Where the Breeze Tastes Like Salt: Best Waterfront Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach
The hush of water lapping against the dock. A soft clink of silverware beneath string lights. Somewhere nearby, a saxophone’s notes float through the air like jasmine on a spring night. Dining near the water in North Myrtle Beach is a ritual, not a routine. It’s the kind of experience that slows your heartbeat and reminds you why you came to the coast in the first place.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or you’ve made the Grand Strand your home for a season, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a great meal with the Atlantic on one side and a cool drink in your hand. These are the best waterfront restaurants in North Myrtle Beach—where the view is just the appetizer.
🍤 Boardwalk Billy’s NMB Raw Bar & Ribs
📍 1407 13th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 boardwalkbillysnmb.com
There’s a reason locals crowd the deck every night of the week. With a perfect perch over the Intracoastal Waterway, Boardwalk Billy’s blends laid-back coastal charm with a menu that delivers every time. Watch boats drift by as you crack into a plate of fresh oysters or fall-off-the-bone ribs. Live music most nights adds to the easy-going vibe, and the tiki bar energy is exactly what you’d hope for after a sun-soaked day at the beach.
🐟 Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
📍 Barefoot Landing, 4744 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 flyingfishmarket.com
Located in the heart of Barefoot Landing, Flying Fish feels like a cross between your favorite neighborhood spot and a seaside postcard. Diners enjoy panoramic water views, friendly service, and an eclectic seafood-forward menu that includes everything from crab cakes to sushi. There’s no rush here—order a glass of wine, sit back on the patio, and watch the turtles glide under the surface while the sun slips behind the treeline.
🦪 Snooky’s on the Water
📍 4495 Baker St, Little River (just north of North Myrtle Beach)
🔗snookysoceanfront.com
A coastal treasure perched near Cherry Grove, Snooky’s delivers the perfect mix of salty air, seafood, and Southern hospitality. The spacious outdoor deck is practically made for spring afternoons and golden hour dinners. Order the signature raw bar sampler, grab a cold beer, and kick back as pelicans dive in the distance. On weekends, live bands often play, and the crowd is as lively as the food is fresh.
🌅 Local on the Water
📍 1525 13th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 localonthewater.com
Local on the Water does something special—it makes you feel like you belong here, even if it’s your first time in town. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between modern cool and homegrown comfort. With a spacious wraparound patio, fire pits, and coastal cocktails that come with a view, this spot is tailor-made for long, lazy evenings. Try the blackened shrimp tacos or the chicken & waffles while boats glide through the inlet just yards away.
🎶 LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach
📍 Barefoot Landing, 4954 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 lulusfunfoodmusic.com
Colorful, quirky, and buzzing with energy, LuLu’s is where the fun never skips a beat. Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing, this waterfront restaurant is known for live music, tropical cocktails, and a festive vibe that invites you to kick off your shoes and stay a while. The outdoor seating is casual and breezy—ideal for sipping a Bushwacker while kids play in the sand pit or arcade. Don’t miss the seafood gumbo or fried green tomato BLT, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a local band just as the sun begins to dip below the pines.
🍹 The Big Chill Island House
📍 4736 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 bigchillislandhouse.com
Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, The Big Chill Island House offers a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The outdoor seating area, shaded by a majestic live oak tree, provides a serene setting to enjoy fresh seafood dishes and classic American fare. With live entertainment on the outdoor stage and a rooftop terrace offering stunning sunset views, it’s a destination that captures the essence of coastal living.
🌮 Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina
📍 4732 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 tacomundocantina.com
Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing, Taco Mundo offers a vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and coastal ambiance. The expansive outdoor deck provides panoramic water views, making it an ideal spot to savor street-style tacos or sizzling fajitas while boats drift by. Pair your meal with one of their signature margaritas or a selection from their extensive tequila list for a truly festive experience.
🍔 River City Café – Barefoot Landing
📍 4742 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 rivercitycafe.com
Laid-back and loved by locals, River City Café serves up some of the best burgers in town with a side of water views and beach-town character. The outdoor deck overlooks the lake at Barefoot Landing, where turtles sun themselves and ducks paddle past while you dig into a messy, glorious chili cheeseburger or the signature Peanut Butter Banana Burger (yes, really). It’s family-friendly, flip-flop-approved, and the kind of place where you’ll find peanut shells on the floor and smiles on every face. Grab a sweet tea, take your time, and let the laughter roll.
🥂 Greg Norman Australian Grille
📍 Barefoot Landing, 4930 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
🔗 gregnormanaustraliangrille.com
Polished and elegant, yet unmistakably relaxed, Greg Norman’s waterfront eatery brings a touch of international refinement to the Grand Strand. The riverside patio is a perfect spot for a special occasion—or just because. With dishes like grilled rack of lamb and sesame-seared tuna, the menu delivers high-end flavor without an ounce of pretension. It’s the kind of place where the service is sharp, the wine list long, and the sunsets unforgettable.
🌊 Make the Most of Your Stay on the Water
What makes these waterfront restaurants so special isn’t just the food (though it’s excellent), or the views (breathtaking), or even the service (always warm). It’s the feeling you get when you’re there—that easygoing blend of breeze, flavor, and time well spent that lives at the heart of North Myrtle Beach.
Ready to wake up near the water and dine by it too?
📢 Browse oceanfront and waterfront rentals with Thomas Beach Vacations or call (866) 249-2100 to book your coastal escape today. From condos on the beach to homes tucked along the waterway, we have the perfect base for your Grand Strand adventure. 🏖️