THE HAMMOCK COAST: A Flavorful SC Weekend Awaits
By Lynn and Cele Seldon
Ideally situated just south of the Myrtle Beach area and 60 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina’s Hammock Coast features a wide variety of stops for flavorful meals and snacks, as well as creative libations to help drink in the beautiful coastal views, historic towns, and more. From the southern end of Garden City and Murrells Inlet in the north, down to ever-popular Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach, it’s easy to put a tasty Hammock Coast trip on the menu.
Of course, it’s not all about food and drink on the Hammock Coast. There’s lots of history, miles of pristine beaches, watersports, and more to explore between culinary pursuits. With lots of varied options for meals and more, here’s a list of must-stops for a flavorful Hammock Coast weekend.
For those looking for a refreshing drink on a Friday afternoon, you’ll want to head somewhere like Dead Dog Saloon, which boasts a great draft list and all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—on the menu. For snacks or maybe a rejuvenating cuppa joe, there’s MarshWalk’s Brown Fox Coffee Co., where they also feature great pastries.
For Friday night’s dinner, it’s easy to choose another MarshWalk restaurant (and view) or possibly inland Murrells Inlet’s Quigley’s Pint and Plate (their original location is down in the Litchfield community of Pawleys Island), completing a popular Hammock Coast daily dining double.
However, many may choose to head a little further south for dinner, and The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn is a suggested spot. It’s about eight miles from Murrells Inlet, at the very center of the Hammock Coast. Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort is another great overnight option, with their Coastal Dish offering delightful dinner options and an all-you-can-get breakfast that can easily be added to any stay—or just enjoyed as a drop-in.
Once on Litchfield Beach proper, Austin’s Ocean One, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is conveniently located at The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn, is the perfect spot for one of the Hammock Coast’s most upscale and scenic destinations (and that’s saying something). From its popular clam chowder to creative small and main plates featuring seafood, fine meats, and more, dinner at Austin’s Ocean One will remain a memorable Hammock Coast experience. Be sure to ask about Austin’s Cabana Café and Beach Bar as well. It’s a great place for drinks and tasty bar food after an enjoyable day on the beach.
When it comes to Saturday morning breakfast, two great options include Applewood House of Pancakes and Eggs Up Grill. Of course, Applewood takes pride in the namesake pancakes, but the omelets, brunch, and lunch are equally beloved seven days a week. Though they now have more than 65 locations and counting, Eggs Up Grill was actually founded in Pawleys Island in 1997 by Chris Skodras. For those who don’t want to stray from Litchfield Beach, The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn features a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, as well as the aforementioned resort’s buffet.
For a casual Pawleys-style Saturday meal, there are many great options. There’s something for every taste, including: Frank’s Restaurant & Bar, featuring globally-inspired fare since 1988 (as well as Frank’s Courtyard & Bar and Franks Outback, Way Back & Bar); southern classics and more at Chive Blossom; Yagi Sushi, a sushi and hibachi hotspot; South End Bistro, which opened in 2020 to rave reviews and is better than ever; aforementioned Quigley’s Pint and Plate—Lowcountry-inspired food and house-made ales and lagers with an English pub atmosphere; and bisQit, a Quigley’s sister restaurant that features breakfast biscuits, burgers, milkshakes (including adults-only ones), and more. Plus, not to be missed are two popular sister restaurants: Bistro 217 (eclectic bistro fare) and Rustic Table (southern food from scratch), both overseen by Chef Adam Kirby, an official South Carolina Chef Ambassador.
Come afternoon and early-evening, those who want to toast their taste of the Hammock Coast trip will want to head to one of many drinks options, including “classically shabby” Pawleys Island Tavern (the famed “PIT”) and recently opened Pawleys Tap & Pour, featuring a self-pour beer wall and sushi, which are both quite popular with locals and visitors. There’s also a traditional well-stocked “ABC” option at Pawleys Wine & Spirits, which has sister stores in Murrells Inlet (Surf Beverage). Craving a midday snack or maybe a foodie gift? You’ll love the choices at Pawleys Island Bakery; Incredible Edibles Bakery, which offers sweet treats and more; or Get Carried Away Southern Market, with southern specialties (including famed palmetto cheese), prepared foods, and much more.
For Saturday’s dinner, it’s easy to choose another recommended Pawleys Island area restaurant. But with Georgetown less than 15 miles down US 17, you’ll thank yourself for checking out another dinner destination. Historic Georgetown’s River Room Restaurant is a perfect Saturday dinner choice (they’re closed for lunch and dinner on Sundays). River Room is rightfully well-known with both locals and in-the-know visitors for southern coastal dining focusing on “serious seafood.” For something more casual, off-the-beaten path Janette’s Super Burger is the place to go.
For the night, the “food and drink” theme of the weekend can continue in downtown Georgetown, thanks to European-style Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn Bed and Brew (B&B), where the owner brews various beers that guests of the inn get to enjoy on tap in their Beer Parlour. If they’re full, 620 Prince, a luxurious B&B, and the well-situated Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina, next to Georgetown Landing Marina and Winyah Bay, are great alternatives.
Come Sunday morning in Georgetown, the best bet for breakfast, if it’s not included in a stay, is actually brunch at Between the Antlers, which opened last year and features eclectic and creative Lowcountry fare for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For lunch, Big Tuna Raw Bar is a great option to tickle your tastebuds. Either way, it’s quite likely satiated visitors will already be planning a return trip to the Hammock Coast to eat, drink, and happily snack once again.
For more options, please see the following page and, for information about the Hammock Coast, please visit hammockcoastsc.com.