The Lake House Restaurant in Murrells Inlet: Lowcountry Seafood with a View

Fresh seafood and marsh views in a casual Lowcountry setting

The Lake House is a seafood restaurant in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, where you can eat at tables overlooking the salt marsh and Murrells Inlet waterway. The menu centers on local catches—shrimp, flounder, grouper, crab—prepared in straightforward ways: fried, grilled, broiled, or as part of Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup. The dining room is casual and family-friendly, with a bar, and the restaurant draws both locals and visitors who want seafood without the formality of fine dining.

The restaurant sits in the heart of Murrells Inlet's restaurant row, a stretch of waterfront establishments that have made the inlet a destination for coastal dining. The setting matters here—the marsh and water views are part of what you're paying for, and they're genuine. The pace is relaxed, which suits the location and the meal.

Key Takeaways

• The Lake House serves fresh local seafood in a casual setting with direct views of Murrells Inlet and the salt marsh.
• Signature dishes include fried shrimp, grilled fish, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits, all prepared in traditional Lowcountry style.
• The restaurant is family-friendly with a full bar and is located in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach.
• Reservations are recommended on weekends and during peak summer season, though walk-ins are often accommodated.
• Parking is available on-site, and the restaurant is accessible from US 17 Business, the main road through Murrells Inlet.

What to order and what to expect

The menu doesn't attempt to be trendy. You'll find fried shrimp, fried flounder, grilled grouper, and crab cakes—dishes that work because they're built on good fish and simple technique. The she-crab soup is a Lowcountry standard, made with crab roe when in season, and appears on most menus in the region; here it's reliable and warming. Shrimp and grits is another regional staple, and The Lake House does it with local shrimp over creamy grits, usually with a sauce that ties the plate together.

Sides typically include coleslaw, hushpuppies, fries, or rice. The restaurant also serves non-seafood options—chicken, beef, sandwiches—so it works for mixed tables. Portions are generous. The pace of service is unhurried; this is not a place where you're rushed through your meal. Expect to spend an hour to an hour and a half from arrival to departure, longer if the restaurant is busy.

Location, hours, and how to visit

The Lake House is located at 4657 US 17 Business in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. US 17 Business runs through the center of Murrells Inlet and is the main commercial strip; the restaurant is easy to spot from the road. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season—summer hours are typically longer than winter hours. It's worth calling ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially in the off-season.

Murrells Inlet itself is a working fishing village and a popular tourist destination. The inlet is home to several other restaurants, a fishing pier, boat tours, and charter fishing operations. If you're visiting for seafood, you could spend a half-day or full day in the area, combining a meal at The Lake House with a walk along the inlet or a visit to nearby Huntington Beach State Park, which is about 10 minutes south.

When to go and what the crowds are like

Summer is peak season in Murrells Inlet, and weekends are busy year-round. If you prefer a quieter meal, visit on a weekday or in the shoulder seasons—late spring or early fall. Lunch is typically less crowded than dinner. The restaurant fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, especially June through August, so a reservation is a good idea if you're visiting then. Walk-ins are usually seated, but you may wait 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the restaurant is.

Winter months are quieter, and the restaurant remains open but with reduced hours. The marsh views are actually striking in winter when the vegetation is dormant and the water is more visible. If you're a local or visiting in the off-season, you'll have a more relaxed experience.

Pricing and what's included

Entrees typically range from the mid-teens to the low-to-mid 20s in dollars, depending on what you order. Fried platters are usually on the lower end; grilled fish and crab dishes are on the higher end. Sides are included with most entrees. Appetizers, soups, and sandwiches are available at lower price points if you want a lighter meal. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails at standard restaurant prices.

There is no cover charge or minimum. You pay for what you order. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and cash. Tipping is customary; 18 to 20 percent is standard for table service.

Why Murrells Inlet matters for seafood

Murrells Inlet has been a fishing village since the 1700s, and commercial fishing still operates there. The inlet is shallow and protected, which made it ideal for small boats and nets historically, and it remains a working port. This history means the seafood served in Murrells Inlet restaurants often comes from boats that left the inlet that morning or the day before. The Lake House benefits from this proximity to the source—the supply chain is short, and the fish is fresher than it would be if it had traveled from a distant port.

The Lowcountry cooking style—which emphasizes local ingredients, simple preparation, and flavors rooted in the region's African, European, and Native American heritage—is the natural cuisine of this area. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried fish, and oyster roasts are dishes that emerged from what was available and how people in the region learned to cook. Eating at The Lake House is eating in the context of that history and that place.

Nearby attractions and how to plan your visit

Murrells Inlet is about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and 20 minutes south of Georgetown. If you're staying in Myrtle Beach, a drive to Murrells Inlet for lunch or dinner is a reasonable half-day trip. The inlet itself has a public fishing pier, a boardwalk area with shops and other restaurants, and several boat tour operators who run shrimp boat tours and dolphin-watching cruises. Huntington Beach State Park, just south of the inlet, has a beach, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse.

If you're visiting Georgetown, Murrells Inlet is on the way back to Myrtle Beach, so stopping for a meal makes sense logistically. The area is also home to Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve about 15 minutes south, which is worth a few hours if you're interested in art and nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, but they're recommended on weekends and during summer. Walk-ins are usually seated, though you may wait 20 to 45 minutes during peak times. Calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea if you're visiting on a busy evening.

Is The Lake House good for families with children?

Yes. The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, with a children's menu available. The pace is relaxed, and the views keep kids engaged while you wait for food. High chairs and booster seats are available.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The Lake House serves chicken, beef, and sandwiches in addition to seafood. The menu has options for non-seafood eaters, though the restaurant's strength is in its fish and shrimp dishes.

Can I bring my own wine or beer?

The restaurant has a full bar and serves beer, wine, and cocktails. Outside alcohol is typically not permitted, though it's worth calling to confirm their policy.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is a parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Parking is free and usually available, though it can fill up during peak times.