Oceanside Bar and Grill in Myrtle Beach: Fresh Seafood and Casual Dining on the Water

What to expect at Oceanside Bar and Grill

Oceanside Bar and Grill sits right on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk with views of the Atlantic, serving seafood and American fare in a casual, open-air setting. The restaurant focuses on fresh catches—shrimp, fish, and crab prepared simply—alongside burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The space is built for people-watching: you eat at picnic tables or the bar counter while watching the ocean and the constant flow of boardwalk traffic. It's the kind of place where you can show up in beach clothes and nobody looks twice.

The menu changes based on what's available, and the kitchen keeps things straightforward. Fried shrimp baskets come with fries and coleslaw. Grouper sandwiches are grilled or fried. Crab cakes appear regularly. Prices run moderate for boardwalk dining—entrees typically fall between $12 and $22. The bar stocks beer, wine, and mixed drinks, with a focus on casual options rather than craft cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Oceanside sits directly on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk with ocean views and outdoor seating at picnic tables and the bar.
• The menu centers on fresh seafood—shrimp, fish, and crab—plus burgers and sandwiches, with prices typically $12 to $22 for entrees.
• The restaurant operates as a casual, walk-up spot where beach attire is normal and reservations are not required.
• Hours and seasonal operations vary, so checking ahead before visiting during off-season months is wise.

Location and parking on the boardwalk

The restaurant occupies a boardwalk-front location in central Myrtle Beach, making it easy to reach on foot if you're staying nearby or walking the beach. The boardwalk itself is free to access, and the restaurant sits among other shops, arcades, and attractions, so parking is handled the same way as for any boardwalk visit.

Street parking and paid lots surround the boardwalk area. During peak summer season, parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and evenings. If you're driving, arrive early or plan to circle. Many visitors park a few blocks away and walk, which also gives you time to browse other boardwalk stops. The restaurant's outdoor setup means you can grab food and eat while watching the water without committing to a table inside.

Menu highlights and what to order

The fried shrimp basket is a reliable choice—generous portions, crispy coating, and the coleslaw cuts through the richness. The grouper sandwich comes either grilled or fried; the grilled version lets the fish flavor come through, while the fried version is heavier and more indulgent. Crab cakes, when available, are made with real crab rather than filler, though availability depends on the catch.

Beyond seafood, the burger menu is solid. Burgers come with standard toppings and fries, and they're cooked to order. Fish tacos appear on some menus and offer a lighter option if you want something between a sandwich and a full entree. Salads with grilled shrimp or fish are available for those eating smaller. The kitchen doesn't do anything complicated, which means what you order arrives quickly and tastes like what it's supposed to be.

Sides are simple: fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, and corn on the cob rotate depending on the day. Dessert options are limited—ice cream and pie are typical boardwalk fare. The bar offers beer on tap, bottled beer, wine by the glass or bottle, and basic mixed drinks. Iced tea and soft drinks come in regular or large sizes.

Timing your visit and crowds

Summer weekends—Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day—are the busiest times. Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) draws families and tourists on beach breaks. Dinner (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) brings the evening crowd, with the peak rush between 6 and 8 p.m. Waits can run 20 to 45 minutes during these windows, though the outdoor counter and bar often move faster than table seating.

Weekday visits and shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) are noticeably quieter. You'll order and eat within 15 to 20 minutes most days outside peak season. The restaurant closes or reduces hours during winter months, so if you're visiting between November and March, call ahead to confirm they're open.

What makes Oceanside different from other boardwalk restaurants

Most boardwalk restaurants in Myrtle Beach operate as tourist traps—high prices, frozen seafood, and assembly-line service. Oceanside keeps prices reasonable and sources fresh fish regularly, which you can taste in the difference between their grouper and a generic fried fish sandwich from a chain. The open-air setup also matters: you're not eating in a dark dining room; you're on the boardwalk with the ocean in front of you.

The restaurant doesn't pretend to be fine dining. There's no tablecloth, no server in a tie, no wine list. What you get instead is honest food, quick service, and a view. That simplicity appeals to families, couples on casual dates, and solo travelers who want to eat well without fuss. The bar is social—locals and tourists mix, and the bartender knows regulars by name.

Dietary considerations and special requests

The kitchen can grill instead of fry most items, which helps if you're watching fat intake. Seafood is naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates, so the menu works for people following keto or paleo diets. Vegetarian options are limited—salads and sides like corn and coleslaw, but no dedicated vegetarian entrees. Gluten-free diners should ask about breading and sauces; the kitchen can accommodate some requests but doesn't maintain a separate gluten-free prep area.

Shellfish allergies require caution because the kitchen handles shrimp, crab, and fish in the same space. Let your server or the person taking your order know about allergies before ordering. Nut allergies are less of a concern here, as the menu doesn't feature nuts prominently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Oceanside operates as a walk-up, order-at-the-counter restaurant. You line up, order, pay, and find a seat. During slow times you'll sit immediately. During peak summer weekends, you may wait for a table, but the counter and bar often have space.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by season. During summer, the restaurant typically opens at 11 a.m. and closes around 10 or 11 p.m. Winter hours are shorter or the restaurant may close entirely. Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, especially if you're going in fall, winter, or early spring.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?

No. The boardwalk has rules against outside alcohol, and the restaurant doesn't allow outside food. You order from Oceanside or eat elsewhere.

Is there indoor seating?

Most seating is outdoor at picnic tables or the bar counter. There may be some covered or indoor space depending on weather, but the restaurant is designed as an open-air boardwalk spot. If rain or cold is a concern, this may not be the best choice.

What's the price range?

Entrees run $12 to $22. Sides and drinks add $3 to $8 each. A meal for one person typically costs $20 to $35 before tax and tip. Prices are reasonable for boardwalk dining but higher than eating a few blocks inland.