Harold's On the Ocean: Waterfront Dining and Drinks in Myrtle Beach

What Harold's On the Ocean Offers

Harold's On the Ocean is a casual waterfront restaurant and bar in Myrtle Beach located at 3001 North Ocean Boulevard, right on the Atlantic. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, with a full bar, seafood-focused menu, and direct views of the beach from most seating areas. You can eat indoors in the main dining room, at the bar, or outside on the deck depending on weather and how crowded it is.

The space itself is unpretentious—wood paneling, nautical decor, and the kind of worn-in comfort that comes from decades of serving tourists and locals. Harold's has operated since the 1980s and still draws a steady crowd, particularly during summer months and weekends. The atmosphere is family-friendly during the day and transitions to a livelier bar scene in the evenings, especially on weekends when there is often live music or a DJ.

Key Takeaways

• Harold's serves fresh seafood, sandwiches, and casual entrees with an emphasis on shrimp, fish, and crab dishes prepared simply.
• The bar stocks beer, wine, and cocktails, with happy hour pricing typically available in the late afternoon.
• The oceanfront deck is the main draw—you can watch the Atlantic while you eat, though it fills quickly during peak season.
• Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the restaurant, though it can be tight during summer and weekends.
• Harold's accepts walk-ins and takes reservations, which are recommended for dinner parties of six or more, especially in summer.

The Menu and What to Order

Harold's menu centers on seafood prepared without heavy sauces or complicated techniques. Shrimp appears in multiple forms—fried, grilled, steamed, or as part of a platter with other proteins. The fish selection changes based on what is available and in season, but typically includes mahi-mahi, flounder, and grouper. Crab cakes, crab legs, and lobster tail are also standard offerings, usually priced higher than the shrimp and fish options.

Beyond seafood, the kitchen makes sandwiches (fish, shrimp, crab), burgers, and a few chicken dishes for those who do not want fish. Appetizers include fried pickles, wings, nachos, and raw oysters when available. The portions are generous, and most entrees come with two sides—typically french fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, or a vegetable. Dessert is limited but usually includes pie or cake.

Prices are moderate for a beachfront restaurant. Entrees typically range from the mid-teens to the low thirties, depending on whether you order shrimp or lobster. Appetizers and sandwiches cost less. The bar menu includes the same appetizers plus wings and nachos, making it easy to grab food if you are sitting at the bar for drinks.

The Bar and Drink Scene

Harold's bar runs the length of one side of the dining room and seats about twenty people comfortably. The bartenders pour standard cocktails, beer (both draft and bottled), and wine by the glass or bottle. The drink list is not elaborate—you will not find craft cocktails with house-made syrups or rare spirits—but that matches the casual vibe. A margarita, daiquiri, or mojito is what you get, made straightforwardly and quickly.

Happy hour typically runs from late afternoon into early evening, though hours vary by season and day of the week. During happy hour, beer and well drinks cost less, and some appetizers may be discounted. The bar is a popular spot for locals and visitors waiting for a table, and it fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. Live music or a DJ often plays in the evenings, particularly on weekends, which can make the bar loud but lively.

Seating and the Oceanfront Deck

The oceanfront deck is Harold's main selling point. It wraps around the ocean side of the building and seats roughly half the restaurant's capacity. Tables are close together, and the railing is low enough that you have an unobstructed view of the beach and water. On clear days, the view is excellent; on overcast or rainy days, it is still pleasant but less dramatic. The deck is open year-round, though it is most comfortable in spring, fall, and mild winter days.

During summer and weekends, the deck fills first, and you may wait thirty minutes to an hour for a table if you do not have a reservation. The indoor dining room is quieter and less crowded, but you lose the ocean view. The bar area is always an option if you want to eat quickly without waiting. Wind can be strong on the deck, particularly in fall and winter, so bring a jacket if you are sensitive to cold.

Parking and Logistics

Harold's has a dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the restaurant. The lot holds roughly sixty to eighty cars and is free. During peak summer season and on weekends, the lot can fill, and you may need to circle or park on the street. Street parking along North Ocean Boulevard is available but limited and sometimes requires a permit depending on the time of year and day of the week.

The restaurant is accessible by car from Highway 17 Business (the main north-south route through Myrtle Beach). It is located in the central part of the beach, roughly midway between the boardwalk and the northern reaches of the tourist district. If you are staying in a hotel nearby, it is walkable, though North Ocean Boulevard is busy with traffic and does not have a dedicated pedestrian path in all sections.

Hours, Reservations, and Timing

Harold's is open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch typically runs from 11 a.m. to around 4 p.m., and dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the season and day of the week. Summer hours are longer; winter hours may be shorter. It is worth calling ahead to confirm hours, particularly in the off-season or if you are planning to visit on a holiday.

Reservations are not required for small groups but are strongly recommended for parties of six or more, especially during summer and on weekends. You can call the restaurant directly to book a table. Walk-ins are welcome and are often seated quickly during off-peak hours (weekday lunches, early dinners). If you arrive during peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, summer afternoons), expect a wait of thirty minutes to an hour, particularly if you want the oceanfront deck.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Harold's is busiest during summer (June through August) and on weekends year-round. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday afternoon or during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October). The restaurant is family-friendly during the day, with children and parents filling tables at lunch and early dinner. As the evening progresses and the bar scene picks up, the atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when live music plays.

The restaurant is casual—no dress code, no reservations required for small groups, no pretense. Expect a mix of tourists and locals, families with young children at lunch, and couples and groups of friends at dinner. Service is friendly but not formal; your server will check on you regularly but will not hover. During busy times, service can slow because the kitchen and staff are stretched, so plan extra time if you are on a schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol to Harold's?

No, Harold's has a full bar and does not allow outside alcohol. You can order drinks from the bar or choose not to drink alcohol, but you cannot bring your own beverages into the restaurant.

Does Harold's have outdoor seating?

Yes, the oceanfront deck is the main outdoor seating area. It is open year-round and seats roughly half the restaurant. During summer and weekends, it fills quickly, so arrive early or make a reservation if you want to sit outside.

Is there a kids menu?

Harold's does not have a formal kids menu, but the kitchen will make smaller portions or simpler dishes for children. Fried shrimp, fish and chips, and chicken tenders are common requests. Call ahead if you want to confirm options for your child.

What is the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6 p.m.) are quietest. Summer weekdays are less crowded than summer weekends. If you visit in April, May, September, or October, you will find fewer tourists overall, though weekends are still busier than weekdays.

Does Harold's take credit cards?

Yes, Harold's accepts all major credit cards and cash. There is no minimum for card purchases, and tipping is standard at the table or on the card terminal.