Top of the Tavern in Myrtle Beach: Wings, Seafood, and Casual Dining

What Top of the Tavern Offers

Top of the Tavern is a casual restaurant in Myrtle Beach known for wings, seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere where locals and visitors eat side by side. The menu centers on fried and sauced chicken wings in multiple flavors, but the kitchen also turns out shrimp, fish, burgers, and sandwiches. It's the kind of place where you order at the counter, grab a table or a stool, and eat without ceremony—no tablecloths, no reservations, no pretense.

The restaurant sits on North Kings Highway, a main commercial strip in Myrtle Beach, and draws a steady crowd from morning through evening. The space is compact and often busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours. Noise levels run high, which is part of the experience: it's a working restaurant, not a quiet retreat.

Key Takeaways

• Top of the Tavern specializes in chicken wings with a choice of sauces and seasoning styles, alongside fried seafood and sandwiches.
• The restaurant operates on a counter-service model with casual seating, so you order and pay before you sit down.
• Prices are moderate for the Myrtle Beach area, with wings and entrees typically in the range of $8 to $16.
• The location on North Kings Highway is walkable from nearby hotels and shops, making it convenient for visitors exploring the area.

Wing Flavors and Preparation

The wing menu rotates seasonally but typically includes classic flavors like buffalo, barbecue, and garlic parmesan, along with house specials that change. You can order wings by the pound or in smaller portions, and the kitchen fries them to order rather than holding them under heat. This means a short wait—usually five to ten minutes—but the wings arrive hot and crispy.

Sauce choices matter here. Buffalo wings come medium or hot; barbecue wings are tangy and slightly sweet; garlic parmesan leans savory. The kitchen also offers dry rubs and seasoning blends for people who want flavor without sauce. Sides like celery, carrots, and blue cheese dressing come standard with larger orders.

Seafood and Other Entrees

Beyond wings, Top of the Tavern fries shrimp, fish, and scallops in a light batter and serves them with fries and coleslaw. The fish changes based on what's available and what the kitchen receives that day—sometimes it's flounder, sometimes grouper or mahi. Portions are generous, and the fried preparation keeps things straightforward rather than fancy.

The sandwich menu includes fried fish sandwiches, shrimp po'boys, and burgers. These are not gourmet creations; they are honest sandwiches built on soft rolls with simple toppings. A fried fish sandwich with fries and a drink makes a complete meal for under $15.

Atmosphere and Seating

The interior is bright and utilitarian—vinyl booths, a counter with stools, and walls decorated with sports memorabilia and local photographs. The noise level reflects the casual, high-turnover nature of the place. Families with children, groups of friends, and solo diners all share the space comfortably. There is no table service; you order at the counter, receive a number, and staff bring your food when it's ready.

Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. The restaurant does not take reservations, so during peak hours (noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.) you may wait for a table. Off-peak times like mid-afternoon or late evening tend to be quieter.

Location and Hours

Top of the Tavern sits at 2619 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, a few blocks north of the main tourist district. The location is accessible by car and is also within walking distance of several hotels and shops. Public parking is available, and ride-share services can drop you at the entrance.

Hours typically run from late morning through evening, seven days a week, though specific times vary by season. It's worth checking current hours before you go, as restaurants sometimes adjust for holidays or special events. The restaurant is closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Price Range and Payment

A half-pound of wings with sauce runs roughly $10 to $12. A full pound is $16 to $18. Seafood entrees with sides range from $12 to $18 depending on what you order. Sandwiches and burgers fall in the $9 to $14 range. Drinks and sides like fries or coleslaw are priced separately and add $3 to $5 to your bill.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments at the counter. There is no table service charge or gratuity line at the register, though a tip jar sits by the register if you want to leave one.

What to Expect on a Visit

Arrive with a clear sense of what you want to order, because the counter moves quickly and the menu is large. If you're unsure, ask the staff—they know the wings and can recommend flavors based on your heat tolerance and taste preferences. Expect to wait five to ten minutes for wings and slightly longer for seafood entrees.

Bring cash or a card. Find a seat, settle in, and eat. The restaurant does not rush you, but it's not a lingering spot either. Most people finish and leave within 30 to 45 minutes. If you're dining with a group, claim a booth or push tables together; staff are used to accommodating groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order wings to go?

Yes. Top of the Tavern packages wings for takeout in containers that keep them reasonably warm for a short drive. Call ahead during busy times if you want a large order ready when you arrive, though the kitchen can usually turn out a standard order in 10 to 15 minutes even without advance notice.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but the kitchen can prepare a vegetable plate or a cheese and fries order if you ask. It's not a vegetarian restaurant, so options are limited. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

Do they serve alcohol?

Top of the Tavern is a casual restaurant, not a bar, so the beverage menu focuses on soft drinks, tea, and coffee. There is no beer or wine service. The name "Tavern" reflects the casual, neighborhood-gathering spirit of the place rather than its function as a drinking establishment.

Is it good for families with young children?

Yes. The casual atmosphere, quick service, and straightforward food appeal to families. High chairs are available, and the noise level means a fussy child won't stand out. The counter-service model means you're not waiting for a server, so meals come quickly.

What's the best time to go if I want to avoid crowds?

Mid-afternoon (2 to 4 p.m.) and late evening (after 8 p.m.) tend to be quieter than lunch and dinner rushes. If you're visiting during the busy summer season, going on a weekday rather than a weekend also reduces wait times.