Best of the Grand Strand 2024 - Locally Sourced

(Left) Austin’s Harvest Restaurant at Brookgreen Gardens; (right) Local Eat Drink Celebrate

CK’s Bistro
3020 Nevers St., The Market 
Common, Myrtle Beach
(843) 213-1451
Facebook.com/p/CKs-Bistro-61555825110781/
Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner, CK’s Bistro (opened in May 2024) hosts regular wine dinners, and regularly serves from a diverse, creative and ever-changing menu, which has included teriyaki glazed sirloin with Asian vegetable (sweet chili asparagus) and tantalizing sauces, candied walnut crusted Mahi-Mahi, swordfish piccata, CAB Prime ribeye, crab cake, rack of lamb, fried cod sandwich, veal scallopini & shrimp, stuffed bone-in pork chops, risotto and more. Enjoy seasonal live music, specialty cocktails, and a commitment to as much locally sourced food as possible. 

Hippie Hen House
3256 US 17 Bus., Murrells Inlet. 
Hippiehen.co
Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat, and Sunday brunch 11 – 2, the award-winning Hippie Hen House serves from an impossibly large dine-in and carryout menu. Choose from three dozen sandwiches, burgers and wraps, including a pollo caprese (crispy or grilled chicken with tomatoes, applewood bacon, fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction on focaccia bread). The blackened salmon BLT served on sourdough and the smoked Philly cheese steak are also winners with patrons. Fresh seafood entrees, and homestyle meals include southern shrimp and jumbo lump crab scampi, baby back ribs, and Hippie Chicken – half of a house-smoked Prestige chicken brushed with Carolina BBQ sauce, served with a homemade buttermilk biscuit, garlic mashed potatoes and creamy coleslaw. 

Crooked Oak Tavern
316 Laurel St., Conway, (843) 488-0007
Crookedoaktavern.com
Located in historic Conway, SC, the Crooked Oak Tavern offers a delightful culinary experience with a commitment to farm-to-table practices specializing in hormone-free, organic and locally and regionally farmed meat, fish and produce. Open Mon – Sat for lunch and dinner, the rustic ambiance complements a menu brimming with locally sourced delights including some 10 sandwiches and salads for lunch and a dinner menu loaded with appetizers, salads, steaks, and seafood along with bison, venison, pork chops and more. The Carolina crunchy Dijon flounder is a must-try and is emblematic of the restaurant’s commitment to a memorable dining journey that celebrates the essence of the region.

Austin’s Harvest Restaurant at Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet
(843) 235-6030, Austinsharvestrestaurant.com
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Brookgreen Gardens, Austin’s Harvest Restaurant offers a tranquil escape, enticing visitors with a diverse menu. From soul-warming soups to delightful small plates and vibrant green options, their culinary offerings cater to every taste. Indulge in lunch plates featuring mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches, fresh catch of the day, and flavorful penne pasta with succulent shrimp. Rooted in Farm-to-Table principles, Austin’s proudly sources local ingredients, including produce cultivated in Brookgreen’s own “Bethea’s Gardens.” Immerse yourself in a delightful dining experience that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and sustainable culinary practices.

Local Eat Drink Celebrate
10880 Ocn. Hwy., Pawleys Highland (Hammock Shops), (843) 314-0474, Pawleyslocal.com
Since 2020 the award winning and aptly named Local Eat Drink Celebrate has been a haven for locals (and visitors) seeking a fusion of hipster-meets-Colonial era ambiance with a focus on responsibly sourced cuisine. Housed within an enchanting historic building featuring centuries-old British brick walls, the restaurant exudes modern charm and old-world warmth with an unmissable modern art sensibility. Owner and executive chef, John Dabrowski, takes pride in the locally and regionally sourced menu. Daily brunch includes traditional breakfast favorites, while entrees (served all day) include starters and salads, sandwiches and seafood sourced regionally. With an emphasis on freshness, every dish reflects the essence of the coastal region.