This family-owned and operated eatery has been serving sweet barbecue and country cooking since 1953, and for good reason. Not only does Prosser's do barbecue the good ol' Southern way - slow smoked over hickory coals to perfection - it also serves some of the best country cooking on the Grand Strand. Fried chicken, country-fried steak and the Lowcountry favorite dish of chicken bog join barbecue and ribs on the buffet amid a sea of home-style vegetables. Breads and desserts are also available on the buffet, which is quite affordable for hungry visitors. Be sure to try the mustard-based sauce even if it's against your BBQ religion.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: In a fishing village famous for its seafood, Prosser's delivers excellent "land food" options and good coiuntry cooking.
Terry's expert tip: Forget about the menu. The multi-item country buffet is the way to go even if you are not a heavy eater.
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach's seafood district of Murrells Inlet, this upscale/casual steakhouse gives visitors options, especially for those with a taste of red meat instead of fish. Bovine's features mesquite-grilled dishes. As its name might suggest, the atmosphere pays homage to the Old West with cow memorabilia lining the walls and tablecloths patterned with cowboy boots. The abundance of locals and regulars who have found their favorite place for steak make this a fun place to visit. Located on the salt marsh overlooking Murrells Inlet, the view is a big draw too, especially for a happy-hour sunset.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: In a fishing village known for seafood, Bovine's offers great steaks and chops for a refreshing change of pace or a surf and turf combo.
Terry's expert tip: After dinner at Bovine's, stick around on the outdoor deck overlooking the inlet for for after-dinner drinks, live music and lovely views.
For more than 50 years the Nance family name has been synonymous with fresh seafood in Murrells Inlet. Operating its own fishing fleet from the early days, Nance's Creek Front has been serving up seafood straight from the docks for generations of visitors. In fact, the large pane glass windows overlooking the inlet give Nance's one of the best views in town. But it's not just the spectacular view that keeps them coming back for more; the seafood is (pun intended) off the hook. Nance's makes massive steam pots overflowing with fresh shrimp, crab, corn, potatoes and sausage. The seafood platters are popular choices, with fresh catches of the day fried or grilled alongside a spread of fries, slaw and hot hush puppies.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: Nothing too fancy here, but Nance's knows how to turn simple into simply amazing.
Terry's expert tip: Time your trip with low tide and you will likely see Nance's diggers harvesting local oysters from the nearby beds.
This longtime Murrells Inlet standby sits right on the water and is always a big hit with diners from near and far. Jack's booty, of course, comes in the form of fresh-from-sea numbers that are prepared to taste - grilled, blackened, saut�ed or fried. From specialty dinners like Grouper Royale topped with crabmeat and b�arnaise sauce to the substantial combination platter that allows you to pair up your choice of flounder, shrimp, oysters, deviled crab, scallops and creek shrimp, it's all good here. Don't stop by Drunk�n Jack's without sampling a few handfuls of their famous hushpuppies dipped in honey butter.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: An extensive menu and a festive atmosphere make this a great place for the whole family.
Terry's expert tip: Drunken Jack's was named for a legendary pirate who was stranded on a nearby island and was found dead surrounded by empty bottles of rum. Order the Drunken Jack's Rum Punch in his honor.
Dudley the dog and inspirational namesake may be dead and gone, but this saloon is still going strong! Another in a long line of solid Murrells Inlet eateries, Dead Dog Saloon delivers a tasty array of fresh seafood, steaks, burgers and pasta dishes. Without a doubt, the place's chief asset is its awesome patio deck, which offers great views of the water and even a few hammocks for lazing with a cold one. Speaking of spirits, this fish-shack style restaurant is believed by many to be haunted by the ghost of Dudley, so be sure to save a hushpuppy or two as a peace offering.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: The outdoor patio deck overlooking the inlet is the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset.
Terry's expert tip: This legendary establishment burned to the ground in 2011, but a new-and-improved version was reopened in its place.
Serving fresh local seafood with a distinct Italian flair, Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar brings a fresh approach to a Murrells Inlet restaurant scene. Opened in 2016 by popular local chef Jim Pronesti, who also operates Cafe Piccolo in nearby Pawleys Island, Costa is "Chef Jimmy's" latest creation. Incorporating fresh local seafood from the nearby docks into traditional and not-so-traditional Italian dishes, Costa gives diners plenty of options for daily specials and fresh catches of the day. Costa serves lunch and dinner daily and augments its menu with specials that appear on a chalkboard and are updated constantly. Serving shrimp, oysters, scallops, clams, crab and even lobster, Costa combines great Italian seafood (and non-seafood) dishes with an upscale atmosphere.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: Costa also serves excellent non-seafood dishes, like the tomahawk chop ribeye, saltimbocca and scarpariello.
Terry's expert tip: Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar is one of the few places in Murrells Inlet where you can bring your own wine for a small corkage fee.
A favorite among locals and tourists since 1992, the Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar focuses on fresh seafood straight from the inlet by restaurant owner/fishing boat captain Jimmy Mayes. He and his crew catch most of the fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters that are prepared and served by wife Kim and the staff. Ideal for folks who like steam pots and fresh seafood from the raw bar, Inlet Crab House has a Caribbean theme and feel that takes your taste buds for a tour of the islands. Enjoy your favorites fried, grilled or broiled, and be sure to enjoy the homemade hushpuppies.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: The combination of Southern charm, Caribbean influences and good times makes Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar a great place for lunch, dinner or drinks.
Terry's expert tip: Looking for a little refreshment? Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar's "Almost Famous" Rum Punch hits the spot on a hot day.
What a view! Gulfstream is the only restaurant in Garden City Beach overlooking the ocean on one side and Murrells Inlet on the other and, fortunately, the food lives up to the view. Recommended starters include the onion loaf (a mass of fried onion rings with bleu cheese dip), kicky N'Awlins shrimp served atop a crispy fried grits cake, she-crab soup and oyster shooters. Popular main courses range from Low Country crab cakes, a variety of fried seafood, garlic crab claws, and grilled or blackened catch of the day. Kids can opt for fried fish, shrimp, chicken fingers, or spaghetti.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: Although technically in Garden City, the restaurant borders Murrells Inlet and offers excellent views of the water.
Terry's expert tip: Ask for a seat on the outdoor deck and enjoy a lovely, Lowcountry sunset over the inlet and salt marshes.
The Murrells Inlet Marsha Walk is where you will find Wahoo's Raw Bar & Marina. Overlooking the very waters where your dinner came from, likely just hours before your arrival, this waterfront eatery is always on island time, thanks to its open-air tiki bar. Choose from all types of fresh seafood, including lobster, flounder, snapper and shrimp prepared however you like. As for the perfect recipe to "chill" at dusk, just kick back on the deck with one of their signature frozen cocktails and enjoy live music while the fishing boats return to port for the night. Reservations are not required but may come in handy during the summer.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: Check out sister restaurant Bovines for excellent wood-fired steaks and live music on the inlet.
Terry's expert tip: There's lots of indoor seating but we recommend a seat on the outdoor deck to take in the sights and sounds of the inlet and Marsh Walk.
One of the first restaurants to open in Murrells Inlet remains one of the best. In fact, Lee's Inlet Kitchen has been named one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in South Carolina by Southern Living Magazine, and for good reason. Opened in 1948, Lee's Inlet Kitchen tempted visitors to drive the extra mile for fresh seafood served with Southern hospitality. Originally located in a former gas station, Lee's has had to expand several times to accommodate the hungry patrons who pack the house virtually every night. Lee's is famous for its seafood platters, served fried or broiled, and house specialties like oyster stew, she-crab soup and shrimp and grits. Open for lunch and dinner, Lee's also offers an early light menu as well as great "landfood" options.
Recommended for Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants because: Lee's Inlet Kitchen is a family tradition for many locals and visitors for its great food and down-home charm.
Terry's expert tip: Early birds and light eaters are in luck; beat the crowds and save a few bucks by dining between 4:30 and 6 p.m.