Ocean's on 82nd: Low Country Seafood in a Casual Myrtle Beach Setting
What Ocean's on 82nd Serves and Where to Find It
Ocean's on 82nd is a casual seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach that specializes in Low Country cooking—the coastal Southern style that defines the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia. The restaurant sits on North Kings Highway (Highway 17 Business), in the older commercial stretch north of downtown Myrtle Beach, away from the resort corridor but accessible to both locals and visitors exploring the quieter side of the beach.
The menu centers on fried and grilled seafood, shrimp and fish prepared in the straightforward, unpretentious way that Low Country cooking demands. You'll find fried shrimp, fried flounder, fried oysters, and grilled fish plates served with sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries. The restaurant also serves crab cakes, shrimp burgers, and seafood platters designed for sharing or for appetites that want variety on one plate.
The dining room is casual—the kind of place where you order at a counter or from a server in a relaxed atmosphere, not a tablecloth-and-wine-list establishment. It appeals to people who want seafood without ceremony, and to families looking for a straightforward meal at a reasonable price.
Key Takeaways
- Ocean's on 82nd serves Low Country seafood—fried and grilled fish, shrimp, and oysters prepared in the traditional Lowcountry style.
- The restaurant is located on Highway 17 Business in north Myrtle Beach, away from the main resort strip but easy to reach from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
- The atmosphere is casual and counter-service oriented, designed for quick meals and families rather than formal dining.
- Portions are generous and prices are moderate, making it a practical choice for both locals and visitors on a budget.
- The menu includes fried platters, grilled options, crab cakes, and shrimp burgers, with sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw that are standard to Low Country cooking.
Low Country Cooking and Why It Matters to Myrtle Beach
Low Country cuisine is the food of the coastal Lowcountry—the marshes, barrier islands, and tidal rivers of South Carolina and Georgia. It developed from the ingredients available in that landscape: shrimp from the creeks, fish from the Atlantic, oysters from the beds, and the crops that grew in the sandy soil. The cooking style is direct: fry it, grill it, boil it, and let the ingredient speak for itself.
Myrtle Beach sits at the northern edge of the Lowcountry, and the region's seafood traditions run deep here. Restaurants like Ocean's on 82nd keep that tradition alive by serving the food the way it has been cooked for generations—not reinvented or refined, but honest and familiar. For visitors, it's a way to taste what locals actually eat. For residents, it's a connection to the place they live.
What to Order and How Portions Work
The fried seafood platters are the backbone of the menu. A typical order comes with a protein—shrimp, flounder, oysters, or a combination—fried until golden, served with hushpuppies (fried cornmeal balls that are a Low Country staple), coleslaw, and fries. Portions are large enough that many people split a platter or take leftovers home.
The crab cakes are made from crab meat bound with breadcrumbs and seasonings, fried or grilled depending on your preference. The shrimp burger is a Low Country variation: shrimp mixed with seasoning and fried, served on a bun like a traditional burger. Both are good options if you want something different from the standard fried platter.
Grilled fish is available for people who prefer it to fried, though frying is what the restaurant does best and what Low Country cooking traditionally emphasizes. Sides can usually be swapped—if you want two vegetables instead of fries and slaw, ask; most casual seafood places will accommodate that.
Timing, Parking, and When to Go
Ocean's on 82nd operates as a casual lunch and dinner spot, busier during the summer tourist season and on weekends year-round. Lunch typically runs from late morning through early afternoon; dinner service extends into the evening. Hours vary by season, so calling ahead or checking online before you go is a practical step, especially if you're visiting in the off-season.
Parking is usually available in the lot adjacent to the restaurant or on the street nearby. The location on Highway 17 Business means it's not tucked into a shopping center or resort, so access is straightforward. The restaurant is not far from the Barefoot Landing entertainment complex and other north Myrtle Beach attractions, making it easy to combine with other activities.
If you're visiting during peak summer season (June through August), expect the restaurant to be busier during typical meal times—noon to 1:30 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner. Going slightly off-peak (mid-afternoon or after 8 p.m.) usually means shorter waits.
Price Range and What to Expect to Spend
Ocean's on 82nd is moderately priced for a seafood restaurant. A fried seafood platter typically costs between $12 and $18, depending on the protein and size. Crab cakes and shrimp burgers fall in a similar range. Combination platters, which let you choose two or three proteins, are on the higher end but still reasonable for the amount of food you receive.
Drinks, sides, and desserts are additional. Most people spend $15 to $25 per person for a full meal, including a drink and tip. It's the kind of place where a family of four can eat dinner for under $80 without feeling like they're cutting corners.
How Ocean's on 82nd Fits Into Myrtle Beach's Seafood Scene
Myrtle Beach has seafood restaurants at every price point and style—from casual shacks to upscale dining rooms. Ocean's on 82nd occupies the middle ground: better than a fast-food fish sandwich, less formal than a fine-dining seafood house, and focused on the food rather than the setting or the view. It's the kind of restaurant locals return to because it does one thing well and doesn't pretend to be something else.
The restaurant also represents the older, pre-resort-boom character of Myrtle Beach. Highway 17 Business is lined with independent restaurants, shops, and businesses that predate the modern resort corridor. Eating at Ocean's on 82nd connects you to that older Myrtle Beach—the working beach town that still exists alongside the tourist attractions.
Nearby Attractions and How to Plan Your Visit
Ocean's on 82nd is located in north Myrtle Beach, close to several other things worth doing. Barefoot Landing, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, is a short drive away and includes shops, restaurants, and live music venues. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, the main tourist strip, is about 10 minutes south. Huntington Beach State Park, a quieter beach access point, is nearby for people who want to avoid the crowded central beach.
If you're staying in north Myrtle Beach or exploring the quieter neighborhoods away from the main resort area, Ocean's on 82nd is a natural stop for lunch or dinner. It's also a good option if you're driving through Myrtle Beach on Highway 17 and want a quick, reliable meal without leaving the main road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ocean's on 82nd good for families with kids?
Yes. The casual atmosphere, straightforward menu, and generous portions make it family-friendly. Kids typically enjoy fried shrimp and fish, and the restaurant is used to serving families. Noise levels are moderate, and service is usually quick enough that kids don't get restless waiting.
Do they have non-fried seafood options?
Yes, grilled fish and other non-fried preparations are available. However, the restaurant specializes in fried Low Country seafood, so that's what they do best. If you prefer grilled, ask what's available that day—options may vary based on what's fresh.
Can you get a meal for under $15 per person?
Yes, if you order a single fried platter and skip extras like drinks and dessert, you can eat for around $12 to $15. Sharing a platter or ordering a shrimp burger can also keep costs down. Lunch prices are sometimes lower than dinner.
Is Ocean's on 82nd close to the main Myrtle Beach attractions?
It's in north Myrtle Beach, about 10 minutes from the central Boardwalk and resort area. It's closer to Barefoot Landing and quieter neighborhoods. If you're staying downtown or at a central resort, it's a short drive but not walking distance.
What's the best time to go if you want to avoid crowds?
Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and late evening (after 8 p.m.) are usually quieter than peak lunch and dinner times. Weekdays are less busy than weekends year-round. Off-season months (September through May, excluding holidays) are generally slower.