Driftwood Restaurant at Cherry Grove Pier: Fresh Seafood Over the Water

What to expect at Driftwood

Driftwood Restaurant sits at the end of Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach, meaning you eat seafood while watching the Atlantic. The restaurant specializes in fresh catch—flounder, grouper, shrimp, and daily specials that change based on what boats bring in. The dining room has windows on three sides, and the deck extends over the water, so even tables inside feel close to the ocean.

The menu leans traditional: fried platters, grilled fish, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and low-country boils. Prices run moderate to high for the area—entrees typically fall between $18 and $35. The restaurant draws both tourists and locals, especially at sunset, so expect crowds during peak season and weekends.

Key Takeaways

• Driftwood is located at the end of Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach, accessible by walking the pier or driving to the parking area.
• The restaurant serves fresh seafood daily, with specials that change based on the catch, alongside traditional low-country dishes.
• Seating includes both an indoor dining room with ocean views and an outdoor deck that extends over the water.
• Reservations are recommended during summer months and weekends, though walk-ins are often accommodated during slower periods.
• The pier itself is free to walk, so you can explore before or after your meal without additional cost.

Getting there and parking

Cherry Grove Pier is located at 3500 North Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, near the border with Little River. If you're driving, take Highway 17 North toward the beach communities. The pier has its own parking lot with spaces for both regular vehicles and handicapped parking. During summer and weekends, the lot fills early—arriving before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. usually means easier parking.

You can walk the pier to reach the restaurant, or drive directly to the restaurant's entrance. The pier walk itself takes about five minutes and is free—many people stroll it before dinner or after eating to watch the water and look for dolphins. The pier is open to the public year-round, though restaurant hours vary seasonally.

The menu and what's fresh

Driftwood's strength is seafood prepared simply so the quality of the fish shows. Fried platters come with hushpuppies and two sides—coleslaw, fries, or rice are standard. Grilled options let you taste the fish itself: a grilled flounder fillet, grouper, or catch of the day. Shrimp and grits appears on most low-country restaurant menus, but Driftwood's version uses local shrimp when available.

The daily specials board reflects what the fishing boats landed that morning or the day before. In summer, this often means Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, or wahoo. In cooler months, flounder and grouper dominate. Crab cakes and she-crab soup are reliable year-round. The restaurant also serves non-seafood options—chicken, steaks, and pasta—though these are not the reason to come.

Appetizers include fried oysters, shrimp, and scallops, plus raw oysters on the half shell when available. Desserts are standard restaurant fare: pie, cake, and ice cream. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, with a focus on casual drinks rather than craft mixology.

Timing your visit for the best experience

Sunset is the most popular time to eat at Driftwood, which means tables fill between 6 and 7:30 p.m. from May through September. If you want a window seat or deck seating during these months, arrive by 5:30 p.m. or call ahead to reserve. Lunch is quieter and a good option if you prefer a less crowded meal with the same views.

Winter and early spring bring fewer tourists, so walk-ins are easier to accommodate. The restaurant stays open year-round, though hours may shorten in the off-season. Call ahead to confirm hours if you're visiting between November and March. Weekday dinners are generally less crowded than weekends, even in summer.

What the pier offers beyond the restaurant

Cherry Grove Pier is a working fishing pier, not just a restaurant destination. You can fish from the pier if you have a South Carolina fishing license—the pier itself does not require a separate fee for anglers. The pier shop sells tackle, bait, and snacks. Early morning and late afternoon are prime fishing times, and you'll often see people casting lines while others dine nearby.

The pier is a good spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, photograph the ocean, or simply walk and clear your head. Dolphins appear regularly in the water below, especially in summer. The pier is open to pedestrians during restaurant hours and often extends access to early morning and evening for fishing and walking.

Reservations and what to bring

Driftwood takes reservations by phone, and the restaurant recommends calling ahead during peak season—May through September and all weekends. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait 30 to 45 minutes during busy times. The restaurant is casual; shorts and sandals are standard attire. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to sit on the deck in the evening, as ocean breezes cool things down quickly.

The pier can be windy, and salt spray reaches the outdoor seating, so avoid wearing anything you're worried about getting damp. If you're sensitive to seafood smells, the indoor dining room is your better choice, though the smell of fried fish is part of the pier restaurant experience.

Nearby attractions and how to plan your day

Cherry Grove is at the north end of Myrtle Beach's tourist corridor. Barefoot Landing, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, is about 10 minutes south. The North Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade are a short drive away. If you're staying in the area, you can easily combine a meal at Driftwood with a walk on the beach or shopping before or after dinner.

The pier area has public beach access, so you can spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing and then eat dinner without leaving the immediate area. Parking at the pier is free, making it a low-cost base for a half-day or full-day beach visit centered around a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Driftwood?

Reservations are not required, but they are recommended during summer and weekends. Walk-ins are seated when tables open, though waits can reach 45 minutes during peak times. Calling ahead takes two minutes and guarantees a table at your preferred time.

Can I fish from the pier if I eat at the restaurant?

Yes. The pier is open to anglers with a valid South Carolina fishing license. You do not need to eat at Driftwood to fish, and you do not need a separate pier fee. Fishing and dining happen side by side.

What's the best time to visit if I want fewer crowds?

Weekday lunches and dinners are quieter than weekends year-round. Winter months (November through March) see far fewer tourists. If you want the full sunset experience with manageable crowds, visit on a weekday in April, May, or September.

Is there parking at Cherry Grove Pier?

Yes, the pier has a dedicated parking lot. It fills during peak summer afternoons and weekends. Arriving before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. usually means easier parking. Parking is free.

What if I don't eat seafood?

Driftwood serves chicken, steaks, and pasta, though these are not the restaurant's focus. If you're dining with seafood eaters, the menu has enough variety that everyone finds something. The views and pier experience are the same regardless of what you order.