Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras — Fresh Catch and Grilled Steaks in Myrtle Beach

A casual seafood spot where the catch changes with the season

Rockfish Seafood & Steaks is a Myrtle Beach restaurant inside Bomboras, a beachfront complex on North Kings Highway. The menu centers on fresh seafood — grouper, mahi-mahi, shrimp, and local catches that rotate based on what's available — alongside grilled steaks and a raw bar. The space is casual and family-friendly, with views toward the water and a bar that serves beer, wine, and cocktails. You order at the counter and eat in a dining room or on the deck.

The restaurant operates year-round, though hours shift seasonally. Summer runs longer hours to handle the tourist traffic; winter hours are shorter. It's the kind of place where you can show up in beach clothes after a morning in the sand, or bring a group for a straightforward dinner without reservations or formality.

Key Takeaways

• Rockfish is located inside Bomboras, a beachfront complex at 1600 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, within walking distance of the beach.
• The menu features fresh seafood that changes seasonally, grilled steaks, and a raw bar with oysters and shrimp.
• You order at the counter and can eat in the dining room or on the outdoor deck with water views.
• The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, with no reservations needed, though peak summer hours can mean a wait during lunch and dinner.

What to order and what changes by season

The daily catch board shows what fish came in that morning or the day before — grouper, mahi-mahi, snapper, and flounder are common, but the exact species and availability shift. You can order any fish grilled, fried, or blackened, and it comes with sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or rice. The shrimp is reliable year-round, whether fried, grilled, or in a po'boy sandwich.

The raw bar offers oysters on the half shell and chilled shrimp cocktail. If you're not in a seafood mood, the steaks are grilled to order — ribeye, filet, and strip are standard. Sandwiches and lighter plates round out the menu for people who want something quick. Prices run moderate for beachfront dining; a grilled fish plate typically costs between $16 and $24, depending on the catch.

Winter months sometimes see fewer fish options because storms can disrupt supply, but the restaurant keeps the menu full by leaning on frozen stock and reliable species. Summer brings the widest variety and the freshest local catches, especially in June and July when grouper and mahi-mahi are at their peak.

Timing your visit to avoid the crowds

Summer is the busiest season, especially June through August. Lunch and dinner both draw lines during peak hours — expect waits of 20 to 45 minutes between noon and 2 p.m. and again between 6 and 8 p.m. If you're visiting in summer, go early (before 11:30 a.m.) or late (after 8:30 p.m.) to skip the rush.

Spring and fall are quieter and still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor deck. Winter is the slowest season, and you can usually walk in and order without waiting. The restaurant is open every day, but hours contract in the off-season — call ahead if you're visiting between November and February to confirm they're open when you plan to go.

The setting and what to bring

Bomboras is a casual beachfront complex with multiple restaurants and shops. Rockfish occupies one section with its own counter and dining area. The indoor space is simple — tables, a bar, and a view toward the water through large windows. The outdoor deck is the draw: it's covered, has ceiling fans, and overlooks the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. On clear days, it's a pleasant place to eat without the full formality of a sit-down restaurant.

Dress is casual — beach clothes, shorts, and flip-flops are normal. The restaurant doesn't require reservations, but groups larger than six should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. Parking is available in the Bomboras lot, which fills up in summer but usually has space in the shoulder seasons and winter.

Getting there and what's nearby

Rockfish is at 1600 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, about two miles north of downtown and a short walk from the beach access points along that stretch of the Grand Strand. If you're staying in a hotel on North Kings Highway or in the central beach area, it's an easy walk or a quick drive. The Bomboras complex also has other restaurants, a gift shop, and beach access, so you can make an afternoon of it.

Nearby attractions include Barefoot Landing, a shopping and entertainment complex about a mile south, and various beach access points and parks along Kings Highway. If you're exploring the North Myrtle Beach area, Rockfish is a natural stop for lunch or dinner without having to venture far from the water.

Dietary needs and what to know before you go

The restaurant handles seafood allergies seriously — let staff know at the counter if you have one, and they'll keep your order separate from other seafood prep. Vegetarian options are limited but available: salads, sandwiches without meat, and sides can be ordered. The kitchen can grill vegetables or prepare a plate of sides if you ask.

The restaurant does not take reservations for small groups, but large parties (typically six or more) should call ahead. Payment is cash or card at the counter. The restaurant is not fully wheelchair accessible — there are steps at the deck entrance, though the indoor dining area is accessible from the main door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Rockfish operates on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of five or fewer. Larger groups should call ahead to let the kitchen know they're coming. During peak summer hours, expect a wait of 20 to 45 minutes.

What's the best time to visit if I want fresh local fish?

Summer, especially June through August, brings the freshest local catches and the widest variety. The daily catch board changes based on what came in that morning. Winter months rely more on frozen stock and reliable year-round species.

Can I eat on the deck if the weather is bad?

The deck is covered and has ceiling fans, so light rain or wind isn't usually a problem. In heavy storms or extreme heat, the indoor dining room is the better choice. Both spaces have views and the same menu.

Is there parking?

Yes, Bomboras has a parking lot. It fills up during peak summer hours, but spaces are usually available in the shoulder seasons and winter. Parking is free.

What if I'm not a seafood person?

The menu includes grilled steaks, sandwiches, and lighter plates. You don't have to order fish — the kitchen can prepare a steak or other options. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have what you're looking for.