If you find yourself in Myrtle Beach’s The Dunes neighborhood with an appetite for culinary discovery, you’re in luck. This charming coastal enclave, nestled between Ocean Boulevard and business 17 near the iconic Dunes Golf & Beach Club, isn’t just known for its sandy perfection — it’s a hidden paradise for foodies seeking both elevated dining and local flavor. Whether you’re hunting for the best shrimp and grits, dreaming of fresh-baked pastries, or craving creative eats from food trucks, The Dunes delivers with gusto. Here’s your local’s guide to the best food and dining spots in this coveted stretch of Myrtle Beach.
Exceptional Sit-Down Restaurants
*The Dunes Golf & Beach Club Grill Room*
- Location: 9000 N Ocean Blvd
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: Open to club members and their guests, this elegant spot offers classic Lowcountry cuisine with sweeping ocean views. The menu is known for dishes like blackened Red Snapper, generous Crab Cakes, and Southern-inspired brunches. Their she-crab soup is a must-try, and the ambiance — white tablecloths and attentive service — is perfect for special occasions.
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- What Makes it Special: The setting and the locally-sourced seafood, highlighted by recipes passed down through generations.
*Blueberry’s Grill*
- Location: 7931 N Kings Hwy
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: Situated near The Dunes, this brunch hotspot draws crowds for inventive twists on breakfast classics — think signature Blueberry Hushpuppies, Crab Benedict, or sweet potato pancakes. The spacious outdoor patio is lively on weekends.
- Price Range: $$
- What Makes it Special: Creative breakfast fare, gluten-free options, and locally roasted coffee.
*Ruth’s Chris Steak House*
- Location: 8211 Marina Pkwy (inside the Grande Dunes Marina Village complex)
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: The gold standard for steak-lovers, Ruth’s Chris pairs perfectly seared filets with oceanfront views and a sophisticated ambiance. Their Happy Hour bar menu is a local secret for a more affordable night out.
- Price Range: $$$-$$$$
- What Makes it Special: Premium steaks, elegant desserts, and the marina-side setting.
Casual Eats & Hidden Gems
*Collectors Café & Gallery*
- Location: 7740 N Kings Hwy
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: This unique spot doubles as an art gallery and a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant. Start with crab-stuffed mushrooms or Moroccan lamb skewers before moving to paella or pan-seared scallops. The eclectic décor — featuring original works by local artists — creates an unpretentious yet cultured vibe.
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- What Makes it Special: Artful cuisine in an art-filled setting, plus the region’s best crème brûlée.
*Fiesta Mexicana*
- Location: 410 79th Ave N
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: Family-owned, festive, and known for its authentic Mexican fare. Locals flock here for homemade salsas, sizzling fajitas, and excellent margaritas — try the mole enchiladas for a true flavor explosion.
- Price Range: $$
- What Makes it Special: Hearty portions and the friendliest service north of the beach.
*Croissants Bistro & Bakery*
- Location: 8014 N King’s Hwy
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: A beloved bakery-café that has grown into one of Myrtle Beach’s most celebrated spots for breakfast, lunch, and baked goods. The almond croissants and banana foster French toast are legendary, but don’t overlook savory hits like the shrimp and grits or daily quiches.
- Price Range: $-$$
- What Makes it Special: Everything is made from scratch, and their bakery case is always brimming with fresh pastries and cakes.
Sweets, Coffee & Bakeries
*Hook & Barrel’s H&V Café*
- Location: 8014 N Kings Hwy (inside the same building as Croissants)
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: This daytime offshoot serves up craft coffee, cold brew, and light bites in a coastal-modern setting. Their house-made pop tarts and espresso brownies are perfect for a mid-morning treat.
- Price Range: $
- What Makes it Special: Artisanal pastries, local coffee blends, and an eco-friendly ethos.
*Le Petit Café*
- Location: Just off Kings Hwy
- Cuisine & Atmosphere: A quiet retreat for European-style pastries, from pillow-soft eclairs to delicate canelés. Their lavender lemon scones are a favorite for locals on the go.
- Price Range: $
- What Makes it Special: Authentic French bakery vibe paired with barista-crafted lattes.
Food Trucks & On-the-Go Eats
*The Wandering Appetite Food Truck*
- Find it: Often parked at 79th Ave N and Ocean Blvd on weekends
- Cuisine: Fusion street food, from Korean BBQ tacos to Gulf shrimp po’ boys. Their menu changes with the seasons, but locals rave about their loaded fries and banh mi sandwiches.
- Price Range: $
- What Makes it Special: Rotating menu, fast service, perfect for a beach picnic.
Neighborhood Food Traditions
No Dunes food tour would be complete without sampling true Lowcountry staples. The area’s restaurants often show their local pride by spotlighting:
- Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, especially shrimp, oysters, and flounder
- She-crab soup, a creamy, sherry-spiked Myrtle Beach classic
- Gullah-inspired rice dishes, hushpuppies, and pimento cheese appetizers
If visiting during summer or holiday weekends, check out the local farmer’s market pop-ups often hosted along N Kings Hwy, where residents and chefs alike stock up on heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, and homemade jams. These pop-up events are a testament to The Dunes’ thriving farm-to-table spirit!
Clusters of Culinary Delights
Strolling along N Kings Hwy from approximately 77th Ave N to 82nd Pkwy reveals a dense cluster of top-tier restaurants, cozy cafés, and inviting bakeries. Early risers revel in the breakfast havens here, while nights come alive with bistro patios brimming with laughter and live jazz. Ocean Blvd, running parallel just a block or two east, offers stunning outdoor dining, especially at sunset.
Why The Dunes Food Scene Stands Out
What sets The Dunes apart isn’t just the quality or variety, but the genuine passion you’ll find in every kitchen. Chefs honor the coastal heritage with fresh, local ingredients while infusing global flair and inventive twists. Hospitality runs deep here, and every meal — from a croissant on a sunny café patio to a celebratory dinner with Atlantic views — feels like a delicious celebration of Myrtle Beach living.
Whether you’re a vacationer or a local, let your appetite lead you down the tree-lined avenues of The Dunes. Discover your new favorite brunch spot, share a seafood feast with friends, or snag a picnic lunch to enjoy on the sand. In The Dunes, every bite tells the story of Myrtle Beach’s unique flavor.