HWY 1 Cafe': Low Country Cooking and Local Character in Pawleys Island

A casual spot for shrimp and grits on the Grand Strand

HWY 1 Cafe' sits on Highway 17 in Pawleys Island, a few miles north of Georgetown, and serves the kind of food that defines the Low Country—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried chicken, and fresh catch. The dining room is small and unpretentious, with the feel of a place that has been feeding locals and travelers for years. The menu leans on seafood and traditional Southern plates, and the portions are generous enough that you will likely have leftovers.

The cafe opens for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season. It is the kind of restaurant where the server knows what is fresh that day and will tell you straight if something is not worth ordering. Parking is available on-site, and the location on Highway 17 makes it easy to find if you are driving between Myrtle Beach and Charleston or exploring the quieter stretches of the Grand Strand.

Key Takeaways

• HWY 1 Cafe' specializes in Low Country seafood and traditional Southern cooking, with shrimp and grits and she-crab soup as standout dishes.
• The restaurant is located on Highway 17 in Pawleys Island, between Georgetown and the main Myrtle Beach tourist corridor.
• The dining room is casual and small, designed for a relaxed meal rather than a formal occasion.
• Hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead or checking their current schedule before you visit is worth the effort.

What to order and why

The shrimp and grits here arrive with a rich sauce and enough shrimp that the dish feels substantial. The she-crab soup is creamy and loaded with crab meat, not the thin, watered-down version you find at chain restaurants. If you are there for dinner, the fried chicken is crispy on the outside and tender inside, and the sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread—are made in-house rather than reheated.

Fresh catch changes based on what the boats bring in and what the season allows. The server will tell you what is available and how it is prepared that day. Desserts are simple—pecan pie, sweet tea cake, and other traditional Low Country sweets—and worth saving room for if you have the appetite.

The setting and atmosphere

HWY 1 Cafe' does not try to be fancy. The walls are decorated with local art and photographs, and the tables are close enough that you will overhear conversations at the next booth. On busy nights, there can be a wait, especially during the summer season and on weekends. The staff moves efficiently and keeps water glasses full, but this is not a place where you rush through your meal.

The restaurant draws a mix of locals, families, and travelers who have found their way off the main tourist strip. You might sit next to a retired couple who have been coming here for twenty years and a family visiting from out of state. That mix is part of what makes the place feel authentic to the area.

Location and how to get there

HWY 1 Cafe' is located on Highway 17 in Pawleys Island, roughly fifteen miles south of Myrtle Beach and about twenty miles north of Georgetown. If you are driving from Myrtle Beach, take Highway 17 south toward Georgetown; the cafe is on your right. From Charleston, take Highway 17 north toward Myrtle Beach; it is on your left. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

The location puts it in the heart of the Grand Strand's quieter side. Pawleys Island itself is known for its laid-back beach culture and historic character, and the cafe fits that mood. If you are exploring the area, you can combine a meal here with a walk on the beach or a visit to nearby shops and galleries.

When to visit and what to expect

Lunch is typically lighter and faster than dinner, with sandwiches and salads alongside the traditional plates. Dinner is when the full menu shines, and the kitchen takes more time with each plate. The cafe is busier during the summer months and on weekends year-round, so if you prefer a quieter meal, weekday lunch or early dinner is your best bet.

The restaurant is closed on certain holidays and may have reduced hours during the off-season. Calling ahead to confirm hours and ask about any specials is a good idea, especially if you are traveling from a distance. The staff can also tell you if there are any menu items that are particularly good that day.

Why this matters to the Low Country food scene

HWY 1 Cafe' represents the kind of restaurant that keeps Low Country cooking alive in a region increasingly dominated by chain restaurants and tourist-focused establishments. It is run by people who know the food, source from local suppliers when possible, and cook to please regulars rather than to maximize turnover. That approach means the food tastes like it belongs here, not like it was designed in a corporate kitchen.

The cafe is also a gathering place for the community. You will see the same faces over time, and the staff remembers what you ordered last time. That continuity and care is harder to find than it should be, and it is worth seeking out when you find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not always required, but calling ahead during busy times—weekends and summer evenings—is a good idea. If you show up without one, you may wait, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The staff can tell you over the phone how long the wait is likely to be.

Is HWY 1 Cafe' good for families with kids?

Yes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the menu has options beyond the fancy Low Country dishes. Kids often do well with the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and other comfort food sides. The staff is used to families and moves at a pace that works for them.

What if I do not eat seafood?

The menu includes fried chicken, pork chops, and other non-seafood entrees. The sides are substantial enough that you can build a satisfying meal around them. Tell your server what you do not eat, and they can point you toward the best options.

Is the cafe open year-round?

Yes, but hours change seasonally. Summer hours are typically longer, and winter hours may be shorter. Some holidays may result in closures. Calling or checking their current schedule before you visit is the safest approach.

How far is HWY 1 Cafe' from Myrtle Beach?

It is about fifteen miles south of central Myrtle Beach, roughly a twenty-minute drive depending on traffic. It is far enough away to feel like a local spot rather than part of the tourist corridor, but close enough to reach easily if you are staying in the Myrtle Beach area.