Wahlburgers in South Carolina: Where to Find Mark Wahlberg's Burger Chain

Wahlburgers locations in South Carolina

Wahlburgers has one location in South Carolina: the restaurant at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. The chain, founded by actor and producer Mark Wahlberg along with his brothers Donnie and Paul, opened this outpost to serve the coastal tourism market. The North Myrtle Beach location sits within the sprawling outdoor shopping and entertainment complex that draws visitors year-round.

The restaurant operates as part of Barefoot Landing's dining lineup, which means it shares the boardwalk atmosphere with shops, arcades, and other casual eateries. If you're planning a trip to the Grand Strand area, Wahlburgers fits into a day of shopping and entertainment rather than standing alone as a destination restaurant. Hours and seasonal closures can vary, so calling ahead before your visit is wise, especially during off-season months.

Key Takeaways

• Wahlburgers' only South Carolina location is at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex.
• The menu centers on customizable burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes made with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
• The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, designed for walk-in traffic rather than reservations, though wait times can be long during peak tourist season.
• Wahlburgers is known from the reality TV show of the same name, which documented the Wahlberg family's restaurant business and expansion.

What to order at Wahlburgers

The core menu revolves around customizable burgers built to your specifications. You choose your patty size, toppings, and preparation style—the kitchen doesn't hand you a fixed sandwich. Popular choices include the "Wahl Burger," which comes with their signature sauce, and the "Impossible Burger" for those seeking a plant-based option. Most burgers arrive with your choice of side, typically hand-cut fries or a salad.

Beyond burgers, the menu includes chicken sandwiches, fish and chips, and salads. The hand-cut fries are a signature item—thick-cut and served hot with various dipping sauces. Milkshakes round out the offerings, made fresh and available in flavors that rotate seasonally. Portions are generous, and prices fall in the mid-range for casual dining, comparable to other burger chains in the area but with an emphasis on customization and ingredient quality.

The Wahlburgers brand and the TV show connection

Wahlburgers gained widespread recognition through the reality television series of the same name, which aired on A&E from 2014 to 2021. The show followed Mark Wahlberg, his brothers Donnie and Paul, and their mother Alma as they managed the restaurant business and navigated family dynamics. Paul Wahlberg, a chef and restaurateur, developed the menu and oversees food quality across locations.

The show's popularity translated into restaurant expansion, though the chain remains much smaller than national burger competitors. The North Myrtle Beach location benefits from this brand recognition—visitors often seek it out specifically because of the Wahlberg family connection. The casual, family-oriented atmosphere reflects the show's tone and the Wahlberg family's public image.

Dining atmosphere and what to expect

Wahlburgers operates as a casual, counter-service restaurant with a lively atmosphere. You order at the counter, receive a number, and grab a seat indoors or on the patio overlooking Barefoot Landing. The space is designed for efficiency rather than lingering—it's built to move customers through quickly, especially during the busy summer season when tourists flood the Grand Strand.

The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes children. Noise levels run high during peak hours, and the vibe is energetic rather than intimate. During summer weekends and holiday periods, expect waits of 30 minutes to an hour or more. Off-season visits, particularly on weekday afternoons, move much faster. The outdoor setting means weather plays a role in comfort—summer heat and humidity can make the patio less appealing midday, while spring and fall offer more pleasant conditions.

Parking and access at Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing provides ample parking in multiple lots surrounding the complex. Parking is free, and the layout is designed to accommodate high tourist traffic. Wahlburgers sits within easy walking distance of the main parking areas, though the complex is large enough that you may walk several minutes depending on where you park.

The restaurant is accessible by car and is located about 20 minutes north of Myrtle Beach proper, making it a natural stop if you're already visiting Barefoot Landing for shopping or other dining. Public transportation options are limited in this area—most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or rental car. The location sits close to Highway 17, the main north-south route through the Grand Strand.

Comparing Wahlburgers to other burger options in Myrtle Beach

The Grand Strand has numerous burger restaurants, from national chains like Five Guys and Shake Shack to local favorites and casual fast-food options. Wahlburgers distinguishes itself through customization, the Wahlberg family brand, and an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Prices are higher than fast-food chains but comparable to other "better burger" concepts in the area.

If you're specifically interested in the Wahlburgers experience and the connection to the TV show, the North Myrtle Beach location is worth a visit. If you're simply looking for a good burger without the brand factor, other options may be closer to your hotel or offer shorter wait times. The decision often comes down to whether the Wahlberg connection matters to you and whether you're willing to wait during peak hours.

Planning your visit

Visit Wahlburgers as part of a larger Barefoot Landing outing rather than as a standalone destination. Combine it with shopping, arcade games, or other dining options in the complex. The outdoor boardwalk setting makes it a natural fit for a casual afternoon or early evening meal during pleasant weather.

Call ahead to confirm current hours, especially if you're visiting during shoulder seasons or holidays when hours may shift. Bring cash or a card—the restaurant accepts both. If you're visiting with a large group, arrive during off-peak times to minimize wait times. Summer weekends and holiday periods are the busiest; weekday afternoons in spring or fall offer a more relaxed experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation at Wahlburgers?

No, Wahlburgers operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You order at the counter and wait for your number to be called. During peak tourist season, this can mean a substantial wait, so plan accordingly or visit during slower times like weekday afternoons.

Is there a dress code?

No. The restaurant is casual and welcomes customers in beach attire, athletic wear, or everyday clothing. It's designed for walk-in traffic from Barefoot Landing shoppers and tourists.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. The Impossible Burger provides a plant-based patty option, and you can customize salads or order sides like fries. Ask staff about other modifications if you have specific dietary needs.

What's the best time to visit to avoid long waits?

Weekday afternoons, particularly in spring or fall, typically have shorter waits than summer weekends or holiday periods. Arriving before the lunch or dinner rush—roughly 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m. for lunch, and before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. for dinner—can help you avoid peak crowds.

Is Wahlburgers kid-friendly?

Yes. The casual atmosphere, customizable menu, and location within a family-oriented shopping complex make it welcoming for children. The noise level and casual pace suit families well, though you'll want to manage expectations about wait times during busy periods.