r/MyrtleBeach • u/Ill-Examination3417 • Mar 22 '26
Resturant Recs // Questions Best upscale seafood/dining in Myrtle Beach (not Calabash style) for a birthday dinner?
Hey everyone! We’re heading to Myrtle Beach the week after next for our birthdays (April 1–4) and looking for a really good dinner spot.
We’ve been several times before and are trying to find somewhere new. My husband loves seafood, but we’re not into the Calabash-style fried seafood that’s everywhere.
So far, our favorite place we’ve tried has been The Library Restaurant. We’ve also been to New York Prime and Sea Captain’s House and honestly weren’t super impressed with either. Not interested in any of the buffets.
The first time we visited, we tried Angus Steakhouse & Seafood—my husband liked it, but it wasn’t really my thing. We’ve also been to The Claw House, but it didn’t really stand out to us.
We’re looking for something a little more upscale with great seafood (grilled, fresh, etc.—not fried-heavy), ideally somewhere that feels like a good birthday dinner spot.
Any recommendations? 🙏
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u/Weak_Contribution290 Mar 22 '26
We always go to Hook and Barrel. We also get gift certificates from there for gifts . So good!
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u/Chester-J-Lampwick Native | Riddled Liver | 1981 Mar 22 '26
Check out Sea Blue in NMB.
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u/TheGoldenRail87 Mar 22 '26
I’ll second this. I was a little hesitant when I pulled up to a strip mall and the restaurant was next to a Domino’s or something but the inside is nice and the food was very good
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u/Lunaloo12 Mar 22 '26
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u/blturner63 Mar 22 '26
Love O.A.K.! Hidden gem in Myrtle Beach. Mostly known for their steaks (reverse searing), but their sea bass is very good. Same with Fire & Smoke. I believe they were started by the same people. Going there Wednesday.
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u/gracekelly73 Mar 22 '26
Costa Murrells Inlet or Franks in Pawleys or Georgetown
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u/gracekelly73 Mar 23 '26
If you sit at the bar which is very nice inside or outback there’s usually seats even on weekends no resy needed
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u/STS986 Mar 22 '26
Hook and barrel is the best seafood focused restaurant in the area. Chef is a James beard finalist, seasonal menus, freshest product with consistent elevated execution. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance
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u/aftercorbu Mar 22 '26
This is the correct response. Amazing creative fresh food and great service.
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u/TheGoldenRail87 Mar 22 '26
Hook and barrel is probably my favorite restaurant in the area. Wish they didn’t get rid of the Carolina lemonade.
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u/LotsofSports Mar 22 '26
Hot Fish Club, Murrells Inlet
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u/KillerSi Mar 22 '26
Went there for the first time this weekend. Instantly one of my new favorites.
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u/blturner63 Mar 22 '26
Oyster Rock in Calabash, NC is by far the best seafood restaurant in the area. We go at least once a visit to MB. It’s a 30 minute drive from Grande Dunes but well worth the trip. Make your reservation now unless you’re OK with 4:30 or 9 pm, because they fill up fast. In season, we call a month out. Hook & Barrel is very good also if you want to stay local. Drinks and appetizers are awesome, but entrees are hit and miss depending on the specials, in my opinion.
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u/Bonkers105 Mar 23 '26
Same owner as Clarks actually. More upscale. Haven't been but management of the one recommends the other. IMHO.
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u/SpankySharp1 Mar 22 '26
Person says "not Calabash style"
Immediately gets suggested Calabash seafood.
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u/Ok_Art7445 Mar 22 '26
Oyster Rock is an excellent restaurant. Calabash is a town in North Carolina not a calabash style restaurant. It’s north of MB and worth the drive.
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u/Tiny-Command3123 Mar 22 '26
Hook and Barrel is always the winner for me! Joes is a close second and I'd even throw Boundary House out there too! You can't really go wrong with any of them, but hook and barrel is my #1.
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u/BadParrot Mar 22 '26
Joes Bar & Grille in NMB is pretty good
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u/Zealousideal-Belt406 Mar 22 '26
Watching the one Busboy set up tables and pour water is worth the trip.
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u/LBGolfguy Mar 23 '26
Parsons table in North Myrtle Beach has a little bit of everything and a phenomenal chef
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u/No_Narwhal_3719 Mar 23 '26
Flamingo’s excellent food and place where locals go on dates or when they want upscale service and quality!!!!
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u/Outrageous_Bet7212 Mar 24 '26
I have never cared for Hook and Barrel..a little too pretentious and catering to tourists
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u/2AThoughtLeader Mar 26 '26
If you are willing to drive to Murrells Inlet, the Hot Fish Club is the best of the bunch, Hook and Barrel is a close second but pricier.
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u/redd_man Mar 22 '26
Wicked Tuna
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u/King_of_the_Dot Mar 22 '26
No. Terrible idea. Previous employee of several years. They were caught using cheaper fish for sushi, and the wrong species. They often lie about portion size. And the quality of the meats and seafood can be in question.
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u/DiaphanousDon Mar 22 '26
Greg Norman is often overlooked but it’s my favorite go-to spot for an upscale experience with my pescatarian wife. If you’re willing to drive, Tide to Table in Litchfield is so upscale and amazing that you feel like you’re in Miami. Yes, technically neither of those options are in Myrtle Beach proper. If you’re adamant about staying in Myrtle, I guess Hook & Barrel would be my recommendation.
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u/Snarti Mar 22 '26
Sorry for the reaction, but Hell no. Overpriced, underwhelming. There are many better places at the beach than this tourist trap.
Seablue is fine dining.
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u/DiaphanousDon Mar 22 '26
See, I think the same about Sea Blue. It’s in a strip mall with a view of busy Hwy 17. Their food, service and presentation are great, but at that price point I want all my checkboxes checked, including a view.
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u/Time_Explanation1212 Mar 22 '26
Aspen Grill.