Mr Hibachi Steak House in Myrtle Beach — What to Expect at the Teppanyaki Counter

A teppanyaki experience where the chef cooks in front of you

Mr Hibachi Steak House is a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in Myrtle Beach where chefs cook your meal on a large iron griddle right at your table. You sit around the cooking surface with other diners, watch the chef slice and sear your protein and vegetables, and eat the food as it comes off the heat. The restaurant specializes in steak, seafood, and chicken, with fried rice and noodle dishes cooked tableside as well.

The teppanyaki format means your meal is part dinner, part performance. Chefs use two metal spatulas to chop, flip, and arrange food with speed and precision. Some tables request tricks — onion volcanoes, egg tosses into the chef's hat — though the focus stays on cooking your order properly. Meals typically take 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

• You sit at a large communal griddle with other guests, so the experience is social and interactive rather than intimate.
• Teppanyaki meals cost more than standard Japanese dining because you are paying for the chef's labor and the tableside cooking experience.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during the summer tourist season, because seating fills quickly.
• The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions and protein swaps, so tell your server what you want before the chef begins cooking.

What to order and what it includes

Mr Hibachi Steak House offers set teppanyaki dinners built around your choice of protein. Steak options typically include filet mignon, New York strip, and ribeye. Seafood choices are usually shrimp, scallops, or a combination. Chicken is available as well. Each dinner comes with fried rice, a vegetable medley (usually zucchini, onion, broccoli, and mushroom), soup, and salad.

You can also order à la carte items like gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), edamame, or sushi rolls if you want to start before the teppanyaki course or add to your meal. Noodle dishes — udon or ramen — can be cooked tableside as well. Beverages include beer, sake, wine, and soft drinks. Dessert options are limited but usually include ice cream or fried banana.

Prices vary by protein choice and market availability. Steak dinners typically run higher than chicken or vegetable options. The restaurant may offer combination platters that let two or three people share proteins and sides, which can be a good value if you are dining as a group.

How to make a reservation and what to know before you go

Call ahead to reserve a table, especially if you are visiting during peak season (May through August) or on Friday and Saturday nights. Walk-ins are accepted when space is available, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or be turned away if the restaurant is full. Reservations typically hold your spot at a specific time, though the actual seating may shift slightly depending on how long the previous table's meal takes.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The restaurant will seat your party once the chef and griddle are ready for the next group. If you have a large party (8 or more), call in advance so the restaurant can arrange multiple chefs or coordinate timing. Inform the staff of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book or when you arrive, so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.

Dress code is casual. The restaurant is family-friendly, though young children should be comfortable sitting still for nearly an hour and being near an active cooking surface. Some locations have a bar area where you can wait if your table is not ready.

The teppanyaki cooking process and timing

Once you are seated, your server will take your order and bring water, tea, or other beverages. The chef arrives with ingredients prepped and plated. The meal begins with a small appetizer — often a shrimp or scallop cooked quickly on the griddle — while you eat your soup and salad.

The main course follows. The chef arranges your protein and vegetables on the griddle, seasons them, and cooks everything in front of you. Fried rice is prepared next, usually with egg, butter, and soy sauce mixed in. The entire process from start to finish typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you are dining with a group at the same griddle, the chef will cook for everyone in sequence, so you may wait a few minutes while others' food is prepared.

Pace yourself during the meal. Food comes off the griddle hot and is meant to be eaten right away. The chef will plate your portions and slide them to you with the spatulas. You eat with chopsticks or a fork — both are provided.

Location and hours in Myrtle Beach

Mr Hibachi Steak House is located in Myrtle Beach, a major tourist destination on South Carolina's Grand Strand. The restaurant is within walking or short driving distance of the beach, boardwalk, and other dining and entertainment venues. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby.

Hours vary by season. During the busy summer months, the restaurant typically opens for dinner in the late afternoon and stays open into the evening. Winter hours may be shorter. Call ahead to confirm current hours, especially if you are visiting outside the peak season or planning a late dinner.

Teppanyaki dining as a group experience

The communal griddle setup makes teppanyaki a social meal. You sit with strangers or other groups, and the chef's performance becomes entertainment for everyone at the table. This format works well for families, friend groups, or couples who enjoy interaction. If you prefer a quieter, more private dining experience, teppanyaki may not be the best fit.

The restaurant is popular for birthdays and special occasions. Some chefs will acknowledge a birthday or anniversary if you mention it to your server. Larger groups can request a dedicated chef or multiple griddles to keep the party together. Corporate groups and team outings also book teppanyaki dinners for the novelty and group engagement.

What makes teppanyaki different from other Japanese dining

Teppanyaki is distinct from sushi bars, ramen shops, and traditional Japanese restaurants. The cooking method — high-heat griddle cooking in front of you — is the defining feature. The price point is higher because you are paying for the chef's skill, the tableside experience, and the entertainment value, not just the food itself.

If you are new to teppanyaki, expect a meal that is more about the experience than speed or privacy. The chef controls the pacing and the portion sizes. You cannot customize the cooking method or request modifications that would disrupt the griddle flow, though you can swap proteins or request vegetables be held or added. The social aspect is built into the format — it is not a restaurant where you sit alone and eat quietly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome when tables are available, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or be turned away during busy times. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, during summer, or for groups larger than four people. Call ahead to secure your spot.

Can I request a specific chef or sit with friends at a different griddle?

The restaurant seats you at the next available griddle with an open chef. If you have a large group and want to sit together, mention this when you reserve. The staff will do their best to accommodate, though it may require booking multiple tables or waiting for the right griddle to open up.

What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Tell your server when you arrive, or mention it when you make your reservation. The chef can work around allergies and prepare your meal separately if needed. Common adjustments include holding certain vegetables, using a different oil, or swapping proteins. The kitchen takes allergies seriously because of the shared griddle surface.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take from start to finish?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour total. This includes time for your soup and salad, the chef's cooking performance, and eating your main course. If you are at a griddle with other parties, add a few extra minutes while the chef cooks for everyone in turn.

Is teppanyaki appropriate for young children?

Yes, many families bring children. Kids usually enjoy watching the chef cook and the interactive nature of the meal. Make sure your child can sit still for nearly an hour and is comfortable being near an active cooking surface with open flame. High chairs are typically available for very young diners.