No eggs, no cheese, no butter, no seafood, no meat—no problem? Then you’re probably a vegan. Across the country, the lean toward a plant-based diet is a growing trend. Whether chosen as a matter of health, conscience or both, it’s a lifestyle that requires a modicum of research and inquiry to ensure a truly vegan experience when patronizing South Carolina’s restaurants. After all, you’re in the land of barbecue, macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and biscuits, which can pose more than a few dining challenges.
But there’s another reason people sit down to a meal devoid of meat, dairy and such: taste. If you are vegan, you get it. If you aren’t, treat yourself to the amazing variety and fresh flavors embodied in plant-based eating. Many vegan restaurant owners not only use locally sourced ingredients, but report a diverse clientele, with herbivores and omnivores finding common ground over chicken-less chicken sandwiches and kale salads washed down with cold-pressed juices.
Honestly though, there’s so much more to the menus at South Carolina’s vegan operations. While you’ll be wowed by the creativity that goes into these dishes, the most surprising revelation of all is that you likely won’t feel meat deprived. Vegan chefs are notoriously skilled in cooking up dishes that capture the texture, flavor and look of favorite carnivorous eats as well as crafting plant-based dishes so flavorful and colorful you’ll forget your meat and dairy cravings altogether. You also won’t be shortchanged nutritionally, as a vegan diet can deliver all the protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals you need for prime health.
Vegans visiting Myrtle Beach don’t have to scour the coast for suitable dining options. Restaurant operators have kept you in mind when creating their menus. It’s not all about the seafood—it’s about giving guests just what they’re looking for in a meal and doing it with flair. So, pack your bags, leave those limiting “salad bar” expectations behind, and prepare to be surprised by the vegan cuisine at these five restaurants.
