Myrtle Beachs Best Fish: Finding Fresh Seafood Is No Problem

Located across from Broadway at the Beach, Captain George’s fresh seafood bounty is sure to dispel any misgivings you may have about the buffet experience. Plan on a feast of scallops, steamed crab legs, clams, mahi-mahi, shrimp, barbecued ribs, prime rib, salads and vegetables. The buffet table also features several dishes one doesn’t normally expect to find at an all-you-can-eat establishment, like seafood pie and chicken alfredo. There are always plenty of dessert choices. Needless to say, if you plan to eat at one of the Captain’s tables, bring along a BIG appetite. Children under 12 eat for half price.

Photo courtesy of Terry Massey

Located on Restaurant Row, this place is known for all its food, but the seafood takes center stage. All of the fish and seafood they serve are fresh. How fresh? The restaurant owns and operates its own fishing boat. But for those with more terrene tastes, there are delicious steak, chicken, lamb and veal selections, helping Chestnut Hill stand as one of the Strand’s most versatile dinner choices. If you have the chance, their Sunday brunch is a “can’t miss” that features everything from grilled quail to Southern fried chicken. Reservations are not required but are recommended during the summer months.

Photo courtesy of Noizy Oyster

This small seafood shack is a Myrtle Beach institution that underwent a recent change in ownership. Purchased by local group Bondfire, which is known for innovative dining, the Noizy Oyster received much-needed renovations and a menu makeover. Yes, all the favorites are still available, like fresh oysters on the half-shell, hot hushpuppies and a wide selection of local seafood dishes. But patrons can now choose from a wide selection of new dishes, like the popular Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese, the Seafood Nachos and Fried Oyster Salad. The Noizy Oyster also has a full bar with great deals and a wide variety of craft beers and house wines. The new vibe and menu add to a great atmosphere for a beach vacation lunch or dinner, especially on the outdoor patio deck.

Photo courtesy of Terry Massey

Sure, sister restaurant, Cagney’s, has a longer history with Strand diners, but in its day, Flamingo has established a niche for itself as one of Myrtle Beach’s top seafood restaurants. Designed with a touch of Art Deco flair, the attractive space is indeed a local favorite, and the kitchen does its best to keep diners on their toes with appetizing offerings like peppercorn steak, Cajun oysters, Lowcountry crabcakes and even a few hearty pasta numbers. Flamingo is also located just two blocks from the beach, so patrons can enjoy a nice after-dinner walk to the public beach access at the end of 71st Avenue North.

Photo courtesy of Wahoo’s Raw Bar & Marina

The Murrells Inlet Marsha Walk is where you will find Wahoo’s Raw Bar & Marina. Overlooking the very waters where your dinner came from, likely just hours before your arrival, this waterfront eatery is always on island time, thanks to its open-air tiki bar. Choose from all types of fresh seafood, including lobster, flounder, snapper and shrimp prepared however you like. As for the perfect recipe to “chill” at dusk, just kick back on the deck with one of their signature frozen cocktails and enjoy live music while the fishing boats return to port for the night. Reservations are not required but may come in handy during the summer.

Photo courtesy of Terry Massey

As far as oyster shacks go, this is about as good as it gets. Located in a strip mall just off Restaurant Row, Bimini’s doesn’t look like much from the outside – or the inside, for that matter. Picnic tables fill the small space and the patio deck and the decor is far from fine dining. But the proof is in the food, and Bimini’s does not disappoint. Famous for its fresh shrimp and oysters, Bimini’s doesn’t do fancy – just good portions of fresh seafood served the way you like it. Grab a beer from the bar and soak up the beach atmosphere of good times and great food.

Photo courtesy of SinglePlatform

What a view! Gulfstream is the only restaurant in Garden City Beach overlooking the ocean on one side and Murrells Inlet on the other and, fortunately, the food lives up to the view. Recommended starters include the onion loaf (a mass of fried onion rings with bleu cheese dip), kicky N’Awlins shrimp served atop a crispy fried grits cake, she-crab soup and oyster shooters. Popular main courses range from Low Country crab cakes, a variety of fried seafood, garlic crab claws, and grilled or blackened catch of the day. Kids can opt for fried fish, shrimp, chicken fingers, or spaghetti.

Photo courtesy of Rockefellers

A Rockefeller in name only (you won’t run into any high-falutin attitude or pretense), this roadside seafooder appeals to folks from all walks of life. For those who prefer their seafood in a more natural state, order from the raw bar or the steam kettles, featuring fresh shrimp, scallops or mussels in old bay and beer, garlic and wine or spicy marinara sauce. Or try the shrimp dinner (you can have it fried, blackened or sautéed in garlic butter) or the crab cake dinner, either of which are served with choice of potato and vegetable medley. Off course, the shrimp-n-grits will never steer you off course.

Photo courtesy of Keith Alan Jacobs

Mr. Fish has relocated to a new, more spacious location but still features the same great food thousands have come to know and love. The new, multi-room establishment is the latest creation of Mr. Fish, aka Ted Hammerman, and daughter Sheina. He is a famous fisherman among locals while her background is in the restaurant industry, so they make a great team in providing quality seafood in a casual and comfortable environment. The restaurant expanded due to popular demand, and now separate rooms serve as a sushi station and full bar bar. But you can order off the same delicious menu in any room, and the shrimp and grits, fish tacos and crab cakes are popular items. The sushi and she-crab soup are also top-selling items.

Photo courtesy of Terry Massey

Once a privately-owned family beach cottage, this picturesque oceanfront restaurant serves up excellent seafood dishes with a side order of wonderful view. Featuring a combination of Southern cooking and Lowcountry seafood, the cuisine is award-winning and has been featured in numerous national publications. For more than 60 years this “temporary” eatery, which was slated for demolition to make room for a high-rise hotel, is still drawing huge crowds. While taking in the beautiful views, try any one of their delicious platters including oysters, shrimp and rock lobster. Also served are a variety of chicken and steak dishes, all accompanied by fresh seasonal vegetables.