Tiki Hut Lakeside Grill in Myrtle Beach: Waterfront Dining and Island Drinks

What Tiki Hut Lakeside Grill offers

Tiki Hut Lakeside Grill is a casual waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach, built around the tiki bar concept but functioning as a full-service dining spot. You can sit at the bar itself for tropical cocktails and appetizers, or claim a table on the covered deck overlooking the water. The menu centers on seafood and sandwiches—shrimp, fish tacos, burgers, wings—the kind of food that pairs with a frozen drink and doesn't demand much ceremony.

The draw here is the setting and the atmosphere more than haute cuisine. The tiki aesthetic is genuine to the space: thatch, bamboo, and island-themed décor create the feeling of being somewhere warmer and less landlocked than South Carolina. On warm evenings, the open-air sections fill quickly, and the bar staff mix drinks with the speed of a place that knows its crowd.

Key Takeaways

• Tiki Hut sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with covered and open-air seating, so you can watch boat traffic while you eat.
• The bar specializes in tropical and frozen cocktails, but the kitchen serves full meals including seafood, sandwiches, and appetizers.
• Casual dress and walk-in traffic are the norm; reservations are not required but can help during peak summer season.
• The restaurant operates year-round, though hours and crowd levels shift between the busy summer tourist season and quieter winter months.

The bar and drink menu

The cocktail list leans into the tiki playbook: mai tais, piña coladas, rum punches, and house specials with names that match the theme. Many drinks come frozen or blended, and the bar will make variations if you ask. Prices run higher than a neighborhood bar but lower than upscale resort venues—expect to pay $12 to $18 for most cocktails. Beer and wine are also available, and non-alcoholic tropical drinks exist for those who want the aesthetic without the alcohol.

The bar itself is the social center of the space. If you're alone or with one other person, sitting at the bar puts you in the flow of the restaurant and gives you a view of the water and the bartenders at work. During happy hour, which runs at different times depending on the season, drink prices drop and appetizer specials appear.

Food and dining options

The kitchen handles seafood competently without pretension. Fried shrimp, fish tacos, and blackened fish sandwiches are staples. Wings, nachos, and fried pickles round out the appetizer side. Burgers and chicken sandwiches serve the people who came for the bar but want something familiar to eat. Entrees typically cost $14 to $22, and portions are generous enough that you won't leave hungry.

The menu changes seasonally and sometimes reflects what's fresh or what the kitchen is experimenting with. Specials rotate, so asking your server or bartender what's good that day often yields better results than sticking to the printed menu. The pace of service is relaxed—this is not a place to rush through a meal—but staff are attentive and know the menu well.

Waterfront location and views

Tiki Hut's position on the Intracoastal Waterway is its strongest asset. The covered deck extends over the water, and you can watch fishing boats, sailboats, and pleasure cruisers pass while you eat. At sunset, the light across the water is worth timing your visit for. The restaurant is accessible by car from Highway 17 Business in Myrtle Beach, with parking in a lot adjacent to the building.

The Intracoastal itself is a working waterway, not a pristine natural preserve, so you're watching commercial and recreational traffic rather than wildlife. That said, the energy of the water—boats coming and going, the sound of water and motors—adds life to the dining experience that you wouldn't get in an inland restaurant.

When to visit and what to expect

Summer (June through August) brings the heaviest crowds, especially on weekends and evenings. Arrive early or late if you want a quieter experience, or embrace the energy and come when the bar is full. Winter months are calmer, and you can often get a table immediately. Spring and fall are sweet spots—warm enough to enjoy the outdoor seating, but not overwhelmed with tourists.

Dress code is casual; beach attire and flip-flops are fine. The restaurant draws a mix of locals, tourists, and families with older children. It's not a late-night party venue, though the bar does stay open into the evening. Hours vary by season, so calling ahead or checking online before a winter visit is wise.

Parking and access

Parking is available in a dedicated lot at the restaurant. During peak summer season, the lot can fill, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. If the lot is full, street parking is sometimes available on nearby roads, though it's limited. The restaurant is not walkable from most Myrtle Beach hotels, so you'll need a car or ride-share to get there.

The building itself is accessible for people with mobility issues, with ramps and accessible restrooms. The covered deck and open-air sections are on the same level, so you're not navigating stairs to reach most seating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. During summer weekends and holidays, arriving early or calling ahead to check wait times is smart. Off-season, you can usually sit down immediately.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Tiki Hut is family-friendly during the day and early evening. The menu includes options for kids, and the casual atmosphere accommodates families. Later in the evening, the bar crowd grows and the vibe becomes more adult-oriented.

Is there live music or entertainment?

The restaurant sometimes hosts live music or DJs, especially during summer season and on weekends. Check their social media or call ahead to find out what's scheduled for the day you're planning to visit.

What's the best time to catch the sunset?

Sunset times vary by season, but generally occur between 5 p.m. in winter and 8:30 p.m. in summer. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset gives you time to order and settle in before the light is best.

Is there a happy hour?

Yes, though the specific times change seasonally. Call the restaurant or check their website for current happy hour hours, which typically include drink specials and reduced-price appetizers.