Atlantic Ice Cream & Grill in Myrtle Beach: What to Order and What to Expect

A casual spot for ice cream, burgers, and boardwalk views

Atlantic Ice Cream & Grill sits on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and serves ice cream alongside a full menu of sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood. The space is small and casual—order at the counter, grab a table inside or take your food to the beach. The draw is straightforward: soft-serve ice cream in cups or cones, hand-scooped flavors, and boardwalk convenience without the sit-down restaurant price.

The restaurant operates seasonally, with hours that shift between summer and off-season. Summer hours run longer to catch the tourist traffic; winter hours are shorter. It closes entirely for a few weeks in the coldest months. If you're visiting outside peak season, call ahead to confirm they're open.

Key Takeaways

• Atlantic Ice Cream & Grill is located on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and serves ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood at counter-service prices.
• The menu includes both soft-serve and hand-scooped ice cream, with mix-ins and toppings available.
• The space is small and casual; most people eat at picnic tables or take food to the beach nearby.
• Hours change seasonally and the restaurant closes for several weeks in winter, so calling ahead during off-season is wise.
• Payment methods typically include cash and card, though you should confirm current options when you call.

Ice cream flavors and customization

The soft-serve machine runs year-round when the restaurant is open, offering vanilla and chocolate in a mix or swirl. Hand-scooped ice cream comes in rotating flavors that change with the season—summer brings more options than winter. You can order a single scoop, double, or a cup, and add toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, gummy bears, or cookie crumbles.

Cones come in sugar or cake varieties. Shakes and floats are also on the menu, blending ice cream with soda or milkshake base. Portions are standard for a boardwalk stand—not oversized, not stingy. Prices run higher than a grocery-store ice cream shop but lower than a dedicated ice cream parlor in a tourist area.

Burgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood

Beyond ice cream, Atlantic serves a short menu of hot food. Burgers come with standard toppings and are cooked to order. Sandwiches include chicken, fish, and shrimp options, most fried. Hot dogs and sausages round out the protein choices. Sides are limited—typically fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.

The seafood is fried, not grilled despite the restaurant's name. Quality depends on the day and the kitchen's pace; during peak boardwalk hours, food can take longer and may sit under heat lamps. If you're ordering hot food during summer afternoons, expect a wait. Many visitors treat it as a quick ice cream stop rather than a full meal destination.

Location and parking

Atlantic Ice Cream & Grill sits directly on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, making it easy to find if you're walking the beach. Street parking along the boardwalk is metered and fills quickly in summer. Paid parking lots are nearby—the city operates several within a few blocks, and rates vary by season and time of day.

If you're staying at a beachfront hotel, walking to the boardwalk is often easier than driving. The restaurant is not accessible by car; you park separately and walk. During summer weekends, the boardwalk is crowded, and finding a nearby parking spot can take time.

When to visit and what to expect

Summer is peak season, especially June through August and weekends year-round. The boardwalk is packed, lines at the counter move slowly, and seating is tight. If you want a quick ice cream without a crowd, visit on a weekday morning or in the shoulder seasons—late April through May or September through October, when the weather is still warm but tourists are fewer.

Winter visits are quieter but come with the risk that the restaurant may be closed. Call ahead if you're visiting between December and February. The restaurant does not take reservations; it's first-come, first-served at the counter.

What to bring and what to know

Bring cash if you prefer it; card payment is standard but it's good to have a backup. The restaurant is outdoors-adjacent, so sun protection matters if you're eating at the picnic tables. Napkins are provided but limited—grab extra when you order. The boardwalk can be windy, so hold onto your cone.

There is no indoor seating to speak of; the counter area is small and meant for ordering only. Most people eat standing up, at the picnic tables, or walking along the boardwalk. Restrooms are available but are shared with other boardwalk businesses, not private to the restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlantic Ice Cream & Grill open year-round?

No. The restaurant operates seasonally, with longer hours in summer and shorter hours in winter. It closes entirely for several weeks in the coldest months, typically January and February. Call ahead if you're visiting outside peak season to confirm they're open.

Can I order ice cream online or by phone?

Atlantic is a counter-service boardwalk stand without online ordering or phone orders. You order in person at the counter. During busy times, the line can be long, but it moves fairly quickly since most orders are simple.

Are there dietary options like sugar-free or dairy-free ice cream?

The menu focuses on traditional soft-serve and hand-scooped ice cream. Dairy-free or sugar-free options are not standard offerings. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what's available on the day you plan to visit.

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

Weekday mornings in summer or weekdays in the shoulder seasons (late April through May or September through October) are quieter than summer weekends. Winter is the slowest season, but the restaurant may be closed. Early morning, before 10 a.m., is generally less crowded than afternoon and evening.

Is there parking right at the restaurant?

No. Atlantic sits on the boardwalk, which is pedestrian-only. You must park in a nearby metered spot or paid lot and walk to the restaurant. Parking fills quickly in summer, especially on weekends and afternoons.