Southern Hops Brewpub in Murrells Inlet: Craft Beer and Low Country Food

What Southern Hops Offers

Southern Hops is a brewpub in Murrells Inlet that makes its own beer on-site and serves Low Country cuisine in a casual, waterfront-adjacent setting. The brewery operates its own taproom where you can watch the brewing process while you eat, and the menu focuses on seafood and regional dishes that pair with the house beers. It's the kind of place where locals and visitors mix, and the atmosphere leans toward relaxed rather than formal.

The brewpub sits in Murrells Inlet, a fishing village about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach along Highway 17. The location puts you near the salt marshes and working fishing docks that define the area's character. If you're exploring the Inlet's restaurants and attractions, Southern Hops works as both a meal stop and a reason to spend an afternoon.

Key Takeaways

• Southern Hops brews its own beer on-site and serves Low Country seafood in a casual taproom setting.
• The menu emphasizes regional dishes—shrimp, fish, and other catches that reflect the Murrells Inlet fishing tradition.
• You can watch the brewing operation from the dining area, which gives the space an active, working feel.
• The brewpub sits in Murrells Inlet proper, walkable to the docks and other waterfront businesses in the village.

The Beer Selection and Brewing

Southern Hops produces a rotating lineup of house beers that change with the seasons and the brewmaster's experiments. The taproom typically carries four to six of their own brews on draft, ranging from lighter ales and lagers to darker, more complex styles. Because they brew on-site, the beer is fresh, and the selection shifts often enough that regulars have reasons to return and try what's new.

The brewery equipment is visible from the dining area, so you're not just drinking beer made here—you can see the tanks and fermentation vessels while you eat. That transparency is part of the appeal for people interested in how craft beer is made. Staff can explain what's currently brewing and what's coming next if you ask.

Food and the Low Country Kitchen

The menu leans heavily on seafood because Murrells Inlet is a working fishing port. Shrimp, flounder, and other catches appear regularly, prepared in ways that reflect Low Country tradition—fried, steamed, or incorporated into rice dishes and stews. The kitchen also serves non-seafood options, including sandwiches and meat dishes, so it's not exclusively a fish restaurant.

Portions tend to be generous, and prices sit in the moderate range for a brewpub in a coastal area. The food is straightforward rather than elaborate, which matches the casual atmosphere. Sides often include collard greens, cornbread, or rice, and the kitchen uses local suppliers when possible.

Atmosphere and When to Visit

Southern Hops draws a mix of fishing industry workers, tourists, and locals looking for a casual meal and a beer. The space is unpretentious—you're not dressing up, and the noise level is usually moderate to lively depending on the time of day. Weekends tend to be busier, especially in summer and during the tourist season that runs through fall.

The brewpub works well for lunch or dinner, and it's a reasonable stop if you're spending time in Murrells Inlet exploring the docks, visiting nearby restaurants, or taking a fishing charter. It's also close enough to Myrtle Beach that it makes sense as a side trip if you're staying in the area and want to see a different part of the coast.

Location and Parking

Southern Hops is located in Murrells Inlet on Highway 17, the main road that runs through the village. Parking is available on-site or nearby, and the brewpub is easy to find if you're driving through the area. The Inlet itself is small enough that you can park and walk to other businesses—the docks, other restaurants, and shops are all within a short distance.

If you're coming from Myrtle Beach, take Highway 17 north toward Georgetown. Murrells Inlet is clearly marked, and Southern Hops is visible from the road. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point in Myrtle Beach.

What Makes Murrells Inlet Worth the Trip

Murrells Inlet is one of South Carolina's few remaining working fishing villages, which means the character you see is real rather than recreated for tourism. The docks are still active, the boats are still fishing, and the restaurants serve what they catch. Southern Hops fits into that landscape—it's a local business that reflects the area's food culture and community.

Beyond the brewpub, the Inlet has other seafood restaurants, a small maritime museum, charter fishing operations, and marsh-side walks. If you're interested in coastal South Carolina beyond the Myrtle Beach resort strip, Murrells Inlet is worth a half-day or full-day visit, and Southern Hops is a logical place to eat while you're there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring children to Southern Hops?

Yes. The brewpub is a family-friendly restaurant during the day and early evening. Children can order from the food menu, and the casual atmosphere accommodates families. As the evening progresses and the bar side gets busier, it becomes more adult-oriented, but daytime visits are welcoming to kids.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not typically required, though calling ahead during peak times (weekends, summer season) is a good idea if you have a large group. Walk-ins are standard, and seating is usually available unless the brewpub is at full capacity.

What's the best time to visit if I want to see the brewing operation?

Brewing happens throughout the week, but the most active times are usually mid-week when the brewmaster is actively working. Weekends can be busy with customers, which may make it harder to see the equipment clearly. Calling ahead and asking when brewing is scheduled can help you time your visit.

Are there other breweries near Murrells Inlet?

Murrells Inlet itself is small and focused on fishing and seafood restaurants. The nearest other breweries are in Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, both about 20 to 30 minutes away by car. Southern Hops is the primary brewery operation in the immediate area.

Can I buy beer to take home?

Many brewpubs sell growlers or bottles of their house beer for off-premise consumption, though policies vary. Call Southern Hops directly to confirm what they offer for take-home purchases and whether they have a retail license for packaged beer.