You’ll hear a lot of “best” opinions in your lifetime. They’re all subjective, of course, as one person’s favorite could easily end up on another’s least-liked list. Still, when it comes to matters as important as where to find the best burger in all of North Myrtle Beach, you won’t have to look far to find a list of contenders that are at the very least worthy of the title. Already with so many great restaurants in NMB, you won’t be surprised to learn that you’ll have plenty of spots serving a killer burger.
After all, when it comes to great burgers, there are several factors that truly matter. There’s the obvious manner in which said burger is cooked. There’s the quality of each ingredient, from the bread to the meat to the toppings. There’s the freshness of the end product. Some may even take into consideration the side items that accompany a truly good burger. What will it be: French fries or onion rings — or maybe something else entirely?
When you’re vacationing in North Myrtle Beach, the good news is that you’re spoiled for choice. The area is absolutely jam-packed with establishments that are known for their classic burgers, often with a twist. You’ll find some of the best of the best in town — the burgers that locals all agree truly do live up to that honor. These are the draws for tourists, so it’s important to choose wisely if you’re only in town for a limited time.
If you’re here for a while, though, make your list, check it twice, and get out there and prepare to enjoy some seriously great food at some of the best restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area.
River City Cafe
- 4742 N Kings Hwy, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 272-7077
You’ll know you’re definitely in North Myrtle Beach when you find yourself at the River City Cafe. Voted the “best burger on the Grand Strand” in 2021, the restaurant proudly boasts about its “world famous burgers” — for good reason. You’ll find plenty of the usual suspects, from bacon cheeseburgers to veggie burgers. In the mix are also a range of specialty offerings, like the nacho crunch burger (loaded with Doritos, of course), a shrimp burger, a Philly cheesesteak burger, and even a bacon burger topped with peanut butter. It doesn’t get any more creative.
Hamburger Joe’s
- 712 48th Ave. S, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 272-6834
If you have a craving for a local favorite known for its truly classic burgers, head to Hamburger Joe’s. Take your pick of your favorite toppings, from vegetables to bacon to condiments galore. The restaurant offers a range of mouth-watering sides, too, including French fries, onion rings, salads, and slaws. Top it off with an ice cold brew, a cocktail, or even a glass of wine if you prefer.
BurgerFi
- 801 Main St., North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 491-6492
For a modern take on burgers, head to BurgerFi for your fix. The eatery takes the fine art of burger-making seriously: they use only all-natural, steroid- and additive-free Angus beef and fresh vegetables. What’s more, they have a selection of veggie burgers to appeal to those who don’t touch meat, including a vegan Beyond Burger and a burger made with quinoa and vegetables. Add options for crispy fries, onion rings, and milkshakes and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal for a day at the beach.
Burky’s Grill
- 4001 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
- (843) 626-2888
If you often feel like you were born in the wrong decade, you might find yourself drawn to Burky’s Grill. With its 1950s-inspired décor, the spot is truly a dream for anyone with a hankering for a tasty meal in a retro environment. The menu is humble yet packed with crowd-pleasing favorites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads, and baked potatoes. They even have a drive-thru, a huge convenience for anyone craving a great burger on the go.
Lulu’s
- 4954 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 491-5011
When you come to a place like Lulu’s, you can pretty much guarantee that you’re going to have a good time. Juicy burgers are a big part of the equation, of course — the restaurant uses its signature salty pepper seasoning blend to brighten up the flavor of their patties. Build your own with your choice of cheeses and premium toppings, and don’t miss out on tasty sides — think fried okra, gouda grits, and guacamole — along with live music, too.
Wahlburgers
- 1320 Celebrity Circle Unit 195, Myrtle Beach
- (843) 945-8005
Located at Broadway at the Beach, Wahlburgers is among the area’s most beloved spots for truly good burgers. Helmed by chef Paul Wahlberg, actor Mark Wahlberg, and musician and actor Donnie Wahlberg, the fast casual restaurant offers everything someone craving a hearty meal could possibly want, including burgers, sides, salads, floats, and even a few boozy milkshakes to sweeten things up a little bit. Oh, they’ve also got a pretty epic cheese menu, a nod to the “government cheese” they knew as kids. Cheddar? Swiss? Pepper jack? Take your pick.
Duck Dive Bar and Grill
- 406 Sea Mountain Hwy., North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 427-7118
Laid-back vibes abound at Duck Dive Bar and Grill, a classic beach bar in every sense of the word. Take a seat and sip on your favorite brew, or enjoy your burger out on the patio if you prefer. At night the space is well illuminated, so you can easily enjoy the crisp sea air after sunset if you prefer. In addition to a daily happy hour, they also offer live music, plenty of appetizers, and the burger that they tout as the “best on the beach.”
Buoys on the Boulevard
- 93 S Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 663-0330
Breezy and always lively, Buoys on the Boulevard is an area favorite for its casual vibe. People may originally come for the seafood, but before long they’re returning for the hefty burgers that are sure to leave a lasting impression. There’s the famed “hot” burger that’s spicier than anything you’ve tried. There’s a delectable crab cake burger based on a family recipe, a chicken burger with the meat prepared just how you like it, a gator burger if you’d like to venture outside of your comfort zone, and a vegan burger if your diet is plant-based.
Fuddruckers
- 2101 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
- (843) 946-6887
If you’ve long had a thing for Fuddruckers’ burgers, you’ll love the fact that there’s a location in your favorite beach town. They’re known for producing everything fresh and from scratch — the breads are produced in the kitchen daily, and they grill each burger to order to ensure that it’s done just right. Dig into a chicken burger, stick with a tried-and-true cheeseburger, or make room on your plate for one of the restaurant’s veggie options. They also offer a range of salads, cookies, brownies, and milkshakes.
Brisket
- 1501 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 273-4423
When the craving for authentic Texas-style barbecue hits — and you never know when it will — make sure you’ve got Brisket on your GPS. The restaurant specializes in ground brisket patties and offers a range of burger varieties, including the option to build your own from scratch. There are also a few specialty options on the menu in case you’re craving something a little different, like a burger topped with chorizo-stuffed hot jalapeno poppers.
The Grumpy Monk
- 1409 US 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 273-0286
Located on Broadway at the Beach, The Grumpy Monk is an area favorite known for its variety of burgers. A glance at their menu makes it more than clear that the team here knows a thing or two about whipping up a good burger. In any sandwich, you have the option to substitute a vegetarian Impossible burger if you prefer — which opens up an entire world of choices ranging from mushroom Swiss to guacamole burgers to the famed hangover burger topped with an over-easy egg.
Cook Out
- 205 US 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
- (866) 547-0011
Satisfy your craving for homemade, char-grilled hamburgers at Cook Out. The restaurant offers more than just beef patties, though — you can also dig into a char-grilled chicken breast burger and add something tasty as an appetizer, like cheese fries, hush puppies, or some chicken nuggets. Finish the meal with one of the eatery’s “fancy milkshakes,” in flavors like peanut butter fudge, peach cobbler, banana pudding, cappuccino, and banana berry.
Tidewater Grill
- 2100 Old Hwy 17 N Ste 106, North Myrtle Beach
- (843) 663-5639
This restaurant specializing in traditional American fare may be known for its steak, but Tidewater Grill also offers a pretty impressive menu of burgers. Each is served with a choice of house chips, French fries, or cole slaw, or you can upgrade to sweet potato fries, a vegetable, or onion rings. There’s a little bit of everything on the menu, from a turkey burger to a bacon pimento cheeseburger to a classic burger with your choice of cheese.
Fast Food
There are, of course, plenty of options in town if you’re craving some good, old-fashioned fast food instead of an exclusive burger restaurant. You’ll find popular chains like:
- McDonald’s on Hwy 17 S and Main Street
- Wendy’s on Hwy 17 S
- Hardee’s on N Kings Hwy
- Chick-fil-A on N Kings Hwy if you’ve got a taste for a chicken burger
- Five Guys on N Kings Hwy
- Sonic Drive-In on N Kings Hwy
They’re all known for their mouth-watering, juicy burgers that will easily satisfy even the most stubborn eaters.
Dig Into the Best Burger in North Myrtle Beach
Now you’re ready to truly eat like you’re on vacation! Slowly tick your way through all 13 of these great burger restaurants or pick and choose which ones most appeal to you and your family. Whichever ones you choose, we’re sure you’re going to love it!