Locals have witnessed the gradual, much-needed facelift on downtown Myrtle Beach of late. Building by neglected building, a few streets in the Arts & Innovation District are starting to hum with a new energy that the city has deserved for a while.

One such magical transformation is The Tasting Room on 9th, a brilliant collaboration between chef Jamie Daskalis of Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts fame and WEST certified sommelier Lisa Lee. The new concept recently opened in the spring to beckon tourists that pour into the area during the summer season, and the response has been a resounding thumbs up. 

The historic restored building is a sexy marriage of industrial and chic, with artwork throughout and a sleek bar that showcases a lineup of chilled wines, reds, and liquor bottles standing at attention to await their craft cocktail pairing. The Tasting Room’s (TTR) ambiance is welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive—not pretentious—like its own thriving community.

This is more than a wine bar, with TTR also serving cocktails and a collection of international beers. A selection of wines from around the world has been curated by Lee, for both the wine neophyte and connoisseur. And Daskalis has thoughtfully created a food menu of light fare, charcuterie boards, and desserts. 

Try the Paint it Red board for two, an eclectic, artistic layout of fig onion jam, prosciutto, genoa salami, capocollo, cranberry goat cheese, smoked cheddar, Manchego cheese, blackberries, spiced pecans, Pepper House gourmet olives, and crackers. The Burrata My Board for one features dressed arugula, burrata, prosciutto, pickled onions, pistachios, and strawberries.

Off-board, there is an inventive Peachy Flatbread with peachy mint jam, roasted red onion, fire-roasted peaches, orange blossom goat cheese, prosciutto, fresh thyme, fresh mint, and crushed red pepper. Tempting sandwich options include the Brie-zy Fig Sandwich stacked with brie, fig onion jam, capocollo, blistered tomatoes, and roasted red onions on toasted sourdough. 

Salads include the Beet It Goat, dressed citrus beets and greens, orange blossom goat cheese, spiced pistachios, pickled onions, and a honey lemon wedge. The Tuna Ceviche is a refreshing tossing of tuna, avocado, roasted pineapple, lime, cilantro, red onion, red pepper, and jalapeño with chips. 
And, for dessert, a must dessert from Daskalis is the Dark Chocolate “Fudge,” a divine sweet ending with dark chocolate hummus, orange blossom goat cheese, hot honey, fresh berries, sea salt, and cocoa nibs served with churro flat bread triangles. 

Another TTR treat is its Members Only Wine Club. The Tasting Room on 9th is a welcoming addition to the cultural tapestry that Myrtle Beach leaders are trying to elevate in the deteriorated parts of downtown. Drink it all in here and, as they say on the walls of  TTR, “Make Pour Decisions.” 

509 9th Ave. North, Unit A, Myrtle Beach
Web: Thetastingroomon9th.com
Phone: (843) 839-0927
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 
9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight, and closed Tuesdays