Between finding the perfect place to stay, the ideal beach spot to lay out your towel, and the best restaurants to dine in, exploring a new destination can leave you feeling like a fish out of water. However, that’s not the case when you visit North Myrtle Beach, at least not when it comes to seafood.
We’re known for our fresh seafood, prepared with recipes that have been passed down through generations and creating taste sensations you won’t experience outside the Low Country. While it’s not hard to walk more than a few feet to find a seafood restaurant in NMB, we’ve created a list of some must-try spots to serve as your guide so you’ll feel like part of our oceanside community in no time.
Duffy Street Seafood Shack
Duffy Street Seafood Shack is a mainstay of Main Street. With peanut shells on the floor and blues music playing in the background, Duffy’s epitomizes the Low Country vibe and fresh seafood you dream of when you plan a beach vacation. A seasonal favorite (they get some well-deserved rest from mid-autumn through around Valentine’s Day), it’s a great idea to go early because its reputation precedes itself along the Grand Strand. Start with the famous crab dip, and make sure you get some fried oysters for the table.
Pro Tip: Be sure you have a fridge at your hotel room or vacation rental because you'll have leftovers you don't want to leave behind.
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
Cinnamon-honey butter hushpuppies, shrimp and grits, and an ever-changing catch of the day, Flying Fish is southern seafood at its finest. Pounds of juicy crab legs will get your mouth watering. To make your experience unique, order the build-your-own boil. This Low Country favorite lets you choose gulf shrimp, PEI mussels, oysters, littleneck clams, or snow crab. Each boil meal comes with red potatoes, corn, and pecan-smoked sausage.
Pro Tip: The waterfront view is even more relaxing around sunset, and on a partially cloudy afternoon, the various shades of pink are breathtaking.
Preston’s Seafood & Country Restaurant
Visit once and you’ll be back during every visit to NMB. Preston’s is a foodie fave, and it’s easy to understand why. Miss Jane and her staff run a tight-yet-delicious operation. Located near Barefoot Landing, it’s a great place to refuel after a day of shopping. The menu changes often, depending on what’s fresh that day. Hopefully you visit when they have Calabash-Style Creek Shrimp.
Pro Tip: Save room for dessert. The sea turtle sundae and key lime pie are sweet treats that are almost impossible to replicate!
Boardwalk Billy’s NMB
Boardwalk Billy’s is everything you’d expect in Low Country dining. Located in Doc Holiday’s Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, the deck offers a scenic view (just one of the reasons BB’s makes the list) and a laid-back atmosphere. As far as the food goes, Boardwalk Billy’s has variety, from fresh seafood baskets with shrimp or crab cake with a side of fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies, to fresh sushi and sashimi.
Pro Tip: Check Boardwalk Billy’s event calendar for a full lineup of live music.
