The Local Grind is like sitting down with a comfortable friend and a giant mug of hot coffee. No grande-fancy French serving sizes, no franchise coffee shop pretentiousness—just warm conversation and cozy surroundings.

You’ll be glad you found a friend in this coffee house, too. Hidden amidst the pines and scented jasmine along Inlet Square Boulevard between Bypass and Business 17 in Murrells Inlet, it resembles an ivy-embraced cottage in The Secret Garden. And once you step inside, you’ll want to stay a while—and hope this place remains a secret.

Choose to sit in the sunroom porch with ivy climbing the ceiling and a wall of windows framing each petite two-top table or in the living room area in an armchair or settee lined with mismatched pillows. You can even choose a stool at one of the long high-top tables. Local artwork and handcrafted ceramics are displayed on the walls and built-in shelves.

But before you settle down, walk to the back and discover why local is in the name. Coffees are roasted and brewed in small batches from organic, local beans. Green, herbal and black teas are available. Muffins, pastries and baked goods are offered, but change up daily. Bagels are toasted and spread with a menu of homemade cream cheeses based on ingredients in season. Made-from-scratch quiche is also sliced and served.

Stop by for lunch and order one of the Grind’s sandwiches, including The Grilled PB Special, The Green Turkey with avocado and dill spread, BLT Supreme with fried green tomato, lobster salad on a grilled buttered bun or a Shrimp Taco served with a corn and a black bean salsa.

Become fast friends with The Local Grind, where you will be well fed by the cup and plate … and in good company.

The Local Grind Coffee House
11 S. 880 Inlet Square Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 299-0547
www.facebook.com/LGcoffeehouse
Hours: Monday through Saturday,
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.