10 Best Restaurants in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, South Carolina

Comic-strip characters Dagwood and Blondie could split one of the masterful meat-packed sandwiches at Dagwood's Deli, where locals line up on their lunch break. There are the usual suspects—ham, turkey, and homemade chicken salad—but you won't regret trying one of the more distinctive creations like the Hogpound, pork tenderloin doused in melted Swiss and provolone. Salads and burgers round out the menu, and the restaurant delivers to most of Myrtle Beach. Dagwood's also has a sports-bar location in Surfside Beach. After dinner, stop next door in Myrtle Beach to Bumsteads Pub.

The fish tacos here are to die for, but the full menu of Mexican favorites at this colorful cantina proves that Pawleys Island is not just about seafood. Take a seat inside or on the festive deck and order a burrito with secret sauce and a margarita.

Part barbecue joint, part seafood shack (after 5), Hog Heaven has a wonderful smoky aroma that perfumes U.S. Route 17 as you approach. Pulled-pork barbecue has the tang of vinegar and the taste of long hours in the pit. Although sandwiches are available, the buffet, which includes fried chicken, greens, and sweet-potato casserole, is the main event. In the evening try the seafood sampler, an assortment of shellfish steamed to order and served piping hot.

Come here for the justifiably famous key lime pie and red velvet cake, both of which are available whole or by the slice. Kudzu is also a great source for ready-to-cook specialties, such as cheese biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and quiche.

This fourth-generation-owned Italian pastry shop, deli, and restaurant has excellent coffee, hearty hoagies, pizzas, homemade sorbet, and delicious and authentic pastries, including cannoli and pasticciotti (rich cookielike pastries filled with jam). Both counter and table service are available.

If you're a hungry hippo, then slide a stool over to a maximo plate of nachos at this hip corner cantina in three locations: the Market Common, North Myrtle Beach, and inside the airport. It's bold, fresh, and fun—from the funky wall and ceiling decor to the creative Mexican dishes. Wee hungry hippos will be happy with Hungry Hippo games available at the hostess station.

Though it might look the part, this isn't a greasy spoon: the luncheonette dishes up great fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and pie, plus grits, eggs, country ham, and other breakfast favorites. Join the regulars at the counter, or sit in one of the booths or café tables in the 1920s storefront building.