By Cristina Dimen
Myrtle Beach is a popular coastal getaway for families.
Recognized in 2005 as one of the top 10 great places to go coastal with your kids by "
USA Today" and AAA's top five most popular drive destinations in 2006, Myrtle
beach, South Carolina has much to offer vacationers. The scenic coastal town boasts myriad cultural and historic sites, water activities, golf courses, shopping boutiques and oceanfront
resorts along popular Grand Strand. Numerous restaurants serve casual to fine dining fare, sure to satisfy varying palates and budgets.
Collector's Cafe
Located in the north end of Myrtle Beach, chic and trendy Collector's Café attracts many visitors, becoming one of the area's hottest and most popular dining venues. As its name implies, patrons dine amidst a collection of original artwork, such as sculptures, pen-and-ink drawings and photographs by regional and national artists, all of which are available for sale. While the 6,000-square-foot restaurant originally started out as a small café serving grilled food, its seasonally changing, eclectic menu now focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, which has won several Taste of the Town awards. The wine collection has won an Award of Excellence from "Wine Spectator" magazine. The venue serves dinner daily, except Sundays, when it is closed.
Collector's Café
7726 N. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572
(843) 449-9370
collectorscafeandgallery.com
Sea Captain's House
Repeatedly voted Best of the Beach by "Sun News" readers, as well as Best Seafood Restaurant by "Southern Living" magazine's readers four consecutive years, Sea Captain's House in Myrtle Beach delights patrons with oceanfront vistas and mouth-watering meals. Open daily, the historic venue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner highlights of comfort foods, including eggs, pancakes, waffles, soups, salads, roast chicken or beef, hamburgers and seafood. Southern pecan pie, key lime pie and tiramisu are some dessert offerings. The extensive wine list includes sparkling, red or white wines. Young guests have a kids' menu from which to choose smaller portions of seafood dishes, omelets, fried chicken fingers, pasta and sandwiches.
Sea Captain's House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-8082
seacaptains.com
Villa Romana
Recipient of numerous awards including the 2009 Best Italian Restaurant of the Grand Strand, Villa Romana serves authentic traditional and original Italian cuisine. Open for dinner seven days a week, this Myrtle Beach restaurant immerses guests in Roman architecture and statues while they dine on delicious appetizers, veal, seafood, poultry, pasta and baked specialties, such as eggplant parmigiana and rack of lamb. For the sweet tooth, tiramisu, New York-style cheesecake and spumoni ice cream are some dessert options. Reservations are recommended.
Villa Romana
707 S. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-4990
villaromanamyrtlebeach.com
Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille
Opened in 1988, Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille is a favorite among Myrtle Beach locals and visitors for cost-friendly fine dining. Guests are treated to aptly named menu highlights, such as the Starting Gate, which are appetizers, such as shrimp cocktail and escargot, and the Belmont Steaks, which comprise of premium cuts of meats, such as filet mignon and prime rib. Recipient of "Wine Spectator" magazine's Award of Excellence since 2001, the venue offers an array of Champagne and sparkling wines, red and white wines, plus specialty beer.
Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille
9706 N. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
thoroughbredrestaurant.com
Resources
About the Author:
Cristina Dimen is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience. She honed her skills within the publishing and advertising industries and non-profit sector. She served as an editor for a trade magazine and recruiter for editorial and print production staffing. She received her bachelor's degree in marketing from State University of New York - Empire State College.
Photo Credits:
familie image by Yvonne Bogdanski from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>