Hammock Coast’s 10 best restaurants for a special Valentine’s Day meal

Hammock Coast’s 10 best restaurants for a special Valentine’s Day meal

Cupid is poised to pull the arrow from his quiver and assuming his aim is true, you may be in search of a romantic dinner along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast for Valentine’s Day.

If that’s the case, you are in luck because the area is home to more than a few restaurants that provide an unforgettable dining experience when love is in the air. For couples in search of a romantic meal, here are 10 Hammock Coast restaurants sure to whet the appetite for a romantic night out for you and yours.

The great thing about the Hammock Coast is that the restaurants here are almost exclusively locally owned. Chain restaurants are not the norm here. But locally inspired is, and what could be better for Valentine’s Day?

We’ve narrowed the field down to 10 of our favorites, and they’re all members of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, also demonstrating the eateries’ commitment to community.

BISTRO 217
Executive chef Adam Kirby has made Bistro 217 in Pawleys Island a hotspot for lovers young and old. An eclectic menu, combined with indoor and outdoor seating, are at the heart of Bistro 217’s appeal. Your significant other will want to try the whole-fried and scored snapper. It’s delicious and you two will rush to share the picture.

BOVINE’S
With delicious wood-fired specialties in a relaxed, atmosphere, Bovine’s Restaurant, one of the eight member restaurants on the celebrated MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet, offers an exceptional dining experience. Dine indoor or enjoy the view on the deck. This waterfront restaurant has an extensive menu featuring a range of items to please everyone, from the dedicated carnivores to the choosey eaters. Showcase menu items include wood-fired grilled steaks, succulent Murrells Inlet seafood and specialty pizzas straight from the brick oven.

THE CLAW HOUSE
Seafood delicacies from both local waters and those of the cold north Atlantic are featured at The Claw House, a New England-style lobster house featuring a full service raw bar and beer garden. Diners can enjoy 90 craft beers on tap at the Inlet Beer Garden, established in 2017 and leading the way for beer, wine and cocktails on the Hammock Coast.

DRUNKEN JACK’S
A Hammock Coast institution since 1979, Drunken Jack’s is home to the freshest seafood in Murrells Inlet, the seafood capital of South Carolina. Chef Casey Blake is in charge of the kitchen, and he never disappoints, offering inspired seafood dishes. And not to be missed for Valentine’s Day is Drunken Jack’s impressive selections of martinis – Red Berry Lemon Drop, Watermelon Patch, Key Lime and the indulgent Chocolate Cream are just a few of the options.

FRANK’S and FRANK’S OUTBACK
Frank’s is a Hammock Coast institution. With two restaurants and four bars to choose from, this Pawleys Island mainstay has something for all occasions, but since we are focusing on romance and it’s February, the main dining room is what you should plan for. Low light, white linen tablecloths and candlelight create an ambiance that is the equal of one of the region’s best menus.

631 (or FRANK’S ON FRONT)
With views overlooking the Sampit River and Goat Island, 631 is the Hammock Coast’s newest must-dine restaurant located on Front Street in historic Georgetown. It offers great food and and extensive wine list paired with small plates, shareables and entrée options, including some of the freshest seafood in the area. Among the locals, 631 quickly became dubbed “Frank’s on Front” in reference to the owners’ family restaurants, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback in Pawleys Island.

THE INDEPENDENT
Located inside The George Hotel, The Independent offers seasonal menus of Southern-inspired dishes guided by the region’s bounty of fresh seafood. Raw offerings, like little neck clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, and oysters on the half shell, are complemented by prepared small plates, chef selections, and a la carte proteins and sides. Located on Front Street in historic Georgetown, the restaurant offers a stylish option for Valentine’s Day.

HANSER HOUSE
Another Hammock Coast institution is the Hanser House, located in the heart of the Litchfield Beach community. This family-owned restaurant offers “good vibes and great food” – all from an extensive menu specializing in home cooking, seafood, and choice aged beef. The bar offers an extensive selection of wines, beer and cocktails.

LOCAL EAT DRINK CELEBRATE
Located in the iconic Hammock Shops Village, Local Eat Drink Celebrate is the vision of Keith Estabrook and John Dabrowski. The restaurant embraces their vision of using locally sourced food and ingredients on both the menu and behind the bar, working with regional artists and vendors, and supporting charities and events within the community.

WAHOO’S FISH HOUSE
If you are looking to enjoy a date at Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk, Wahoo’s Fish House is a destination of choice. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and live music is abundant, setting the stage for an outstanding evening. Anything from the fresh catch to sushi will satisfy the palate.

About the Hammock Coast®

Georgetown County’s casual charm and Southern hospitality earned it the nickname Hammock Coast. Adventure and relaxation blend together in perfect harmony, like the flowing and ebbing of waves on the county’s famed beaches. With six communities – southern Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Georgetown and Andrews – comprising the pristine coastal area between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, visitors can experience South Carolina’s Hammock Coast like never before.

For a comprehensive look at the Georgetown County dining scene, click here.