Indulge in The Best Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach

Historically, this southern delicacy was often found at late summer social gatherings, when the final peanut crops were boiled for hours in heavily salted water for preservation. With a soft texture similar to beans and easy to peel shells, you can now find boiled peanuts sold by the bag at roadside rest stops along your trip.

Often paired with Carolina BBQ, collards are a staple of good old-fashioned southern cooking. Cooked low and slow, these tasty greens are made even better with the addition on smoky ham, sweet onions, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. You’ll find this side dish on any respectable Grand Strand menu, but Simply Southern Smokehouse took the top spot for collards on a recent Foursquare list.

South Carolina is known for fresh seafood, especially served up Calabash style. We’re talking local flounder, catfish, shrimp, crab, and oysters fried to perfection with a side of coleslaw and a basket of hushpuppies. You’ll find a number of great seafood restaurants up and down the Grand Strand Coast, from Little River down to Murrells Inlet.

A picnic classic, creamy Pimento Cheese is a true southern cuisine favorite. Made with cheese, pimentos, Duke’s Mayo (another southern staple), and a touch of heat, this spread is the ultimate appetizer. It’s even better when used in a grilled cheese sandwich, like this Ultimate BLT from the Boathouse in Myrtle Beach, paired with fried green tomatoes.

As porridge made from coarsely ground corn meal, grits are often served with butter and sugar at breakfast time. Grits are also served as a savory dish on southern tables. No two restaurants make Shrimp and Grits exactly the same. Some add smoked sausage or bacon, others add hot sauce, but all include South Carolina shrimp. The Shack in North Myrtle Beach makes a great dish at a reasonable price, or you can make your own with this recipe from Southern Living.

In South Carolina, we like our tea sweet! You may find unsweetened tea on the menu, but for a true southern experience, order up an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. No doubt you’ll find it at every Grand Strand restaurant, from the casual boardwalk eatery to the fancy oceanfront establishment. You’ll thank us later.

For more signature southern foods and where to find them, check out Food Network’s list of “What to Eat in South Carolina.”  And for a great place to stay on the Grand Strand, contact Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach and ask about our fall specials.

Johnny D’s is a favorite with locals and visitors alike! This restaurant has an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch fare, including gourmet omelets, unique benedicts, and a wide variety of sandwiches. However, it’s famous for light and fluffy Belgian waffles, like the scrumptious Cinnamon Roll or Red Velvet Waffle. Or try one topped with house breaded chicken tenders! In fact, Johnny D’s has the Best Waffles in South Carolina, according to Food Network. If that isn’t sweet enough, there is also an onsite bakery — the chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in Baking and Pastry. The original Johnny D’s is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, with a new location in North Myrtle Beach.

Crepe Creation Café is located at the Market Common in Myrtle Beach, and serves up sweet and savory homemade delights in a uniquely French atmosphere. The vast menu features freshly prepared crepes, omelets, French toast, Belgian waffles, soups and Panini. Savory favorites include the Cordon Blue, the Mediterranean, and the Chicken Florentine crepe. Dessert favorites include the Bananas Foster, the Lemon Lift, and the Chocolate Dream crepe filled with chocolate mousse and fresh strawberries. There is also a full service bar, as well as organic teas and espresso beverages.

This beautiful Myrtle Beach restaurant has million dollar views, with large windows that overlook the ocean from the 2^nd Avenue Pier. The menu features breakfast and lunch favorites, including shrimp and grits, omelets, and lobster rolls, as well as a variety of sandwiches, salads, and platters. There is also a kids’ menu and an open-air bar. After brunch, enjoy a stroll on the beach or pier.

This award-winning establishment uses fresh, local ingredients, including coffee that is roasted in-house. The menu features both breakfast and lunch items, with options like the Mascarpone and Berries Crepe, the Crab Cake Benedict, the Ham, Herb and Brie Omelet, and the Quiche Du Jour. There is also a full-service bakery with cakes, pastries and French macarons. Croissants Bistro has two area locations, one at Grand Dunes and the other in downtown Myrtle Beach.