Grand Strand Restaurant Scene Flourishes in 2024

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is experiencing a culinary boom in 2024 with the opening of several new restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. Notable newcomers like Zeytin, Nine Spices, and Boteco VIP are quickly gaining popularity among locals and tourists. While the restaurant scene thrives, the area also faced some closures this year, marking a mixed landscape. With more dining options emerging, Myrtle Beach is sure to delight food enthusiasts looking for fresh experiences in the vibrant restaurant scene.

Grand Strand’s Restaurant Scene Rocks in 2024!

Myrtle Beach is buzzing like never before as the area welcomes a wave of new dining spots that are sure to please both tourists and locals alike. With dozens of fresh options popping up this year, eaters have plenty to be excited about. From casual bites to fancy feasts, 2024 is turning out to be the year of the restaurant!

New Eateries in Town

One of the most talked-about newcomers is Zeytin, which opened its doors in April 2024. This gem specializes in Mediterranean-style breakfast and lunch, and it has quickly gained a loyal following. Patrons rave about their sujuk—a flavorful Turkish sausage—paired with eggs, along with their delightful Turkish coffee and lahmacun, a savory thin pie topped with ground beef and onions. The warm and inviting atmosphere only adds to the experience, making it a must-visit!

Hot on Zeytin’s heels is Nine Spices, a recently opened buffet-style hot pot restaurant that has already become a local favorite. It launched just last month and brings a delightful mix of barbecue and seafood along with signature drinks and even karaoke! This place is best known for its Korean-style barbecue and sashimi, with diners singing its praises for the abundance of delicious options that make every visit an adventure.

A Taste of Fusion

In the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, Boteco VIP swung open its doors in October 2024. This unique eatery fuses Brazilian and American flavors, offering a vibrant ambiance and delectable dishes like juicy steak and traditional feijoada, a comforting pork and black bean stew. It’s the kind of spot where every meal feels special!

Another new contender is Flavor Hills, an exciting expansion from the popular Raleigh restaurant that also opened in October 2024. Known for its modern take on southern comfort food, expect to find delicious catfish and grits, sweet potato cornbread, and mouthwatering soul rolls on the menu. Comfort food just got an upgrade!

For seafood enthusiasts, Neal’s Creekhouse is making waves after its debut in March 2024 in Murrells Inlet. This restaurant quickly caught on thanks to its stellar flounder, addictive beignets, and classic shrimp and grits. It’s clear that diners are loving this homage to the beloved Neal and Pam’s Bar & Grill.

Restaurant Struggles

But while Myrtle Beach celebrates new eateries, the scene has also seen some notable closures this year. Throughout 2024, a total of 27 restaurants have shut their doors, leaving some big gaps in the dining landscape. Many of these closures were attributed to financial struggles, owners wanting more family time, or just uncertainty without explanations. Local favorites such as A to Z Chillin-N-Grillin and the Big Easy Diner were among those that said goodbye.

Sadly, we also bid adieu to the TGI Fridays locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach due to bankruptcy. Additionally, both Grand Strand Walk-On’s locations unexpectedly closed this year without much insight into their reasons. Even Klocker’s Tavern faced a tragic fate after a shooting incident, leading to its closure as well.

In May 2024, World of Beer in North Myrtle Beach closed, but there’s a silver lining as the space has been transformed into the Cape Fear Seafood Company.

What’s Next for Grand Strand?

Despite the ups and downs of the restaurant scene, it’s clear that Grand Strand continues to thrive. With more openings than closures and diverse dining options sprouting up, both locals and tourists will have plenty of places to explore and enjoy. Who knows what tasty new experiences await around the next corner? One thing is for certain: the culinary adventure in Myrtle Beach is just getting started. So, grab your appetite and get ready to dive into the delicious dining delights that 2024 offers!