The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk continues to bring new businesses to the downtown district, and the 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill is the latest addition to this increasingly hottest spot in town. Taking over a historic building previously occupied by legendary night clubs like Mother Fletcher's and Club Myst, 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill hopes to bring a new attitude and atmosphere to the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront - a more festive, beach environment instead of the dance-club reputation of the building's previous owners and operators. Using bright colors and a new patio deck addition, 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill plans to hold luaus and other beach-related festivities to the Boardwalk area, something that has been missing from the area since the 1.2-mile walkway was opened in 2009. 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill also looks to add more emphasis to food, featuring a full menu of bar-food fare and seafood, such as fish tacos and buffalo shrimp. Burgers, steaks and other standard fare are on the menu, as well as frozen dessert drinks and a Reese's Cup Cheesecake that tastes as sinful as it sounds.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Even when your favorite sports team isn't giving you much to cheer about, you can always enjoy the ocean view.
Terry's expert tip: In addition to sports, 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill also has live music, DJs and dancing on weekend nights.
Foster's Cafe & Bar is a popular gathering spot for misplaced fans from other cities. The owners are transplants from the Philadelphia, so many Eagles, Flyers and Phillies fans flock to Foster's. But the small, friendly pub also serves as the home of many former Pittsburgh residents, so supporters of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins frequent Foster's as well. This diversity creates quite a scene on game days, and the kitchen cooks up specials for NFL Sundays, as well as a beer specials and a Bloody Mary bar. A pool table and dartboard keep the friendly competition going all week.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Only Flynn's can draw a big lunch crowd rooting for a European soccer match.
Terry's expert tip: You might be surprised to find that Foster's pizza is among the best in town.
A great deck, 32 flavors of draft beer and terrific service â" what more could you ask for from your friendly neighborhood watering hole? Stop by in the afternoon for a bite of lunch on the waterside deck. Come by later in the evening to catch a game on the tube. With "tons of TVs" and an NFL Sunday Ticket package, they're sure to have your team on. If you need more diversions, head to the games area, where you'll find pool tables, dart boards, bowling and the ever-contentious Golden Tee. Not just a hangout for vacationers, Bully's sees to locals by hosting parties throughout the year.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Bully's has almost as many games to play as they have to watch on TV.
Terry's expert tip: The outdoor patio deck overlooking Lake Barefoot features live music and scenic views.
Atlas Tap House is the latest addition to the Grand Strand's brewpub scene, but beer isn't the only thing that's already packing patrons into this downtown hot spot. Located just across from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and one block from the beach, Atlas Tap House has also established itself as a must-visit among the whiskey-drinkers with discriminating tastes. With more than 30 unique types of bourbon to go with its 100-plus collection of rare beers, Atlas Tap House has been drawing drinkers with an appreciation for the diverse flavors and strains of beer and whiskey. Atlas Tap House also offers a unique food menu, from smoked meats in-house to chicken or fish tacos. Billiards tables and TVs tuned to sports highlight the interior, while an outdoor patio offers scenic views of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and downtown district.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Atlas Tap House's spacious outdoor patio deck is the perfect place to catch some football on a comfortable fall day.
Terry's expert tip: While the bars on Ocean Boulevard are packed to the front door, slip off to this more secretive spot just one block inland.
If anything goes wrong, go to Murphy's: That's this bar's twist on the old adage. Following a relocation from downtown Myrtle Beach to the more laid-back Surfside Beach, Murphy's Law offers a friendly atmosphere that transcends this place from another hole in the wall to a great place to hang out. If you're looking to catch the big game and throw back a few cold ones, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better environment than Murphy's Law. A fun sports bar with about 30 satellite TVs, a big deck outside, darts and pool tables. Solid menu of bar favorites, plus a raw bar, and a good selection of domestic and imported beers.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Murphy's Law has all the benefits of a big sports bar while maintaining a small-bar feel.
Terry's expert tip: Great happy hour specials, like BOGO Wings Mondays and $6 Burger Tuesdays) make this a great place to pre-game before the big game.
Handley's Pub & Grub offers a true English-pub atmosphere on the South Carolina coast. Located in the Carolina Forest section of Myrtle Beach, this large, stand-alone building houses a spirited crowd of sportsmen, both those who play darts and billiards and those who simply watch the big games on the telly. A wide selection of domestic and imported beers are available by bottle and draft, and 28 plasma-screen TVs keep track of all the action, from European soccer to American football. The menu goes well beyond the average sports bar, featuring steaks, chops, seafood and a number of sandwiches, salads and starters.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Handley's Pub is a popular gathering spot for golfers as well as sports fans.
Terry's expert tip: Trying to find a big overseas soccer game at odd hours? Handley's Pub has been know to open early or stay open late to accommodate international sports fans.
Formerly known as the popular locals' hangout Droopy's, the new owners of Pine Lakes Tavern have changed more than the name. A total makeover of the bar, game room and bathrooms is already complete, creating a clean, casual environment for happy hour drinks or late-night partying. The spacious back porch overlooks Pine Lake and is the perfect place to unwind with a drink after a round of golf at the nearby Pine Lakes Golf Club the first golf course in the golf capital of Myrtle Beach. Fifteen draft beers are on tap as well as an excellent dinner menu. Occasional live bands and pig roasts make this a festive place to hang.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Few sports bars also offer such a scenic outdoor patio deck ... with TVs.
Terry's expert tip: The back porch is the place to be for happy hour (4-7 p.m. weekdays) as the sun sets over Pine Lake.
This regional chain has been a hit at Broadway since replacing the old Planet Hollywood location. Featuring more than 60 different types of beer on tap, a wide variety of food on the menu, and lots of big-screen TVs for sports viewing, Carolina Ale House has tapped into the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Perhaps the most popular item on a menu loaded with options are the jumbo-sized chicken wings that come with an array of spices, seasonings and sauces. Wash them down with a selection of popular beer brands as well as regional microbrews, wines and craft cocktails.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: With dozens of big-screen TVs and an indoor/outdoor beer garden, Carolina Ale House is a great place to catch the big game.
Terry's expert tip: Beat the crowds on fireworks nights at Broadway by sitting on the Carolina Ale House patio, which provides the perfect vantage point.
Step into a British-style pub featuring American sports in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach. This popular watering hole has been in business at this prime location for more than 25 years and has a dedicated local following. Football fans of many different NFL teams gather here to be amongst their own kind. Private booths with their own TVs allow guests to view the game of their choice. Bumstead's has a wide selection of imported and domestic drafts, and the menu is more than the basic sports-bar fare - from hot wings to fish and chips. The party lasts well after the ballgames at Bumstead's.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: Bumstead's Pub is an institution in the downtown district, and for good reason.
Terry's expert tip: Slip next door to the adjoining Dagwood's Deli for the fattest sandwiches on the beach.
This national chain offers good times, great food and cold beer. Part sports bar and part video arcade, Dave & Buster's provides a fun atmosphere for both families and for grownups who are kids at heart. The arcade is unlike any other, featuring games built specifically for Dave & Buster's franchises, as well as sports-themed games, interactive virtual-reality amusements, and carnival-style contests of skill. The restaurant and sports bar are perfect for catching the big game and enjoying a diverse menu of food and drinks. Located in the Celebrity Square section of Broadway at the Beach, Dave & Buster's is in the heart of the nightlife district.
Recommended for Sports Bars because: It's virtually impossible to avoid having a good time at Dave & Buster's.
Terry's expert tip: Purchase an "Eat Drink Play" combo pass to save money on food, beverages and games. Starting at $18.99 for an app or entree with a $10 Power Card, the passes scale up for larger parties.