Even though it’s October, the Grand Strand’s great weather means we can still enjoy a delicious meal outdoors. Check out these five local spots where you love to dine alfresco!

Clark’s Seafood & Chop House

720 U.S. 17, Little River, 
(843) 399-8888
clarksseafoodandchophouse.com

Overlooking Coquina Harbor, Clark’s offers the kind of alfresco dining atmosphere you want to bottle up and take home with you. The Little River inlet is the backdrop from your seat anywhere on the gorgeous back covered patio or at the outdoor bar. Watching boats come and go from the marina is Zen-like. Order something from the extensive wine list or one of their specialty martinis or cocktails. And don’t miss out on Clark’s chargrilled USDA Choice steaks or any of their fresh, local seafood dishes.

Sara J’s Seafood Restaurant
314 Atlantic Ave., Garden City, 
(843) 651-1657
sarajs.com

Just before the causeway that crosses into Garden City Beach sits a beloved family-owned, fresh seafood restaurant, Sara J’s. Alfresco dining on the wrap-around covered porch overlooks the inlet marsh; depending on the tide, you’ll either have views of the water or oyster beds peeking out of the pluff mud. This is a restaurant that loves its family patrons; the family owners also love to fish, so it’s worth a trip inside to see all of their prized catches hanging on the walls, like a blue marlin weighing in at a whopping 507 pounds!

Caffe Piccolo
9428 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, 
(843) 314-3424
caffepiccolopawleys.com

Caffe Piccolo plays a beautiful melody in the harmony of alfresco dining. The intimate patio exudes a peaceful ambiance for all the senses, surrounded by the shade of trees, strings of lights, a water fountain and outdoor stone fireplace. Open since September 2010, Caffe Piccolo is charming and classy-casual, with a wall-sized chalkboard inside listing the daily fish, veal and scallop specials and a menu centered on homemade Italian food. It’s not as much dining out as it is a dining experience.

Greg Norman Australian Grille
4930 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, 
(843) 361-0000
gregnormanaustraliangrille.com

Greg Norman’s is one of the best things in the alfresco world outside of Australia. The Australian heritage restaurant in Barefoot Landing that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway has been a popular hub since 1999. One of the many reasons for its success is the waterfront seating along the patio for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. You can even arrive by boat, using the 225 feet of dock space next the restaurant’s deck. In the cooler months, you can cozy up to the outdoor fire pit with a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list. Year-round, you’ll love sitting down to sample any of their spectacular steak and seafood creations.

Big Tuna
807 Front St., Georgetown, 
(843) 546-1045
bigtunarawbar.com

A locals’ favorite, Big Tuna Restaurant and Raw Bar offers some of the best seats on historic Georgetown’s Harbor Walk. The back deck is the perfect spot to drink in the sunset views of the Sampit River, sip the coldest beer in town, and people watch passersby (or boat watch). Expect to be treated to the freshest local seafood, which is caught and brought in by the owner, like their famous whole fried flounder served golden crispy scored into bite-size diamond shapes. Make a point to venture inside and say hello to the Big Tuna’s parrot, Sassy!