Margaritaville

This classic stop at Broadway on the Beach means, yes, longer waits and pricier entrees — but the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise, the boatload of tropical drinks and the free entertainment for the kids make Margaritaville a must on anyone's next Myrtle Beach vacation.

Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Croissants Bistro & Bakery does it all, y'all. From your morning coffee to celebratory cakes to fine dining — the award-winning restaurant (and wine list) has been a Myrtle Beach favorite for nearly 20 years.

Dagwood's Deli

Dagwood's original location in Myrtle Beach (attached to Bumstead's Pub) serves up sandwiches on fresh hoagie rolls that are baked daily. Among the many specialty subs, Dagwood's Dipper consists of sliced turkey and melted Swiss cheese piled high and served warm on a sub roll, with bacon bits and homemade dill mayonnaise for dipping.

Indo Thai

Forget your staple Thai takeout — the darkened atmosphere, off-the-tourist-path location and friendly staff make it worth your while to dine in at Indo Thai. Skeptics should rest assured that the Thai, sushi and hibachi are all delicious under the direction of owner and "sushi queen" Lara Heryadi.

Abuelo's

For the best Mexican food in Myrtle Beach, look no further than Abuelo's. From the moment you are seated in the dining room, which resembles an open-air Mexican courtyard, and served chips along with four made-from-scratch salsas, you know you're in for a treat.

Mr. Fish

Teddy Hammerman and his daughter Sheina saved the legendary Mr. Fish restaurant and seafood market. The restaurant has moved to a larger location on Ocean Boulevard, where you can expect fresh seafood and Southern cooking, including an extensive sushi menu and appetizers such as the fried green tomato tower and shrimp 'n' grits.

NY Prime

Sometimes you just want to indulge in a serious steak — especially if you have clients to impress or golf buddies with big appetites. Both will be satisfied at the heralded NY Prime, which gracefully accommodates large groups and serves the highest-quality meat (USDA grade prime) and potatoes (fresh, jumbo Idahos) available.

Rockefellers Raw Bar

If you're craving a casual raw bar, pull up a captain's chair at Rockfellers Raw Bar and dive into a steam pot of mussels, clams or scallops, hush puppies with honey butter, or the obvious choice, a half-dozen oysters Rockefeller (with a splash of Pernod and fresh spinach).

Big Mike's Soul Food

When you think of beach bites, you rarely think of "food that really sticks to your bones," but that's what you'll find at Big Mike's Soul Food. While you're in the South, you might as well as indulge in some down-home cooking and order the "meat-and-three" special with Queenie's famous fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw or mac and cheese.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse

There are two prerequisites for Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse: Come hungry and be a meat lover. Reservations are recommended so you can be quickly seated and start enjoying the show, i.e., the continuous stream of Brazilian gauchos serving more than 15 different cuts of beef, pork, lamp and poultry.