Best New Restaurant

October 2018
Written By: 
Julie Flanagan

RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar

1210 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, (843) 945-1204, riptydz.com

Opening their beachfront doors in August 2017, RipTydz boasts “the best chews, brews and views,” an assertion they can stand behind. More than a restaurant, RipTydz embodies a passion for the beach lifestyle, so sit back and enjoy the moment. With more than 17,000 square feet and overlooking the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, RipTydz is part oceanfront restaurant and part beach bar. Riptydz has more than 500 seats and three bars, so dine indoors or outdoors and have a drink at the rooftop bar with nightly outdoor music. The eclectic menu features local seafood, prime steaks and other fresh favorites. “Beach Side Starters” include the Smoked Gouda Chicken Eggrolls. For the main course opt for a steam pot, build-your-own mac and cheese or a garden salad like the Blackened Shrimp Cobb. Burgers and sandwiches (like the Crabby Grilled Cheese) and entrees like the Fried Shrimp Boat and Flame Kissed Hand Cut Ribeye complete the menu. Pick a cocktail like the Aloha Screwdriver (orange vodka with pineapple and orange juices) from the list of specialty drinks. RipTydz is the perfect casual-yet-trendy spot for locals and visitors and is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night.

Costa Bowls

2954C Howard Ave. (The Market Common), (843) 353-6171. costabowls.com

Costa Bowls, located in The Market Common and opened in June 2018, is the area’s first acai bowl spot. They serve up fresh acai and pitaya bowls, as well as smoothies, oatmeal, and fruit and yogurt parfaits. And if acai or pitaya are new to you, don’t worry. They explain everything on their menu. Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is a fruit from the acai palm, which has been a staple of the South American diet for centuries. It is delicious and also packed with health benefits like antioxidants, vitamins and probiotics. Pitaya, also known as dragonfruit, is high in fiber and can help improve digestive health. Choose from options like the Myrtle Beach Bowl (blended acai topped with strawberries, blueberries, granola and honey) or the Boardwalk Bowl (blended pitaya piled with pineapple, banana, peanut butter, granola and honey). You can add additional toppings (like coconut flakes or sliced almonds) to any bowl for just fifty cents each. A variety of smoothies, fruit and yogurt parfaits and oatmeal bowls round out the menu. If you’re looking for healthy and unique options, this is the place to try. Hours vary so please call.


Beer Belly Deli

830 Inlet Square Drive, Murrells Inlet, (843) 299-2676. beerbellydelisc.com

You can blame your belly on this deli. Beer Belly Deli, which opened by Inlet Square Mall in early May 2018, puts a creative spin on specialty sandwiches, unique craft beer and quality meats and cheeses. There is also a daily special sandwich and soup and 10 percent off a select draft beer. You can build your own sandwich from a variety of toppings, cheeses (including vegan options), meat and breads or opt for one of the delicious menu items like the Little Italy. This “craft sandwich,” served on a hoagie roll, is piled high with capacollo, pepperoni, salami, provolone, red onion, pepperoncinis, lettuce, tomato and deli dressing. There are also paninis to choose from, like the caprese with mozzarella, basil leaves, tomato, balsamic vinegar and mayo. Sandwiches are served with your choice of side, including coleslaw, pasta salad and potato salad. If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, go for any of a number of salads, including the Grilled Caesar. Be sure to check out the craft beer selection. You can also buy Boarshead sliced meats and cheeses to take home. Beer Belly Deli is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

LuLu’s

4954 U.S. 17 S. (Barefoot Landing), North Myrtle Beach, (843) 491-5011. lulubuffet.com

This new addition to Barefoot Landing opened in June 2018 and is all about the gumbo love. Owned by Jimmy Buffet’s little sister Lucy, this restaurant will make you feel like you’re on vacation all year long. Take a break and soak up the good vibes of delicious food, live music and the beautiful waterfront views. The attached sand-filled outdoor play area for kids makes bringing the whole family that much easier. With two other locations in the South (Destin, Florida, and Gulf Shores, Alabama), LuLu’s knows just what to serve up. Start with an appetizer like the fried green tomatoes with LuLu’s Wow Sauce or the nachos with your choice of meat. A variety of baskets (like the fried crab claw) are served with fries, coleslaw and jalapeno hushpuppies. The “Favorites” section includes the crab melt and shrimp and grits. Cheeseburgers and a variety of sandwiches and salads round out the menu. Have an allergy that makes it difficult to dine out? LuLu’s offers several allergy-friendly menus, including gluten-free, dairy-free and seafood-free. Check out the bar and treat yourself from the large list of margarita options. LuLu’s is open for lunch and dinner daily.

The Oyster Rock

9931 Nance St., Calabash, (910) 579-6875. theoysterrock.com

This family-owned-and-operated waterfront eatery, which opened in May 2018, specializes in excellent seafood and raw bar items, as well as mouth-watering beef, chicken and pork dishes. Sandwiches and burgers are prepared in-house daily with fresh ingredients from local and regional suppliers. The creative menu (both in terms of verbiage and options) entices you to first “Whet Your Appetite.” Appetizer options include the Certified Nut Cases, coconut shrimp with a pina colada dipping sauce. Soup and salads are offered, as well as The Board Meeting gourmet charcuterie board full of delicious cheeses, meats and accompaniments. Order from the raw bar or pick a Main Plate option like Stateline Scampi (tossed in pasta and served with garlic bread) or The Butchers Cut (USDA choice Kansas City strip with charred Vidalia onions and Argentine chimmichurri sauce). A variety of Use Your Hands choices (including a burger, a tuna club and tacos with your choice of filling) complete this inspired menu. More than 24 beers are on tap and 30 wines by the glass are offered, as well as a collection of specialty cocktails. Come enjoy great food and a great view at The Oyster Rock, which is open for dinner every night but Tuesday.