Hurricane Maggie's Bar & Grill in Murrells Inlet: Casual Waterfront Dining and Drinks

What to expect at Hurricane Maggie's

Hurricane Maggie's Bar & Grill sits on the water in Murrells Inlet, a fishing village just north of Myrtle Beach where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Atlantic. The restaurant trades on its location: you'll find casual seafood, burgers, and sandwiches served in a laid-back atmosphere with views of the inlet and working fishing boats. The bar runs the length of one side of the dining room, and the menu leans toward fried fish, shrimp, and crab cakes—the kind of food that tastes better when you can watch the water while you eat it.

The space itself is unpretentious. Wooden decks, casual seating, and a no-frills vibe mean you can show up in boat shoes or flip-flops without feeling out of place. It's the kind of spot where families with kids sit next to groups of anglers who just came off the water, and nobody seems bothered by either.

Key Takeaways

• Hurricane Maggie's serves fried and grilled seafood, burgers, and sandwiches in a waterfront setting in Murrells Inlet.
• The bar stocks beer, cocktails, and mixed drinks, with a casual atmosphere suited to both families and adult diners.
• Outdoor deck seating overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a natural stop for boaters and waterfront visitors.
• The restaurant operates year-round but hours and seasonal specials vary, so calling ahead is worth doing before you visit.

The menu and what to order

The kitchen focuses on seafood prepared simply—fried or grilled, with sides like coleslaw, fries, or hushpuppies. Shrimp, fish, and crab cakes appear in multiple forms: as entrees, on sandwiches, or as appetizers to share. If you're not in a seafood mood, the burger menu is straightforward, and sandwiches round out the offerings. Portions tend to be generous, and prices sit in the moderate range for a waterfront restaurant.

The bar menu includes beer on tap and in bottles, well liquor, and standard cocktails. Local craft beers from South Carolina breweries often rotate through the taps. Happy hour specials and drink deals vary by season, so it's worth asking your server what's running when you visit.

Location and how to get there

Hurricane Maggie's sits at 4008 Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet, right on the water. If you're driving from Myrtle Beach, head north on Highway 17 for about 15 minutes. The restaurant has its own parking lot, and the building is easy to spot from the road—look for the waterfront structure with the deck overlooking the inlet.

If you're arriving by boat, the Intracoastal Waterway runs directly past the restaurant, and many visitors tie up at nearby docks or anchor in the inlet. The location makes it a natural lunch or dinner stop for anyone spending the day on the water.

Timing your visit

Hurricane Maggie's operates year-round, but hours shift with the season. Summer and fall weekends draw crowds, especially during the afternoon and early evening. If you prefer a quieter meal, weekday lunches tend to be less packed. Winter hours are shorter, and the restaurant sometimes closes for brief periods during the slowest months, so calling ahead during the off-season is a good idea.

The outdoor deck is the main draw, so weather matters. On warm days, expect to wait for a table with a water view. Rainy or very cold days mean you'll be seated indoors, which is still pleasant but lacks the appeal of the deck.

What makes it worth the trip

Hurricane Maggie's isn't trying to be fine dining or trendy. Its appeal lies in the combination of fresh seafood, a working waterfront setting, and the ability to watch fishing boats and water traffic while you eat. The Murrells Inlet location itself—quieter and less commercialized than central Myrtle Beach—adds to the experience. You're eating in a place where commercial fishing still happens, not in a theme park version of a fishing village.

The bar is also a genuine gathering spot for locals and regulars, not just a place tourists pass through. That mix of who shows up—fishermen, families, couples, groups of friends—gives the restaurant a lived-in feel that matters more than any decoration could.

Nearby attractions in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet has several reasons to visit beyond Hurricane Maggie's. Huntington Beach State Park sits just south, offering beach access, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse. The inlet itself is a working fishing port, and several charter boat companies operate from the docks if you want to spend a morning or afternoon on the water. Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, is a short drive away and makes for a different kind of outing.

The village has other restaurants and shops scattered along Highway 17, but Hurricane Maggie's remains the most recognizable waterfront dining spot. Many visitors combine a meal here with a walk around the inlet or a visit to one of the nearby attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not always required, but calling ahead during busy times—summer weekends, holidays, or special events—is smart. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait for a table, especially if you want outdoor seating with a water view.

Is Hurricane Maggie's good for families with kids?

Yes. The casual atmosphere and straightforward menu work well for families. Kids' portions and simpler dishes are available, and the outdoor deck gives children room to move around. The restaurant is not loud or pretentious, so families fit in naturally.

Can I bring my boat and dock there?

The restaurant sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, and many boaters stop there. Docking options vary depending on water conditions and the season. Call ahead to ask about tie-up availability or nearby anchorages if you're arriving by water.

What's the price range?

Entrees typically run from moderate to moderately high for a waterfront restaurant. Seafood plates and sandwiches are in the $12 to $25 range, depending on what you order. Drinks and appetizers are priced accordingly. It's not budget dining, but not upscale pricing either.

Does Hurricane Maggie's have outdoor seating year-round?

The outdoor deck is open year-round, but winter weather can make it uncomfortable. On cold or rainy days, you'll be seated indoors. Summer and fall offer the best deck experience, when you can eat outside and watch the water.