Anchor Bar of Myrtle Beach: Wings, Seafood, and Casual Waterfront Dining

What Anchor Bar Offers and Where to Find It

Anchor Bar is a casual waterfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach known for wings, seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors. The restaurant sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, giving diners views of the water and boat traffic while they eat. The menu centers on fried and sauced wings alongside shrimp, fish, and other coastal fare—the kind of place where you order at the counter, find a table inside or on the deck, and eat without ceremony.

The space itself is unpretentious: wooden tables, casual seating, and the kind of decor that doesn't distract from the food or the view. On warm days, the outdoor deck fills up quickly, especially during lunch and early evening. The bar runs along one side, and the kitchen is visible from much of the dining area, so you can watch your order being prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Anchor Bar specializes in wings with multiple sauce options, fried shrimp, and fresh fish prepared simply—fried or grilled.
• The restaurant sits on the Intracoastal Waterway with outdoor deck seating that offers water views and is popular during warm weather.
• Ordering is counter-service, and the atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, without table service or formal dress codes.
• Prices are moderate for a waterfront location, and portions are generous enough that many diners share entrees or take leftovers home.

Wing Varieties and Sauce Options

The wings come in several sauce styles: traditional buffalo (hot and tangy), mild versions for those who prefer less heat, and house specials that rotate or vary by location. You can order wings by the pound or in smaller portions, and they arrive fried until the skin is crisp. The sauces coat the wings evenly, and the meat pulls cleanly from the bone.

Beyond the standard buffalo, Anchor Bar typically offers options like garlic parmesan, barbecue, and lemon pepper. Some locations feature seasonal or limited-time sauces, so checking the menu board or asking your server about current offerings is worth doing. Wings pair well with the restaurant's beer selection and soft drinks, and many diners order a combination of sauces to share across a table.

Seafood Beyond Wings

Shrimp is the other anchor of the menu—fried in a light batter, served with cocktail sauce and lemon, or prepared in a basket with fries and coleslaw. The fried shrimp are a standard coastal preparation: crispy outside, tender inside, and portioned generously. Fish options vary by the day's catch and availability, but typically include flounder, mahi-mahi, or grouper, either fried or grilled.

Combo platters let you pair wings with shrimp or fish, which works well if your table has mixed preferences. Sides are straightforward—french fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies—and portions are large enough that sharing is common. The restaurant does not pretend to fine dining; the appeal is fresh, simply prepared seafood in a casual setting.

Waterfront Location and Outdoor Seating

The Intracoastal Waterway location is the restaurant's main draw beyond the food. The outdoor deck overlooks the water, and on clear days you can watch sailboats, fishing boats, and pleasure craft pass while you eat. The deck is covered in some areas, which helps on sunny or lightly rainy days, though it can get crowded during peak hours.

Indoor seating is also available and air-conditioned, which matters during Myrtle Beach's hot, humid summers. The restaurant does not take reservations, so arriving during off-peak times (mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays) means shorter waits. Weekends and peak tourist season fill the place quickly, especially on the deck.

Pricing and What to Expect

Prices are moderate for a waterfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach. Wing orders typically run from the low to mid-range, with larger portions or combo platters costing more. Seafood entrees fall in the moderate range, and sides are included with most orders. Drinks and desserts are additional, though the restaurant keeps costs reasonable compared to sit-down establishments nearby.

The counter-service model keeps labor costs down, which translates to lower prices than full-service restaurants. Most diners spend between fifteen and thirty dollars per person, depending on what they order and whether they add drinks or appetizers. The portions are large, so many groups order fewer items and share, which can reduce the per-person cost further.

When to Visit and What to Know

Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and early dinner (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are typically less crowded than peak evening hours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and the off-season (September through May, excluding holidays) means shorter waits and easier parking. The outdoor deck is most pleasant in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate; summer heat and humidity can make outdoor seating uncomfortable for some.

The restaurant is casual, so no dress code applies—shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are standard. Families with children are welcome, and the straightforward menu and quick service suit families well. The bar area can get louder during evening hours, especially on weekends, but the overall noise level remains conversational rather than loud.

Parking and Getting There

Anchor Bar has its own parking lot, which fills during peak hours but is usually adequate. The restaurant is accessible by car from Highway 17 and is located in the central Myrtle Beach area near other waterfront attractions. If you are staying in a nearby hotel or condo, walking or biking may be an option depending on your exact location.

The address and exact location can be confirmed by searching online or calling ahead, as restaurant locations and hours can change. During peak tourist season, arriving early or during off-peak times reduces both wait times and parking hassles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Anchor Bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis with counter ordering. During busy times (weekends, peak season, evening hours), you may wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is seafood and wings focused, so vegetarian choices are limited. Sides like fries and coleslaw are available, and some locations may offer salads or other options—calling ahead to confirm what is currently available is best.

Can I get wings to go?

Yes. Counter service makes takeout straightforward. You can order wings, seafood, or combo platters to eat elsewhere. Call ahead during busy times to reduce your wait, or ask about current wait times when you arrive.

Is the outdoor deck covered?

Part of the deck is covered, but not all of it. On rainy or very hot days, covered seating may fill up quickly. Indoor seating is always available and air-conditioned, though it lacks the waterfront view.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Calling ahead or checking online confirms current hours, as restaurants sometimes adjust seasonally or for special events. Most locations open for lunch and stay open through dinner.