Where to Find the Best Burgers at South Carolina's Beach Towns

The burger spots worth the drive to the coast

South Carolina's beach towns serve burgers that go beyond the standard chain fare. Casual shacks near the water, established restaurants in downtown areas, and newer spots in beach communities all put their own spin on the burger—whether that means local beef, regional toppings, or cooking methods tied to coastal life. The best ones are scattered across Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, and smaller towns like Calabash and Pawleys Island, each with a different vibe and menu approach.

What makes a beach burger different often comes down to ingredients and setting. Some places source beef from South Carolina farms. Others build their burgers around fresh seafood or regional produce. The casual atmosphere—eating at a picnic table or counter seat with a view—shapes the whole experience. Knowing which spots match what you're looking for saves time and helps you plan a meal that fits your beach day.

Key Takeaways

• Myrtle Beach has burger spots ranging from casual beachfront shacks to sit-down restaurants, many open year-round with seasonal hours.
• Charleston's burger scene includes upscale takes on the classic burger in historic neighborhoods and casual joints near the water.
• Smaller beach towns like Pawleys Island and Calabash offer quieter burger experiences with local character and often less crowded seating.
• Many beach burger restaurants source ingredients locally or offer regional variations like shrimp burgers or Low Country-inspired toppings.
• Hours and seasonal closures vary widely, so calling ahead or checking online before your visit prevents disappointment.

Myrtle Beach burger restaurants and shacks

Lee's Inlet Kitchen, located in nearby Murrells Inlet just south of Myrtle Beach, has served burgers since 1948. The restaurant sits on the water, and the burger menu includes a straightforward cheeseburger alongside seafood options. The casual dining room and dock seating draw both locals and visitors. Hours run year-round but shift seasonally, so check before you go.

Croissants Bisté & Café in downtown Myrtle Beach offers a burger with a European lean—think quality beef and house-made toppings. The restaurant sits on a quieter street away from the main beach strip, making it a good choice if you want to eat without the boardwalk noise. They serve lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season.

The Waccamaw River Oyster Bar in Murrells Inlet serves burgers alongside its seafood focus. The burger here often features local beef and pairs well with their drink menu. The casual atmosphere and water views make it a solid stop if you're exploring the inlet area rather than staying directly on the Myrtle Beach strip.

Charleston's burger options in historic and waterfront areas

Leon's Oyster Shop in downtown Charleston serves a burger that reflects the restaurant's Low Country roots—expect quality beef and toppings that lean into regional flavors. The casual counter service and lively atmosphere draw crowds, especially at lunch. The location on King Street puts you near other shops and restaurants, so you can build a full outing around the meal.

The Ordinary, also downtown, takes a more upscale approach to the burger. The restaurant focuses on seafood but includes a burger on the menu that reflects their attention to ingredient quality. Expect a higher price point and a more formal dining room than a typical beach shack. Reservations are often needed, especially during peak season.

Bowens Island Oyster Roast sits on the water east of downtown and serves burgers in a casual, weathered-building setting. The burger menu is straightforward, but the location—on a working oyster dock—gives the meal a genuine coastal feel. Hours are limited and seasonal, so call ahead to confirm they're open.

Hilton Head and smaller island burger spots

Skull Creek Boathouse on Hilton Head sits on the water and serves burgers alongside seafood. The casual dock-side setting and views of the creek make it a popular stop for people exploring the island. The burger menu is simple, and the atmosphere is relaxed—expect a mix of tourists and locals, especially at lunch.

Poseidon Restaurant in Hilton Head offers a burger in a more upscale casual setting. The menu includes seafood-forward options, but the burger is a solid choice if you want something straightforward. The restaurant sits in a shopping area rather than directly on the water, but the quality and service draw people in.

Calabash, North Carolina, just over the South Carolina border, is known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," but burger options exist there too. Local spots serve burgers alongside their seafood menus. The town is small and walkable, making it easy to explore multiple restaurants in one visit. Many places close in winter, so plan accordingly if you're visiting outside summer months.

Pawleys Island and Georgetown County burger restaurants

Lee's Inlet Kitchen (mentioned earlier) is actually in this region, making it a natural stop if you're exploring Pawleys Island or Georgetown. The restaurant draws people from across the Low Country because of its long history and consistent quality.

Pawleys Island Tavern serves burgers in a casual, local-focused setting. The menu is straightforward, and the atmosphere reflects the quieter pace of Pawleys Island compared to Myrtle Beach. Hours are seasonal, and the restaurant often closes or reduces hours in winter months.

The Independent Seafood in Georgetown, inland but close to the coast, serves burgers alongside fresh seafood. The restaurant sits in a historic downtown area, and the casual atmosphere makes it a good stop if you're exploring Georgetown's colonial history and waterfront. The burger menu is simple but well-executed.

What to expect: Burger styles and regional variations

South Carolina beach burgers often reflect the region's seafood tradition. Some restaurants offer shrimp burgers—a Low Country staple where shrimp replaces or supplements beef. These are lighter than traditional burgers and pair well with coastal sides like coleslaw or hush puppies. Other spots focus on quality beef sourced from regional farms, emphasizing simplicity and ingredient quality over elaborate toppings.

Toppings at beach restaurants often lean into regional flavors: Low Country remoulade, locally grown tomatoes, regional cheeses, and house-made pickles. Many places offer seafood additions like fried oysters or shrimp on top of the burger. The casual atmosphere at most beach burger spots means you'll often order at a counter or simple table service, and eating outside or on a dock is common.

Prices vary widely. A basic burger at a casual shack might run $10 to $15, while an upscale burger at a sit-down restaurant in Charleston could reach $18 to $25. Seasonal restaurants often raise prices during peak summer months and lower them in the off-season. Many places offer lunch specials or happy hour pricing if you time your visit right.

Planning your beach burger visit

Call ahead or check online before you go, especially if you're visiting outside peak summer season. Many beach restaurants have seasonal hours or close for weeks at a time during winter. Myrtle Beach restaurants tend to stay open year-round but with reduced hours in winter. Smaller towns like Pawleys Island and Calabash often close several restaurants entirely from November through March.

Parking varies by location. Waterfront restaurants in Myrtle Beach and Charleston often have limited parking, so arriving early or using public lots nearby is wise. Smaller towns like Pawleys Island and Georgetown usually have easier parking. If you're visiting during peak summer (June through August), expect crowds at popular spots, especially at lunch and dinner. Arriving before noon or after 7 p.m. often means shorter waits.

Combine your burger visit with other beach activities. Many burger spots sit near shops, galleries, or historic sites. In Charleston, you can walk to museums and historic homes. In Myrtle Beach, the boardwalk is steps away. In smaller towns, the pace is slower, making them good for a relaxed meal without rushing to the next activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are beach burgers more expensive than burgers inland?

Prices are similar to inland restaurants, though waterfront locations and tourist areas like Myrtle Beach tend to run higher. A burger at a casual shack costs $10 to $15, while upscale restaurants charge $18 to $25. Smaller towns like Pawleys Island often have lower prices than Myrtle Beach or Charleston.

Do beach burger restaurants take reservations?

Most casual burger spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Upscale restaurants like The Ordinary in Charleston often require reservations, especially during peak season. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is always a good idea, particularly during summer weekends.

What's a shrimp burger, and where can I find one?

A shrimp burger replaces or supplements beef with shrimp, a Low Country tradition. Lee's Inlet Kitchen and other coastal restaurants in the Georgetown and Murrells Inlet areas serve them. They're lighter than beef burgers and often come with regional sides like coleslaw or hush puppies.

Which beach town has the best burger options?

Myrtle Beach has the most burger restaurants because of its size and tourism. Charleston offers the most upscale burger options. Smaller towns like Pawleys Island and Georgetown offer quieter, more local experiences. Your choice depends on whether you want variety, quality, or atmosphere.

Can I find burgers at beach restaurants during winter?

Many restaurants in smaller towns close or reduce hours significantly from November through March. Myrtle Beach and Charleston restaurants stay open year-round but with shorter hours. Always call ahead to confirm a restaurant is open before making the trip during off-season months.