While its true origins are widely disputed (and its invention is claimed by countries far and wide), it’s hard to imagine a more all-American dish than the hamburger. Patties of ground beef piled on a bun with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and other favorite toppings – it’s been a prominent feature of American cookouts since folks began gathering in backyards around the grill.
And as expected in an all-American family vacation destination like the Grand Strand, there are plenty of great burgers to be found in the Myrtle Beach area. Here are 5 of the top burger destinations to check out on your next beach getaway to the Grand Strand and Ocean Reef Resort:
River City Cafe: Boasting seven Grand Strand locations (one of them just a block north of Ocean Reef Resort), “Your New Favorite Burger Joint” serves creative and award-winning burger creations the likes of the Cheetos burger topped with melted cheddar and crunchy Cheetos, the Fried Mac & Cheese Burger with a breaded cake of fried mac & cheese on top, and the Surf N Turf topped with fried popcorn shrimp, a spicy chili glaze and pepper jack cheese. Signature appetizers include River City’s World Famous Onion Rings and Pickle Nickels fried pickles. Another nice touch here is the roasted peanuts guests can crack open and snack on, then just toss their shells on the floor.
Cheeseburger in Paradise: Located on North Kings Highway less than a half-mile inland from Ocean Reef Resort, this tropical-themed burger house offers half-pound, cooked-to order burgers such as the namesake C.I.P. topped with pulled pork, sharp cheddar, fried onion strings and fried pickles; the Aloha with teriyaki sauce, cheddar, grilled onions and pineapple salsa; and the Three Little Piggies that features a bacon-infused burger patty with cheddar, pulled pork and sliced bacon on top. Wings, salads and seafood round out the menu here, and a long list of frozen libations is available for visitors looking to get into the island spirits.
Wahlburgers: Sitting on The Avenue at Myrtle Beach shopping/dining/entertainment hot spot Broadway at the Beach, this fast-casual burger joint is almost as famous among its devoted followers as its founding movie-star/musician brothers, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. Head here for chef-inspired gourmet burger creations such as the O.F.D. with a half-pound of Angus beef, Swiss cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms house-made tomato jam, or the Fiesta Burger with Southwestern spices, jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, salsa and chipotle mayo. House-made frappes and floats are popular burger accompaniments here, and a full line of beers, wines and cocktails is also available.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Another great burger option at Broadway at the Beach, this restaurant founded by the beach- and boat-loving crooner in its name offers a range of “Burgers in Paradise” served any way you like ’em – including with “lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes.” (Of course, they can be accompanied by “a big kosher pickle and a cold draught beer,” too, for those looking to keep their meal totally true to the song.) Be sure to check out the restaurant’s way-larger-than-life giant blender (and the frozen concoction it will render) while you’re there – as you might have guessed, a plethora of margaritas and boat drinks is also a top draw here.
Burky’s Grill: Found on North King’s Highway about 3 miles south of Ocean Reef Resort, Burky’s serves traditional American fare in a 1950s diner-style setting. The tasty burgers are cooked fresh to order, and ice cream sundaes, banana splits and shakes are a popular choices for finishing your meal on a sweet note. If you’re in town on a Friday evening and are a fan of retro American horsepower, be sure to swing by for the weekly Classic Car Night at Burky’s, when local auto enthusiasts bring their prized classic vehicles for visitors to check out.
After enjoying some of the best burgers the Grand Strand has to offer, head back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at Ocean Reef Resort to rest up for another day of all-American adventure in Myrtle Beach. Book your family vacation at Ocean Reef today!
