Where Do Locals Eat and Hang Out in Myrtle Beach? A Local’s Guide

If you’re asking “Where do locals eat in Myrtle Beach?”, you’re asking the right question. While the Grand Strand has plenty of well-known tourist attractions and national restaurant chains, locals often choose independently owned restaurants, neighborhood coffee shops, waterfront hangouts, and hidden gems that showcase the area’s authentic coastal culture.

Here are some local favorites worth adding to your vacation itinerary.

Best Local Breakfast Spots

Start your morning where many locals do.

• Drift – Creative brunch, specialty coffee, and fresh coastal-inspired dishes.
• Blueberry’s Grill – Well known for generous breakfasts and creative brunch favorites.
• Croissants Bistro & Bakery – A longtime local favorite for breakfast, pastries, and brunch.

Where Locals Go for Seafood

Fresh seafood is part of the Myrtle Beach experience, and these restaurants are frequently recommended by locals.

• Hook & Barrel – Sustainable seafood and an excellent date-night atmosphere.
• Dead Dog Saloon – Waterfront dining on the MarshWalk with seafood, live music, and beautiful sunset views.
• Wicked Tuna – Fresh local seafood, sushi, and one of the area’s most popular waterfront locations.

Where Locals Grab Coffee

Need a quiet place to start your day?

• Local coffee shops around The Market Common and throughout Myrtle Beach are popular gathering places for residents.
• Drift is also a favorite for coffee and brunch.

Where Locals Spend an Evening

When the workday ends, locals often head to places that combine great food with a relaxed atmosphere.

• The Market Common for shopping, restaurants, breweries, parks, and evening strolls.
• Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for waterfront dining, live music, and sunsets.
• Local on the Water for drinks, dinner, and live music overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

Hidden Gems Locals Recommend

Some of the area’s favorite places aren’t restaurants at all.

• Brookgreen Gardens
• Huntington Beach State Park
• Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
• The scenic neighborhoods of Cherry Grove, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and the Golden Mile.

Stay Like a Local

One of the biggest advantages of booking through VRMB Owner Direct is connecting directly with local property owners. They know where locals eat, where they avoid the crowds, and which hidden gems make a Myrtle Beach vacation unforgettable. Ask your host for recommendations—you’ll often discover places that never appear in a typical travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do locals eat in Myrtle Beach?

Locals frequently recommend independently owned restaurants like Hook & Barrel, Drift, Croissants Bistro & Bakery, and the waterfront restaurants along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

What is the best seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach?

There isn’t one single answer, but Hook & Barrel, Wicked Tuna, and Dead Dog Saloon are consistently recommended for fresh seafood and memorable dining experiences.

Where do locals hang out?

Popular gathering places include The Market Common, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and locally owned coffee shops throughout the Grand Strand.

How can I experience Myrtle Beach like a local?

Stay in a vacation rental, support locally owned restaurants and businesses, explore neighborhoods beyond the Boardwalk, and ask your property owner for personal recommendations.