All about food in Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Of course! Grab a napkin, pull up a chair, and get ready to taste the essence of Surfside Beach, South Carolina. This isn't just a list of places to eat; it's a culinary tour, a love letter to the flavors that define this sunny, laid-back slice of the Grand Strand. From the salt-kissed air to the sound of crashing waves, every meal here comes with a side of vacation vibes. Let's dive in, one delicious bite at a time.
***
### **A Foodie's Guide to Surfside Beach: Ten Must-Visit Eateries and What to Order**
Welcome, hungry travelers and local gourmands, to Surfside Beach—a place where flip-flops are acceptable footwear for any restaurant and the pace of life is measured by the tide. The dining scene here is a beautiful reflection of the town itself: family-friendly, unpretentious, and bursting with flavor. We’re about to embark on a gastronomic journey through ten iconic spots that are the heart and soul of this community. Forget calorie counting; we’re here for memory making.
#### **1. Surfside Beach Pizza: The Slice of the Beach**
**Location:** 821 Surfside Dr
Let's start with a cornerstone of any great beach town: the pizza joint. Surfside Beach Pizza isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. The moment you step inside, you’re hit with the quintessential aroma of baking dough, simmering garlic, and sweet tomato sauce—a scent that promises comfort and satisfaction.
The vibe is pure, unadulterated beach casual. It’s the kind of place where families fresh from the sand, still in their swimsuits, gather around red-checkered tablecloths to refuel. The walls are likely adorned with local memorabilia, and the hum of conversation is always lively.
**What to Order:** While their menu covers all the Italian-American classics, you come here for the pie.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Supreme Pizza**. This is the masterpiece. It’s a glorious, loaded feast on a crispy-yet-chewy crust. We’re talking generous layers of pepperoni, savory Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all blanketed by a perfect ratio of gooey mozzarella and robust tomato sauce. Each slice is a complete meal, a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies the hearty, no-fuss goodness of beach pizza.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you’re dining with a group, get a large Supreme and a order of their **Garlic Knots**. These soft, doughy pillows, dripping with garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley and parmesan, are legendary. They are the perfect start to your meal, or a delicious side for dipping into any leftover pizza sauce.
This is the place for a noisy, joyful, sauce-on-your-chin kind of meal. It’s the essence of Surfside.
#### **2. Family Barn- Surfside Beach: Home-Style Comfort on the Highway**
**Location:** 700 Hwy-17 N
Don’t let the unassuming location on busy Highway 17 fool you. The Family Barn is a treasure trove of Southern home cooking. As the name implies, it feels like a warm, welcoming barn, with a down-home atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating at your grandmother’s house—if your grandmother was an incredible cook with a massive kitchen.
This is where you go for breakfast all day and classic blue-plate specials. The service is fast and friendly, the coffee is always hot, and the portions are designed to keep you full from a morning of fishing to an afternoon of lounging.
**What to Order:** You’re here for breakfast, pure and simple.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Country Fried Steak Breakfast**. This dish is a monument to comfort food. A tenderized steak, breaded and fried to a golden brown, is smothered in a rich, creamy, peppery white gravy. It comes with two eggs (cooked any way you like, but over-easy is recommended for yolk-dipping), a mountain of crispy hash browns or grits, and your choice of a fluffy biscuit or toast. It’s a hearty, soul-satisfying plate that will fuel your entire day.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you have a sweet tooth, their **Pancakes** are phenomenal—light, fluffy, and as big as the plate. Add a side of crispy bacon for the perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
The Family Barn is a testament to the fact that the best meals are often the simplest, made with care and served with a smile.
#### **3. Surfside Charlies: Where the Locals Hang**
**Location:** 800 Highway 17 S
If you want to find the pulse of Surfside Beach, you head to Surfside Charlies. This isn't a fancy spot; it's a beloved local dive bar and grill that serves up seriously good food alongside cold beers and great company. The atmosphere is buzzing, with sports on the TVs, the clack of pool balls in the background, and the easy laughter of regulars who all know each other.
It’s the kind of place where you can come for a quick lunch, get talking to someone, and suddenly realize you’ve been there for three hours. The menu is packed with bar food classics, but executed with a level of quality that keeps people coming back.
**What to Order:** You need something that pairs perfectly with a cold draft beer.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich**. This isn't just any chicken sandwich. It features a juicy, hand-breaded chicken breast, fried to perfection and tossed in your choice of buffalo sauce (go for the classic medium-hot for the ideal kick). It’s served crisp and hot on a soft bun with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and a slice of lettuce and tomato to cut through the heat. It’s messy, it’s tangy, it’s spicy, and it’s absolutely perfect.
* **Pro-Tip:** Start with an order of their **Onion Rings**. They’re homemade with a thick, crunchy beer-batter coating that shatters when you bite into it, revealing sweet, tender onion inside. They are arguably some of the best in the Grand Strand.
Surfside Charlies is about the experience as much as the food. Come for the sandwich, stay for the vibe.
#### **4. Kobe Express: Quick, Flavorful, and Fantastic**
**Location:** 1610 F, US-17 BUS
Sometimes you need a meal that’s fast, healthy-ish, and exploding with flavor. Enter Kobe Express, your go-to for a quick Japanese and Chinese fix without sacrificing quality. The setup is efficient counter service: you choose your base (rice, noodles), your protein, and your sauce, and they whip it up fresh right in front of you on a massive griddle.
The result is a customized, steaming-hot plate of food that’s ready in minutes. It’s a fantastic option for families with picky eaters or anyone looking for a satisfying meal on the go.
**What to Order:** The beauty is in the customization, but there’s a winning combination.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Yum Yum Sauce**. This is the crowd-pleaser. Tender chunks of chicken are grilled with a medley of onions, zucchini, and carrots until slightly caramelized and smoky. It’s all tossed together with flavorful fried rice and then the pièce de résistance: a generous drizzle of that iconic, pink, creamy, and slightly sweet Yum Yum sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami that is utterly addictive.
* **Pro-Tip:** Ask for a side of their **Teriyaki Sauce** and add a few dumplings to your order. The combination of the sweet teriyaki and the creamy Yum Yum sauce is a next-level flavor experience.
Kobe Express proves that fast food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a flavor explosion in a convenient box.
#### **5. MeyerS Ice Cream: The Sweetest Stretch of the Journey**
**Location:** 1906 Hwy 17 N
No culinary tour is complete without dessert, and in Surfside Beach, that means a pilgrimage to MeyerS Ice Cream. This charming, old-school ice cream parlor is a beacon of joy. The second you walk in, you’re a kid again, faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing from dozens of homemade flavors displayed in classic glass freezer cases.
The atmosphere is bright, cheerful, and often bustling with families celebrating a day at the beach or couples enjoying a sweet evening treat. The smell of waffle cones wafts through the air, and the servers are always generous with samples.
**What to Order:** This is tough, but you can’t go wrong with a classic.
* **The Must-Try:** **A Waffle Cone with Salted Caramel Ice Cream**. Their homemade salted caramel is a masterpiece. It’s a deep, rich, buttery caramel ice cream with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, often rippled with even more gooey caramel sauce. Served in a fresh, crispy, and warm waffle cone, it’s pure bliss. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream with the sweet, crunchy cone is a textural dream.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you’re feeling indulgent, get it as part of a **Sundae**. Add some hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry for the ultimate ice cream experience. Their seasonal flavors are also always worth asking about!
MeyerS is the happy ending to any Surfside Beach day. It’s a tradition, and for good reason.
#### **6. Kings Sushi: An Unexpected Gem of Precision and Flavor**
**Location:** 112 US-17 BUS
Perhaps you’ve had your fill of burgers and fries and are craving something more refined. Tucked away on the business highway is Kings Sushi, a sushi bar that rivals the quality you’d find in a much larger city. The atmosphere is modern, clean, and intimate—a quiet respite from the beach bustle.
Whether you sit at the sushi bar and watch the chefs artfully assemble each roll or grab a quiet booth, you’re in for a treat. The fish is consistently fresh, and the presentation is beautiful.
**What to Order:** Be adventurous and try one of their specialty rolls.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Surfside Roll**. A specialty roll named for the beach? You have to try it. While the exact ingredients can vary, expect something that reflects its coastal home—think fresh crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber inside, topped with slices of vibrant tuna or salmon, and a drizzle of a signature sauce like a spicy mayo or eel sauce. It’s a complex, fresh, and satisfying roll that showcases the chef’s skill.
* **Pro-Tip:** Start with a simple order of **Sashimi**, like salmon or tuna, to truly appreciate the quality and freshness of the fish. Pair your meal with a hot sake or a Japanese beer for the full experience.
Kings Sushi is proof that Surfside Beach’s dining scene has delicious depth and pleasant surprises around every corner.
#### **7. Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar: Stacked High with Good Times**
**Location:** 600 US-17 BUS
Craving a massive sandwich and a game on TV? Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar is your spot. Named after the comic strip character famous for his enormous sandwiches, this place lives up to its name. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia, and the energy is always high, especially when a big game is on.
It’s a classic American sports bar where the focus is on good food, cold drinks, and camaraderie. The menu is a love letter to the art of the sandwich, with countless combinations and a build your own option.
**What to Order:** Go big or go home.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Dagwood Club**. This is the titan of the menu. Layers upon layers of turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss and American cheeses, lettuce, tomato, and mayo are stacked high on your choice of bread (toasted wheat is a great choice). It’s a towering achievement of flavor and texture—salty, smoky, creamy, and fresh all in one monstrous bite. It’s served with a side of fries or potato salad, making it a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
* **Pro-Tip:** Check their daily specials board. They often have great deals on wings and pitchers of beer, making it the perfect place for a group to gather for lunch or dinner.
Dagwood’s is where you go to cheer on your team, share a laugh with friends, and tackle a sandwich that requires strategic eating. It’s a blast.
#### **8. Bruiser's Burgers: The Patty Paradise**
**Location:** 317 US-17 BUS
For the burger purists and enthusiasts, Bruiser's Burgers is a destination. This no-frills, dedicated burger joint is all about one thing: crafting the perfect hamburger. The atmosphere is straightforward and focused—the smell of sizzling beef patties on a flat-top grill is the dominant decor.
You can tell a lot about a place by its simplicity. Here, the menu is mostly various burger combinations, and they do them exceptionally well. The beef is juicy, the toppings are fresh, and the buns are soft and toasted.
**What to Order:** Keep it classic.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Cheeseburger All The Way**. This is the benchmark. A perfectly grilled, juicy beef patty is topped with melted American cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, ripe tomato, diced onions, pickles, and their signature sauce on a soft, toasted bun. It’s a messy, hands-on affair that exemplifies what a great burger should be: simple, high-quality, and deeply satisfying. The balance of flavors and textures is impeccable.
* **Pro-Tip:** Add a side of their **Crinkle-Cut Fries**. They’re the classic, salty, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fries that are the undeniable perfect companion to any burger. Dip them in ketchup or a side of their special sauce.
Bruiser’s is a temple to the humble burger, and it deserves your devotion.
#### **9. Borgata of Surfside: A Cozy Taste of Italy**
**Location:** 813 Surfside Dr
Just down the road from Surfside Beach Pizza is another Italian gem, but with a distinctly different vibe. Borgata of Surfside offers a more intimate, cozy, and traditionally Italian dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and checkered tablecloths, perfect for a date night or a nice family dinner.
The menu features classic Italian-American dishes, from pastas and parms to seafood and veal. The portions are generous, the sauces are simmered for hours, and the garlic bread is irresistible.
**What to Order:** You can’t miss with the classics.
* **The Must-Try:** **Chicken Parmesan**. This is the ultimate test of an Italian kitchen, and Borgata’s version is superb. A tender chicken breast is pounded thin, breaded, and fried until golden, then smothered in a tangy, herbaceous marinara sauce and covered with a blanket of melted, bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s served alongside a mountain of perfectly cooked spaghetti, also ladled with that wonderful sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and executed flawlessly.
* **Pro-Tip:** Absolutely start with a half-order of the **Baked Ziti** as an appetizer to share. It’s a cheesy, saucy, baked-to-perfection preview of the deliciousness to come.
Borgata provides a warm, sit-down Italian experience that feels like a hug from the inside.
#### **10. Southern Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Finale**
**Location:** 1012 US-17 BUS
We end our tour where all great Southern food journeys should: with perfectly fried chicken. Southern Chicken is a no-nonsense establishment dedicated to the art of the fryer. The air is thick with the unmistakable, mouth-watering aroma of chicken frying to a crispy, golden brown.
This is takeout comfort food at its finest. The focus is entirely on the quality of the chicken and the sides—the holy trinity of any Southern meal.
**What to Order:** Get the classic box meal.
* **The Must-Try:** **The 2-Piece Dark Meat Dinner**. Ask for a thigh and a drumstick. The chicken is the star—the crust is shatteringly crisp, well-seasoned, and not greasy, while the meat inside is incredibly juicy and flavorful. This dinner comes with two classic sides and a fluffy biscuit.
* **Pro-Tip:** For your sides, you must get the **Macaroni and Cheese** (creamy, cheesy, and baked) and the **Collard Greens** (slow-cooked with a hint of smoke and vinegar). The combination of the rich mac, the tangy greens, and the savory chicken is the definitive taste of the South. Don’t forget to drizzle a little hot sauce over everything!
Southern Chicken is the perfect, satisfying end to our tour—a simple, glorious meal that speaks directly to the soul.
***
From the first cheesy bite of pizza to the last lick of ice cream, Surfside Beach offers a culinary landscape as warm and inviting as its sunny shores. It’s a place where food is about connection, comfort, and celebration. So explore, eat heartily, and savor every delicious moment. Your taste buds will thank you
***
### **A Foodie's Guide to Surfside Beach: Ten Must-Visit Eateries and What to Order**
Welcome, hungry travelers and local gourmands, to Surfside Beach—a place where flip-flops are acceptable footwear for any restaurant and the pace of life is measured by the tide. The dining scene here is a beautiful reflection of the town itself: family-friendly, unpretentious, and bursting with flavor. We’re about to embark on a gastronomic journey through ten iconic spots that are the heart and soul of this community. Forget calorie counting; we’re here for memory making.
#### **1. Surfside Beach Pizza: The Slice of the Beach**
**Location:** 821 Surfside Dr
Let's start with a cornerstone of any great beach town: the pizza joint. Surfside Beach Pizza isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. The moment you step inside, you’re hit with the quintessential aroma of baking dough, simmering garlic, and sweet tomato sauce—a scent that promises comfort and satisfaction.
The vibe is pure, unadulterated beach casual. It’s the kind of place where families fresh from the sand, still in their swimsuits, gather around red-checkered tablecloths to refuel. The walls are likely adorned with local memorabilia, and the hum of conversation is always lively.
**What to Order:** While their menu covers all the Italian-American classics, you come here for the pie.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Supreme Pizza**. This is the masterpiece. It’s a glorious, loaded feast on a crispy-yet-chewy crust. We’re talking generous layers of pepperoni, savory Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all blanketed by a perfect ratio of gooey mozzarella and robust tomato sauce. Each slice is a complete meal, a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies the hearty, no-fuss goodness of beach pizza.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you’re dining with a group, get a large Supreme and a order of their **Garlic Knots**. These soft, doughy pillows, dripping with garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley and parmesan, are legendary. They are the perfect start to your meal, or a delicious side for dipping into any leftover pizza sauce.
This is the place for a noisy, joyful, sauce-on-your-chin kind of meal. It’s the essence of Surfside.
#### **2. Family Barn- Surfside Beach: Home-Style Comfort on the Highway**
**Location:** 700 Hwy-17 N
Don’t let the unassuming location on busy Highway 17 fool you. The Family Barn is a treasure trove of Southern home cooking. As the name implies, it feels like a warm, welcoming barn, with a down-home atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating at your grandmother’s house—if your grandmother was an incredible cook with a massive kitchen.
This is where you go for breakfast all day and classic blue-plate specials. The service is fast and friendly, the coffee is always hot, and the portions are designed to keep you full from a morning of fishing to an afternoon of lounging.
**What to Order:** You’re here for breakfast, pure and simple.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Country Fried Steak Breakfast**. This dish is a monument to comfort food. A tenderized steak, breaded and fried to a golden brown, is smothered in a rich, creamy, peppery white gravy. It comes with two eggs (cooked any way you like, but over-easy is recommended for yolk-dipping), a mountain of crispy hash browns or grits, and your choice of a fluffy biscuit or toast. It’s a hearty, soul-satisfying plate that will fuel your entire day.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you have a sweet tooth, their **Pancakes** are phenomenal—light, fluffy, and as big as the plate. Add a side of crispy bacon for the perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
The Family Barn is a testament to the fact that the best meals are often the simplest, made with care and served with a smile.
#### **3. Surfside Charlies: Where the Locals Hang**
**Location:** 800 Highway 17 S
If you want to find the pulse of Surfside Beach, you head to Surfside Charlies. This isn't a fancy spot; it's a beloved local dive bar and grill that serves up seriously good food alongside cold beers and great company. The atmosphere is buzzing, with sports on the TVs, the clack of pool balls in the background, and the easy laughter of regulars who all know each other.
It’s the kind of place where you can come for a quick lunch, get talking to someone, and suddenly realize you’ve been there for three hours. The menu is packed with bar food classics, but executed with a level of quality that keeps people coming back.
**What to Order:** You need something that pairs perfectly with a cold draft beer.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich**. This isn't just any chicken sandwich. It features a juicy, hand-breaded chicken breast, fried to perfection and tossed in your choice of buffalo sauce (go for the classic medium-hot for the ideal kick). It’s served crisp and hot on a soft bun with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and a slice of lettuce and tomato to cut through the heat. It’s messy, it’s tangy, it’s spicy, and it’s absolutely perfect.
* **Pro-Tip:** Start with an order of their **Onion Rings**. They’re homemade with a thick, crunchy beer-batter coating that shatters when you bite into it, revealing sweet, tender onion inside. They are arguably some of the best in the Grand Strand.
Surfside Charlies is about the experience as much as the food. Come for the sandwich, stay for the vibe.
#### **4. Kobe Express: Quick, Flavorful, and Fantastic**
**Location:** 1610 F, US-17 BUS
Sometimes you need a meal that’s fast, healthy-ish, and exploding with flavor. Enter Kobe Express, your go-to for a quick Japanese and Chinese fix without sacrificing quality. The setup is efficient counter service: you choose your base (rice, noodles), your protein, and your sauce, and they whip it up fresh right in front of you on a massive griddle.
The result is a customized, steaming-hot plate of food that’s ready in minutes. It’s a fantastic option for families with picky eaters or anyone looking for a satisfying meal on the go.
**What to Order:** The beauty is in the customization, but there’s a winning combination.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Yum Yum Sauce**. This is the crowd-pleaser. Tender chunks of chicken are grilled with a medley of onions, zucchini, and carrots until slightly caramelized and smoky. It’s all tossed together with flavorful fried rice and then the pièce de résistance: a generous drizzle of that iconic, pink, creamy, and slightly sweet Yum Yum sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami that is utterly addictive.
* **Pro-Tip:** Ask for a side of their **Teriyaki Sauce** and add a few dumplings to your order. The combination of the sweet teriyaki and the creamy Yum Yum sauce is a next-level flavor experience.
Kobe Express proves that fast food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a flavor explosion in a convenient box.
#### **5. MeyerS Ice Cream: The Sweetest Stretch of the Journey**
**Location:** 1906 Hwy 17 N
No culinary tour is complete without dessert, and in Surfside Beach, that means a pilgrimage to MeyerS Ice Cream. This charming, old-school ice cream parlor is a beacon of joy. The second you walk in, you’re a kid again, faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing from dozens of homemade flavors displayed in classic glass freezer cases.
The atmosphere is bright, cheerful, and often bustling with families celebrating a day at the beach or couples enjoying a sweet evening treat. The smell of waffle cones wafts through the air, and the servers are always generous with samples.
**What to Order:** This is tough, but you can’t go wrong with a classic.
* **The Must-Try:** **A Waffle Cone with Salted Caramel Ice Cream**. Their homemade salted caramel is a masterpiece. It’s a deep, rich, buttery caramel ice cream with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, often rippled with even more gooey caramel sauce. Served in a fresh, crispy, and warm waffle cone, it’s pure bliss. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream with the sweet, crunchy cone is a textural dream.
* **Pro-Tip:** If you’re feeling indulgent, get it as part of a **Sundae**. Add some hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry for the ultimate ice cream experience. Their seasonal flavors are also always worth asking about!
MeyerS is the happy ending to any Surfside Beach day. It’s a tradition, and for good reason.
#### **6. Kings Sushi: An Unexpected Gem of Precision and Flavor**
**Location:** 112 US-17 BUS
Perhaps you’ve had your fill of burgers and fries and are craving something more refined. Tucked away on the business highway is Kings Sushi, a sushi bar that rivals the quality you’d find in a much larger city. The atmosphere is modern, clean, and intimate—a quiet respite from the beach bustle.
Whether you sit at the sushi bar and watch the chefs artfully assemble each roll or grab a quiet booth, you’re in for a treat. The fish is consistently fresh, and the presentation is beautiful.
**What to Order:** Be adventurous and try one of their specialty rolls.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Surfside Roll**. A specialty roll named for the beach? You have to try it. While the exact ingredients can vary, expect something that reflects its coastal home—think fresh crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber inside, topped with slices of vibrant tuna or salmon, and a drizzle of a signature sauce like a spicy mayo or eel sauce. It’s a complex, fresh, and satisfying roll that showcases the chef’s skill.
* **Pro-Tip:** Start with a simple order of **Sashimi**, like salmon or tuna, to truly appreciate the quality and freshness of the fish. Pair your meal with a hot sake or a Japanese beer for the full experience.
Kings Sushi is proof that Surfside Beach’s dining scene has delicious depth and pleasant surprises around every corner.
#### **7. Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar: Stacked High with Good Times**
**Location:** 600 US-17 BUS
Craving a massive sandwich and a game on TV? Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar is your spot. Named after the comic strip character famous for his enormous sandwiches, this place lives up to its name. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia, and the energy is always high, especially when a big game is on.
It’s a classic American sports bar where the focus is on good food, cold drinks, and camaraderie. The menu is a love letter to the art of the sandwich, with countless combinations and a build your own option.
**What to Order:** Go big or go home.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Dagwood Club**. This is the titan of the menu. Layers upon layers of turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss and American cheeses, lettuce, tomato, and mayo are stacked high on your choice of bread (toasted wheat is a great choice). It’s a towering achievement of flavor and texture—salty, smoky, creamy, and fresh all in one monstrous bite. It’s served with a side of fries or potato salad, making it a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
* **Pro-Tip:** Check their daily specials board. They often have great deals on wings and pitchers of beer, making it the perfect place for a group to gather for lunch or dinner.
Dagwood’s is where you go to cheer on your team, share a laugh with friends, and tackle a sandwich that requires strategic eating. It’s a blast.
#### **8. Bruiser's Burgers: The Patty Paradise**
**Location:** 317 US-17 BUS
For the burger purists and enthusiasts, Bruiser's Burgers is a destination. This no-frills, dedicated burger joint is all about one thing: crafting the perfect hamburger. The atmosphere is straightforward and focused—the smell of sizzling beef patties on a flat-top grill is the dominant decor.
You can tell a lot about a place by its simplicity. Here, the menu is mostly various burger combinations, and they do them exceptionally well. The beef is juicy, the toppings are fresh, and the buns are soft and toasted.
**What to Order:** Keep it classic.
* **The Must-Try:** **The Cheeseburger All The Way**. This is the benchmark. A perfectly grilled, juicy beef patty is topped with melted American cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, ripe tomato, diced onions, pickles, and their signature sauce on a soft, toasted bun. It’s a messy, hands-on affair that exemplifies what a great burger should be: simple, high-quality, and deeply satisfying. The balance of flavors and textures is impeccable.
* **Pro-Tip:** Add a side of their **Crinkle-Cut Fries**. They’re the classic, salty, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fries that are the undeniable perfect companion to any burger. Dip them in ketchup or a side of their special sauce.
Bruiser’s is a temple to the humble burger, and it deserves your devotion.
#### **9. Borgata of Surfside: A Cozy Taste of Italy**
**Location:** 813 Surfside Dr
Just down the road from Surfside Beach Pizza is another Italian gem, but with a distinctly different vibe. Borgata of Surfside offers a more intimate, cozy, and traditionally Italian dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and checkered tablecloths, perfect for a date night or a nice family dinner.
The menu features classic Italian-American dishes, from pastas and parms to seafood and veal. The portions are generous, the sauces are simmered for hours, and the garlic bread is irresistible.
**What to Order:** You can’t miss with the classics.
* **The Must-Try:** **Chicken Parmesan**. This is the ultimate test of an Italian kitchen, and Borgata’s version is superb. A tender chicken breast is pounded thin, breaded, and fried until golden, then smothered in a tangy, herbaceous marinara sauce and covered with a blanket of melted, bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s served alongside a mountain of perfectly cooked spaghetti, also ladled with that wonderful sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and executed flawlessly.
* **Pro-Tip:** Absolutely start with a half-order of the **Baked Ziti** as an appetizer to share. It’s a cheesy, saucy, baked-to-perfection preview of the deliciousness to come.
Borgata provides a warm, sit-down Italian experience that feels like a hug from the inside.
#### **10. Southern Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Finale**
**Location:** 1012 US-17 BUS
We end our tour where all great Southern food journeys should: with perfectly fried chicken. Southern Chicken is a no-nonsense establishment dedicated to the art of the fryer. The air is thick with the unmistakable, mouth-watering aroma of chicken frying to a crispy, golden brown.
This is takeout comfort food at its finest. The focus is entirely on the quality of the chicken and the sides—the holy trinity of any Southern meal.
**What to Order:** Get the classic box meal.
* **The Must-Try:** **The 2-Piece Dark Meat Dinner**. Ask for a thigh and a drumstick. The chicken is the star—the crust is shatteringly crisp, well-seasoned, and not greasy, while the meat inside is incredibly juicy and flavorful. This dinner comes with two classic sides and a fluffy biscuit.
* **Pro-Tip:** For your sides, you must get the **Macaroni and Cheese** (creamy, cheesy, and baked) and the **Collard Greens** (slow-cooked with a hint of smoke and vinegar). The combination of the rich mac, the tangy greens, and the savory chicken is the definitive taste of the South. Don’t forget to drizzle a little hot sauce over everything!
Southern Chicken is the perfect, satisfying end to our tour—a simple, glorious meal that speaks directly to the soul.
***
From the first cheesy bite of pizza to the last lick of ice cream, Surfside Beach offers a culinary landscape as warm and inviting as its sunny shores. It’s a place where food is about connection, comfort, and celebration. So explore, eat heartily, and savor every delicious moment. Your taste buds will thank you
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