Must Eats in Myrtle Beach

With more than 1,500 restaurants to choose from, dining in the Myrtle Beach area is a real treat. Whether you love fine dining, a casual bistro, something kid friendly or a table with a view, it's here. And here's a list to help you find it a little easier.

Sea Captain's House

What it's known for: Set in a historic oceanfront cottage in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Sea Captain's House has been serving traditional seafood dishes for more than 50 years. They are known to have the best breakfast in the city, terrific daily lunch specials plus traditional dinner dishes that include all the favorites and some you might not know about (a seafood "muddle").

Style: Traditional seafood, family-friendly, breakfast, lunch, dinner

Address: 3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.448.8082

Gulf Stream Cafe

What it's known for: Take in the most spectacular sunsets - that's right - sunsets in the Myrtle Beach area. Gulf Stream Cafe in Garden City serves up terrific crab cakes and fresh seafood dishes with an unparalleled view as the sun sets over the marsh and the moon rises over the ocean. Don't miss the Sunday brunch, complete with a Bloody Mary bar, or the special oyster roasts in season.

Style: seafood, waterfront, dinner, Sunday brunch

Address: 1536 S. Waccamaw Drive, Garden City Beach

Phone: 843.651.880

Rivertown Bistro

What it's known for: One of the best restaurants in the Myrtle Beach region, Rivertown Bistro is a short drive inland to the river town of Conway. Local ingredients appear in creative ways throughout this larger-than-normal menu, with international twists on classics. The menu changes to reflect the seasons, but just ask to try one their classic favorites.

Style: Southern, seafood, casual, family-friendly, farm-to-table, lunch, dinner

Address: 1111 Third Ave., Conway

Phone: 843.248.3733

Sara J's

What it's known for: Set on the marsh next to Garden City Beach, this very popular restaurant dishes up fried, broiled, grilled, sauteed and steamed seafood as well as offering traditional dishes such as seafood casserole and shrimp and grits. They also do a brisk take-out business for families renting houses nearby.

Style: Seafood, casual, family-friendly, dinner

Address: 314 Atlantic Ave., Garden City Beach

Phone: 843.651.1657

Peaches Corner

What it's known for: There's no better spot to watch the Myrtle Beach crowds than Peaches Corner, which has been serving up foot-long hot dogs and cold draft beer for more than 75 years. It's a tradition you won't want to miss.

Style: Diner, casual, family-friendly

Address: 900 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.448.7424

Frank's Restaurant and Frank's Outback

What it's known for:  Frank's has been setting the standard for fine dining along the Grand Strand for almost 30 years. Set in a former supermarket and home, the two restaurants serve a variety of steaks, chops and seafood dishes in a comfortable, romantic setting. It's the place known for special occasions, and it never disappoints.

Style: Traditional, seafood, dinner

Address: 10434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island

Phone: 843.237.303

River City Cafe

What it's known for: Simply put, River City Cafe is the place to go for a great, fresh, never-frozen burger and fries. Enjoy roasted peanuts as you wait for your order, and throw the shells on the floor. It's the beach, after all.

Style: Burgers, casual, family-friendly, lunch, dinner

Address: Seven locations across the region

Phone: 843.448.1990

The Parson's Table

What it's known for: Set in the former Little River Methodist Church, The Parson's Table is one of the Grand Strand's most highly regarded restaurants. The chef combines the best local ingredients with excellent culinary vision to turn out both classic and coastal dishes.

Style: Traditional, Southern, dinner

Address: 4305 McCorsley Ave., Little River

Phone: 843.249.3702

Nance's Creek Front Restaurant

What it's known for: While most restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area are busiest in the summer, you'll also find crowds at Nance's in the winter, slurping down salty, local roasted oysters. Set on the creek, this traditional seafood/oyster house also has Lowcountry steam pots and a big selection of other seafood dishes.

Style: Seafood, traditional, family-friendly, dinner

Address: 4883 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

Phone: 843.651.2696

SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar

What it's known for: This sleek, modern, high-end restaurant specializes in the freshest and best "blue sea, blue sky" ingredients. The menu is bigger than many and includes a six-course chef's tasting menu that's hard to beat.

Style: Seafood, modern, dinner

Address: 503 US 17 N., North Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.249.880

Drunken Jack's

What it's known for: Located on the popular Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, this restaurant tells the story of a pirate named, you guessed it, "Drunken Jack." There's a lot to see and do here, but the main attractions are the seafood and the view. The menu is extensive and highlights local fish, shrimp and seafood. You'll often find live music, and there's a fun atmosphere for the kids.

Style: Seafood, traditional, family-friendly, lunch, dinner

Address: 4031 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

Phone: 843.651.2044

The Chesapeake House

What it's known for: Located on the Grand Strand's famous Restaurant Row, The Chesapeake House has been serving traditional seafood dishes since 1971 and maintains a very loyal local following. Their fish stew is made from a old family recipe, and their flounder topped with crab is one of the best fish dishes in town.

Style: Traditional, Southern, seafood, dinner, family-friendly

Address: 9918 US 17 North, Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.449.3231

Bistro 217

What it's known for: South Carolina Chef Ambassador Adam Kirby has helped transform Bistro 217 into one of the finest restaurants in Pawleys Island. Feel the cool ocean breeze in Bistro's courtyard as you enjoy Chef Kirby's culinary creations featuring everything from braised short ribs to herb-crusted grouper. Be sure to try the homemade ice cream for dessert.

Style: Southern, lunch, dinner, seafood, burger, family-friendly

Address: 10717 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island

Phone: 843.235.8217

The Bagel Factory

What it's known for: Former New Yorkers run this bagel/sandwich shop, which is very popular with both locals and visitors. It's one of the best places in town for a soup and sandwich, and the bagels make the Big Apple proud.

Style: Sandwich, lunch, breakfast, diner, family-friendly

Address: 2012 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.626.6445

Boulineau's IGA

What it's known for: A mainstay in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach for more than 60 years, this locally owned grocery store deli is the place you get fried chicken to take to the beach. It's a long-standing tradition, and it's so, so good. And, it's a grocery store, so you can also get anything else you need to make a perfect beach day.

Style: Traditional, Southern, take-out, family-friendly, breakfast, lunch, dinner

Address: 212 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.249.3556

Rustic Table

What it's known for: Located in Pawleys Island, Rustic Table is home to some of the best comfort food and home-style dining in town. Placing an emphasis on fresh ingredients, Rustic Table gathers its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. These local ingredients and South Carolina Chef Ambassador Adam Kirby's delicious menu has helped the restaurant become a favorite among locals and visitors.

Style: comfort food, home-style, brunch, dinner, seafood

Address: 10683 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Phone: 843.314.0164

Fire and Smoke

What it's known for: Dish after dish of delicious, inventive fare makes this gastropub stand out in a city of so many restaurants. This warm, comfortable bistro serves up high-quality steaks and chops cooked over a wood fire, the freshest fish and seafood, and a list of "comfort food, revisited" dishes that makes it really hard to decide what to order. Definitely put this on your list of places to visit.

Style: Seafood, farm-to-table, casual, family-friendly, Southern

Address: 411 79th Ave. North, Myrtle Beach

Phone: 843.449.00

Chive Blossom

What it's known for: Ever heard of okra pancakes? Do yourself a favor and order them at Chive Blossom, where they're topped with fish or shrimp jambalaya. This humble spot serves up terrific Lowcountry seafood dishes for both lunch and dinner.

Style: Seafood, lunch, dinner, family-friendly

Address: 85 N. Causeway Road, Pawleys Island

Phone: 843.237.1438