Ahoy, sea foodies and pearl-seekers! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling taste adventure by the sun-kissed shores of Myrtle Beach? This coastal paradise isn't just about picturesque beaches and frolicking waves; it’s also a heavyweight champion in the world of shellfish delights. Today, we're shucking the secrets of Myrtle Beach to unearth the best oysters on this side of the Atlantic. Grab your lemon wedges and hot sauce; we’re diving in!
Introduction to the Best Oysters in Myrtle Beach and tips.
Myrtle Beach, a sparkling jewel in South Carolina, and known as the seafood capital of South Carolina. It is known for its sandy beaches and has been a vacation hot spot for over 100 years. Myrtle Beach is a treasure trove for gastronomes. Among its culinary crowns are the oysters, succulent and brimming with ocean brine, which tell a story in every slurp. Whether you're a traveler with a refined palate, a food enthusiast on the prowl for the next best dish, or a local resident with a love for bivalves, this list is your map to oyster nirvana.
I have been coming to Myrtle Beach since I was 6 years old, it is my home away from home. When I think of the memories I have had at this place, Myrtle Beach will always be a sentimental favorite. I remember all the times I have had seafood at the many Myrtle Beach restaurants. From restaurants to buffets, Myrtle Beach has been a bunch. Today's focus will avoid buffets. I do not think buffet oysters are the best representation of oysters for this blog, even though I have had buffet oysters that were good. Maybe one day I will do a blog on Myrtle Beach buffets, but today is not the day.
I will be putting a focus on Raw Oysters, but I will have cooked oyster dishes in this list that will include the whole Myrtle Beach area. Myrtle Beach locations go from Pawleys Island in the South and all the way to the North Carolina line. I collectively call this whole area the Myrtle Beach area.
Random tip for those of you not familiar if you see Oyster Roasts on menus that are considered local, be prepared local oyster season is not all year long. It runs from September to April, so the peak beach season will miss out on local oysters.
Restaurant 1 - Original Shuckers Raw Bar
Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the Original Shuckers Raw Bar is your clandestine alcove where oysters are not just food; they're a philosophy. Each shell is a vessel of exquisite taste, reverently opened for you.
This is a local favorite as they have been in business for 26 years. They have several types of oyster dishes, in a variety of ways, including raw oysters on a half shell to Blackened Parmesan Oysters. Try their steam pots and fried baskets, you cannot go wrong with this place.
Oyster Tip: If you like spice try the Southwest Oysters.
Restaurant 2 - Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Market
A homely atmosphere accompanied by the tang of salt air welcomes you to Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Market. The oysters here? Hearty, generous, and begging for a toast with a glass of crisp white wine. They have a large menu, serving beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. They also have a happy hour.
The Myrtle Beach location is off of North Kings Highway, just south of Tanger shopping outlet. Bimini’s has been open since 1985 and a local favorite. Plus, they have a fresh seafood market which the locals love, located in the restaurant. This is great in my opinion. If you are visiting Myrtle Beach and want to buy from the market to cook, Bimini's is the place to visit.
Oyster Tip: If you like Oysters try their oyster roast where you end but with 42 of those delicious babies, but their conch fritters are amazing too.
Restaurant 3 - Hook and Barrel
It's a hop, skip, and a jump to the culinary merriment at Hook and Barrel. Famed for their traditional methods meeting modern twists, this spot is for those who relish a fusion of flavors, and for trying something unusual. Seafood lovers will find whatever their heart desires, plus there are many other options to choose from, like Espresso Steak.
Located on North Kings Highway, this is one of favorites and has great seafood along with great oysters. Check out their website to make reservations and this is what I would call more of an upscale place with high quality foods.
Fan Favorite: Their Oysters Ala Heidi are an unmissable joyride of bacon mascarpone and sambuca. The best oyster I have ever had.
Restaurant 4 - Clearwater Oyster Bar and Grill
At Clearwater Oyster Bar & Grill, it's all about that straight-off-the-boat freshness. Their chef prides on presenting a menu that's both a love letter to oysters and an ode to sustainability.
Located just off the intercoastal waterway and has a great view of the water. They even have parking for boats and water skis. Clearwater is open every day and has catch of the day specials. Oysters Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, and Oyster on a half shell. They also have all the other seafood favorites like boils, fry baskets, plus more. For a good time, cold beer, and friendly service this is the place to go.
What to Wear: Dress casually chic – it matches their shabby-nautical-chic perfectly.
Restaurant 5- Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar and Grill
Are you looking to escape the typical? Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill serves up a storm of flavors. With a breezy decor that takes you straight into the mariner's heart, their oyster selection is a testament to quality and freshness.
With 4 locations around Myrtle Beach, you are bound to be near one of them. Locations have excellent reviews rated a 4.0 or higher.
They have seasonal hours, so be sure to take a look at their website to make sure they are open for your visit.
Signature Dish: Try their Blakely Blackened Oysters served Cajun style. or try the variety of fresh oysters from several locations in the United States including South Carolina. The raw route with their zesty lemon and tabasco dressing is great.
Restaurant 6 - Pawleys Island Raw Bar
Located in Pawleys Island, the southernmost area that can be referred to in the Myrtle Beach area. Has comments from all over the internet as having the best oysters. Oysters Rockefeller, and raw bar selections that features Apalachicola Oysters. They have a fried Oyster Po-Boy that makes my mouth water. Oysters in low country boils or platters are also available.
Pawleys Island Raw Bar has merchandise for sale. No need to get dressed up fancy they have a low-key kind of vibe. So, if you are staying in the extreme south part of the Myrtle Beach area. Stop in here and check them out. I rated them high on the list for a reason.
Fan Favorite: Have you ever been curious about Alligator? Try the Gator Tail.
Restaurant 7 - Rockefellers Raw Bar
Located on Route 17 in North Myrtle Beach. Rockefellers Raw Bar has one of the best ratings on google at 4.5 stars. From Oyster Shooter, to Rockefeller, oysters on a half shell or fried you will get your fill of Oysters here. Try the Rockefellers Steam pot, which has a variety of seafood including oysters in this steamy pot of goodness. There are tons of seafood dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and even steaks.
Insider tip: What I think is interesting while investigating their restaurant, they have a VIP program you can sign up for. You will be notified of deals, or special events that Rockefellers Raw Bar is having. Just sign up on the website for more information.
Restaurant 8 - Inlet Crab and Raw Bar
When it has a raw bar in the name you know they are going to have great oysters. Being open for 30 years proves they have amazing food too. Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster Shooters, and Fried Oyster Platter and Baskets are not the only Oyster items you can get at the Inlet Crab and Raw Bar. Check out their Oyster Roasts, Raw Oysters or Steamed Oysters too.
Inlet Crab and Raw Bar is located in Murrells Inlet on Highway 17 in a colorful looking building. The colors of pink and blue and trimmed in yellow, give you the perfect vibe for slurping oysters. This is a casual place and prices are reasonable but not considered cheap. They have entertainment in summer so check out their website for the schedule when it is closer to the season.
Insider tip: This is an award-winning restaurant of excellence according to TripAdvisor.
Restaurant 9 - Buoys on the Boulevard Beach Bar
Oysters on a half shell, or oysters located in a “Shuck it all” bucket. This place is a seafood lover's dream. Plus, Buoys on the Boulevard Beach Bar has sushi, prepared by a trained sushi chef. Located in North Myrtle on South Ocean Blvd. The variety on the menu is great, plus you can just tell when stepping in for a visit you are going to get good food.
Check out their website and join to become a VIP. You will learn of events and special deals by doing this. They are open every day and even have live music at times. Another thing you can do online is check out Tilley’s Weekly Specials.
Fan Favorite: Iif you like crab cakes this is the place to visit.
Restaurant 10 - Noizy Oysters Bar and Grill
This restaurant is a favorite of Myrtle Beach but is farther down the list because my visit was in the off season, and they were closed. They are planning on reopening in March 2024, and still on South Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. So, for your summer vacation be sure to check them out. You can make reservations online which will be beneficial during the busy season. Noizy Oysters Bar & Grill is a staple in Myrtle Beach. I have remembered seeing their location every time I visit the beach.
When I was here in the past their Oysters were great. I remember the Oysters Rockefeller the most. Fire baked with a creamy dipping sauce and bacon bits! You cannot go wrong with adding bacon to any dish in my opinion.
Drink Tip: While visiting, order the cocktail called The Noizy Sweet Tea Vodka. It sure does sound delicious.
Restaurant 11 - RipTydz Oceanfront Grille and Rooftop Bar
This is one of my favorite places on the beach, and a hot spot for a good time on the Grand Strand. Located on Ocean Boulevard, the largest Oceanfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach, with rooftop views, you can even play games in the sand below at the restaurant. I love RipTydz Oceanfront Grille and Rooftop Bar. Prices are a little high, but it is not a stuffy uptight restaurant. This place is fun. When I visited, I did not have a reservation, but you might need one if you arrive in the busy season.
They have a happy hour, and something called Wine Down Wednesdays. Garlic Parmesan Oysters are the bomb, but so is everything else on their menu. They have seafood towers featuring oysters. RipTydz has a menu that features burgers and sandwiches too. It's pretty high up on my list for only having 2 types of oysters, but you come here for more than just oysters. The live music, the special events, and playing cornhole while you are waiting for your food. Looking at the beautiful ocean when you are eating is wonderful. That is why it ranks so high on my list.
Insider tip: If you have a special event, you can plan it here. Also check out their website for ordering food online, also take the elevator tot the top floor even if you are not eating up there it is great to see.
Restaurant 12 -GoodFellas Seafood Hut and Bar
This is a great local dive with cheap prices and great oysters. Located in North Myrtle Beach on Highway 17. Check their website out, because they do have odd hours and are closed on Sunday and Monday. Goodfellas is open for dine in or take out.
The only type of oyster they have is fried and part of a dinner, but it is considered one of the best fried oysters in the area. Goodfellas Seafood Hut has great prices and the combination of the reviews on the fried oysters and price make it high on my 20 best list. Their hush puppies and homemade chips also sound wonderful accompanying those fried oysters.
Drink Tip: While stopping in, get their Sweet Tea. It is truly southern and perfect in every way.
Restaurant 13 - 1229 Shine
Fairly new to the Myrtle Beach area, the Market commons area is on the south side of the strip. The location is near the airport and in a newer shopping area. Their menu includes raw oysters, grilled oysters, and steamed oysters. They even have Oyster Shooters, New Zealand Green Mussels and Little Neck Clams that can be raw or steamed. They have fried baskets and seafood boils that have oysters included. A great version of Oysters Rockefeller with parmesan cheese and spinach is a must try. There is a happy hour and a gluten free menu.
Check out 1229 Shine website because they do have some odd hours, and I am not sure if that will change when the beach season is in full throttle.
Insider Tip: They are associated with Common Smoke, which is BBQ and fixings that are sold in Myrtle Beach.
Restaurant 14 - Wicked Tuna Waterfront
Located in Murrells Inlet, this restaurant has been around for a while. and has a great view of the Marsh walk in Murrells Inlet. This was where they started the phrase “Hook to Plate” meaning that they have the freshest seafood you can get. There is also a Myrtle Beach location at the 2nd Avenue Pier.
Oyster on a half shell, Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster Po-Boy are on the Wicked Tuna menu, plus many other seafood favorites and steaks. Plus, they also have sushi. Did you know they are an award-winning restaurant in the area? You should come and see for yourself.
What to Wear: This is a little bit fancier them others on the list, so dress up a smidge.
Restaurant 15 - Nance’s Creekfront Restaurant
Also located in Murrells Inlet and known for the best Oysters Rockefeller in the comments listed on google Check out their website, make reservations and plan special events at Nance’s if you would like.
Steam pots, local Oyster Roasts (when in season) and Oysters on a half shell are on the menu at Nance's Creekfront, along with many other items. They even have fried oyster platters. Prices are mid-range, and this is definitely not a restaurant you would want to come straight from the beach to eat at.
Insider Tip: Cooking seafood since 1967. They prepare and cook the same way as they did back then. With a "when it's not broke, don't fix it" kind of attitude and it works for them.
Restaurant 16- Tasty Crab House
Just as the name states this is a tasty crab, but also has tasty oysters too. Steamed, fried and even oyster baskets are available here. The Tasty Crab House is even known for having famous hot wings, especially the Cajun style.
Located away from the beach, closer to Highway 17 on Forest Lane, it tends to be a local favorite. To-Go and delivery options are available, and the prices are great, which is hard to come by when you have seafood on the menu.
Fan Favorite: Has nothing to do with Oysters, but their $11 soft shell crab is great.
Restaurant 17 - Lobster House Seafood Restaurant
Soak in a nautical vibe while feasting on some of the most flavorful oysters that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Lobster House Seafood Restaurant is a place where each oyster promises a wave of satisfaction, brought to the shore just for connoisseurs like you. They only serve it as the typical appetizer, a dozen oysters unfortunately. The rest of the seafood here is amazing.
Located on the south side of Myrtle Beach and right beside the State Park, making it a great location if you are staying on the south side. Personally, I feel this is a little upscale. The only reason it ranks so low on my list is there is only 1 type of oyster on their menu. Even though it is delicious.
Insider Info: They offer an early bird special if you arrive before 4 pm, but you can also make reservations which I recommend.
Restaurant 18 - Carolina Seafood and Steak
Rated as #1 family restaurant in Myrtle beach, Carolina Seafood and Steak would be perfect dinner. They have your typical fancier dining options, like making online reservations, planning an event here in their private space, but there is a happy hour and a lunch menu.
As mentioned in the name they have steaks too! On the appetizer menu they have oysters on a shell and fried oysters so you can still have your oysters along with Steaks or other seafood dishes. Located on North Kings Highway on restaurant row. Not far from North Myrtle Beach. If you are on that side of town, check them out. You will not be disappointed.
Insider Tip: You should come here to eat of course, but what makes this place unique is the historic side. This building was built in 1969 and holds pieces from the first Myrtle beach hotel called the Ocean Forest Hotel. That hotel was torn down in 1974, and pieces of it are now located inside. Also, look behind the bar and you will see glass that was salvaged from a church in Spain. Eat dinner here so you can see this historic interior.
Restaurant 19 - Beach House Bar and Grill
Let's just say they put the bar in Beach House Bar and Grill. Their bar menu is huge. I have never seen so many versions of Margaritas, Martini’s and other specialty alcoholic drinks. They also have what makes them part of this blog, oysters. Oysters on a half shell, and a combo with half shell oysters and shrimp. But they are also featured on a platter fried. One of the other greats here is the hush puppies with honey butter. Talk about being a perfect side to oysters, and that's hush puppies.
Located just as you would think, near the beach, just across the street. Near the earlier mentioned restaurant called Riptydz.
What to wear: This is a casual place, so no need to get all fancied up. Just make sure you leave the beach and stop in for a visit.
Last Call - Sea Captain’s House
Rounding off our list is the mythic Sea Captain’s House. Here, the oysters are a symphony of flavors so divine, they could make Neptune himself swoon with delight. This is a favorite of Myrtle beach for more than just Oysters, being that it has been open more than 60 years, and oceanfront. Interesting fact, this house was built in 1930 as a vacation home for the owners who were from North Carolina.
Located on North Ocean Boulevard, and in my eye quite pricey, but you get what you pay for and that is excellent food and service. I have only been here 1 time and it was delicious. With fried oysters that I considered one of the best I have ever eaten. They may be last on my list because of only having fried oysters, but the rest of their seafood is amazing.
Insider Tip: They have a loyalty program, and you can order delivery on DoorDash.
From the bountiful waters and with a plate full of recommendations, the story of Myrtle Beach’s oyster offerings has been told. Each restaurant, unique as the pearls within the shells, brings you closer to the heart and soul of maritime indulgence.
As you chart your course through the best oysters in the Myrtle Beach area, remember to savor not just the taste, but the stories, the ambiance, and the passion that each chef pours into their craft. Let the warm Carolina sun be your guide, and may the oyster be your muse. Bon appétit, adventurers!
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