Island Bar & Grill in Surfside Beach: Casual Coastal Dining with Fresh Seafood and Local Flavor

What to expect at Island Bar & Grill Surfside

Island Bar & Grill sits on North Kings Highway in Surfside Beach, serving the kind of food that works whether you're stopping by after a beach day or meeting friends for dinner. The menu centers on seafood—shrimp, fish, crab—prepared in straightforward ways: grilled, fried, or in sandwiches. You'll also find burgers, chicken, and pasta dishes that appeal to people who didn't come for the catch of the day. The space has the casual feel of a neighborhood restaurant rather than a formal sit-down place, with a bar that runs along one side and tables that fill quickly on weekends.

The restaurant draws a mix of locals and visitors, which means the pace can shift depending on the season and time of day. Lunch tends to be quicker; dinner service, especially Friday and Saturday nights, moves slower. The bar side gets lively, particularly when there's a game on or live music scheduled. Parking is street-level and can be tight during peak hours, so arriving early or going midweek makes a difference if you prefer a quieter experience.

Key Takeaways

• Island Bar & Grill specializes in fresh seafood—shrimp, fish, and crab—alongside burgers and pasta in a casual, bar-forward setting.
• The restaurant is located on North Kings Highway in Surfside Beach and fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• The bar side of the space is the livelier section, especially when live music or televised sports are happening.
• Lunch service is typically faster than dinner, and parking can be limited during peak beach season.

The menu and what to order

The seafood offerings change based on what's available, so asking your server what came in that day is worth doing. Shrimp dishes—whether fried, grilled, or in a po'boy sandwich—are consistent menu staples. Fish is usually available as a fillet, often prepared grilled or blackened. Crab cakes and crab-focused appetizers appear regularly. Fried platters come with sides like coleslaw, fries, or hush puppies, and portions are generous enough that many people split or take leftovers home.

The burger menu is straightforward: beef patties with standard toppings and cheese options. Pasta dishes lean toward comfort food—seafood pasta, cream-based sauces, and meat options for people steering clear of fish. Appetizers include fried pickles, wings, and nachos alongside the seafood starters. The bar stocks beer, wine, and mixed drinks; happy hour pricing sometimes applies to appetizers and drinks during specific afternoon hours, so checking their current schedule before you go saves money.

When to visit and how busy it gets

Weekday lunch is the quietest time to visit if you want a relaxed meal. You'll get a table quickly, and the kitchen moves faster. Weekday dinners are moderate—busy enough to feel like a real restaurant, not so packed that you're waiting an hour. Friday and Saturday evenings are peak times, especially during summer and spring break season. If you're visiting during those windows, expect a wait of 30 minutes to an hour, depending on party size and whether you're sitting at the bar or at a table.

The restaurant is open year-round, but Surfside Beach itself quiets down after Labor Day and picks back up around spring break. Winter weekdays are often the easiest time to get a table without advance notice. If you're planning a group dinner or want to may provide seating on a weekend, calling ahead to ask about wait times or making a reservation (if they accept them) is a practical step.

Location and parking

Island Bar & Grill is located on North Kings Highway, the main commercial strip running through Surfside Beach. The address puts it within walking distance of the beach itself if you're staying nearby, though most people drive. Parking is street-level and shared with neighboring businesses, which means availability depends on the time of day and season. During peak beach hours—midday in summer—parking can be difficult. Early morning, late evening, and off-season visits typically offer easier parking.

The restaurant is about 20 minutes north of Myrtle Beach proper and sits in the quieter, more residential part of the Grand Strand. If you're staying in central Myrtle Beach, it's a short drive. If you're based in Surfside or North Myrtle Beach, it's a convenient local option.

The bar and social atmosphere

The bar is the heart of the restaurant's social side. It's where regulars sit, where groups gather to watch games, and where the energy tends to be highest. The bartenders typically know repeat customers by name, and the space has the feel of a neighborhood hangout rather than a tourist trap. If you're traveling solo or with a small group and want to chat with people, sitting at the bar is the move. If you prefer a quieter table conversation, request seating away from the bar side.

Live music happens periodically, though the schedule varies by season. Checking their social media or calling ahead tells you whether there's entertainment on the night you're planning to visit. Televised sports—football, basketball, baseball depending on the season—play regularly, so if you're looking for a place to catch a game with food and drinks, this fits the bill.

Price range and what you'll spend

Entrees typically fall in the mid-range for a casual seafood restaurant: most seafood plates and burgers run between $12 and $20 before tax and tip. Appetizers are usually $8 to $12. Drinks at the bar are standard pricing for a beach town—beer and well drinks in the $4 to $6 range, specialty cocktails higher. Lunch prices are slightly lower than dinner, and early-bird specials sometimes appear during slower periods.

If you're sharing appetizers and splitting an entree, you can keep the per-person cost down. If you're ordering a full meal with a drink and appetizer, budget $25 to $35 per person before tip. The restaurant doesn't have a dress code; beach casual is fine, and many people come straight from the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

Call ahead to ask about their current reservation policy. During peak season, they may hold tables for groups, but walk-ins are also common. Knowing their policy before you arrive helps you plan whether to call ahead or expect a wait.

Is there outdoor seating?

The restaurant has indoor seating and a bar area. Whether there's patio or deck seating depends on the current setup—call to confirm if outdoor dining matters to you, especially during nice weather.

Can I bring kids?

Yes. The restaurant is family-friendly during the day and early evening. Later at night, especially on weekends, the bar side gets louder and more adult-oriented, so timing your visit earlier works better if you're dining with children.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu includes burgers, chicken dishes, and pasta options, so there's plenty to choose from if seafood isn't your preference. Let your server know your preferences, and they can guide you to the best non-seafood options.

Is there a kids menu?

Most casual seafood restaurants offer a simplified kids menu with basics like chicken tenders, burgers, and mac and cheese. Call ahead to confirm what they currently offer for children.