5 Hammock Coast eateries where you can enjoy a great craft beer

5 Hammock Coast eateries where you can enjoy a great craft beer

At the top of every list of reasons to visit South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax, free of worry. For some, the ability to unwind also means a chance to enjoy a great craft brew. 

There is nothing wrong with a garden-variety, domestic light beer, but if you’re on the Hammock Coast, why not treat yourself to some of the best? If you’re in search of a beer with great flavor, the following Hammock Coast businesses, all members of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, offer a surplus of options:

Cap’n Cork, a craft beer and wine bar in Murrells Inlet, is a treat for discerning drinkers. Featuring 27 beers on tap, the overwhelming majority of them brewed in the Carolinas, and a menu that serves appetizers and dessert, Cap’n Cork is one of the area’s hidden gems. If you are looking for a seasonal offering, try Festbier, a Marzen brewed to celebrate Oktoberfest. Located at 4410 Highway 17 Bypass, Suite B1, in Murrells Inlet.

– At Pawleys Tap & Pour, the only person to blame for slow service is the one staring at you in the mirror. Confused? Pawleys Tap & Pour features a beer wall with more than 40 selections on draft, and you serve yourself. Beverages are served by ounce and a bracelet keeps track of how much you have poured, allowing you to drink as much (within reason, of course) or little as you would like. The concept is great and the beer selection even better. Oh, and you won’t leave hungry. Try The Brew Burger, topped with onion straws, bacon, American cheese, bacon jam and a spicy mayo, or venture over to Tap & Pour’s extensive sushi menu. Located at 13089 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island.

– Quigley’s Pint & Plate, which opened in 2007, was at the leading edge of the craft beer revolution and it remains at the front of the pack 16 years later. Serving eight house-made ales and lager, with half-gallon growlers available to go, Quigley’s now has locations in Murrells Inlet and the Litchfield. As an added bonus, the meatloaf entree is a delight. The original Quigley’s is located at 257 Willbrook Blvd. in the Mingo shopping district of the Litchfield community in Pawleys Island.

– LOCAL Eat, Drink, Celebrate prides itself on serving locally harvested food and drinks, and that certainly applies to its craft brew offerings. Consider yourself warned: the Big Wooly Mammoth, a stout imperial, is 10.5% ABV so tread lightly. Also, the Sunday Fried Chicken – a ½ chicken served with mac and cheese and coleslaw – is a winner. Located at 10880 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island.

– The craft beer selection at Dead Dog Saloon on the iconic MarshWalk isn’t as extensive, but those stunning marsh views and live music are hard to pass up, no matter what kind of drink fills your cup. The Tidal Creek Breezy Blonde is the perfect choice for a sun splashed day on the deck and make sure you get a basket of the Dead Dog hushpuppies. Located at 4079 U.S. 17 Business on the MarshWalk.

If kicking back with a cold drink is an important part of your Hammock Coast vacation, give these five watering holes a chance. (And each one is a great community supporter and member of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce.)

By Chris King for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast