Best of the Grand Strand 2019
Dagwood’s Deli
400 Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach. (843) 448-0100, dagwoodsdeli.com
Dagwood’s Deli and Sports Bar
600 U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach. (843) 828-4600, dagwoodsdeli.com
The original Dagwood’s Deli (named after the iconic 1960s cartoon character, for the younger ones among us) has been serving up sky-high sandwiches on freshly baked rolls and bread since 1988 in its location in downtown Myrtle Beach. The menu ranges from classic deli sandwiches to French dips, tuna and chicken salad melts, a variety of Reubens, meatball subs, burgers, and pub grub such as tater tots and mozzarella sticks. The signature Dagwood’s Dipper features sliced turkey piled high with melted Swiss cheese and bacon bits served on a house sub roll with homemade dill mayonnaise. On game day, head to Dagwood’s Deli and Sports Bar to meet a crowd for the same great food in a lively environment of fans. Dagwood’s Deli offers online ordering and, from its Myrtle Beach location, delivery. Dagwood’s Deli is open Monday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dagwood’s Sports Bar, daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Beer Belly Deli
830 Inlet Square Drive, Murrells Inlet. (843) 299-2676, beerbellydelisc.com
The hearty menu of the Beer Belly Deli will surprise and definitely satisfy with its delightful combination of classic sandwiches and creative twists on tradition. The Gobbler is virtually a Thanksgiving feast in a sandwich, complete with a side of gravy, while the Little Italy and Mr. Reuben offer familiar terrain. Mom, the Meatloaf is a panini featuring homemade meatloaf with cheddar cheese, red onion, spinach, and barbecue sauce, while the Kilkenny blends corned beef with cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers and spicy mustard pressed between two slices of marble rye. Beer Belly Deli also offers a rotating soup of the day, a selection of craft beer, a full deli counter and online ordering, so you can belly up to the deli, make your own at home or take your special sandwich on the run. Open Monday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Little River Deli
2352 Highway 9 E., Longs. (843) 399-9492, Facebook: Little River Deli
Little River Deli blends the best of New York, Italian and Southern cuisines in a breakfast and lunch spot. The Caprese chicken wrap shares the spotlight with meatloaf, chicken bog and Italian sausage and peppers on a recent daily specials board. Fresh bagels, egg sandwiches and Taylor pork roll are key components of the breakfast menu, while lunch includes classics like Reubens and Philly cheesesteaks, as well as comfort items such as baked ziti and lasagna, roasted pork loin, stuffed peppers and pot roast. Homemade potato salad, potato chips and coleslaw are high rated side items, while the dessert counter also satisfies with fresh cannoli and a wide array of pastries. Little River Deli is open Monday–Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lee's Farmers Market
4883 U.S. 17 Bypass N., Murrells Inlet. (843) 651-7398, leesfarmersmarket.com
A locals’ gathering place and a foodie tourist’s cultural destination, Lee’s Farmers Market has been offering “the everyday to the gourmet” in local produce, fine cuts of meat, international cheeses and wine, and unique grocery items since 1997. Part market, part butcher, part restaurant and part farmer’s boutique, the locally-owned-and-operated Lee’s Farmers Market offers items perfect for today’s meal or that upcoming event: birthday, party or family gathering. The lunch deli features Schaller & Weber German deli meats, a selection of traditional European-style cured meats and corned beef shipped from Carnegie Deli in NYC. Also look for items made from the freshest seasonal produce and products, including soft shell crabs, tomatoes, collards, strawberries and honey. Open Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kaminsky's New York Deli
7223 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. (843) 213-1261, kaminskynydeli.com
Mike and Eva Kaminsky brought their authentic New York deli culture with them when they traveled from Long Island, N.Y., and opened Kaminsky’s Deli in 2008. This place is the real deal, offering knishes, pierogis, matzo ball soup, egg creams and fresh bagels in addition to Boar’s Head meats, a variety of high-end cheeses and homemade salads. Many like their sandwiches straight: the corned beef, pastrami, roast beef and Genoa salami need very little dressing up. Others enjoy the signature sandwiches like the Brooklyn PCT #75: hot roast beef, onions and melted horseradish cheddar served on a sub roll with Kaminsky’s famous dipping sauce. Kaminsky’s is also open for breakfast, serving up omelets and bagel sandwiches with the same high-quality meats and Nova lox. Salads, including tuna, chicken, egg and whitefish, are also available by the pound. Kaminsky’s is open Monday–Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photographs by Scott Smallin and courtesy of Dagwood’s Deli and Little River Deli