The Insiders’ Take: Myrtle Beach’s Best Craft Beer Locations

You can go just about anywhere to get a post-round cocktail, including countless spots up and down our 60-mile stretch of the Grand Strand. But if it’s an ice cold, really good craft beer you seek in a cool-vibe environment, you’ve come to the right place for counsel.

For the best craft beer and locally brewed options in the Myrtle Beach area, we turn to our resident experts on the subject: PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com’s Joe Novak and his wife, Kristen – the renowned “Beer Chick” for Myrtle Beach Online. To make the cut in their eyes, it can’t be just any kind of beer. Between the exceptional products and unique social environments they offer, these places check all the right boxes in the eyes of our craft beer aficionados.

We’ve even gone so far as to provide choices in each of the Grand Strand’s southern, central and northern sections, along with the closest golf course options you can pair them with.

North Strand: 

Coastal Craft – Bottle Shop – Calabash, N.C.

Coastal Craft Beverage Co. is a craft beer bottle shop and tasting room that serves an eclectic selection of craft beer on its 20-tap draft system. Get your growler and crowler fills, mix and match a 6 pack, or enjoy a pint in their beer garden.

Nearby course pairing options: The Pearl’s and West courses, Thistle, Crow Creek, , Meadowlands, Brunswick Plantation, Oyster Bay, Sea Trail’s Byrd/Jones/Maples courses

Red Hare – Brewery – Shallotte, N.C.

Red Hare’s Shallotte location is one of the brand’s two breweries (main brewery in Marietta, Ga.), and was named fourth-best brewery and accepted five medals in the 2016 U.S. Open Beer Championship, and three more medals in 2018. Red Hare offers six year-round beers (SPF 50/50, Tangerine SPF 50/50, Soft J IPA, Rewired IPA, Long Day Lager, and Classic Pilsner), in addition to seasonals and craft soda brands.

Nearby course pairing options: Rivers Edge, Ocean Ridge Plantation’s Tiger's Eye/Lion's Paw/Leopard's Chase/Panther's Run courses

Central Strand:

New South Brewing – Brewery – Myrtle Beach

Now in its third decade of brewing fresh ale and lager in a 20-barrel brewhouse that produces 3,000 barrels a year, New South has operated its popular Tap Room for the past seven years. You’ll find 13 varieties there right now, including their seasonal Oktoberfest and its one-of-a-kind Dirty Myrtle DIPA that weighs in at a hefty 8.9 percent ABV.

Nearby course pairing options: , River Oaks, World Tour, Pine Lakes, Myrtlewood’s Palmetto and PineHills courses

Hurricane Maggie’s – Bar – Myrtle Beach

Touting itself as Myrtle Beach’s number one craft beer bar for the past five years, Hurricane Maggie’s boasts more than 90 craft beer options in addition to a simple but popular menu with traditional pub fare choices for appetizers (including wings, fries, quesadillas, tacos) and burgers, sandwiches and wraps.

Nearby course pairing options: Grande Dunes Resort Course, Arcadian Shores, The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

South Strand:

Island Bar – Bar – Surfside Beach

A little place tucked in the corner of a Food Lion shopping plaza, Island Bar packs a big punch when it comes to craft beer selections. Beyond great food and trivia nights and live music for entertainment, the extensive draft beer menu alone is a sight for sore eyes (or at least those eager for a cold post-round beverage) with ABV options ranging from 4.8 (“Americana”) to a whopping 12.4 ABV (“Sinner’s Son”).

Nearby course pairing options: Prestwick, , , International Club

Quigley’s Pint and Plate – Brewpub – Pawleys Island

Owner Josh Quigley has built a strong reputation along the Waccamaw Neck for delivering a “go-to” dining/microbrew experience that’s been popular for years among visiting golfers and locals alike. Eight beers are always on tap, with a daily Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m. that features $3 pints. If you’re just stopping by for craft beer on the go, take home a half gallon or 32 oz. growler.

Nearby course pairing options: Willbrook Plantation, Tradition Club, Litchfield Country Club, River Club