From his youth on a chicken farm in New Jersey to the upstate of South Carolina as a builder (and USC student), then to the Grand Strand more than 30 years ago re-creating himself as a seafood entrepreneur and inventor (yes, inventor), Ted Hammerman, aka “Mr. Fish,” has lived a varied life filled with family, free enterprise, and whimsical creativity. Sought out by the United Nations, fishermen, and seafood processing plants throughout the U.S. and as far away as Indonesia, Hammerman simultaneously offered his expertise through the U.N. and raised a family here in Myrtle Beach all while serving the residents and visitors of the Grand Strand.

 With seafood of all sorts for carryout or cooked to order, Hammerman’s markets have remained a fixture in Myrtle Beach for some three decades. Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill in Myrtle Beach, owned by Hammerman and his daughter Sheina Hammerman, a Johnson & Wales University culinary school graduate, is in its third and current location and, like the Hammermans, is a treasured institution.

Open for retail sales (10 a.m.), lunch (11 a.m.) and dinner closing at 8 p.m. seven days per week, the market and ultra-casual grill is brightly lit and filled with quirky artwork reflecting the owners’ creative spirit. Mr. Fish tee shirts make the perfect canvas for the Hammermans’ clever slogans, such as “You Can’t live on Wishes, but you Can Live on Fishes,” “We Put a Splash in your Glass and a Fish on your Dish,” “Stay Fishy,” and more. 

The Mr. Fish menu is straight-forward with appetizers that include jerk seasoned fish bites, homemade shrimp egg rolls, crab cake sliders, calamari, oysters on the half shell and much more. Soups and salads round out the starters and set the palate for the main courses and daily specials. Choose from priced-right award-winning Shrimp & Grits, Hibachi, and Fish & Chips to a build-your-own “fishy masterpiece” where you pick your seafood (shrimp, flounder, cod, haddock, salmon, snapper, Mahi, scallops, grouper as available), then choose your preferred cooking style (fried, grilled or blackened) and then sides (fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, grilled mixed vegetables, side salad, slaw, rice or collards). Pair with wine from a large inventory or a cold beer, including a small but well-curated selection of craft beers. Impress your party by ordering a whole fish from the case and ask for it to be prepared to your liking. (Pro tip: the chef or your server can make preparation suggestions).

Lighter fare includes fish tacos, sandwiches, and even burgers and a steak or chicken Philly. Lowcountry-style Steam Pots (available in two sizes, personal and family) include snow crab, shrimp, clams, potatoes, sausage and corn. Shellfish lovers find satisfaction with crawdads, black mussels, oysters, clams, and more. Order by the pound or by the dozen. Steam and eat-in with crackers and plenty of melted butter, or order for take-home.

Sweet tooth? Fear not and choose from cookies, key lime pie, brownie a la mode or coconut cream pie. A kids’ menu keeps the entire family happy and fed for less. 

With their expertise in all-things seafood, Mr. Fish Catering has a well-established reputation along the Grand Strand having supplied food and service for countless events from large to small, including their own legendary oyster roasts. The fully customizable catering menu expands beyond the seafood you’d expect, to include pulled smoked pork, whole lobster, a taco bar, fried chicken, antipasto skewers, hamburger sliders, smoked pork ribs, and much, much more (see website for photos and descriptions)—all available with even just a few days’ notice for pick-up or delivery and full service.

Customers seeking Kosher food and Kosher preparations will find Mr. Fish happy to accommodate as well.

Located a few hundred yards from the Atlantic Ocean, it makes sense that the Mr. Fish team understands seafood better than most and that the Hammermans have an appreciation for sustainable practices and the bounty of the sea.

Visit Mr. Fish at 6307 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach. (843) 492-0374 and www.mrfish.com

Mr. Fish
6307 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
(843) 492-0374
www.mrfish.com