17 Best Restaurants & Places in Murrells Inlet, SC | 2024 (Top Eats!)
The Murrells Inlet is a gorgeous city situated in the Palmetto state of South California and is a spectacular getaway destination where one goes mostly to unwind.
One should prepare themselves for an unforgettable trip here as the city has one of the best restaurants all across the US, with exceptional steakhouses, pizzerias, and pubs, along with quaint cafés, bakeries, grills, food joints, and a lot more.
It would be a shame not knowing about some good places to eat in the city if you ever end up visiting it, and that’s why we created this list of the best restaurant in Murrells Inlet to help you make your journey a lot more exciting and easier to explore. For that, let’s look at the list below.
The Best Restaurants in Murrells Inlet This Year
1. Southside Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Southside Grill restaurant is a family-owned diner that is known for offering mouthwatering traditional American dishes.
It’s known all across South California for its delectable cuisine choices and a laid-back atmosphere that invites a lot of praise.
It’s a fabulous restaurant that offers delectable meal choices for people of all ages and takes into consideration unique diet options with flavors and appetizers.
It also has a casual atmosphere, a spellbinding interior with affordable food options, and an accommodating staff.
Chef’s Choice
If you have a special place for white meat choices, then their chicken Ala Rick will prove to your fancy.
The dish comes with three cheese slices, green beans, fries, coleslaw, baked potatoes with two choices, and crab meat.
But if you prefer tasty steaks, then go for their ribeye deluxe.
The dish contains cheese, onions, and mushrooms, along with a side dish that you can choose as per your preference.
Location and Contact
- 804 Unit A, Inlet Square Drive Murrells Inlet, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-7874
- Phone:- +1 843-839-8043
Also See – Places to Eat Seafood in Murrells Inlet, SC
2. Inlet Provision Company
Why it’s a must visit?
The Inlet Provision Company restaurant is run by a family and is a fantastic dining establishment that serves American cuisine.
The restaurant, instead of having a bustling space, provides people with a peaceful atmosphere so that they can have a relaxing time dining there.
It has a huge deck that offers people a spectacular outdoor dining experience with spellbinding botanical views and a vintage interior that features a full-service bar.
It provides dishes in hefty portions with an option to share with your pals or your family, along with heavenly desserts with lots of non-veg variety.
Chef’s Choice
Get their house specialty by ordering Mac lobster.
The math lobster contains flavorsome ingredients like Monterey Jack cheese, scallops, shrimp, and smoked Gouda, with lots of other items as well.
Another exquisite dish of theirs is pan-seared snapper which deserves to be tried.
The pan-seared snapper comes with many exquisite ingredients, like heirloom mushrooms, lemon caper butter, jasmine rice, and onions.
Location and Contact
- 4891 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5645
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-299-2444
- Email:- info@inletprovisioncompany.com
3. Costa
Why it’s a must visit?
The Costa restaurant was founded in 2016 and is a celebrated Italian restaurant that is officially known by the name of Costa coastal kitchen and bar.
One gets to spend quality time here with either their friends or family as it provides a fine dining experience to anyone visiting here.
It has an upscale setting, a refined interior, excellent service, and serves authentic Italian dishes, along with a full-featured bar.
It’s genuinely a fantastic restaurant that offers people chic dishes that are beautifully presented and served with an impressive collection of wines.
Chef’s Choice
Their spicy penne alla vodka is a gracious choice for anyone who loves pasta.
The pasta contains creamy Mariana, crushed red peppers, absolut pepper vodka, onions, and prosciutto.
Another one that should definitely be tried here is their Scarpariello which is a fantastic dish.
The dish contains linguine noodles with tasty Italian sausages, spicy veal Demi glaze, pepperoncini, white wine sauce, and several forms of herbs.
Location and Contact
- 4606 Highway 17 Business Attached to Inlet Sports Lodge, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5638
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-299-1970
- Email:- Costainlet@gmail.com
4. Uncle Mikey’s
Why it’s a must visit?
Uncle Mikey’s restaurant is a renowned diner that specializes in serving exquisite Italian cuisine and unique brick oven pizzas.
It’s a place that can appease all your pizza cravings, and it’s considered to be one of the top restaurants in the city that is hard to overlook.
All of the dishes here are prepared from the freshest ingredients inside a comfortable atmosphere with a modest interior.
It’s an aesthetic restaurant that offers people a wide range of hand-tossed pizzas, with a special menu for kids and for those who follow special diets as well.
Chef’s Choice
Indulge in their most tasty pizza, named uncle Mikey special, which is their most popular pizza dish.
The dish contains tasty toppings like mushrooms, green peppers, onions, ham, sausages, meatballs, and pepperoni.
But if you follow a vegetarian diet, then we would suggest that you order their cavatelli and veggies, which is a flavorful dish.
It’s a cavatelli noodle dish that contains light cream dressing, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers as its main ingredients.
Location and Contact
- 4378 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6252
- Phone:- +1 843-299-2155
- Email:- bostonpizzaplus@gmail.com
5. Lee’s Inlet Kitchen
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is a family-owned seafood diner that was first established in the 1940s and quickly grew into a renowned eatery.
After a heavy day of exploring the city, it’s best to treat yourself to this top-rated restaurant that serves one of the nicest dinner options in Murrells Inlet.
It’s an amazing bistro that presents people with outstanding seafood specialties like large platters, homemade soup, fresh salad, and lots of tasty side dishes.
Chef’s Choice
Appease your appetite by ordering their chargrilled oysters.
The chargrilled oysters have a smoky flavor to them and come with the dressing of housemaid garlic butter and Parmesan Romano cheese blend that makes it creamy and delicious.
One can even try their white meat varieties like boneless chicken breast.
This chicken breast comes in either fried or grilled 10 OZ chicken that gets served with onion rings, wild rice, and brown gravy.
Location and Contact
- 4460 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6274
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-2881
- Email:- leesinletkitchen@gmail.com
6. Drunken Jack’s Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Drunken Jack’s restaurant is situated over the sea and is a famous waterfront restaurant that has a history of serving consistent quality for almost four decades.
It’s one of the cool places to eat in the city as it has a spectacular outdoor dining space with a bustling bar that brings its vibrant image.
Also, the dishes here are aesthetically presented by several professional chefs, and the interior of the restaurant is designed in a pirate-inspired sense and has helpful staff members.
It furthermore offers colorful cocktails, hand-cut meat options like aged beef, and energetic live music, which gets played on selected days.
Chef’s Choice
At this place, we would suggest ordering Chef Casey’s Risotto as a main entree option.
The risotto contains blackened mahi-mahi, lobster cream sauce, lobster crab risotto, and sea scallops with a side dish of one’s choice.
Also, you can satisfy the inner carnivore in you by getting their sirloin steak.
The sirloin steak is a 10 OZ USDA-approved choice of Angus sirloin that comes with honey butter, hush puppies, and an extra side dish.
Location and Contact
- 4031 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6192
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-2044
- Email:- info@drunkenjacks.com
7. Gulfstream Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The gulf stream café was completely refurbished in 1985 and became one of the fascinating waterfront locations that present people with mouthwatering classic coastal-inspired cuisine.
One should definitely consider dining at this place as it’s one of the must eat places in the city that enjoys a popular following because of its many glamorous dishes.
It also has a showstopper design with aesthetic details, spectacular water views, and unique Sunday brunch options that makes it worthwhile.
The restaurant also offers people plenty of delectable side dishes that range from red to white meat choices, along with several appetizing desserts.
Chef’s Choice
We would recommend that you go for their Linguine with clams if you prefer shellfish-inspired dishes.
The dish is a wholesome Linguine wine pasta dish that comes with various herbs, garlic, little neck clams, and lamb stock as its fascinating ingredients.
One can also go for their salmon if they want a gluten-free dish that comes in a refined way.
The salmon comes with several healthy seasonal veggies, mashed potatoes, and Portobello mushrooms that give it its decadent flavor.
Location and Contact
- 1536 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5500
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-8808
8. California Dreaming Restaurant & Bar
Why it’s a must visit?
The California dreaming restaurant and bar is an American bistro that was initially opened in 2004 and became one of the fantastic restaurants near you that are perfect for romantic dates with your significant other.
It goes without a doubt that this restaurant is one of the many fascinating eateries in the city, primarily for its chic ambiance.
It has a gorgeous atmosphere with a personal ambiance, beautifully presented dishes, and a scenic atmosphere with its lovely outdoor location.
Chef’s Choice
Its veggie burger is a superb choice to go for if you follow a vegetarian diet.
The veggie burger is not like a usual burger but contains many mouthwatering items like tomatoes, lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, red onions, and sweet soy, with an extra dish of fries with it.
One can even try various sea-based food like shrimp San Francisco as attractive options.
The shrimp San Francisco is a pasta dish that comes with white wine, garlic cream, Romano cheese, mushrooms, and butter.
Location and Contact
- 2657 Beaver Run Blvd Highway 17 Bypass, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-5387
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-215-5255
- Email:- amber@centraarchy.com
9. Tupelo Honey
Why it’s a must visit?
The Tulepo honey restaurant was first established in 2015 and quickly grew into a renowned bistro that serves people outstanding southern-style cuisine.
One should definitely try visiting this restaurant as the local people here consider it to be a beloved diner that serves people the yummiest food choices that come with colorful handcrafted cocktails.
It has a cozy setting with vast brunch options, generous portions, and a choice for dining indoors or outdoors.
All the dishes here come in healthier forms and have a savory taste of them especially breakfast dishes and their most loved chicken meals.
Chef’s Choice
Begin your day in a fulfilling manner by trying their country-style fried chicken and waffles.
The country-style fried chicken and waffles contain honey-dusted fried chicken, basil, milk gravy, two fried eggs, and buttermilk waffles.
One can even go for healthier alternatives like the rainbow avocado bowl, which comes with several rejuvenating items.
The rainbow avocado bowl contains refreshing items like harissa honey yogurt sauce, beet hummus, avocados, spiced pecans, cauliflower rice, and a lot more.
Location and Contact
- 3042 Howard Ave in the Market Common, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-1643
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-315-3780
- Email:- loyalty@tupelohoneycafe.com
10. Dead Dog Saloon
Why it’s a must visit?
The dead dog saloon has an eccentric title but remains a fascinating food joint with several entertaining features and was opened in the year 2002.
It remains one of the many great restaurants in the city that offer us top-notch catering services with a vibrant atmosphere.
It’s a majestic place that features live performances, so one can have a fun time here with remarkable selections of the tastiest alcoholic drinks.
Also, at night this place turns into a complete dance floor so that one can spend the night away while feasting on their many delectable snacks and dishes.
Chef’s Choice
If you prefer handheld, then you should definitely go for their Surf and turf tacos.
The surf enter tacos come stuffed with tasty marinated beef tenderloins, seasoned chipotle shrimp, and tasty mango salsa.
One can also satisfy their hamburger yearnings by trying out their tasty smoky pig.
The smoky pig hamburger is a tasty burger that contains barbecue sauce, fried onion strings, smoked Gouda cheese, and crispy braised pork belly as its decadent ingredients.
Location and Contact
- 4079 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6192
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-0664
- Email:- dudley@deaddogsaloon.com
11. Pacino’s Mediterranean Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Pacino Mediterranean Grill is a spectacular diner that specializes in presenting people with beautifully curated Italian and Mediterranean-style dishes.
One can discover several exotic varieties here that specialize in Mediterranean grill options, especially if you are coming here in a large group.
The restaurant has a welcoming ambiance, impressive service, and fabulous appetizer options that are available at affordable rates.
Chef’s Choice
Without waiting, go and order their veal Sorrento dish that can satisfy the inner meat lover in you.
The veal Sorrento dish is a veal cutlet that contains Italian breadcrumbs, banana peppers, Kalamata olives, mozzarella cheese, and eggplants, along with lots of other tasty items as well.
The chicken piccata is also good if you want something in the category of white meat.
The chicken piccata is a light-floored chicken breast that comes slathered and capers and lemon white wine sauce.
Location and Contact
- 3103 Business Hwy 17 South, Garden City Beach, SC 29576
- Phone:- +1 843-651-0532
- Email:- pacinos.mg@gmail.com
12. LUNA Mexican Bar & Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The LUNA Mexican Bar & Grill restaurant was opened in 2017 and remains one of the best places to eat in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and is a 5-star restaurant because of its many fascinating Mexican cuisine choices.
It’s one of those people go to if they crave authentic traditional Mexican cuisine that delivers dishes loaded with flavors.
It not only serves people tasty Mexican dishes but also presents them with a wide alcohol variety that comes in several liquor options.
So if you are having trouble finding where to eat tasty Mexican food, then you can always go to this place to get the authentic taste of make Mexico by trying all of their signature dishes like chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas along with lots of other choices.
Chef’s Choice
Don’t question yourself, and go for their Carnitas Michoacáns, which is truly a divine dish.
The dish contains slow-braised pork that comes with homemade corn tortillas, black beans, Mexican rice, and tasty pico de Gallo salsa.
I’m the same way; their Alambre is an equally magnificent dish that needs to be tried.
The dish consists of molten Oaxaca cheese, poblano peppers, onions, Mexican rice, or any choice of beans, along with pico de Gallo.
Location and Contact
- 4450 Highway 17 Suite 06, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6431
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-299-2365
13. Bovine’s
Why it’s a must visit?
The Bovine restaurant is situated in the heart of Murrells Inlet and is an upscale steakhouse that offers people a marvelous variety of red meat options with lots of fish options as well.
The restaurant has a fascinating grilled food collection, with a sophisticated atmosphere that uses white tablecloths and contains cowboy boots and walls as well.
It has a rustic ambiance and regularly surprises visitors with its spectacular happy hour options and gorgeous location.
Chef’s Choice
Its red meat choices are the finest here, especially when it comes to steaks, and should definitely be tried here.
In the same way, their chops also offer a refreshing change of pace and delight the tastebuds of many.
Don’t forget to check out their Surf and turf combo, which is also a magnificent platter.
Location and Contact
- 3979 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6190
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-2888
14. Wahoo’s Raw Bar & Bar
Why it’s a must visit?
The Wahoo’s Raw Bar & Bar restaurant is where one finds an open-air setting with gorgeous food choices that are entirely drool-worthy and come in several delectable seafood forms.
The restaurant has a super chill atmosphere, especially during dusk hours, as the open-air setting makes one enjoy several tasty snacks while listening to soothing live music.
Also, the restaurant has fishing boats that one can explore during the night.
Remember that this place always needs reservations and is much better if one comes during the autumn or winter season.
Chef’s Choice
The place serves the most delectable seafood that, which includes dishes like shrimp, flounder, lobster, and snapper, along with several exquisite choices.
Its frozen cocktails, which are its signature drink, are fabulous as one enjoys the breeze of the waters while eating and sipping.
In the same way, they also have regular menu options as well but mainly specialize in water-based options.
Location and Contact
- 3993 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6190
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-651-5800
- Email:- info@wahoosfishhouse.com
15. Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine
Why it’s a must visit?
The Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine restaurant redefines the idea of an authentic Thai restaurant which has made it one of the best family restaurants in Murrells Inlet, SC.
It’s an exotic diner that is known for its gorgeous familiar, and exotic cuisine that serves people authentic Thai options along with several regular choices too.
The restaurant has everything that one can imagine an authentic Thai restaurant to have, as the cuisine here is made in a very efficient way by keeping in mind original flavors.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has one of the most fantastic dining scenes in the city with its delicate and delicious Thai food that is quite tempting to the tastebuds.
Everything that is prepared here is made in the most refreshing manner by keeping a careful eye on its preparatory style.
The Hamburgers and sea-based options here, along with signature drinks like Thai iced tea and Singha beer, are highly praised here.
Location and Contact
- 4493 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-6275
- Phone:- +1 843-651-5863
16. Graham’s Landing
Why it’s a must visit?
The Graham’s Landing restaurant is one of the most fabulous places to have lunch, as the wide variety here sways any visitor.
The place provides people with a stunning view of the sunset that surrounds the entire space and allows people to gaze at it with complete serenity.
It’s a peaceful place to dine as it offers a great spin on several southern classics, which thereby explains its high reputation.
Chef’s Choice
Some of its classic southern dishes that took the world by storm are its grits and shrimps, which are one of the favorites of the crowd and are the reason why it became such a hit among the locals.
In the same manner, their prime rib, which is served in a sizzling fashion, is a glamorous choice too.
Also, one is expected to know that all the dishes here are made from scratch and thereby have such a refreshing flavor to them.
Location and Contact
- 5225 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5215
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-947-0520
- Email:- grahamslanding@gmail.com
17. Spring House Family Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Spring House Family restaurant offers people a wholesome traditional American-inspired brunch that comes at an affordable price.
The place is mainly known for its charming decor and anesthetic ambiance that has become pretty trendy among youngsters who love gazing at its beautifully painted walls covered in various pastel colors.
Also, the entire space exudes a sense of beauty because of its pastel colored walls and tables and showcases how much love the owner has for this place.
Chef’s Choice
The place of the freshest salad options, which are a breakfast specialty and are a huge hit here.
In the same way, their other brunch specialties and desserts, like homemade blueberry lemon cake, and scrambled eggs with bacon, are also highly famous here.
As it’s a special breakfast and brunch restaurant, the beverage section here is also worth looking at to get a good caffeine kick for the rest of the day.
Location and Contact
- 3841 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5010
- Website
- Phone:- +1 843-357-2785
Famous food to try in the city
Biscuits and Gravy – Biscuits and gravy remain the most popular option to eat in Murrells Inlet as the numerous special breakfast and brunch diners here present them in the most flavorsome fashion, which has thereby made it one of the ultimate destinations to try breakfast.
In doing so, the city proves how simple meals like biscuits and gravy can somehow become a great highlight and showcases the multitude of forms it can be made in.
Shrimp and Grits – As Murrells Inlet remains a daunting waterfront location, the place is known for serving the freshest variety of seafood choices that need to be tried here as it comes in several decadent forms that are unmatchable in quality and taste elsewhere. Even in the sea-based varieties, the shrimp and grits take the top position as they are a simple dish but come in glamorous flavors and hence need to be tried.
Fluffy Pancakes – As we mentioned above how the city remains a famous breakfast destination. In the same way, its fluffy pancakes are also a fabulous treat that needs to be tried for breakfast to get up to the most glorious sugar rush of a lifetime. The fluffy pancakes come in several forms and like in jiggly, hazelnut or maple syrup form, and that’s why they remain one of the most toothsome treats to try for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Murrells Inlet is a majestic waterfront location that has earned its name for its flourishing cuisine that introduces people to a variety of exotic food items that are native to this place.
It’s not only an excellent hideout place from the hassles of the hustle and bustle world but also a lovely gastronomic location that needs to be visited if one wants to try familiar and delicious cuisine in the most unwinding manner.
Therefore to help you discover some decent places to eat, we created this list of the best restaurants in Murrells Inlet that are famous for their consistency and delectable meal options.