10 Local Restaurants You’ll Love Near Garden City Beach
Written by Palmetto & Birch
When you visit Garden City Beach, Surfside, or Murrells Inlet, you’ll quickly discover that dining here is as diverse as the sea shells along the coast. From classic seafood and brunch favorites to contemporary cafés and fine dining under the stars, these 10 local restaurants capture the very best of the South Carolina coast.
1. Pizza Hyena – Wood-Fired Favorites by the Sea
A Surfside Beach staple, Pizza Hyena serves wood-fired pies and craft beers just steps from the ocean. Build your own pie or try our favorite, the “Smoke Ring” or the “Peppy Longstocking”, and unwind on the open-air patio that feels like an extension of the beach. If you prefer to eat at a Palmetto and Birch property - they deliver!
2. Chimichanga Llama – Tacos with a Twist
Colorful, lively, and unapologetically fun, Chimichanga Llama reimagines Mexican favorites with a Southern spin. Their fluffy tacos and handcrafted margaritas make this one of the most joyful dining spots on the Grand Strand. Don’t sleep on the fluffy blackened fish taco.
3. Milk & Honey Coffee & Kitchen – Modern Brunch & Specialty Coffee
For a chic and cozy brunch experience, head to Milk & Honey, where locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and chef-inspired dishes make mornings shine. Try the honey latte or one of the daily specials — each one a love letter to Southern comfort with a modern touch.
4. The Quay – Sunset Views & Coastal Cuisine
Set along the Murrells Inlet waterfront, The Quay offers refined seafood, craft cocktails, and spectacular sunset views. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special evening on the coast.
5. Hot Fish Club – A Lowcountry Legend with Live Music
Dating back to the 18th century, Hot Fish Club is one of the Grand Strand’s most iconic restaurants. Inside, savor shrimp & grits or crab-stuffed flounder. Outside, enjoy live music at the gazebo bar — the heart of Murrells Inlet nightlife.
6. Smooth Seas – Açaí Bowls & Beachside Wellness
If you’re craving something light and refreshing, Smooth Seas is your go-to for smoothies, açaí bowls, and cold-pressed juices. Each colorful bowl feels like sunshine in a cup — perfect after a morning walk or beach yoga session.
7. Millstone Biscuit Co. – Southern Breakfast Perfection
Millstone Biscuit Co. serves up buttery, scratch-made biscuits and hearty Southern breakfasts that locals swear by. You can’t go wrong with a breakfast biscuit and hash browns for a true taste of Carolina comfort.
8. Lee’s Inlet Kitchen – A Heritage Seafood Tradition
Family-owned since 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is a Murrells Inlet institution known for its fresh local seafood, hush puppies, and welcoming charm. The quality — and the hospitality — never wavers.
9. Low Country Bites – Elevated Charcuterie & Coastal Grazing
Perfect for beach picnics or wine nights on a Palmetto and Birch balcony, Low Country Bites crafts beautifully styled charcuterie boards and grazing boxes filled with local cheeses, fruits, seafood, and seasonal treats. They’ll even deliver to your Palmetto & Birch stay for effortless coastal entertaining.
10. Frank’s & Frank’s Outback – Refined Dining Under the Stars
For an elegant night out, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback in Pawleys Island deliver Southern hospitality with white-tablecloth service and award-winning cuisine. Inside, enjoy Lowcountry-inspired dishes in a candlelit dining room. Outside, Frank’s Outback offers a magical garden setting with twinkling lights, fine wine, and live music — the kind of evening you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
Eat, Explore & Unwind
From heritage seafood houses to modern coffee bars and romantic garden dining, the culinary scene around Garden City Beach offers something for every appetite.
After a day of exploring, retreat to your Palmetto & Birch oceanfront home — where the waves, the warmth, and the coastal charm never end.
🐚 The Salty Mermaid: A two-bedroom oceanfront retreat with expansive views, fireplace, pool and hot tub.
🌊 Ocean Currents: A newly renovated one-bedroom condo with oceanfront balcony, pool, and elevator access.
Book your stay today and savor every bite of your Garden City Beach getaway.
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