Credit Image: drifteatery website /gallery
Ever curious where to eat the best food—but with purpose? Lately, I’ve found myself craving more than just good flavors when dining out. I want to know where my food comes from, how it’s made, and whether it’s doing some good beyond just filling my plate.
So I started digging around right here in Myrtle Beach and the greater Horry County area—and guess what? There’s a growing number of restaurants that are not only serving up amazing meals but also making sustainability a priority. Think locally sourced ingredients, ocean-friendly seafood, less waste, and more heart.
If you’re into eating well and doing good (without sacrificing taste), this little roundup might just be your new go-to guide. Let’s explore the spots that are changing the game—one conscious bite at a time.
Hook & Barrel
One of the first spots I checked out on my sustainability journey was Hook & Barrel—and honestly, it set the bar high. From the moment I walked in, I could feel that this place was built with purpose. Literally. The wood throughout the restaurant was reclaimed right from the property, giving it this warm, coastal charm that just feels right.
What really impressed me, though, was how they’ve baked sustainability into everything. The menu is full of fresh, responsibly sourced seafood and local produce that actually tastes like it came from a farmer’s market—not a truck. And it’s not just about what’s on the plate. They use reusable dinnerware, compostable to-go materials, and eco-friendly paper products. You won’t find plastic straws here unless you ask, which I kind of love.
Even the kitchen runs on energy-efficient equipment—which, okay, I didn’t see with my own eyes, but knowing that made my meal feel even better.
Hook & Barrel isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. And as someone trying to make more mindful choices, that hit home for me.
Address: 8014 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone: 843 389 5888
Schedule: Mon-Thurs 4-9 PM / Fri & Sat 4-9:30 PM
Café Amalfi
Next on my list was Café Amalfi, a waterfront gem that manages to be both elegant and eco-conscious—yes, it’s possible! Located right along the coast, this fine-dining spot is Surfrider Ocean Friendly certified, which basically means they’re committed to protecting the ocean with every dish they serve. And as someone who loves seafood but wants to feel good about eating it, this really stood out to me.
The menu leans into seafood, steaks, and pasta, all made with high-quality ingredients—and most importantly, their seafood is always sourced responsibly. Everything they serve meets the “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” guidelines from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, which is a big deal if you’re paying attention to sustainable eating.
I also noticed the little things: no Styrofoam, no plastic bottles, and they only offer utensils and condiments if you ask. It’s subtle, but it adds up. Café Amalfi’s motto says they’re “dedicated to sustainably serving you,” and from what I experienced, they’re living up to that promise beautifully—with ocean views and ocean-friendly values to match.
Address: 10000 Beach Club Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Schedule: Mon-Sun | Breakfast: 6:30 – 10:30 AM | Lunch: 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Dinner: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Chesapeake House
If you’re looking for a no-frills, family-friendly spot that serves up fresh seafood with a side of Southern charm, Chesapeake House is a solid pick. It’s got that laid-back, welcoming vibe where you instantly feel like a regular—even if it’s your first visit.
What stood out to me is how committed they are to using local ingredients. Their menu changes based on the regional catch, with daily fish specials that reflect what’s fresh and in season. From Carolina shrimp to locally harvested seafood, they’re clearly rooted in the Lowcountry tradition—and they’ve been sourcing local long before it was a buzzword.
You won’t find a flashy farm-to-table sign on the door, but you’ll taste the difference.
Address: along Restaurant Row at 9918 US 17 N., Myrtle Beach
Phone: 843 449 3231
Schedule: Mon-Sun | 4:30PM until close
Aspen Grille
If you’re in the mood for a more refined night out—but still want to support local and sustainable food—this upscale steak-and-seafood spot absolutely delivers. What I love about it is that it blends Southern elegance with a true farm-to-table philosophy. The menu shifts with the seasons, always highlighting what’s fresh and available from local suppliers.
Chef Curry Martin (yes, the Curry Martin from Grand Strand Magazine) is hands-on when it comes to sourcing. He personally selects South Carolina seafood and produce, which means you’ll often find regional favorites like hogfish or triggerfish featured as seasonal specials.
It’s not just a nice meal—it’s a dining experience built on intention. From the local meats and vegetables to the sustainably harvested seafood, everything reflects a commitment to quality and place. If you’re looking for Southern fine dining that feels good and tastes even better, this place is a must-visit.
Address: 5101 N Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 843 449 9191
Schedule: Tues-Sun | 4:30PM to 9:30
Fire & Smoke
For a spot that balances cozy comfort food with thoughtful sourcing, Fire & Smoke hits all the right notes. This casual gastropub is the kind of place where you can kick back with a glass of wine and a perfectly grilled steak—knowing the ingredients on your plate were chosen with care.
They’re known for wood-fired steaks, house-smoked meats, and what they proudly call “the freshest seafood available”—and they back that up by sourcing seafood daily from local markets. Whether it’s grilled, smoked, or slow-roasted, the focus is always on quality and flavor, with a nod to their Southern roots.
The vibe is relaxed, but the approach is anything but lazy. You can tell there’s a farm-to-table philosophy running behind the scenes, from the scratch kitchen to the locally sourced ingredients. It’s comfort food, revisited—and if you ask me, it’s comfort you can feel good about.
Address: 411 79th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
Phone: 843 449 0085
Schedule: Mon-Sat | 5 PM to 9 PM
Drift - A Coastal Eatery
If you’re the type who loves starting the day with something fresh, flavorful, and good for the planet, Drift: A Coastal Eatery should be at the top of your brunch list. This sunny little spot in Myrtle Beach has a clear passion for all things natural, local, and thoughtfully sourced—and it shows in everything from the menu to the furniture.
The owners are upfront about their mission: they’re all about using the highest quality ingredients available, with a strong preference for local and all-natural products. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options (hello, quinoa bowls and avo toast), and they steer clear of GMOs entirely.
But it’s not just what’s on the plate that feels intentional. The space itself is full of character—with tables made from century-old trees and windows salvaged from old barns. That kind of attention to sustainability really sets the tone.
Drift isn’t just a great place for a wholesome meal—it’s a feel-good, do-good kind of place that makes eco-conscious dining easy (and delicious) in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
Address: 98O Cipriana Drive Unit A-6 Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572
Phone: 843 879 4758
Schedule: Breakfast & Lunch Daily | 7AM – 3PM
Bay Naturals Healthy Market & Kitchen
If you’re someone who likes to know exactly what’s going into your body—and where it came from—Bay Naturals Healthy Market & Kitchen is pretty much a dream. Part health food store, part organic café, it’s been a go-to for natural, plant-forward eats in Myrtle Beach for years. In fact, the owners proudly call it the area’s original organic market and restaurant—and it definitely lives up to the title.
You can pop in for groceries (think raw local honey, farm eggs, Carolina grits, and fresh goat milk), or grab something fresh from the kitchen. Their menu is full of clean, whole-food options like burritos, grain bowls, fresh juices, and smoothies—all made with organic, non-GMO produce. Whether you’re eating in or stocking your pantry, the commitment to local sourcing and sustainability is front and center.
It’s the kind of place where healthy choices don’t feel like a compromise—they feel like a lifestyle. And if you’re on the hunt for something nourishing and earth-friendly, Bay Naturals definitely delivers both.
Address: 7611 North King Highway Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone: 843 448 0011
Schedule: Mon – Sun | 9AM – 5PM
Phở Claire
Tucked away in Myrtle Beach, Phở Claire is one of those unassuming gems that surprises you in the best way. It’s a cozy Vietnamese noodle house with a refreshingly modern twist: everything here revolves around fresh, local ingredients. The owner even describes it as “a new experience of freshness”—and honestly, it lives up to the claim.
The menu features all the comforting classics—steamy bowls of pho, rice noodle dishes, and vibrant broths—but also caters to plant-based eaters with a solid selection of vegetarian and vegan options. What really sets it apart, though, is how much of the menu is made-to-order using local produce. You’ll even find local berries blended into smoothies or tucked into refreshing teas.
While it keeps things casual, Phở Claire’s commitment to using fresh, unprocessed ingredients—and skipping the shortcuts—makes it a standout for anyone who cares about healthful, sustainable dining with global flavor.
Address: 1201 38th Ave N.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 843 839 3889
Schedule: Mon – Sun | 11AM – 9PM
Kindbelly Cafe
If you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and made with real intention, Kindbelly Café totally delivers. This breezy little health café is all about feel-good food—the kind that’s nourishing without being boring and clean without feeling restrictive.
Their mission centers on serving food that’s “nourishing, wholesome, and clean,” and they mean it. The entire menu—from smoothies and acai bowls to wraps and colorful salads—is made with organic, non-GMO, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater just trying to eat cleaner, there’s something here for you.
The team behind Kindbelly doesn’t just throw around buzzwords. They actually live by them. “Organic, Non-GMO, and Responsibly Sourced” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the lifestyle they’re promoting, one bowl and smoothie at a time. With zero trace of fast-food junk and an open commitment to sustainability, Kindbelly makes healthy eating feel accessible, inclusive, and honestly, pretty delicious.
Address: 316 79th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone: 843 712 1731
Schedule:
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
SeaBlue Restaurant and Wine Bar
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar in North Myrtle Beach is where fine dining meets thoughtful sourcing. It’s an upscale steakhouse with a sleek, coastal vibe and a modern South Beach–style menu—but beneath all that elegance is a strong commitment to fresh, high-quality, and often local ingredients.
SeaBlue’s philosophy is simple: use the best ingredients available. That translates to locally sourced produce, sustainably caught seafood, and premium cuts of meat—all chosen with care. It’s the kind of place where seasonality matters, and where you can actually taste the difference that farm-to-table makes.
Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but with its award-winning wine list, intimate setting, and dedication to sustainability, it’s totally worth it. SeaBlue proves that eco-conscious dining doesn’t have to sacrifice style—and that luxury can still come with values.
Address: 503 US 17 N., North Myrtle Beach
Phone: 843 249 8800
Schedule:
Tues – Thur: 5pm – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm -10pm
Sun & Mon: Closed
The Parson’s Table
Just a short drive from Myrtle Beach in Little River, The Parson’s Table is one of those rare places where history, hospitality, and sustainability all come together in the most delicious way. Housed in a restored 1885 church, the space itself feels sacred—but it’s the food that really makes the experience memorable.
Chef and owner Ed Murray Jr. has built deep relationships with local farmers and purveyors over the years, and it shows in every dish. From Lowcountry shrimp and jumbo lump crab cakes to collard greens and other Southern staples, the menu is full of local, organic ingredients handled with care. The focus is always local first, with sustainable and certified-organic sourcing at the heart of the kitchen.
Even the building tells a sustainability story, with its floors and woodwork made from historic local cypress and pine. The Parson’s Table isn’t just a farm-to-table restaurant—it’s a true embodiment of what sustainable Southern dining can be. Warm, welcoming, and full of flavor with a deep respect for the community it serves.
Address: 4305 McCorsley Ave Little River, SC 29566
Phone: (843) 249-3702
Schedule:
Mon—Sat: 4:00—9:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Local (Pawleys Island)
Down in Pawleys Island, Local is more than just the name of the restaurant—it’s the philosophy behind everything they do. This laid-back Southern bistro makes it clear from the moment you walk in: local ingredients, local art, local beer, and a whole lot of local love.
Run by chefs who actively partner with regional farms and artisans, Local’s menu changes with the seasons to reflect whatever’s freshest—whether that’s coastal seafood, garden-picked produce, or handcrafted items from nearby makers. Even what’s behind the bar shifts with local brews and spirits.
What makes Local really special, though, is its sense of community. The restaurant supports local events, charities, and small businesses, making it feel like a hub for people who care about where their food comes from—and who it supports along the way.
It’s casual, cozy, and quietly doing farm-to-table right. If you’re in Pawleys and craving something honest, seasonal, and rooted in place, Local is exactly where you want to be.
Address: 10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA
Phone: (843) 249-3702
Schedule:
Wed, Thurs, & Fri: 11AM-8PM
Sat: 10AM-8pm
Sun: 10AM-4PM
Tide To Table (Litchfield)
Tucked inside the charming Litchfield Inn, Tide To Table manages to combine oceanfront elegance with a deep respect for local flavor. It may be part of a beachfront resort, but don’t let that fool you—this spot takes fresh, regional ingredients just as seriously as any farm-to-table bistro.
The menu leans heavily into Lowcountry seafood and seasonal vegetables, often featuring local shrimp, clams, or whatever the nearby farms and waters are offering that day. Daily specials are where that local flair really shines. Even in an upscale setting, the focus stays grounded in the Pawleys Island tradition of “fresh and local.”
With its beach views, elevated coastal cuisine, and commitment to the region’s sustainable roots, Tide To Table is the kind of place where you can enjoy a refined meal—and still feel connected to the shoreline it came from.
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Address: 1 Norris Drive Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 314-0434
Schedule: Mon-Sun
Breakfast: 7 AM – 10:30 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
