Occupying the real estate at the corner of 29th Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, the spot where Planet Hollywood’s big blue ball sat for nearly 20 years, the Carolina Ale House has been getting top billing for its unabashed focus on sports, beer and food in a relaxed, casual and completely unpretentious setting.

Some 54 TVs ranging from medium to huge satisfy virtually every die-hard sports fan with whatever game they might be craving. Beer lovers will find 60 taps flowing with IPAs, regional crafts, stouts, porters, sours, wheats, ales and domestics, all served in large or extra large glasses. A sizeable menu covers small plates, soups and salads, burgers, tacos, wings and a surprisingly sophisticated and varied selection of entrees.

The large restaurant offers seating in the main lounge with ample spots at the bar or high-tops and booths. A separate dining area offers easy viewing of the largest TV screens while remaining apart from the bar. An outdoor patio offers even more seating with live music in season. Two full-sized pool tables allow for a little friendly competition.

In the “Bar Bites” section of the menu, patrons may choose from Frickles (fried pickles with horseradish ranch), sweet potato fries, burger or pork sliders, beer-battered cheese curds and much more, most $6–$8. In the “Shareables” section ($9–$13), heartier snacks such as Carolina nachos, grilled chicken flatbread, a brisket quesadilla and a combo platter step up the quantity of food for two or more.

One of the most popular menu items, the Asian Grilled Chicken Salad ($10.99), features a mix of red peppers, mango salsa, wonton strips and optional Thai peanut dressing mixed among fresh greens, cabbage, cucumbers, almonds and carrots. When topped with grilled chicken skewers, suddenly you’re no longer in a solely wings and burgers joint.

But if you do just want burgers and wings, no problem. Some six burgers include standard all-American fare, but also include a pimento cheese and bacon burger ($10.49), a brisket burger, and a veggie burger ($8.99), all served with beer-battered fries. Wings come traditional or boneless.

Sandwich options ($8.99–$10.49) include buffalo chicken, turkey club wrap and the Carolina Dipper (smoked beef brisket on a toasted hoagie with caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese and au jus).

Perhaps most surprising are the dozen or so priced-right entrees ($12.99–$19.99), including seafood platters, stuffed salmon, angus top sirloin, ribeye, chorizo meatloaf, chicken prepared in a number of ways, baby back ribs, fish and chips and more.

With a full bar, a happy hour (4–6 p.m. Monday through Friday) with deals on food and booze, a kid’s menu, daily specials, late-night service and most of the sports packages, it won’t be surprising to see this newest in the chain of 30-plus locations continue to make inroads, spreading its simple concept far beyond the Southeast.

Carolina Ale House
2915 Hollywood Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 839-4222
https://www.carolinaalehouse.com/
Open 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily