Boardwalk Billy's NMB Raw Bar, Ribs, and Sushi — Where Seafood Meets Smoke in North Myrtle Beach

What Boardwalk Billy's Serves and Where to Find It

Boardwalk Billy's sits on the North Myrtle Beach boardwalk and splits its menu three ways: raw oysters and clams at the raw bar, slow-smoked ribs and brisket from the pit, and sushi rolls made to order. The restaurant occupies a corner spot with views of the Atlantic, and the kitchen handles all three cooking styles in one space—which means you can order a dozen oysters, a rack of ribs, and a spicy tuna roll at the same table without anyone feeling out of place.

The raw bar is the draw for most seafood-focused visitors. Oysters come from the Gulf Coast and are shucked to order, served on ice with cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and lemon. The clams rotate based on what's available, and the bar staff can tell you where each batch came from that morning. During peak season—roughly November through March—the raw bar stays busy from lunch through dinner.

Key Takeaways

• The raw bar serves Gulf oysters and clams shucked to order, with multiple sauce options and a view of the boardwalk.
• Ribs and brisket are smoked on-site daily, and you can order them by the rack or pound, with sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
• The sushi menu includes both traditional rolls and house specials, made fresh throughout service hours.
• Boardwalk Billy's is located directly on the North Myrtle Beach boardwalk, making it easy to walk to from nearby hotels and attractions.
• The restaurant operates year-round but sees the heaviest traffic during cooler months when raw bar demand peaks.

The Raw Bar and Oyster Selection

The oysters at Boardwalk Billy's come from Gulf suppliers and change based on season and availability. In winter months, you'll find oysters from Louisiana and Texas waters; in warmer months, the selection shifts. The staff shucks each oyster to order, which means they're cold and fresh when they hit your plate. A dozen oysters typically costs between $18 and $24, depending on size and current market prices.

The raw bar also keeps clams on hand—littlenecks and cherrystones—served the same way. If you're new to raw seafood, the staff can walk you through the differences and suggest which pairs best with which sauce. The cocktail sauce is house-made, and the hot sauce options range from mild to genuinely spicy. Many regulars order a combination platter with both oysters and clams, which lets you try multiple varieties in one sitting.

Smoked Ribs and Brisket from the On-Site Pit

The ribs are smoked daily in a pit behind the restaurant, using oak and hickory wood. You can order them by the rack—typically a full rack, half rack, or individual bones—or by the pound if you're feeding a group. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone and has a smoke ring that runs about a quarter-inch deep. Sauce is optional; many people eat them plain to taste the smoke and the rub.

Brisket is smoked the same way and sliced thick, served with white bread and pickles on the side. The texture is tender enough to cut with a fork, and the fat cap caramelizes during the long smoke. Sides include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, and mac and cheese. Prices for ribs and brisket vary by weight and current meat costs, but a full rack of ribs typically runs $22 to $28.

Sushi Rolls and Japanese Preparations

The sushi menu runs parallel to the raw bar and smoke pit rather than competing with them. Rolls are made to order by a sushi chef who works behind a separate counter, so there's no wait beyond the time it takes to roll and slice. The menu includes traditional rolls like California and spicy tuna, plus house specials that rotate seasonally. Many of the house rolls incorporate local seafood—shrimp from the Carolina coast, local fish when available—alongside the standard ingredients.

Nigiri and sashimi are also available, and the chef can build custom rolls if you have preferences or restrictions. Prices for rolls range from $8 to $16 depending on ingredients and complexity. The sushi rice is seasoned fresh each day, and the nori (seaweed) is high-quality and snaps cleanly when you bite through it.

Timing Your Visit and What to Expect

Boardwalk Billy's opens for lunch and stays open through dinner most days, though hours shift seasonally. In summer, the restaurant is open but less crowded than in winter; many visitors come during the cooler months when raw oysters are at their peak and the boardwalk itself is more comfortable to walk. Lunch service is typically quieter than dinner, and weekday visits are less hectic than weekends year-round.

The raw bar has limited seating directly at the counter, and those spots fill first. If you want to sit at a table with a view, arrive before 6 p.m. or call ahead. The restaurant does not take reservations for the raw bar itself, but the dining room can hold larger groups. Parking is available in the boardwalk lot, though it fills quickly during peak season.

Pairing Drinks with Raw Oysters and Smoked Meat

The bar stocks beer, wine, and spirits, with a focus on options that pair well with raw seafood and smoke. Crisp white wines and light lagers are popular with oyster orders. For ribs and brisket, the bar recommends darker beers, bourbon, and rye whiskey. Non-alcoholic options include iced tea, lemonade, and soft drinks.

Many visitors order a combination of raw oysters and smoked meat, which means you're mixing cold, briny seafood with warm, smoky protein. The bar staff can suggest drinks that work across both, or you can order different beverages for different courses. Oyster shooters—a raw oyster dropped into a shot glass with beer or whiskey—are a boardwalk tradition and available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order just oysters, or do I have to buy a full meal?

Yes, you can order oysters alone at the raw bar counter. Most people order by the half-dozen or dozen, and you can sit at the bar with just oysters and a drink. There's no minimum purchase requirement at the raw bar itself.

Are the oysters and clams safe to eat raw?

Oysters and clams are harvested from regulated waters and tested for safety before sale. Raw shellfish carry a small risk for people with compromised immune systems, pregnant people, or those with certain health conditions. The restaurant can tell you where each batch came from and when it arrived, which helps you make an informed choice.

How long does it take to get sushi if I order it?

Sushi rolls are made to order and typically ready in 5 to 10 minutes. If you're ordering multiple rolls or a large party order, it may take longer. The chef works steadily during busy times, so there's usually a short wait even during peak dinner service.

Do you have vegetarian or vegan sushi options?

Yes, the sushi menu includes vegetable rolls like cucumber, avocado, and pickled radish, and the chef can build custom rolls without fish or seafood. The raw bar and smoked meat sections are not vegetarian, but the sushi counter can accommodate plant-based diets.

Is there parking near the boardwalk?

Parking is available in the boardwalk lot adjacent to the restaurant. During peak season and weekends, the lot fills by mid-afternoon, so arriving early or using street parking a few blocks away is often faster. The boardwalk itself is walkable from nearby hotels and vacation rentals.