Top 10 Family Restaurants Near South Myrtle Beach

Finding great food is part of every beach vacation. When you stay near Ocean Lakes Family Campground®, you are close to some of the best local dining spots on the Grand Strand. From seafood by the water to pancake breakfasts and casual burger joints, there are plenty of options for every age and appetite. This guide highlights some of the top family restaurants South Myrtle Beach visitors love most.

Whether you want a quick lunch between pool breaks or a fun dinner after a beach day, these restaurants make family dining simple and unique.

The “Walkable” Winner: Sandy Harbor Café (On-Site)

Sometimes the best meal is the one closest to your beach chair. Sandy Harbor Café, located inside the Camptown Center at Ocean Lakes Family Campground®, makes it easy to grab lunch or dessert without leaving the property.

Families love the burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries. The famous “Peachy Peach” ice cream is also a favorite after a hot afternoon at the water park.

This is one of the best places to eat near Ocean Lakes when you want convenience and a relaxed poolside meal.

Best For: Quick meals, snacks, and ice cream breaks.

The Italian Feast: Angelo’s Steak and Pasta

Angelo’s Steak and Pasta has been a Myrtle Beach favorite for years. Known for its Italian buffet and hearty steaks, this restaurant works well for larger groups with different tastes.

Kids can enjoy pasta, pizza, and breadsticks while adults order one of the restaurant’s well-known steaks. The casual setting makes dinner stress-free for parents traveling with younger children.

Best For: Large family dinners and Italian comfort food.

Breakfast of Champions: Eggs Up Grill (Surfside Beach)

A beach vacation usually starts with breakfast, and Eggs Up Grill in Surfside Beach delivers exactly what families want. The menu includes pancakes, waffles, omelets, breakfast bowls, and endless fresh coffee.

The relaxed atmosphere and quick service make it one of the top kid-friendly restaurants Surfside Beach visitors recommend. Portions are generous, which is helpful for families preparing for a full beach day.

Best For: Breakfast before heading to the beach.

Seafood with a View: Garden City Pier

Garden City Pier combines fresh seafood with ocean views and family entertainment. Parents can enjoy live music while kids explore the arcade or watch people fish from the pier.

Menu favorites include shrimp baskets, fish tacos, crab cakes, and fried seafood platters. The open-air seating creates a fun coastal dining experience without feeling too formal.

Best For: Casual seafood dinners with entertainment nearby.

The Southern Experience: Simply Southern Smokehouse

Simply Southern Smokehouse offers classic Southern cooking in a relaxed buffet setting. Fried chicken, barbecue, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet tea keep families coming back year after year.

The buffet style works especially well for multigenerational groups because everyone can find something they enjoy. It is also one of the more budget-friendly dining choices in the area.

Best For: Southern comfort food and value-friendly meals.

Interactive Fun: DinoLand Café

DinoLand Café turns dinner into an adventure. Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs move throughout the restaurant while sound effects and themed décor keep kids entertained from start to finish.

The menu features burgers, sandwiches, seafood, salads, and kid-friendly favorites. Families with younger children often make this a must-visit stop during their trip.

Best For: Families with toddlers and dinosaur fans.

The MarshWalk Choice: Drunken Jack’s (Murrells Inlet)

Drunken Jack’s is a longtime seafood restaurant located along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Families enjoy watching boats pass by while dining on fresh seafood and Lowcountry specialties.

One of the biggest attractions for children is nearby Goat Island, where goats roam along the marsh. The combination of waterfront scenery and local seafood creates a memorable dinner outing.

Ocean Lakes Team Favorites

Want to find our team enjoying a meal near Ocean Lakes Family Campground®? You’ll likely find us at one of these Myrtle Beach family-friendly restaurants:

• Crabby Mikes: Whether or not your kids are seafood eaters, they’ll find something to enjoy from the huge buffet of all-you-can-eat favorites. Kids and adults alike will feel transported to the ocean by the decor. You’re guaranteed to have fun together!
• California Dreaming: This well-known restaurant and bar finds its perfect home in Surfside Beach, right down the road from Ocean Lakes Family Campground®. It’s the perfect welcoming family vibe for kids who want a reliable favorite.
• Carolina Roadhouse: Carolina Roadhouse is perfect for families and groups with polished interiors and quality food that’s still not fussy. For parents, the wraparound bar delivers delicious drinks while the kids will always remember the delicious rolls and fries. It’s a great choice for groups or older kids too!
• Murrell’s Inlet at Marsh Walk: If you’re looking to explore the options beyond Drunken Jack’s, you’ll find whatever you want at the Murrell’s Inlet Marsh Walk. The wood-fired pizzas at Bovine’s are a can’t miss! And The Wicked Tuna offers a quintessential waterfront experience.

Best Burger Spot: River City Café

River City Café keeps things casual and fun. Peanut shells on the floor, beach-themed décor, and oversized burgers create a laid-back atmosphere that families appreciate after a long beach day.

The menu includes burgers, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Kids enjoy the relaxed environment, and parents appreciate the quick service and large portions.

Best For: Casual lunches and classic burgers.

Quick Reference Table: Dining by Category

Final Thoughts

South Myrtle Beach offers dining options for every family, budget, and craving. Whether you want seafood by the water, Southern barbecue, Italian comfort food, or a quick burger after the beach, these restaurants help make vacation memories even better.

When you stay near Ocean Lakes Family Campground®, great meals are always just a short drive away.

Why Book Your Ocean Lakes Rental with Ocean Lakes Properties?

Choosing the right vacation rental matters just as much as choosing the right restaurant. Ocean Lakes Properties® is the official booking site for Ocean Lakes Properties and provides a 100% scam-free guarantee for every reservation.

Guests staying in our Ocean Lakes rentals enjoy easy access to dining, beach activities, water attractions, and entertainment throughout the Myrtle Beach area. From family reunions to summer vacations, Ocean Lakes Properties helps visitors find comfortable homes that fit every travel style and group size.

As a family-owned company connected to Ocean Lakes Family Campground, the team focuses on personalized service and making vacations simple from start to finish.

Welcome to your happy place.

Sources

• Ocean Lakes Family Campground®
• Angelo’s Steak and Pasta
• Eggs Up Grill
• Garden City Pier
• Simply Southern Smokehouse
• DinoLand Café
• Drunken Jack’s
• River City Café