The Sandbar at Sharkey's: Casual Waterfront Breakfast in Murrells Inlet

What to expect at The Sandbar

The Sandbar at Sharkey's is a casual, open-air breakfast spot in Murrells Inlet where you order at a counter and eat overlooking the water. The menu keeps things simple—omelets, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and seafood plates—with most items under $15. The space is unfinished in the best way: picnic tables, a sandy floor, and views of the inlet mean you're eating breakfast as close to the beach as you can get without actually sitting in the sand.

The restaurant operates seasonally and hours shift with the tourist calendar, so call ahead before making the drive. Parking fills up quickly on weekend mornings, especially in summer, and there's no reservation system—it's first-come, first-served. Cash and card both work, and the pace is deliberately slow, which fits the place.

Key Takeaways

• The Sandbar serves breakfast and brunch from a counter-service setup with picnic seating overlooking Murrells Inlet.
• Most entrees cost between $10 and $15, with omelets, pancakes, and fresh seafood as the main offerings.
• Hours and seasonal closures vary, so confirm the restaurant is open before you go.
• Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekend mornings; arrive early or plan for a short wait.
• The setting is intentionally casual and unpolished—sandy floors and weathered tables are part of the appeal, not a drawback.

The menu and what to order

The Sandbar's menu changes with what's fresh and what the kitchen feels like making that day, but the backbone stays consistent. Omelets come loaded with shrimp, crab, or vegetables, and the pancakes are thick and buttery. Breakfast sandwiches—egg, cheese, and meat on toast or a croissant—are straightforward and filling. If you're there when they have fresh fish, the seafood omelets and breakfast platters with grits are worth the wait.

The coffee is standard diner-style, not specialty, and the orange juice is fresh-squeezed when available. Portions are generous, and the kitchen doesn't rush—expect 15 to 25 minutes from order to plate, even when it doesn't look crowded. That's by design; this is a place to sit and watch the inlet, not grab and go.

Getting there and parking

The Sandbar sits at the end of a small commercial strip in Murrells Inlet, about 20 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and accessible from Highway 17. The parking lot is small and shared with other businesses, so spaces fill fast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Weekday mornings are quieter, and arriving before 9 a.m. gives you a better chance of a spot close to the entrance.

If the lot is full, street parking is sometimes available on the nearby roads, though it's not may provide. During peak summer season, some people park at nearby businesses and walk over, which works if you're willing to be flexible about where you leave your car.

Seasonal hours and when to visit

The Sandbar operates year-round but adjusts its hours seasonally. Summer hours are typically longer—often opening at 7 a.m. and staying open through lunch—while winter hours may be shorter or include occasional closures. The restaurant is closed on certain holidays and sometimes closes for a week or two in the off-season for maintenance.

Before you go, call ahead to confirm hours and whether they're open that day. The phone number is posted on their social media pages and on Google Maps. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends, and you'll have an easier time finding a table and getting food faster.

Why locals and visitors choose it

The Sandbar works because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a waterfront breakfast counter with good food and no pretense. The inlet views are genuine—you're eating feet away from the water, watching boats come and go—and the casual, sandy atmosphere makes it feel more like a beach shack than a restaurant. That's rare in the Myrtle Beach area, where most breakfast spots are either chain restaurants or upscale brunch venues.

The food is honest and made to order, which means it takes time but tastes better for it. Regulars come back for the omelets and the view; visitors come back because they stumbled on something that felt like a real local spot, not a tourist trap. The place fills with a mix of both, and that balance is part of what keeps it working.

What to bring and what to know

Bring cash if you can—the register works fine with cards, but cash moves faster during busy times. Bring sunscreen or a hat; the seating is open-air and there's minimal shade, so you'll be in the sun while you eat. The sandy floor means you'll track sand back to your car, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

The restaurant doesn't have a kids' menu, but the portions are large enough to split, and most kids do fine with pancakes or a breakfast sandwich. Dogs are not allowed inside, though you might see people eating at the picnic tables with their dogs tied nearby—ask staff what the current policy is. Restrooms are available but basic, so plan accordingly.

Nearby options if The Sandbar is closed

If The Sandbar is closed or the wait is too long, Murrells Inlet has other breakfast spots within a few minutes' drive. Lee's Inlet Kitchen, also in Murrells Inlet, serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on seafood and local ingredients. Croissants Bistery in nearby Pawleys Island offers a more upscale brunch experience with French-inspired pastries and omelets. Both are reliable backups, though neither has quite the same casual waterfront feel.

For a different vibe entirely, the Myrtle Beach boardwalk has several breakfast chains and casual cafes, though you'll lose the local character and the inlet views. The Sandbar's appeal is specific to its location and style, so if that's what drew you, the alternatives won't quite scratch the same itch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. The Sandbar operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Arrive early on weekends to avoid a wait, or go on a weekday morning when it's quieter.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by season and day. Call ahead to confirm, as the restaurant adjusts its schedule seasonally and may close for maintenance or holidays. Summer hours are typically longer than winter hours.

Is there a kids' menu?

There is no dedicated kids' menu, but portions are large and most items can be split. Pancakes and breakfast sandwiches are popular with children.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant. Check with staff about the current policy for outdoor seating areas, as this may vary.

How long does it take to get food?

Plan for 15 to 25 minutes from order to plate. The kitchen cooks to order rather than preparing food in advance, so wait times are longer than at a chain restaurant but the food quality reflects that approach.