Restaurants in Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is one of the South’s tourist magnets that live up to its name. Its intricate waterways connect the rich, historic land to the glistening waters of the North Atlantic. Fabled to be the cove of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, Murrells Inlet has learned to reap the bounties of the sea. This quaint town is the self-proclaimed Seafood Capital of South Carolina, and they have great seafood establishments to back up their bold claim.
But it’s not just the seafood that visitors can enjoy around here. There’s some great dining options for almost anything you’re in the mood for. To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best restaurants in Murrells Inlet.
Drunken Jack's
If you want to find out how well the Grand Strand can treat you, you should go and visit Drunken Jack’s. Here you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Inlet from the expansive patio, including Goat Island, home to both cute goats and their peacock friends with their beautiful plumage. Only the finest seafood, hand-cut aged meat, premium drinks, and outstanding service are served here at Drunken Jack’s.
If you’re in Drunken Jack’s for a bite, we recommend the Steak Neptune — two filet medallions served with grilled shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat, then finished with some tasty lobster cream sauce. If you’re in the mood for seafood, ask about the Fresh Catch of the Day. The lower-level lounge provides ample space for guests to relax with one of their eight craft beers on draft.
Russell's Seafood Grill
Russell’s Seafood Grill is a local favorite when you’re looking for perfectly cooked fresh seafood. Found at the south end of Business 17, this rustic yet homey restaurant is one of the last survivors left after Hurricane Hugo ravaged Murrells Inlet. They’ve been serving the area for over three decades, and they use their wisdom to give one of the best dining experiences in the Inlet.
Russell’s offers one of the best Southern cuisines in Murrells Inlet. You must try the Maryland Style Crab Cake served with their snappy homemade remoulade sauce. If you’re in for pasta, they have a great Clam and Linguine pasta with a white wine garlic sauce. They also serve burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and some of the freshest seafood platters and baskets in the area. If you’re looking for a dining experience like no other, Russell’s is the spot for you.
Dead Dog Saloon
The Dead Dog Saloon is one of the Marsh Walk favorites since it opened in 2002. This one-stop-shop for seafood and entertainment sits in perfect view of the beautiful creeks and tidal marshes that Murrells Inlet is famous for. They are a family-friendly spot during lunch and dinner hours. At nighttime, The Dead Dog Saloon transforms into a happy-hour haven for after-hours fun and entertainment.
The Dead Dog Saloon serves some of the best tacos and burgers in town. You should get the Carnitas and Brisket tacos, and of course, their famous Build-A-Burger — a half-pound patty with your choice of cheeses and accoutrement. They also have juicy South Carolina BBQ on the menu like ribs, pulled pork, briskets, and sausages. They have great draft beers on tap so that you can enjoy a great meal with great drinks.
Lee's Inlet Kitchen
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is one of those rare restaurants that give you a glimpse of local history. They have been serving the people of Murrells Inlet for over 70 years. What’s even better is they are still owned and operated by the original family since their birth. In their own words: they must be doing something right to have stayed this long in the game and still leave diners satisfied.
They serve Lowcountry favorites like Lee’s Fried Green Tomatoes, topped with homemade pimento cheese and bacon jam. You can also enjoy fresh seafood fried, broiled, grilled, or blackened. We recommend you down their delicious menu with some delicious Southern Sweet Tea. Make sure to leave room for their delicious homemade desserts, like their Cobbler of the Day and Key Lime Pie.
Hachiya Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
If you’re looking for an adventure while in Murrells Inlet, then Hachiya Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse is the restaurant you’d want to dine in. They’ve been serving locals a slice of Japanese cuisine for over three decades. If you’re ever cruising and find yourself on Ocean Highway, keep an eye out for their humble Japanese-style facade.
This family-owned restaurant provides a traditional Japanese hibachi-style experience to the Lowcountry. You can choose from their multiple dinner options to enjoy. They have lots of meats, veggies, and seafood prepared for your consumption. Their dinners are served with onion soup, hibachi appetizer shrimp, fried rice, and house salad. If you want good food and fun for the family, this is the spot for you.
Hot Fish Club
Hot Fish Club seeks to relive an old Southern tradition. Once a social club on Drunken Jack Island, it has brought good food, great drinks, and even better conversation among the discerning. After the Civil War, it closed its doors and is now rebuilt on Murrells Inlet, serving its locals with the same mission and vision as its predecessor.
Hot Fish Club serves appetizing food made from locally sourced ingredients to locals and visitors alike. They serve Southern favorites from the She-Crab Soup to Shrimp and Grits. A highly recommended dish is their house-special Blackened Mahi with Crabmeat served with zesty fresh lemon basil aioli. Hot Fish Club is dedicated to giving you a good time through good food and good drinks, in honor of those who once reveled in their halls.
Uncle Mikey's Pizza
Uncle Mikey’s is a quaint little Italian joint along Highway 17 Business. It’s got that humble facade, that while it may seem unassuming, just screams “good heritage food” to connoisseurs who know what’s good. Once inside, you’ll be glad you gave Uncle Mikey’s a chance. The interior is quaint, homey, and just oozes Italian and Southern hospitality.
Uncle Mikey’s has been using traditional family recipes that they’ve been perfecting for over five decades. They serve the finest of Italian cuisine using only the freshest ingredients available. We recommend the hand-tossed brick oven pies like Uncle Mikey’s Special. They also have delicious and freshly made pasta on the menu. You can finish off your meal with authentic Italian cannolis and tartufo or good old Southern Key Lime Pie.
Wahoo's Fish House
Wahoo’s Fish House is a prime seafood spot at the edge of the Marsh Walk. This creekside joint serves an impressive menu filled with innovative cuisine that highlights the town’s fresh seafood and extensive and creative sushi options. Wahoo’s Fish House promises good food in a stylish yet unpretentious restaurant filled with an air of good old Southern hospitality.
We recommend you begin your Wahoo’s dining experience with their Fried Green Tomatoes and the Inlet Firecracker Shrimp. You must try the Chef’s Special Bourbon BBQ Mahi served over crips oven roasted peppers, onions, and red-skinned potatoes for your mains. The Catch of the Day Nigiri is also a must-have. For dessert, you can get the classic Southern Key Lime Pie.
