Whether it’s a holiday get together, a birthday dinner or an anniversary that calls for a delicious meal, these Grand Strand spots always make a special occasion all the more special.

21 Main
719 North Beach Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, 
(843) 315-3000
21mainatnorthbeach.com

This is the venue to gather and graze in only the classiest way. At 21 Main, located in North Beach Resort, the chefs are masters at putting a traditional steakhouse menu on another level. In addition to their specialty cuts, pork, poultry and seafood entrees, they’ve recently revealed a two-course prix fix menu that will have you feeling like royalty. Add to the experience a recommended bottle from the in-house sommelier from their award-winning wine list and unparalleled service and you’ll want to make 21 Main a celebratory tradition. Special events are a common occurrence here in either of the two spacious private rooms; one overlooks the courtyard and both boast balconies.

Gios
10008 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, (843) 237-8245
7915 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 712-2238
giositaliankitchen.com

Gios Italian Kitchen is a treasured reservation you’ll want to make. Open since 2014 in Pawleys Island, the all-star Italian restaurant is run to perfection by three siblings: brothers/chefs Klodjan & Renato Hoxha and sister/GM Eri Hoxha (their parents are also involved in the restaurant). The Hoxhas, originally from Albania, moved to the United States in 2003, bringing 15 years’ experience in cooking. They use only the freshest ingredients (and some of the best marinara on the Strand) in menu items like the Meatball Gios first course, fresh pasta entrees, Renato’s Favorite (shrimp, mushrooms, broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy alfredo, fettuccini) and more. A second location is now open in Myrtle Beach.   

Joe’s Bar & Grill
810 Conway St., North Myrtle Beach, 
(843) 272-4666
joesbarandgrillonline.com

For more than 30 years, Joe’s Bar & Grill has been a North Myrtle Beach casual-fine dining landmark, but also the town’s best-kept secret. Folks don’t want to share their favorite spot! You and your crew can choose to sit inside at one of the white linen-topped tables or outside at Joe’s Raccoon Cove Deck Bar. Either way, you’ll be treated to the finest fare, such as the smoked salmon starter served with sour cream and caviar, lollipop lamb chops and Shrimp Louis—just to name a few.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
2920 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-0777
1315 U.S. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach, (843) 492-9777
rioz.com

Whether your family is celebrating a special occasion or you need to book a bigger area, Rioz will serve you with unforgettable memories. Start with a toast of your cocktail and then head to a salad bar on steroids, their fresh market selection of hot and cold seasonal items, including seafood and sushi. When those plates are cleared, let the dining entertainment begin, when Brazilian gauchos bring out a continuous round of staked meats until you tell them to stop—15 different sizzling meats, to be exact, in cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.