Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse: Low Country Barbecue on the Water

What to expect at Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse

Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse sits right on the water in Murrells Inlet, a working fishing village about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked barbecue — ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken — cooked over wood in a traditional pit. The space has the feel of a casual waterfront shack: picnic tables, a counter where you order, and views of the inlet where fishing boats come and go throughout the day.

The menu is straightforward. You choose your meat, your sides (typically including collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread), and whether you want it as a plate or a sandwich. Portions are generous. The barbecue sauce is tangy and vinegar-forward, which is typical of the Lowcountry style. Most people come for the food, but the setting — watching the water, the working docks, the casual pace — is part of what makes it worth the drive.

Key Takeaways

• Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse serves wood-smoked barbecue at a waterfront location in a working fishing village, not in a downtown tourist area.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot with picnic tables, so expect to order at the counter and eat casually.
• Signature items include ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, each available as a plate with sides or as a sandwich.
• The location on the inlet gives you views of active fishing docks and boats, which is part of the Lowcountry character of the place.

Hours, location, and how to get there

Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse is located at 4019 Business US 17, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576 — right on the main highway that runs through the village. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North for about 30 minutes. Parking is available on-site. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead or checking their current hours before you go is a good idea.

The inlet itself is worth exploring if you have time. The village has working shrimp docks, charter fishing boats, and a few other casual restaurants and shops. It feels less developed than Myrtle Beach and gives you a sense of what the Lowcountry coast looked like before major resort development.

What to order and what the food is like

The ribs are the signature item — they come fall-off-the-bone tender and are smoked long enough that the meat pulls cleanly from the bone. The brisket is dense and smoky, with a good bark (the caramelized exterior). Pulled pork is shredded fine and has absorbed the smoke throughout. Chicken is available but less distinctive than the pork and beef options.

Sides matter here. The collard greens are cooked with bacon and have real depth. Mac and cheese is creamy and not oversweetened. Cornbread comes warm and slightly sweet. Most people order a combination plate so they can try multiple meats and sides. The portions are large enough that sharing is common, especially if you order two or three meats.

The barbecue sauce is vinegar-based and thin, which is the traditional Lowcountry approach. It's not thick or sweet. Some people use it as a dip; others prefer the meat on its own. Iced tea and soft drinks are available. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, though the nearby Murrells Inlet MarshWalk (a boardwalk with restaurants and bars) is within walking distance if you want a drink before or after.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Lunch (typically 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) draws a mix of locals and tourists. Dinner is quieter and more local. Weekends are busier than weekdays. Summer brings more tourists, but the restaurant is not in the heart of the Myrtle Beach tourist zone, so it never feels as crowded as beachfront spots. If you want a quieter experience, go on a weekday afternoon.

The crowd is casual — families with kids, fishing crews, retirees, and tourists who have ventured off the main beach strip. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. This is not a destination restaurant with a reservation book; it's a place where you show up, order, and eat at a picnic table.

Cost and what to bring

Prices are moderate for barbecue. A plate with one meat and two sides typically runs between $12 and $16. Combination plates with two or three meats cost more. Sandwiches are slightly less. Sides are usually a few dollars each if you want to add on. This is casual counter-service pricing, not fine dining.

The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards. There is no table service, so you order and pay at the counter. Bring cash if you prefer it, but don't assume it's cash-only. The waterfront location means it can be windy and sometimes buggy in the evening, so consider that when choosing when to visit.

Why Murrells Inlet matters to South Carolina barbecue

Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse represents the Lowcountry barbecue tradition — vinegar-based sauce, wood smoke, and simple sides like collards and cornbread. This style is distinct from the mustard-based barbecue of the Midlands (around Columbia) and the ketchup-heavy styles of the Upstate. The Lowcountry approach is older and reflects the region's coastal culture and African American culinary heritage.

The setting also matters. Eating barbecue in a fishing village, watching boats and docks, connects the food to the place. The Lowcountry has always been about water — rivers, marshes, inlets, the ocean — and that geography shaped the food. Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse sits in that landscape rather than trying to recreate it in a themed restaurant.

Nearby things to do in Murrells Inlet

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a boardwalk with restaurants, bars, and shops about a short walk or drive from the SmokeHouse. It overlooks the inlet and is a good place to walk off lunch or grab a drink. Several charter fishing boats operate from the docks if you want to go out on the water. The Huntington Beach State Park is nearby and has a pier for fishing or walking.

If you are staying in Myrtle Beach and want to venture out, Murrells Inlet is a good half-day trip. You can eat barbecue, walk the MarshWalk, and get a feel for the working coast without spending the whole day in the tourist center. The drive is easy, and the pace is slower than the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Murrells Inlet SmokeHouse is counter-service and does not take reservations. You walk in, order at the counter, and find a seat. During busy times (weekend lunch, summer evenings), there may be a short wait, but it moves quickly.

Is the food good for kids?

Yes. Barbecue is kid-friendly, and the casual picnic-table setting means kids can be themselves. Portions are large, so one plate can often feed two people. The sides like mac and cheese and cornbread appeal to most kids.

Can I get barbecue to go?

Yes. You can order at the counter and take it with you. This is common for people who want to eat at their hotel or take food back to Myrtle Beach. Ask about containers and napkins when you order.

What if I don't eat meat?

The menu is meat-focused, and vegetarian options are limited. The sides (collards, mac and cheese, cornbread) can be ordered separately, but this is not a restaurant designed for vegetarian diners. Call ahead if you want to confirm what's available.

Is there a view worth the drive?

Yes, if you value the working waterfront. You are not paying for a fancy view — it's picnic tables and docks — but you are eating in a place that feels connected to the water and the fishing industry. That authenticity is part of the appeal.