LuLu's North Myrtle Beach: Casual Seafood and Lowcountry Flavors on the Water

What to expect at LuLu's

LuLu's is a casual waterfront restaurant in North Myrtle Beach where the focus is on fried seafood, fresh catches, and Lowcountry cooking without pretense. The restaurant sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, so you get water views and a relaxed beach-town atmosphere—the kind of place where sand on the floor and loud conversation are part of the experience. The menu leans heavily on fried shrimp, fried fish, crab cakes, and daily specials built around what's available, and the portions are generous enough that most people leave full.

The space itself is casual and sprawling, with indoor and outdoor seating. On warm days, the outdoor deck overlooking the water fills up quickly, especially at lunch. The restaurant draws a mix of locals, families with kids, and tourists looking for a no-fuss seafood meal. Service is friendly but can be slow during peak hours—expect to wait for a table on weekends and summer afternoons, and expect your food to take time if the kitchen is backed up.

Key Takeaways

• LuLu's specializes in fried seafood and Lowcountry dishes, with a menu built around shrimp, fish, and crab prepared simply and in large portions.
• The restaurant sits on the Intracoastal Waterway with outdoor deck seating, making it a good choice if you want to eat while watching the water.
• Waits are common during lunch and dinner, especially on weekends and in summer, so plan to arrive early or call ahead.
• The atmosphere is deliberately casual and loud—this is a place for families and groups, not a quiet dinner for two.

The menu and what to order

The fried seafood is the draw here. Fried shrimp comes in a basket with fries and coleslaw, and the shrimp are large and coated in a light, crispy batter. Fried fish—usually grouper or flounder depending on the day—is prepared the same way. Crab cakes are made with a good ratio of crab to filler and are pan-fried until golden. If you want something not fried, the grilled fish specials change daily and are usually a solid choice, as are the steamed shrimp and the she-crab soup, which is a Lowcountry classic made with crab roe and cream.

Sides are standard beach-restaurant fare: fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The hush puppies are worth ordering as an appetizer. Seafood platters—combinations of fried shrimp, fish, and scallops—are designed for people who want to try everything, and they come with two sides and cornbread. Prices are moderate for a waterfront restaurant; most entrees run between $12 and $20.

When to go and what to know about timing

Lunch (11 a.m. to around 3 p.m.) is less crowded than dinner, though it still fills up on weekends. If you go on a weekday afternoon, you can usually get a table without waiting. Dinner service runs from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the restaurant is busiest between 6 and 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights in summer, expect a 30-minute to hour-long wait even if you arrive early.

The restaurant is open year-round, but the pace slows considerably in winter. If you want the full LuLu's experience—outdoor seating, water views, a lively crowd—go between April and October. If you prefer a quieter meal, winter is better. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you either arrive and wait or call ahead to ask how long the current wait is.

Getting there and parking

LuLu's is located at 4016 North Kings Highway in North Myrtle Beach, on the Intracoastal Waterway side of the highway. If you are coming from the beach, you cross over the bridge and head north on Kings Highway. Parking is in a large lot adjacent to the restaurant, and it fills up during peak hours but usually has space even when the restaurant is busy. The lot is free.

The restaurant is about 15 minutes north of Myrtle Beach proper and about 20 minutes south of the North Carolina border. If you are staying in central Myrtle Beach, plan for a short drive. Public transportation is limited in this area, so a car is the practical way to get there.

What makes LuLu's different from other seafood spots

LuLu's is not trying to be fine dining or innovative. It is a straightforward seafood restaurant that has been in North Myrtle Beach for decades and has built a loyal following by doing the basics well and keeping prices reasonable. The waterfront location and outdoor seating set it apart from strip-mall seafood places, and the casual, loud atmosphere is intentional—this is a place built for groups and families, not for quiet conversation.

The restaurant is also known for its raw bar, where you can order oysters and shrimp cocktail if you want something cold and fresh. The oysters are usually local or from nearby waters, and they are shucked to order. If you are a fan of raw oysters, this is worth trying.

Dietary considerations and what to ask about

Most of the menu is seafood-heavy, which is good if that is what you want and limiting if you are looking for alternatives. The restaurant does serve fried chicken and a few non-seafood sides, but the menu is not designed around non-seafood eaters. If you are vegetarian or vegan, options are limited to sides like fries, coleslaw, and collard greens.

Fried food dominates the menu, so if you are looking for lighter preparations, ask your server about grilled options or daily specials. The kitchen can usually accommodate requests to grill instead of fry, though it may take longer. If you have a shellfish allergy, most of the menu is off-limits, but the grilled fish and fried chicken are safe options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No, LuLu's does not take reservations. You arrive and wait, or call ahead to ask how long the current wait is. During peak times (summer weekends, dinner hours), waits can be 30 minutes to an hour. Arriving early or going on a weekday afternoon will reduce your wait time.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, the restaurant has a large outdoor deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. On warm days, outdoor seating fills up first. If you want to sit outside, arrive early or be prepared to wait longer. Indoor seating is also available if the weather is bad.

What is the price range?

Most entrees run between $12 and $20. Seafood platters and combination dishes are on the higher end. Sides, appetizers, and drinks are priced separately. It is a casual restaurant, not a fine-dining establishment, so prices are moderate for a waterfront location.

Can I bring kids?

Yes, LuLu's is family-friendly and busy with families, especially at lunch and early dinner. The casual atmosphere and large portions make it a good choice for kids. High chairs and kids' menus are available.

What if I do not eat seafood?

The menu is seafood-focused, but the restaurant serves fried chicken and has a few non-seafood sides. Options are limited compared to the seafood selection, so this may not be the best choice if you are looking for a full non-seafood meal.