Pirates Cove Lounge in Myrtle Beach: Casual Waterfront Dining with Live Music

What to expect at Pirates Cove Lounge

Pirates Cove Lounge is a casual New American restaurant on the waterfront in Myrtle Beach where you can eat, drink, and watch boats move through the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu centers on seafood and sandwiches—crab cakes, fish and chips, shrimp baskets—alongside burgers and salads. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly during the day, with a livelier bar scene in the evenings, especially on weekends when live music often plays.

The restaurant sits right on the water, so the main draw beyond the food is the view. You can sit indoors or on the deck, depending on weather and how crowded it is. Service tends to be casual to match the setting—don't expect fine dining pacing or formality. Prices run moderate for a waterfront spot in Myrtle Beach, with most entrees in the mid-range and happy hour specials available during off-peak times.

Key Takeaways

• Pirates Cove Lounge serves New American seafood and casual fare with direct views of the Intracoastal Waterway from indoor and outdoor seating.
• The restaurant operates as a bar and restaurant, so it draws both families during lunch and dinner and a cocktail crowd in the evenings and on weekends.
• Live music performances happen regularly, particularly on weekends, making it a destination for entertainment as well as dining.
• The dress code is casual, and the pace is relaxed—this is not a place for a formal meal or quick service.

Location and hours

Pirates Cove Lounge sits in the heart of Myrtle Beach's waterfront district, accessible by car or on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking is available on-site or in nearby lots. The restaurant is open year-round, though hours may shift seasonally—longer hours during peak summer tourist season and shorter hours in winter months. It's worth calling ahead or checking their current hours before you go, especially if you're visiting in the off-season.

The waterfront location means it's close to other Myrtle Beach attractions, shops, and accommodations. If you're planning a day around the beach or boardwalk, Pirates Cove works well as a lunch or dinner stop without requiring a long drive. The Intracoastal Waterway views make it a natural gathering spot for both tourists and locals looking to combine a meal with waterfront scenery.

The menu and what to order

The kitchen focuses on seafood prepared simply—fried, grilled, or in sandwiches. Crab cakes are a signature item, and the fish and chips come in generous portions. Shrimp baskets, crab sandwiches, and po'boy-style offerings round out the seafood side. If seafood isn't your preference, the menu includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads, so there's something for most tastes.

Appetizers like wings, nachos, and fried pickles are typical bar fare and work well if you're stopping by for drinks without a full meal. The bar stocks beer, wine, and cocktails, with specials that rotate. Happy hour pricing on drinks and food happens during slower times, usually in the afternoon—ask your server or check their social media for current times.

When to go and what the vibe is like

Lunch is quieter and more family-oriented, with a mix of locals and tourists. Dinner picks up, especially on weekends. Evenings and nights shift the energy toward the bar crowd—louder, more social, and often with live music. If you want a relaxed meal with conversation, go early or mid-week. If you're looking for entertainment and a livelier atmosphere, weekend evenings are the draw.

Summer brings the most crowds, as Myrtle Beach fills with vacationers. Winter is slower but still open. The outdoor deck is the premium seating when weather allows, so arrive early or be prepared to wait during peak times if you want that spot. The live music schedule typically intensifies on Friday and Saturday nights, drawing people specifically for the entertainment component.

Parking and accessibility

On-site parking is available, which is convenient for a waterfront restaurant in a busy tourist area. The restaurant is accessible by car and located in a walkable part of Myrtle Beach, so if you're staying at a nearby hotel or condo, you can walk there. Street parking is also an option if the lot is full, though availability depends on the time of day and season.

The waterfront location is easy to find and well-marked, making it straightforward to navigate whether you're a first-time visitor or returning. If you're unfamiliar with Myrtle Beach's layout, the Intracoastal Waterway itself serves as a landmark—Pirates Cove sits directly along it, so asking locals for directions to the waterfront restaurants will point you in the right direction.

Price range and payment

Entrees typically fall in the moderate range for a waterfront restaurant—expect to spend between $12 and $25 for a main dish, with appetizers and sides adding to the bill. Drinks are standard bar pricing. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and cash. Happy hour specials can bring costs down if you time your visit right.

For a family or group, ordering appetizers to share and mixing entrees can keep the per-person cost reasonable. The generous portions on items like fish and chips and shrimp baskets mean you may have leftovers, which is typical for casual waterfront dining in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pirates Cove Lounge take reservations?

Most casual waterfront restaurants in Myrtle Beach operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though it's worth calling ahead to ask about their policy, especially if you have a large group. During peak summer season, wait times can run 30 minutes to an hour on weekends.

Is there live music, and when does it happen?

Yes, live music is a regular feature, particularly on weekends. The schedule changes seasonally and by week, so check their website or call to find out what's happening on the night you plan to visit.

Can I bring kids?

Pirates Cove is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours. The atmosphere shifts more toward adults and the bar crowd later at night, so earlier visits are better if you're dining with children.

What's the best time to visit if I want a quieter meal?

Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6 p.m.) are typically slower and more relaxed. Summer weekends and evenings are the busiest times, especially if live music is scheduled.

Is the outdoor deck always open?

The deck is weather-dependent. On rainy or very hot days, indoor seating may be more comfortable. During winter, it may be closed or have limited hours. Call ahead if outdoor seating is important to your visit.