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Holden Beach is right on the bottom part of South Carolina’s beautiful shoreline and is one of the most popular places in the entire country to vacation with your family. No matter your budget or style, plenty of short-term vacation rentals are available in Holden Beach.
Between biking on the beach, searching for ghost crabs on the beach, or trying to spot all of Holden Beach’s unique lighthouses, you and your family will undoubtedly be working up an appetite.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great dining on Holden Beach. So whether you love traditional seafood, ice cream, or classic comfort food fare, you will undoubtedly find it at Holden Beach.
The Best Places to Eat in Holden Beach
From fine dining to casual cuisine, there’s something for everyone in your family at Holden Beach. For busier restaurants during peak times, it’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance.
Beaches-N-Cream
Beaches-N-Cream has more than just a cute name. This Holden Beach classic is a local gem that will give you a tasty taste of the tropics. Beaches-N-Cream specializes in delicious sweet comfort food with its own unique twist, like banana pudding ice cream with vanilla wafers.
You can get traditional sweets too, like chocolate and coconut ice cream. Beaches-N-Cream tends to get pretty packed, so make sure that you bring your patience along with your appetite.
This restaurant is only open at certain times of the year, so call in advance.
Mankins Causeway Cafe
Mankins Causeway Cafe makes excellent elevated comfort food classics that pair perfectly with a great view of the beach. So if you want to treat yourself to all of your nostalgic favorites, this is the spot to go.
They serve mouthwatering cheeseburgers, fresh sides, and inspired dips and sauces. Plus, their service is quick, and their portions are more than generous.
Dine-in casual style as the locals do. Make sure you put Mankins Causeway Cafe on your “must-visit” Holden Beach list.
Castaways Raw Bar and Grill
Castaways is one of the best places to eat in Holden Beach, and you really can’t beat the views. This restaurant has a lovely open-air area where you’ll savor the tropical breeze, along with your crab dip and pretzels.
Castaways Raw Bar and Grill is an excellent spot to get several appetizers to share, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself there all evening.
In addition to the food, they have great wine and drinks and live music. Their staff is accommodating, polite, and happy to explain anything on the menu to you with a smile.
Provision Company
Provision Company is an excellent option for you and your family in Holden Beach if you want to sit down for a fantastic seafood dinner. This superb restaurant specializes in exciting takes on your favorite dishes. One of their stand-out menu items is the shrimp burger. It’s got all of the classic flavors of a delicious cheeseburger, with a seafood twist that you will love.
Plus, Provision Company sits right on an inlet so that you will enjoy phenomenal views of the Atlantic as well as tasty treats from the sea. With excellent service, large portions, and a robust menu, Provision Company is a real winner.
Sunset Slush
If you have a sweet tooth, Sunset Slush is one of the best places to eat in Holden Beach. This ice cream joint is a true local favorite, with phenomenal ice cream, Italian ices, and desserts. There are plenty of different types of ice cream on the menu, including a sugar-free variety.
They also have unique flavors like bubble gum, or you can go with traditional coconut or chocolate. If you’re not sure, just let their servers know which kind of flavors you like, and they will be happy to give you some suggestions.
Patronies Pizza
Patronies Pizza takes the humble pizza to the next level and gives guests a complete gourmet experience every time. In addition to their pies, you can also get desserts and salads.
Although Patronies Pizza does serve traditional toppings, you can also get seafood pizza, which is full of succulent pieces of fresh seafood. It’s a combination that you won’t forget anytime soon.
If you want something slightly lighter, try one of their salads. The ingredients are totally fresh, and the salads come in large enough portions to share.
Mermaids Island Grill
This whimsical Holden Beach jewel is a well-known local hangout, although it hasn’t quite hit the tourist map yet. One thing that Mermaids Island Grill does exceptionally well is fresh fish. Their grilled fish entrees are perfectly prepared and seasoned. You can also get chicken pitas, shrimp, or other favorites.
If you like margaritas, Mermaids Island Grill is the place to go. Their margaritas are fresh and tart, and they pair perfectly with almost any menu item. Plus, Mermaids Island Grill often has entertainment, especially during the summer.
Wrapping Everything Up
Holden Beach is a beautiful spot to take your family on a vacation that they won’t forget anytime soon. Holden Beach does have it all between the long stretches of sandy beach, incredible nature, and regional history. That includes some fantastic dining!
You certainly won’t go hungry on Holden Beach, and you won’t lack things to do either. So consider a long or short-term vacation rental in Holden Beach for your next family getaway, and treat your family to a vacation of a lifetime. There’s something for every style, budget, and need.
