part of the appeal of Ocean One at the Litchfield Inn. The panoramic views are afforded by large floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, creating a unique fine dining outdoor atmosphere, while being completed protected inside in climate-controlled, elegant comfort, year-round. Try their locally sourced menu including Austin’s jumbo lump crab cakes, pan-seared lemon thyme shrimp, a dozen additional small plates, along with salads, and seafood, beef and chicken entrees. (Try their sister restaurant, Harvest, at Brookgreen Gardens).
Between the Antlers
100 Wood St, Georgetown
(843) 833-8989
Betweentheantlers.com
Between the Antlers is a restaurant inspired by and named for local literary legend James Dickey’s book of the same name and Dickey’s take on food indigenous to a region. The mid-size eatery is in historic Georgetown positioned on a bluff named Vinegar Hill, purportedly once visited by George Washington, affording wonderful views of the Sampit River. Open for lunch, dinner and a popular Sunday Brunch, you’ll find Lowcountry staples such as collards and Santee remoulade, smoked seafood dip, she crab soup, salads, sandwich and burger baskets, chicken bog, fried oysters, shrimp & grits, brisket, seafood specials and even a kids menu. A full bar and impressive wine list round out the offerings.
