Big Beaver Bar in Myrtle Beach: Low-Key Dive with Pool Tables and Local Crowds
What Big Beaver Bar offers
Big Beaver Bar is a casual dive bar in Myrtle Beach where locals gather to play pool, watch sports, and drink without pretense. The space is unpretentious—worn wood, neon signs, and the kind of atmosphere where nobody cares what you're wearing or how long you stay. Pool tables dominate the back room, and the bar itself runs the length of the front, lined with regulars who know the bartenders by name.
The bar stocks standard domestic and imported beers, well liquor, and a rotating selection of shots. Drink prices sit well below what you'll pay at beachfront establishments or themed tourist bars. The jukebox plays classic rock and country, and the television behind the bar usually shows whatever game is in season.
Big Beaver draws a mix of year-round residents, construction workers, and travelers who stumble in looking for an authentic Myrtle Beach experience rather than a chain venue. The crowd is friendly but not forced—people come to shoot pool, not to network or perform.
Key Takeaways
- Big Beaver Bar is a dive bar with pool tables, affordable drinks, and a local crowd that operates year-round in Myrtle Beach.
- The bar does not serve food, so plan to eat elsewhere or bring snacks if you're settling in for the evening.
- Pool tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and quarters are required to play.
- The bar is cash-friendly but also takes cards, so either payment method works.
- Parking is street-level and can be tight during peak evening hours, especially on weekends.
Location and hours
Big Beaver Bar sits on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, away from the main tourist corridor along the oceanfront. The address is easy to find if you know the street, but GPS is recommended because the storefront is modest and doesn't announce itself loudly.
Hours typically run from late morning through late evening, seven days a week, though hours may shift seasonally or for private events. Call ahead if you're planning a visit during an off-season month or want to confirm the bar is open before making the trip.
Pool tables and games
The back room holds several pool tables in varying condition—some are well-maintained, others show their age, but all are playable. Tables operate on a quarter-per-game system, and the house cue selection is standard. If you bring your own cue, most dive bars allow it, though it's worth asking the bartender first.
Tournaments or league play may happen on certain nights; ask the bartender whether the bar hosts regular competitions or if tables are reserved for specific groups on particular days. If you're visiting on a tournament night, expect a busier room and less availability for casual play.
Drinks and pricing
Big Beaver's strength is affordability. Domestic beers cost significantly less than beachfront bars, and well drinks are priced to encourage repeat visits rather than maximize per-drink profit. Imported beers and premium spirits cost more but still undercut tourist-zone pricing.
The bar does not serve food, so if you're hungry, you'll need to eat before arriving or order delivery to the bar. Many regulars bring snacks or step out to a nearby restaurant and return. The bartenders are accustomed to this rhythm and don't pressure customers to order constantly.
Atmosphere and crowd
Big Beaver attracts people who want to drink and socialize without the noise, cover charges, or dress codes of larger venues. The crowd skews local and working-class, with a steady core of regulars who occupy the same stools most nights. Tourists who find the place tend to be the kind looking for authenticity rather than a packaged experience.
The bar is not loud or rowdy—conversation happens at normal volume, and the jukebox plays at a level that allows talking. Sports events draw more energy, especially during football season, but the vibe remains relaxed even when the crowd grows.
Parking and accessibility
Street parking is available along North Kings Highway, but spaces fill during evening hours and weekends. There is no dedicated lot, so arriving earlier in the day or on a weeknight improves your chances of finding a spot nearby. The bar itself is ground-level and accessible by foot once you park.
The interior is compact, and the back room with pool tables requires navigating through the main bar area. Restrooms are small and basic, as is typical for dive bars of this size.
When to visit
Weekday afternoons are quietest, making them ideal if you want to shoot pool without waiting or if you prefer a calmer environment. Evenings and weekends bring more people, especially when sports are on television. Summer months see more tourist traffic, though Big Beaver remains primarily a local spot even in peak season.
If you're visiting Myrtle Beach and want to experience where residents actually spend their time rather than where tourism marketing directs visitors, Big Beaver delivers that. The bar makes no effort to cater to tourists, which is precisely why tourists who find it often return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Big Beaver Bar serve food?
No, the bar does not serve food. You can order delivery to the bar or eat at a nearby restaurant before or after your visit. Many regulars bring their own snacks.
Can I reserve a pool table in advance?
Tables are typically first-come, first-served. Call the bar to ask whether reservations are possible for large groups or whether league play on certain nights affects availability.
What payment methods does Big Beaver accept?
The bar takes both cash and cards. Cash is preferred by some regulars and may earn you goodwill with the bartenders, but either method works.
Is there a cover charge or dress code?
No cover charge and no dress code. Big Beaver is a casual neighborhood bar with no entry requirements or minimum purchase.
How crowded does it get?
Weekday afternoons are quiet. Evenings and weekends fill up, especially during sports events or on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer brings more people overall, but the bar remains primarily local-focused.