The best hidden food gems in the Myrtle Beach area. Did your favorite make the cut?

Kae Lani Palmisano, Eleanor Nash, Mary Norkol

Myrtle Beach is jam-packed with popular restaurants, but locals praise the quality of some potentially overlooked spots in the area.

We’re revisiting The Sun News’ (non-scientific) reader poll from a year ago that asked for the best hidden food gems in Horry County — and our readers delivered great picks, from pizza joints to cafes.

Sun News journalists also shared some of their favorite secret spots. Scroll down to take a look.

Have a recommendation? Email it to online@thesunnews.com.

Best hidden food gems near Myrtle Beach, according to readers

Athens Pizza, 5419 Dick Pond Road in Myrtle Beach

Athens Pizza offers Italian and Greek food in the Socastee area of Horry County. Myrtle Beach has its fair share of pizza restaurants, but Athens Pizza “gets my vote for best crust,” wrote reader Holly Roesing.

Sam’s Southern Eatery, 2635 US-701 in Conway

Sam’s Southern Eatery is a staple in Conway, but people near the beach may have overlooked it in the past. The restaurant is a classic Southern spot, serving traditional favorites such as fried green tomatoes and po’ boy sandwiches. Reader Carol Cleaver-Hesser recommended the shrimp dinner. “Not only (does) it taste good, it is plentiful and (at a) good price,” she wrote.

A dish at Sun City Cafe in downtown Myrtle Beach.
A dish at Sun City Cafe in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Sun City Cafe, 801 Main St. in Myrtle Beach

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the Sun City Cafe is something of a local hangout. The appetizer menu is complete with a variety of dips while entrees include tacos, burritos, and vegetarian options. One Sun News reader complimented the business’ “fun atmosphere and great service.”

Best hidden food gems near Myrtle Beach, according to Sun News staff

Taste of Explosion at The Grumpy Monk at Broadway at the Beach.
Taste of Explosion at The Grumpy Monk at Broadway at the Beach.

Grumpy Monk, multiple locations

Breaking news editor Terri Richardson said everything she’s eaten at Grumpy Monk has been delicious. She comes with an appetite when she orders the big kid chicken fingers, which, despite the name, are as big as her hand. Others in her party like the Uncle Jesse burrito and the mac and cheese grilled cheese. The restaurant, popular with locals, has locations in Carolina Forest, North Myrtle Beach and Broadway at the Beach.

A Coffee Movement food truck, for location check @acoffeemovement on Instagram

Service journalism reporter Eleanor Nash travels to farmers markets and festivals around the Grand Strand for this moving coffee truck. She loves their iced mocha latte, with tiny chunks of chocolate at the bottom. A Coffee Movement’s rotating selection of syrups, with flavors such as blueberry, lavender and orange cardamom, are made in-house.

Dagwoods Deli, 400 11th Ave. North in Myrtle Beach

Senior Editor Chris Segal recommends Dagwoods Deli. Known for their sandwiches stuffed with deli meats, Segal says it’s a go-to for work lunches. Though they have two locations (one in Myrtle Beach, the other in Surfside Beach), the original location in downtown Myrtle Beach is where you may run into Sun News staff.

Milk and Honey Coffee Cafe, 351 Highway 17 Business, Surfside Beach

Coffee from Milk and Honey powers reporter Caroline Williamson’s breaking news coverage. The bee sting latte, full of honey and cinnamon, is her favorite. Other Sun News staff recommend trying a Nutella cruffin (croissant in the shape of a muffin) or a morning bun along with your coffee.

Socastee Station, 4504 Socastee Blvd. Unit A. in Myrtle Beach

It’s the famous beer-battered chicken bog balls that make this spot a true local favorite. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, Socastee Station is a low-key place to enjoy a beer with dishes that take inventive risks on classic South Carolina dishes.

1229 Shine, an oyster bar, officially opened in the Market Common on March 7 after a soft launch more than a month earlier.
1229 Shine, an oyster bar, officially opened in the Market Common on March 7 after a soft launch more than a month earlier.

Shine 1229, 1229 Shine Ave. in Myrtle Beach

Upscale yet casual, this Market Commons restaurant serves up flavorful seafood dishes and refreshing craft cocktails. The menu features iconic Myrtle Beach dishes but with international influences. Viet Cajun seafood boil anyone?

A pot of chicken bog cooked by Conway, S.C. chef Larry Dickerson is removed from the oven of Donzelle’s restaurant. January 25, 2022.
A pot of chicken bog cooked by Conway, S.C. chef Larry Dickerson is removed from the oven of Donzelle’s restaurant. January 25, 2022.

Donzelles, 1703 N. Main St. in Conway

For a heaping helping of homestyle breakfast, the Sun News staff recommends Donzelles in Conway. Though they’re open for lunch, locals love ordering their classic eggs, bacon, grits and buttered biscuits.

Local chef Larry Dickerson reveals his secrets to cooking the perfect chicken bog

The wait notwithstanding, when the food came out, it was fresh and so very delicious.
The wait notwithstanding, when the food came out, it was fresh and so very delicious.

Mr. Fish, 6307 N. Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach

The Sun News staff recommends this spot for seafood lovers. Operating as a restaurant and a seafood market, Mr. Fish offers local, fresh seafood. The menu features favorites, like their popular steamed or fried shrimp and oysters, as well as specialty sushi rolls.

Conway Meat Market, 1701 4th Ave in Conway

As a bonus, the staff recommends Conway Meat Market to anyone looking for high-quality cuts of meat. It’s not a restaurant, but it is a great spot to pick up restaurant quality beef, pork, chicken and more.

A version of this story was originally published in May 2022.

• • •

Explore Myrtle Beach with us: Sign up for our new newsletter in the form below.

Advertisement