The new Grumpy Mustache is a happy place along Business 17 just south of Atlantic Avenue in Murrells Inlet. 

Husband-and-wife owners moved here from Detroit and gave the restaurant space that used to be the old Gershon’s Deli a mega makeover. The results are the cool confines of  The Grumpy Mustache, with the namesake mustache making appearances on artwork throughout, including a Marilyn Monroe portrait, and even on the women’s bathroom mirror for #GrumpyMustache selfie purposes. 

Outside by the entrance, you’re greeted with a chalkboard easel scrawled with the specials, two raised garden beds planted with fresh herbs, and a handful of tables on the front patio for alfresco dining, which is where my mom and I sat for our lunch break. Our server, Chris, attended to us with charm, a warm smile, and a waxed mustache (which could be a job requirement, but I didn’t ask).

On our visit, The Grumpy Mustache offered beer and wine along with their creative-casual menu, but we opted for sodas before noon – or pop, as they call it in Detroit. I paired mine with a classic Reuben piled high with thin, tender slices of corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled marble rye bread from Benjamin’s Bakery delivered fresh from Surfside Beach. Mom chose The Slowbird sandwich, a melted marvel of juicy pulled chicken, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce. Her side was their homemade coleslaw and mine was a bag of salt and vinegar Bettermade potato chips shipped in from Michigan. 

More standout menu choices to try on another visit to Grumpy Mustache were their Balls of Meat, beef meatballs smothered in homemade red sauce and Parmesan cheese and served with a toasted baguette (Wednesdays are Pasta Days); Street Tacos; Grilled Sausage with Kraut, a Detroit fave with Polish sausage, sauerkraut, and mustard on a fresh-baked bun from Benjamin’s; and the Woodward Hot Chicken, crispy fried chicken stacked with slaw, hot sauce, and mayo, just to name a few. 

I appreciate that The Grumpy Mustache is making a scene at the beach and is full of personality, from the food to the service to the overall ambiance.  Check out their live music on the weekends, too.

3140 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
TheGrumpyMustache.com
(843) 357-9998
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.