Myrtle Beach food culture extends far beyond typical beach fare, offering a rich tapestry of Southern coastal cuisine that reflects the area’s fishing heritage and agricultural abundance. From the iconic calabash-style seafood that originated in nearby North Carolina to the creamy comfort of Low Country shrimp and grits, these must-try dishes showcase why Myrtle Beach restaurants have become a premier destination for food lovers seeking authentic coastal flavors and innovative culinary experiences that define modern South Carolina dining.
1. Calabash-Style Fried Seafood
The name comes from the nearby fishing village of Calabash, North Carolina, known as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” This legendary preparation method features lightly battered and deep-fried treasures from the sea, including freshly caught fish, shrimp, crab, and locally harvested oysters, clams, and mussels.
Where to Find It: Sea Captain’s House has been faithfully serving the Myrtle Beach area for decades and remains the gold standard for calabash seafood. Located at 3002 N Ocean Blvd, this oceanfront institution has been offering great food with scenic views for more than 65 years.
For buffet-style dining, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood offers over 170 different items including the traditional preparation alongside modern variations at their Restaurant Row location.
“The calabash shrimp at Sea Captain’s House was absolutely perfect – light, crispy coating with sweet, tender shrimp inside. You can taste why this style made Myrtle Beach famous for seafood!” – Sarah M., Food Blogger
2. Low Country Shrimp and Grits
Nothing says Southern coastal cuisine more than a big bowl of shrimp and grits. This classic dish features ground grits mixed with cheese, topped with seasoned shrimp, and sometimes gravy. It’s commonly found on brunch menus and represents the heart of Myrtle Beach food culture.
Top Spots: Aspen Grille at 5101 N Kings Highway offers a delicious version with aged white cheddar grits served with garlic bread, showcasing Southern hospitality with each dish handcrafted from local lands and waters.
Paula’s at Broadway at the Beach serves “Paula’s shrimp ‘n grits” with blackened gulf shrimp and cheese grits, smothered in a Tasso ham creole gravy – one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach for this signature dish.
3. She-Crab Soup
This creamy, rich soup represents the pinnacle of South Carolina’s coastal cuisine, featuring fresh blue crab meat and roe in a velvety base seasoned with sherry and Old Bay. It’s become synonymous with Myrtle Beach dining experiences.
Local Favorite: Sea Captain’s House serves an award-winning she-crab soup that food critics consistently rank among the best on the East Coast, making it a must-try for visitors seeking authentic Myrtle Beach food.
4. Fresh Hushpuppies with Honey Butter
Hot hushpuppies, made from seasoned cornmeal batter, are plucked from the deep fryer and served by the basket at most traditional seafood establishments. They’re often the first taste visitors get of authentic Myrtle Beach restaurants.
Don’t Miss: Sea Captain’s House serves hushpuppies with honey butter as you’re seated – guests consistently rave that they’re “out of this world” and set the tone for the entire meal.
5. Seafood Boil (Low Country Boil)
This communal feast includes snow crab legs, fresh shrimp, clams, oysters, sausage, potatoes and sweet corn, all seasoned and ready to crack into. It’s perfect for sharing and represents the social aspect of Myrtle Beach food culture.
Prime Location: Head to Murrells Inlet, where numerous waterfront restaurants nestled among the reeds and piers offer authentic Low Country boils with stunning marsh views – often considered some of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach for this experience.
6. Fresh Catch Fish Tacos
Modern coastal cuisine meets traditional preparation in Myrtle Beach’s elevated fish taco scene, featuring locally caught grouper, mahi-mahi, or seasonal fish with creative toppings and house-made salsas.
Trending Spot: Big Chill Island House at 4736 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach offers fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for their signature fish tacos.
“The grouper tacos at Big Chill were phenomenal – fresh, flaky fish with perfect seasoning and house-made slaw. Exactly what you want after a day at the beach in Myrtle Beach!” – Michael T., Local Resident
7. Seared Scallops with Coastal Sides
The upscale dining scene showcases these delicate shellfish with creative preparations, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative coastal-inspired sauces.
Fine Dining: Multiple best restaurants in Myrtle Beach along Kings Highway feature perfectly seared scallops, often paired with grits, seasonal vegetables, or coastal-inspired sauces that highlight the area’s culinary sophistication.
8. Traditional Oyster Roasts
Traditional Southern oyster roasts become magical experiences along the coast, featuring locally harvested oysters steamed over open fires during peak season.
Seasonal Experience: Gulf Stream Cafe in Garden City serves terrific crab cakes and fresh seafood dishes while hosting special oyster roasts in season, offering some of the most authentic Myrtle Beach food experiences.
9. Bourbon BBQ Wings
Guy Fieri is bringing his bold flavors to Myrtle Beach with Downtown Flavortown featuring signature dishes like Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Wings when it opens later in 2025 at the Myrtle Beach Mall near Tanger Outlets.
Coming Soon: This highly anticipated addition to Myrtle Beach restaurants will feature over-the-top eats in a high-energy atmosphere with arcade games and bowling.
10. Southern Desserts: Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding
No Southern coastal meal is complete without traditional desserts that showcase regional ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
Sweet Endings: Many Restaurant Row establishments and top Myrtle Beach restaurants feature house-made versions of these classics, often prepared with Georgia peaches and locally sourced dairy.
New Culinary Experiences in 2025
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with fresh dining updates in 2025, making it an even more exciting place for food lovers. Nine Spices Hot Pot and BBQ made its debut at 1509 N Kings Highway in late 2024, while Boteco VIP at 503 9th Avenue North brings flavorful Brazilian dishes that capture the heart of Brazilian culture.
Where Myrtle Beach Food Culture Thrives
Broadway at the Beach
This entertainment district houses multiple dining options, from Paula’s shrimp ‘n grits to future openings like Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co. set to open in spring 2026.
Restaurant Row (Kings Highway)
The heart of Myrtle Beach’s dining scene stretches along this corridor, featuring everything from calabash buffets to upscale steakhouses. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
Murrells Inlet
Known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” this charming fishing village offers waterfront dining with authentic coastal cuisine and stunning marsh views.
Grand Strand Culinary Heritage
The broader coastal region’s influence on local cuisine continues to shape modern Myrtle Beach food trends, blending traditional techniques with contemporary innovation.
Planning Your Myrtle Beach Food Adventure
Best Times to Visit: Peak seafood season runs from April through October, though many Myrtle Beach restaurants serve fresh catches year-round thanks to regional sourcing.
Reservation Tips: Popular spots like Aspen Grille and Sea Captain’s House fill quickly during summer months and holiday weekends. Call ahead for the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
Local Insider Secrets: Many establishments offer early bird specials and locals’ discounts during off-peak hours. Ask about daily specials featuring the freshest catches.
Budget Planning: Myrtle Beach food options range from affordable calabash buffets ($25-40 per person) to fine dining experiences ($60-100+ per person). Mix both for the complete experience.
The Myrtle Beach food scene continues evolving while honoring its coastal heritage, making every meal an opportunity to taste the authentic flavors that define this beloved Southern destination.
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