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Murrells Inlet

Russell's Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
4906 Hwy. 17 Business
843.651.0553
Mon. – Sat. 4 – 10 PM
Early Bird Specials & Happy Hour 4 – 6 PM


Ask a Murrells Inlet resident to recommend a good place to eat and, odds are, the answer will be Russell’s. When you arrive, you’re likely to be greeted at the door by the man himself – and you’ll be cared for like family. You can also expect to enjoy some extremely good cooking.

The food is fresh, excellently prepared, and, in some cases, famous. The she crab soup is known far and wide, and people have said that the made-to-order oyster stew is “the best ever.” Try it for yourself and see. The menu is varied with something for everyone. Try an order of the homemade onion rings or fish dip for starters. Eating light? Top off a salad with grilled chicken or cold boiled shrimp. Sandwiches and burgers are in the lineup, too, with the Russell Burger leading the pack. Once you’ve had one, you’ll be back for more.

If you’re on a quest for a satisfying meal, you’ll not be disappointed. Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood are prepared to order, and nightly specials guarantee satisfaction. Frequent choices from the special’s board include crab-stuffed baby flounder and sautéed shrimp and scallops. There’s a nice wine list, too – personally taste tested by Russell’s wife, Karen.

Back in May of 2003, Coastal Living named Russell’s among 23 of the nation’s best “seafood dives.” Now, they’ve done it again! The May 2009 issue of the popular magazine has once again singled out Russell’s as one of SC’s three best seafood dives. Now that the whole world knows our secret, we may have to call for reservations!

This oak-shaded dining destination, known among locals as “the Tree House,” offers seating on the deck or in the window-lined dining room. Enjoy beautiful Inlet vistas from both. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. Generations of Inlet memories spill from picture-covered walls. Under the care of a genuine local, this place is truly one of the last great pieces of old Murrells Inlet. Don’t miss a chance to experience it.

Shell Crackers Grill & Raw Bar
761 Pendergrass Avenue, Murrells Inlet
Wed. – Sat. 3 -10 PM
843.357.2899 • 843.357.4545
www.adogswayinn.com

Shell Crackers Grill and Raw Bar is the latest brainchild of one of Murrells Inlet’s favorite native sons, Harris Willard. Harris is the creator of A Dog’s Way Inn and Freeway Park – facilities offering boarding, daycare, grooming and a three-acre dog park. The park, complete with pond and gazebo bridge, provides ample room for pre-approved dogs and their humans to frolic to their heart’s content.

The grill and raw bar is an extension of the dog-friendly facilities, and provides an atmosphere where canines and their owners can meet, greet and eat. Don’t own a dog? Come anyway. This is a cool place where there’s something for everyone – from Wi-Fi for computer addicts to good old fashioned horseshoes. It’s always fun to watch agility dogs at practice or sip your favorite beverage and take a stroll while dogs play in the park. There are weekly performances by local bands, too. Call or check the website for more information.

Important: if you plan to visit with your pooch, stop by the kennel portion of the property first with proof of your dog’s up-todate vaccinations and a free temperament evaluation. The conscientious staff is ever mindful of promoting harmony in all facets of the doggie world they live in, and they want everyone, two- and four-legged alike, to get along. If you want your dog to enjoy the park while you visit, there’s a fee. There are also packages tailored to suit frequent visitors to the park. See details in our Eco Adventures section, call or visit their website.

Located adjacent to Freeway Park, the restaurant has a funky, rustic feel but is clean as a whistle and offers areas specially designated for dogs to hang with other dogs or (leashed), with their owners while they enjoy a tasty meal. The menu’s full of lipsmacking savories to choose from, and adult beverages, soft drinks, and the Southern standard – iced tea – flow freely. There is a pleasing array of appealing snacks and meals.

True to the grill’s theme, shelled items abound. Choose from shrimp, steamed and raw oysters or a signature basket of mixed roasted nuts. Along with things of the shell, there is also chili, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs and fall-off-the-bone barbeque ribs (Harris’s own recipe!). Salads, including an inspired tuna noodle variety, are available, too, as well as a host of sides to munch if you want a light snack.

A one-of-kind eatery, the concept of Shell Crackers is inspired, to say the least. The atmosphere is cozy, the people are friendly, and the scenery is serene. Whether you’re a dog owner or a dogless dog lover – or just like great food – this is the place to be. The grounds and restaurant are a great place to book special events, too. As a matter of fact, owners Harris and Ann just tied the knot on the bridge over the pond – with their three pooches serving as wedding attendants! What a great place for a party!

Visit soon, and be sure to tell them you read about it in our pages. No membership is required to visit at any time. Shell Crackers – crack into something good!

Hot Fish Club

4911 Hwy. 17 Business
843.357.9175
Open Daily at 11 AM • Sunset Specials • 4 – 6PM • Gazebo Bar • Daily 4 PM
 
When the Hot Fish Club was established before the War of 1812, its purpose was to offer social interaction, entertainment and great food to the rice planters of the South Carolina Lowcountry. That goal continues with a brand new partnership between the original owners, Tom Davy and daughter, Sally LaValley, Chef Tom Sullivan and Danny Morris. Locals know Danny from the Gazebo Bar out back, where his hard work, winning smile and good nature have kept the crowds coming back and the wheels turning smoothly. You’ll find him behind the “inside” bar these days, doing the same. Chef Tom headed the kitchen from 2000-2006, and with his return come crowd-pleasing delicacies from the old menu – and exciting new items, too.

The menu is a signature blend of standard coastal fare and gourmet temptations. For an appetizer, have some wings, or opt for the blackened shrimp – grilled with Cajun seasoning and remoulade. Sunset Specials range from a traditional shrimp basket to a little more “uptown” offering of onion crusted salmon topped with honey Dijon sauce (a favorite!). Other tempting dishes round out this very affordable menu (just $10.95 from 4 - 6 PM). There’s a Senior menu and a Kid’s menu, too. The rest of the offerings are equally versatile. Alongside the classic seafood platter, there are dishes such as “Flounder Française,” a lightly battered flounder in a delectable sauce of garlic, lemon, white wine and butter. Also try the “Pork Tenderloin Piccata” – sautéed medallions of tender pork in a yummy white wine and butter sauce with capers. Bottom line – there’s something for all tastes – and Chef Tom and his capable staff serve it up with style.

Enjoy some of the best views of Murrells Inlet from Hot Fish Club’s dining room, porch, and outdoor gazebo bar. The atmosphere is casual and fun, the food is excellent, and the service is over the top. Take a trip outdoors to the Gazebo bar after dinner for a taste of Inlet nightlife. The Hot Fish Club offers a little bit of everything – good times and good tastes. The combo keeps visitors – and locals – coming back for more. Call 843.357.9175 with questions. Be sure to tell them you found them in our pages. Enjoy!


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4 Lowcountry Scoop
16 Lowcountry Eco Adventures
23 Sea Turtles Dig the Dark!
24 Hyman Vineyards
26 Lowcountry Lodging
28 Calendar of Events:
   Camps
36 Heritage Sites
40 Dining Guide







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