Up the Creek Pub & Grill in Murrells Inlet — Casual Seafood and Low Country Fare

What to expect at Up the Creek

Up the Creek Pub & Grill is a casual waterfront restaurant in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, where the focus is on fresh seafood and Low Country cooking without pretense. The dining room overlooks the inlet, and the menu leans on shrimp, fish, and crab prepared in straightforward ways—fried, grilled, or in traditional dishes like shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with a bar that draws locals and visitors alike, and the pace is unhurried enough that you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed.

The restaurant sits on the water in a working fishing village, so the setting itself is part of the draw. You'll see boats moving through the inlet, and the casual vibe matches the location—this is not fine dining, but rather the kind of place where you come hungry and leave satisfied. Prices are moderate, and portions tend to be generous.

Key Takeaways

• Up the Creek serves fresh seafood and Low Country classics in a casual waterfront setting in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach.
• The menu features fried and grilled fish, shrimp, crab, and traditional dishes like shrimp and grits, with moderate prices and large portions.
• The dining room overlooks the inlet, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, making it suitable for both casual meals and small groups.
• The bar is a draw for locals, and the restaurant is located in a working fishing village where you can watch boat traffic while you eat.

Menu highlights and what to order

The shrimp and grits is a signature dish—creamy stone-ground grits topped with seasoned shrimp and a savory sauce that balances richness with brightness. If you prefer fried seafood, the fried shrimp platter comes with your choice of sides, usually including coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fries. The fish of the day changes based on what's available, and the kitchen will grill it simply with butter and lemon if you ask.

Crab cakes appear on most menus and are made with a light hand—more crab than filler, which is how they should be. The she-crab soup, a Lowcountry staple made with female crab roe, is rich and worth ordering if it's available. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and fried okra round out the plate, and the hushpuppies are the kind that disappear quickly.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Lunch is typically less crowded than dinner, and if you're visiting during the off-season (roughly September through May), you'll find shorter waits. Weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons, draw families and tourists, so expect a busier dining room. The restaurant does not take reservations for most parties, so arriving early or calling ahead to ask about wait times is a practical move during peak hours.

Murrells Inlet itself is worth exploring before or after your meal. The inlet has a boardwalk, small shops, and other restaurants, so you can make an afternoon or evening of it. Parking is available on-site, and the location is easy to find if you're driving from Myrtle Beach or other nearby areas.

The Low Country seafood tradition

Up the Creek's menu reflects the cooking of the Low Country—the coastal region of South Carolina and Georgia where seafood, rice, and slow-cooked vegetables form the backbone of the cuisine. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried fish are not trendy dishes; they are regional standards that have been eaten in this area for generations. The restaurant honors that tradition by keeping the preparation straightforward and letting the quality of the ingredients speak.

This approach means you won't find elaborate sauces or fusion techniques. Instead, you get fresh shrimp from local waters, properly seasoned and cooked to order. That simplicity is intentional and reflects how Low Country cooking actually works—it's built on knowing your ingredients and not overcomplicating them.

Waterfront dining in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a small, working fishing village, and that character shapes the dining experience at Up the Creek. The water views are genuine—you're looking at an active inlet where commercial and recreational boats move throughout the day. This is not a manicured resort setting but rather a place where fishing still happens, which adds authenticity to eating seafood here.

The casual atmosphere means you can come as you are. Families with children are common, and the noise level is comfortable rather than quiet. If you're looking for a place to relax and eat well without dressing up or making a formal reservation, this fits the bill.

Practical details for your visit

Up the Creek is located at 4025 Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, within the Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary seasonally. It's a good idea to call ahead during winter months or on holidays to confirm they're open. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, and the full bar menu is available whether you're eating at a table or sitting at the counter.

Payment methods include cash and credit cards. The restaurant is casual enough that you don't need to dress up, but it's also clean and well-maintained, so you won't feel out of place in regular clothes. Parking is free and available on-site, which is convenient if you're exploring the broader Barefoot Landing area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Up the Creek?

The restaurant typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most parties. During busy times like weekend afternoons or summer season, you may wait for a table. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a practical step, especially if you're visiting with a large group.

What's the best dish if I'm not sure what to order?

The shrimp and grits is a signature dish and a good introduction to Low Country cooking. If you prefer fried seafood, the fried shrimp platter is generous and comes with traditional sides. Either choice reflects what the restaurant does well.

Is Up the Creek good for families with children?

Yes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, children's portions are usually available, and the noise level is comfortable for families. The waterfront location gives kids something to look at while you eat.

What's the price range?

Entrees are moderate in price, typically in the mid-range for casual seafood dining. Portions are generous, so you often have leftovers. The bar menu offers smaller plates and appetizers if you want to eat lightly.

Can I watch the boats while I eat?

Yes. The dining room overlooks Murrells Inlet, and you can see boat traffic throughout the day. This is part of what makes the location special—you're eating in a working fishing village, not a resort setting.