Restaurants & Dining
The Oldest Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
The oldest restaurants in Myrtle Beach are anything but tired and worn out. These tried-and-true eateries continue to serve the best comfort foods around. Like the beach itself, many of the old restaurants in Myrtle Beach have weathered years of growth and change and still stand today, serving the secret recipes and timeless dishes that made them famous in the first place.
Whether they serve soul food, homestyle cooking, or refined adaptations of original menus, these old venues are some of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Take a trip down memory lane with us to revisit the establishments that have made this area a famous destination for family dining for decades.
Though these are some of the oldest restaurants in South Carolina, they aren’t just getting by—after a half-century or longer in business, they top the list of favorite must-try eateries. Do yourself a favor the next time you’re in town and visit one of these long-standing local spots.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants That Are 70–90 Years Old
When you’re looking for the oldest restaurant in Myrtle Beach, find options below that have been going strong since the 1930s and ’40s. Not only are they still standing, but they’re still impressing visitors and locals with their delicious meals and celebrated cuisine.
Peaches Corner - Established 1937
900 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Peaches Corner is the oldest restaurant in Myrtle Beach; in fact, it is older than the town itself, which wasn’t incorporated until 1938. Peaches has seen the beach grow and evolve over its 85 years in business. The Burroughs family bought Peaches in 1943 and it has been family owned since. The reasons this has been one of the longest continually operating restaurants in Myrtle Beach is its trusty menu and happening hotspot on the Boardwalk. Serving footlong hot dogs and burgers since 1937, this eatery takes diners right back to the good old days.
The Bowery - Established 1944
110 9th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Home to country supergroup Alabama and the site of countless memories for beachgoers through the years, The Bowery has been a beloved bar and restaurant on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for more than 75 years. Live music and cold beer are the big draws for visitors, but if you’re looking for some grub, Duffy’s at the Bowery serves up some of the best burgers and fried goodies in town.
Hurricane Juel’s – Established 1945
Little River, S.C., just a short drive north of Myrtle Beach, is known for its fresh seafood, and Hurricane Juel’s is right at home here. As one of the oldest surviving restaurants on the Grand Strand, this spot serves up a bountiful mix of seafood favorites, including seared tuna, bacon-wrapped scallops, seafood platters, and even a full sushi menu. Try the stuffed flounder, a staple on the menu for 75 years.
Hoskins Restaurant – Established 1948
Hoskins Restaurant has been a staple for North Myrtle Beach visitors since the late 1940s. The family-style eatery serves fresh seafood, steaks, and more, six days a week. The same family has operated it in the exact same location for more than 75 years.
Lee's Inlet Kitchen – Established 1948
Started by restaurateurs Eford and Pearl Lee in 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is the oldest restaurant in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. It continues to serve seafood favorites to adoring fans. The restaurant has undergone several expansions over the years, but the family recipes remain the same. Seafood is served any way you can imagine, and there are a few non-seafood options.
Oceanfront Bar and Grill – Established 1948
100 9th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Oceanfront Bar and Grill has been a family-owned business in the heart of Myrtle Beach since 1948. It has seen many changes over the years with damage sustained in Hurricane Hazel, the closing and opening of numerous neighbors, and the revitalization of downtown with the construction of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Customers love the relaxing atmosphere along with the foot-long dogs covered in the family’s secret-recipe chili. Even though it is one of the oldest restaurants in Myrtle Beach, this spot continues to be voted one of the best beachfront bars around.
Original Painter’s Ice Cream – Established 1952
Painter’s Original Ice Cream still delights fans at their North Myrtle Beach location. Visitors line up in the parking lot for a taste of cool nostalgia on hot summer nights all season long. The ice cream shop’s homemade treats are hand-dipped and served in a variety of cups, cones, or concoctions.
Mammy's Kitchen – Established 1953
Mammy’s Kitchen started as a drive-in restaurant with curbside service and only 12 bar stools for inside seating, and it has grown into a top choice for breakfast on the Grand Strand. Having survived Hurricane Hazel and a tornado in the early 2000s, Mammy’s has operated in the same location under the same name since 1953. Many visitors have adopted the restaurant as a family tradition, bringing new generations every year. When your appetite calls for an excellent buffet, head to Mammy’s.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants That Are 50–60 Years Old
These long-standing restaurants in Myrtle Beach have been hotspots for casual lunches and celebrations for decades. While many have undergone updates in their half-century of operation, the Southern hospitality and delicious seafood dishes have remained constant.
Sea Captain's House – Established 1960s
3002 N. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
With a prime oceanfront location and an eclectic Southern-inspired menu, Sea Captain’s House has been a special treat for visitors and locals in Myrtle Beach for 60 years. The building—which has served as a family beach cottage and an inn—almost met its demise in the 1960s when plans were to tear it down and build a high-rise hotel. It was supposed to be a restaurant for a year or two while the owners awaited financing, and the rest is history. The Sea Captain’s House serves up seafood, steaks, and salads, and is well known for its delicious daily lunch specials and endless oceanfront views.
Chesapeake House – Established 1971
9918 Highway 17 North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Chesapeake House has been serving seafood and steaks on the Grand Strand since 1971. Located on Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach, the family-owned restaurant offers great waterway views and fresh-made specialties, including their famous cinnamon rolls. The Chesapeake House is an original restaurant on the popular Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants That Are 40–50 Years Old
Though not many restaurants established in the late 1970s and early 1980s still stand today, the few that do are famous old restaurants in Myrtle Beach with loyal followings. Families have been making a trip to these establishments a tradition that lasts for generations.
Sam’s Corner – Established 1976
You won’t find white tablecloths and daily specials at Sam’s Corner, but what you will find is a simple menu of tasty foods that have been delighting fans since 1976. Famous for its hot dogs, Sam’s also serves up burgers, sandwiches, and much more in a diner-style atmosphere perfect for beach visitors.
Kings Famous Pizza - Established 1980
3511 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
The red-and-yellow awning of King’s Famous Pizza may be just as iconic as the restaurant itself. Located on the main drag in North Myrtle Beach near Barefoot Landing, King’s is easy to spot and has been a pizza lover’s favorite for more than 40 years. The menu at this Italian eatery includes pizza, pasta, subs, and gyros.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants That Are 30–40 Years Old
These old restaurants in Myrtle Beach have been serving diners for between 30 and 40 years. Known for specialty menus and excellent ambiance, each restaurant is a mainstay in the Grand Strand. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or steak, none of these menus will disappoint.
Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge – Established 1984
1306 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge started as a nightclub in 1984 and quickly shifted gears to become a more family-friendly restaurant and bar. Despite a brief closure after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Pier 14 has been going strong for more than 20 years. The eatery serves lunch and dinner daily and the menu features a variety of seafood, burgers, and sandwiches.
Bimini's Oyster Bar & Seafood Cafe – Established 1985
930 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Bimini’s has been serving oysters and shellfish since the mid-’80s. Visitors are serenaded with the sounds of Jimmy Buffett, reggae, and beach music in this island-inspired eatery. Cold drinks, fresh seafood, and family-style steam pots make the menu at Bimini’s a favorite.
Villa Romana Italian – Established 1985
707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The family-owned Villa Romana is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach, serving high-end fare on the Grand Strand for more than 30 years. High-quality ingredients and interesting takes on classics are staples of this eatery that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.
Gulfstream Cafe – Established 1985
1536 South Waccamaw Drive, Garden City, SC 29576
Diners looking for a great view and a tried-and-true seafood menu on the Grand Strand can’t get enough of Gulfstream Cafe in Garden City Beach. Serving Sunday brunch and nightly dinner, Gulfstream stays busy putting out fresh seafood dishes, steaks, and sides. Its unique location offers views of both the ocean and inlet at the point in Garden City.
Angelo's Steaks and Pasta – Established 1988
Visitors looking for a great steak at the beach have flocked to Angelo’s Steak and Pasta for nearly 30 years. The steaks are served on sizzling platters, and many patrons will tell you they are indeed the best. Other dining options include signature pasta dishes, and if you can’t decide, they also offer an Italian buffet with lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli, and pizza.
Frank’s, Frank’s Outback & Frank’s Way Back – Established 1988
The history of Frank’s restaurant goes back about 35 years, and the other Frank’s on-site, the Outback and Way Back, are a bit more recent. The original location has roots in the 1930s when it was a family-owned grocery store—owned by Mr. Frank Marlow—boasting the only phone in Pawleys Island. Now a favorite eatery among locals and tourists, Frank’s, Frank’s Outback, and Frank’s Way Back offer three dining experiences, from upscale to casual and al fresco. The refined menu of seafood and steaks is available in all locations.
River City Cafe – Established 1989
404 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Locals and visitors flock to River City Cafe for some of the best burgers on the beach. For more than 30 years, River City has perfected its simple but extensive menu of burgers and other sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual and you’ll see peanut shells thrown on the floor with wild abandon. Thanks to the seven River City Cafe locations, you’re never too far away to stop in at this excellent eatery.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants That Are 20–30 Years Old
While still the ‘babies’ of the restaurant scene in Myrtle Beach, these restaurants have been satisfying patrons’ cravings for 20 or 30 years. These are well-known spots ideal for almost anyone looking for modern bites and casual fare, and their family-friendly dining rooms are welcoming for everyone.
Thorny's Steakhouse and Saloon – Established 1994
Thorny’s has long been a family-favorite spot at the beach. The restaurant serves ribs, prime rib, burgers, and kids’ meal staples, along with cold drinks. TVs throughout the restaurant air the biggest sporting events, and an arcade keeps children entertained.
Rivertown Bistro – Established 1994
For fans of fine dining, Rivertown Bistro is worth the short drive to Conway, South Carolina, for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The Bistro opened in 1994 and suffered a short setback in 2008 when fire struck and the eatery closed for about a year. The new building features a rooftop bar that overlooks downtown and seating throughout both levels of the restaurant. With its slew of loyal patrons, Rivertown is sure to stand the test of time.
Hard Rock Cafe – Established 1995
1318 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach has been a visitor favorite for nearly three decades. Its new home at Broadway at the Beach offers more seating and outdoor patios, but it has the same delicious menu patrons expect. The historic music memorabilia remains on display for all to see, and the new location continues to host live acts and viewing parties.
New York Prime – Established 1995
405 28th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
Diners looking for a high-end experience know that New York Prime delivers some of the best USDA Prime steaks on the Grand Strand — and they have for almost 30 years. New York Prime is tucked away on 28th Avenue North in the heart of the beach. Steak is the star of the simple menu, but the baked shrimp and stone crabs are also superb choices.
Carolina Roadhouse – Established 1995
4617 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
For many visitors to the beach, the vacation is not complete without a stop at Carolina Roadhouse. The palm tree in the center and upbeat music get everyone in the mood for a good time. The roadhouse has been serving steaks, seafood, burgers, and more to hungry beachgoers for nearly three decades.
Greg Norman Australian Grille – Established 1999
4930 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
This upscale yet family-friendly restaurant is one of the newest “old” restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Located at Barefoot Landing, this eatery is loved for its exotic flair and bold creations, like Braised Kangaroo, Salmon Rockefeller, and wood-grilled classics. This award-winning eatery is open for weekend brunch, and daily lunch and dinner.
