(Left) Big Tuna Restaurant and Raw Bar; (Right) RipTydz.
Written By Ashley Daniels
Photographs By Scott Smallin & courtesy of Big Tuna
Chesapeake House
9918 US-17, Myrtle Beach
(843) 449-3231
Thechesapeakehouse.com
The popular Restaurant Row has been home to the Chesapeake House for more than 40 years. Since then, the tradition of serving patrons fresh, local seafood with warm, Southern hospitality hasn’t waned. Delicious waterfront views blend with a dinner menu that will keep you coming back, with items like their World Famous Fish Stew (a family recipe), fried gator bites, Lobster Pie, Carolina Crab Cakes and more.
Ocean One
1 Norris Drive, Pawleys Island
(843) 235-8700
Austinsoceanone.com
Ocean One gives you a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the ocean and pristine Pawleys coastline from the second floor of The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn. There’s not a bad seat in the house, thanks to the pretty panoramic windows that wrap around the fine dining room. Besides that, the eclectic, locally sourced menu will also amaze you, such as Austin’s Jump Blue Crab Cakes, Austin’s Low Country Chicken, Pan Fried Lobster Milanese and so much more.
Sara J’s
314 Atlantic Ave., Garden City
(843) 651-1657
Sarajs.com
The family-owned Sara J’s is a relaxing respite overlooking the inlet marsh that flows under the Atlantic Avenue causeway that connects traffic to the beach. The waterfront restaurant is reminiscent of a beach cottage, complete with a comfy wrap-around covered porch, shaker siding and Bermuda shutters. Fresh seafood is the main menu event, including Oysters Rockefeller, the house specialty, The J’s Lowcountry Boil, Stuffed Shrimp, Sara J’s Special entrée for the ultimate seafood lover and more.
RipTydz
1210 North Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach
(843) 945-1204
Riptydz.com
This towering three-story, 500-seat oceanfront restaurant offers food and fun on every level. The open-air dining rooms allow you to enjoy the views any time of the year. From the top, the third-floor rooftop bar offers table top and wicker lounge seating, massive TVs and corn hole courts. The lower level offers another bar area, large dining room with rotating acoustic live music set up in the corner and cool ocean design elements. Try any of their specialty cocktails, fresh seafood towers and steamers, sandwiches, burgers or tacos.
Big Tuna Restaurant and Raw Bar
807 Front St., Georgetown
(843) 546-1045
Bigtunarawbar.com
Big Tuna’s back deck has been a hot spot along the historic Harbor Walk in Georgetown for oodles of years. Overlooking the Sampit River, the deck is the perfect spot to catch a sunset view between sips of a cold beverage and watch passersby or local boats tying up at dock. You’ll also want to order one of Big Tuna’s fresh local catches, like their namesake Seared Tuna or their famous whole fried flounder scored into bite-size diamond shapes.
The Oyster Rock
9931 Nance St., Calabash, N.C.
(910) 579-6875
Theoysterrock.com
Settle into a seat along the Calabash River, where The Oyster Rock, the river’s pearl, awaits with welcoming views. The back patio and boardwalk that leads to the Oyster Pit is where it’s at. You’ll want to take advantage of oyster season here from the scratch-made menu that features pit-roasted oysters, Ragin’ Cajun Oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster Stew. Or choose from any of the Rock’s other seafood (sans shell) creations, steaks and chicken. You can’t go wrong.
Dead Dog Saloon
4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
(843) 651-0664
Deaddogsaloon.com
As you can tell by the name of this waterfront restaurant along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, it’s a fun, family-friendly place. Or, maybe not. But we’re here to say it is. Dead Dog’s tongue-in-cheek name has paid tribute to its canine mascot, Dudley, since 2002 and it’s anything but a host of solemn surroundings. It’s a locals’ gathering spot for lunch, dinner and dancing within its indoor and outdoor areas equipped with three bars and large-screen HD TVs. Try their Boo Boo Bites, Woof Woof Wings, fish baskets, burgers, house-made barbecue and happy hour drink specials.
Sea Captain’s House
Sea Captain’s House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
(843 ) 448-8082
Seacaptains.com
Anchored on the boulevard in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the oceanfront Sea Captain’s House practically invented local waterfront dining. The landmark restaurant has been around for more than 50 years, with some traditions staying alive and some changes along the way. Sea Captain’s still thrives on its Southern hospitality, ocean views, and fresh seafood and delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And now you can dine and drink alfresco at the newer ShipYard outdoor bar and deck.
