If you’re on the hunt for a place to let your hair down and down a creative craft cocktail on a night out in the Myrtle Beach area, we are serving up a taste of some of the best bars to do just that. From North Myrtle Beach to the south end of the beach and west into Conway, here are our top recommendations.
MYRTLE BEACH
JEM Social Cocktails + Kitchen
7601 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
JEM Social is a hidden gem in the Northwood Plaza Shopping Center, and one that you will want to sit down in for a craft cocktail. Known since 2022 for serving innovative cocktails and modern Asian dishes, JEM features classic cocktails and signature drinks with house-made syrups, crafted infusions, and fresh-squeezed juices in these creative categories: Refreshing, Adventurous, Tropical, Spirited, Disco Era, and Night Cap.
Strong Waters Craft Cocktails and Kitchen
2005A North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
Located directly across from The Breakers Resort, Strong Waters pours on a strong rustic- speakeasy/modern-industrial ambiance and, behind the bar, they pour on a “farm to shaker” method with their concoctions. Choose from their long list of craft cocktails, whiskeys and wines or head for the Bartender’s Choice section, where you select two words and the master mixologists take care of the rest, such as refreshing, tart, savory, fruity, sweet, fizzy, herbal, bitter, unusual, floral and smoky.
The Chemist – Craft Cocktails and Modern Cuisine
300 9th Ave. North, Myrtle Beach
Enter The Chemist, situated just around the corner from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and become immersed in a playful laboratory ambiance, complete with a periodic table on the floor, elements on the tables, mad scientist-inspired lighting and glassware, even bartenders donning lab coats. Scientific cocktails are artfully served in beakers that bubble and steam, crafted from hand-juiced fruits and house-made simple syrups. Complement your cocktail with one of the molecular gastronomical marvels by executive chef Sean C. Thomas, who changes his menu seasonally to use the freshest local foods available.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH & LITTLE RIVER
Bar 19 Twelve
1912 U.S. 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
Bar 19 Twelve shakes things up with some of the most creative cocktails on the menu and a swanky bar/lounge ambiance indoors on both levels, as well as outdoors on the deck of this repurposed wedding chapel that overlooks the Azalea Sands Golf Club. Centered around an extensive bourbon list, creative craft cocktails, and infused liquors, the drink menu features premium cocktails that fizz, smoke, and glow. And, to soak it all up, chef Vinny Tumminello creates made-from-scratch elevated tapas.
Twelve 33 Distillery
593 SC-90 E, Little River
Stop by Twelve 33 Distillery, where you can sit down in front of a flight of house-distilled gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, take a VIP tour, and down a cocktail at the end in their sexy speakeasy. Signature cocktails are also served, crafted seasonally by their mixologists to showcase the essence of the Twelve 33 spirits.
Big Chill Island House
4735 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
This gorgeous new bar and restaurant within Barefoot Landing offers spectacular views of the Waterway from just about any seat in the House when you have a cocktail in hand. Big Chill’s libations menu dives into island vibes, with refreshing drinks based on tequila and rum, such as specialty concoctions like the Painkilla, a blend of light rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, dark rum floater, and fresh nutmeg served in a special glass.
MURRELLS INLET & PAWLEYS ISLAND
Gulfstream Café
1536 South Waccamaw Drive, Murrells InleT
This special spot overlooks the inlet and has been pouring out the Southern hospitality (and a host of craft cocktails) for the last 40 years. Sip on a drink while you watch the sun set from their wildly popular Gulfstream rooftop deck; the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned (Elijah Craig small batch bourbon, demerara sugar, and bitters) or the apropos Sunset Paloma (Lunazul tequila, ginger and crisp apple, lime, grapefruit soda) or good choices.
Bistro 217
10707 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
Named because this is the husband-wife owner’s second restaurant on Highway 17, Bistro 217 has been an island treasure since 2004. Chef Adam Kirby commands an eclectic menu with his version of Asian and deli classics and the mixologists manning the bar master an exceptional cocktail menu, which includes Express Your “Ass”ets, a Bistro specialty mixed with Grind Espresso Shot rum, Kahlua French Vanilla, Amarula Cream Liqueur, and half and half, and the Arrogant & Shabby with Botanist gin, lime, basil, cucumber, and sparkling water.
Frank’s and Frank’s Outback Restaurant
10434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
Since 1998, Frank’s has been wowing locals with its magical indoor and outdoor dining spaces, award-winning cuisine, and a hefty specialty drink menu that boasts specialty cocktails and martinis.
CONWAY AREA
Rivertown Bistro
1111 Third Ave., Conway
This downtown Conway favorite leads the way in a distinguished dining fusion of traditional American cuisine with a contemporary twist. Dine and drink in the lounge or on two levels of seating indoors – or on the covered rooftop balcony overlooking the skyline.
Whitaker’s
1025 Third Ave., Conway
Whitaker’s is a cool cocktail bar that serves bites and bowls alongside a lengthy list of masterful libations that are works of art, such as any of the dessert martinis; Berry Me in Lavender, a floral twist on the classic daiquiri with lavender syrup; Spritz & Giggles, a twist on the classic Hugo Spritz featuring elderflower, prosecco, fresh mint, and a splash of limoncello; and Mai Oh Mai, Whitaker’s take on the classic Mai Tai.
Bistro 90
7209 SC 90, Longs
This award-winning steakhouse in Longs also holds its own behind the bar, boasting a rich bourbon, rye, scotch, and tequila selection that’s poured into a menu of handcrafted cocktails. Options range from the in-house barrel-aged cocktail that rotates, is aged in charred oak, barreled up to 90 days and served over single large ice cube to the flight offerings to dessert cocktails to hot coffee cocktails.
By: Ashley Daniels
