There are some restaurants—among the leagues of thousands around here—tagged with the word House that you just know you should avoid. These are the places that abuse the true meaning of “house,” using the word as a cover up for sloppy and budget-friendly casual. But there’s one house in Carolina Forest where it’s worth pulling up a chair and settling in for a night.

At Hana Teppanyaki House, the comfort and peace of home is felt in the doting service. “Hana,” meaning flower in Japanese, is seen in the subtle beauty of the blue light blossoms strung atop the awning on the outside of the restaurant at night. And the “teppanyaki,” meaning iron plate grilling, Japanese-style, is why everyone should order dinner here.

Mickey and Stanley Wang know what they’re doing behind the grill, with 20 years of experience, heart and soul poured into every hibachi entree. The secret is in the building blocks of quality ingredients: USDA Choice Beef, chicken, seafood and steaks cut from loins in-house and served up with homemade dipping sauces.

Start with an app of six spring rolls, fresh, crispy and perfectly finished with a finale of one of these sassy sauces. Any of Hana’s combo entrees are delectably rich, but easy on the wallet. I chose filet mignon and scallops, cooked hibachi-style with rice (you can also substitute noodles) and fresh, sautéed vegetables. Flavors are well-balanced bite for bite, with zest and spice. Also included in the combo entree is a first course of miso soup and house salad with ginger dressing.

Get here early for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4–6 p.m. for half-price Early Bird specials and happy hour. On Wednesday nights, bottles of wine are half off.

Hana Teppanyaki House
Forest Village Shopping Center
4036 River Oaks Drive, #9
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Next to First Citizens Bank, on left opposite Food Lion
(843) 903-5151
www.hanasc.com
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Dinner: beginning at 4 p.m. daily