Sweet Carolina's at Broadway at the Beach: Low Country Cooking and Coastal Views in Myrtle Beach
What Sweet Carolina's Offers
Sweet Carolina's is a casual restaurant at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach that serves Low Country and Southern coastal cuisine in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The menu centers on seafood, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and other dishes rooted in the Lowcountry tradition—the food culture of South Carolina's coastal regions. You'll find the restaurant on the ground level of the Broadway complex, which sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, so many tables have water views.
The restaurant's design reflects its setting: casual decor, open sightlines, and an atmosphere built for groups rather than quiet dinners. The bar runs along one side, and the dining room opens onto the Broadway at the Beach promenade, so you can watch foot traffic and water activity while you eat. Portions are generous, and the pace is unhurried—this is a place to settle in, not rush through.
Key Takeaways
- Sweet Carolina's specializes in Low Country seafood and Southern comfort food, with shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and fresh catch among the signature dishes.
- The restaurant sits at Broadway at the Beach, a major entertainment and dining complex on the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach.
- The casual, open dining room and bar make it well-suited for families, groups, and tourists looking for a relaxed meal without formality.
- Many tables overlook the waterway, and the restaurant opens onto the Broadway promenade, so you can combine dining with people-watching and shopping.
The Menu and What to Order
The menu leans heavily on seafood prepared in traditional Low Country style. Shrimp and grits—a signature dish of the region—appears in several forms, often with sautéed shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits, sometimes with a cream sauce or bacon. Fried shrimp, fried fish, and crab cakes are standard offerings, and the restaurant typically features a daily catch that changes based on what's available. Fried chicken rounds out the protein options for those who want something other than seafood.
Sides reflect Southern tradition: collard greens, mac and cheese, hushpuppies, and cornbread appear regularly. The restaurant also serves burgers, sandwiches, and lighter fare for diners who want something simpler. Desserts tend toward classics like pecan pie, sweet tea cake, and cobbler. The bar stocks beer, wine, and cocktails, with an emphasis on casual drinks rather than craft mixology.
Portions are large enough that many diners take leftovers home. Prices fall in the moderate range for a casual seafood restaurant in a tourist area—not budget dining, but not upscale either. The restaurant does not require reservations, though wait times can build during peak tourist season and weekend evenings.
Location and Hours at Broadway at the Beach
Sweet Carolina's occupies a ground-floor space at Broadway at the Beach, a 350-acre entertainment complex that opened in 1995 and has become one of Myrtle Beach's major gathering points. The complex includes restaurants, shops, arcades, attractions like a Ferris wheel and miniature golf, and a boardwalk along the Intracoastal Waterway. Parking is free and plentiful in the Broadway lots, and the restaurant is easy to find once you enter the complex.
Hours vary by season. During peak summer and holiday periods, the restaurant typically opens for lunch and dinner daily. In off-season months, hours may be shorter or the restaurant may close on certain days. It's worth checking ahead by phone or the Broadway at the Beach website before making a special trip during winter or early spring.
Why Broadway at the Beach Matters to Your Visit
Broadway at the Beach is not just a restaurant destination—it's a full entertainment ecosystem designed to keep visitors occupied for hours. The Ferris wheel offers views of the Intracoastal and surrounding area. Shops range from souvenir stores to apparel and home goods. The boardwalk itself is a social space where people stroll, watch boats, and take photos. If you're dining at Sweet Carolina's with family or a group, you can easily spend the afternoon or evening exploring the complex before or after your meal.
The location also makes Sweet Carolina's convenient if you're staying at one of the many hotels near Myrtle Beach's central tourist corridor. Broadway at the Beach is accessible from Highway 17 Business and is centrally located between the northern and southern ends of the Grand Strand. If you're planning a day that includes shopping, attractions, and dining, this complex allows you to do all three without moving your car.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Sweet Carolina's operates on a walk-in basis, so you enter, wait to be seated if there's a line, and order from your server. The atmosphere is casual and loud—expect background music, conversation, and the general hum of a busy restaurant. Service is friendly but not formal; servers are accustomed to tourists and families with children. The pace is relaxed, so don't expect quick turnover if you're in a hurry.
The restaurant is accessible from the Broadway promenade, and the dining room is open and easy to navigate. Restrooms are on-site. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, let your server know; they can describe how dishes are prepared and suggest modifications. The restaurant does not appear to have a separate kids' menu, but portions are large enough that children can share or order from the regular menu.
Nearby Dining and Entertainment Options
Sweet Carolina's is one of dozens of restaurants at Broadway at the Beach, so if your group has different tastes, alternatives are steps away. The complex includes seafood houses, steakhouses, casual chains, and ethnic cuisine. The Ferris wheel, arcade games, and miniature golf are all within the same complex. The Intracoastal Waterway boardwalk is free to walk and offers views and photo opportunities. Shops range from casual to upscale, so browsing is an option before or after your meal.
If you want to explore beyond Broadway, Barefoot Landing—another major entertainment complex—is about 10 minutes north in North Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, a newer public walkway with shops and restaurants, is about 5 minutes south. Both offer different atmospheres and dining options if you want to compare or plan multiple outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation at Sweet Carolina's?
No. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times—summer weekends, holidays, and peak tourist season—you may wait 15 to 45 minutes for a table. If you're visiting during a slower period, seating is usually immediate or a short wait.
Is Sweet Carolina's good for families with young children?
Yes. The casual atmosphere, large portions, and variety of menu options make it family-friendly. High chairs are available, and the open layout means children can move around without disturbing other diners. The restaurant is used to families and does not rush you out.
What is the parking situation at Broadway at the Beach?
Parking is free and plentiful in the Broadway at the Beach lots. You can park once and explore the entire complex without moving your car. The restaurant is easy to find from the parking areas, and the complex is designed for pedestrian traffic between shops, attractions, and restaurants.
Can I get Low Country food at Sweet Carolina's if I don't eat seafood?
Yes. The menu includes fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and other non-seafood options. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread are available regardless of your protein choice. Ask your server for recommendations if you want traditional Low Country flavors without seafood.
What time should I arrive to avoid a long wait?
Lunch typically has shorter waits than dinner, and weekday visits are usually faster than weekends. If you go between 11 a.m. and noon or between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., you'll likely avoid peak crowds. During summer and holidays, even off-peak times can be busy, so arriving early in the day is your best bet for minimal waiting.