With the rising popularity of craft brewing in the United States in recent years, beer menus and tap numbers have seen steady growth at bars and restaurants throughout the nation. And the Grand Strand is certainly no exception — up and down our stretch of the Carolina coast over the last decade, beer choices have increased at restaurants and drinking establishments as the availability of artisan brews has skyrocketed.
While the trend seems to be spreading everywhere, certain establishments shine especially brightly when it comes to their craft-beer offerings. The next time you and your vacation crew (the ones of legal drinking age, anyway) are craving a few cold ones, head for one of these Myrtle Beach area brew pubs and ale-friendly restaurants:
Gordon Biersch — With a focus on authentic German beer varieties, this brewpub produces a range of brews on-site, including its Golden Export Helles style lager, its traditional unfiltered Bavarian Hefeweizen, its classic Bohemian-style Czech Pilsner and its malty Marzen Oktoberfest-style lager, to name a few. The handcrafted brew options are accompanied by a robust menu that includes unique starters like Blue Crab & Artichoke Dip and Legendary Garlic Fries, a selection of house-made tacos, chef-crafted entrees like Chicken Schnitzel and the Gorgonzola Ribeye, plus pastas, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. Learn more at gordonbiersch.com, and savor the flavors at Gordon Biersch’s Market Common location.
Liberty Tap Room — Specializing in locally brewed beers and delicious Angus steaks, this upscale casual dining restaurant on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach is a great destination for groups with diverse taste buds. The tap room keeps 48 beers on tap, including its own line of signature Liberty Ales, and its extensive menu includes tacos, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and house-specialty entrees like Shrimp & Grits and Seared Atlantic Salmon. Their famous appetizers include Tommy Texas Cheese Tots, house-made pretzels, Asian Beef Skewers and more. Explore the full menu at mb.libertytaproom.com.
Atlas Tap House — Craft beer, bourbon and barbecue headline the triple bill at this bar/restaurant in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach. On the beer front, selections include 25 craft-draft options and over 80 varieties of beer in bottles and cans, while the food menu features BBQ sandwiches, tacos, burgers and appetizers. An array of cocktails with a focus on Bourbon is also available. Learn more at atlastaphouse.com.
Pine Lakes Tavern — Located a strong tee shot away from the famous Myrtle Beach golf course of the same name, Pine Lakes Tavern has something else in common with “The Granddaddy.” Just as Pine Lakes Country Club was the first of many golf courses on the Grand Strand, PLT is Myrtle Beach’s first gastropub. In addition, it’s also Myrtle Beach’s first non-smoking sports bar. Serving hand-crafted beers (15 on tap) and a creative food menu, PLT has a friendly neighborhood bar feel and a beautiful back patio overlooking Pine Lake. Get more info at pinelakestavern.com.
Mellow Mushroom — This Atlanta-based franchise has been serving up stone-baked pizzas in an eclectic, art-filled and family-friendly environment for over 40 years. And its fresh-made pies, calzones and hoagies seem to taste even better when washed down with a cold brew. Fortunately for guests, Mellow Mushroom always has a wide selection on tap, including a range of local and regional craft brews. Explore the restaurant’s full menu at mellowmushroom.com.
After your outing, head back to your comfortable accommodations at The Cottages at North Beach Plantation to rest up for another day of enjoying the best of the Myrtle Beach area. Book your Grand Strand vacation today — all of the area’s top offerings will be here waiting for you!
