Best Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

As a popular tourist destination, Myrtle Beach draws in folks from around the world, many with varying tastes. Myrtle Beach restaurants have slowly been trying to cater to those many tastes with an increasing variety of culinary styles. But what are some of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach? AOL Travel does some digging to find out.

Best Myrtle Beach Restaurant: Fine Dining Category

Just up the road from the beach on Kings Highway, the Aspen Grille has taken fine diners' taste buds by storm since owner and chef Curry Martin took the reins in 2009. Focusing on melding fine steak and seafood dishes with traditional Southern flair, the folks at Aspen Grille really know how to prepare and serve a meal. The restaurant is open seven days a week from June to August, so summer vacationers need not worry about going, only to find it closed. Looking at the menu reveals prices that you would expect out of a fine dining establishment, but such thoughts disappear once the food actually arrives. The delectable fried green tomatoes are an essential appetizer to any meal and go well with a medium body red wine. And with an extensive wine list, you're sure to find something pleasing. Enjoy a perfectly cooked prime ribeye or the seared sea scallops while listening to live jazz and piano music. All of the food comes with excellent service and helpful wait staff, soundly putting Aspen Grille on the map of best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.

Aspen Grille: 5101 North Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 449-9191

Best Myrtle Beach Restaurant: Moderate Category

The Baja Grill and Bar has only been open since June 2010, but it's already made a grand splash in the Myrtle Beach community. Nestled behind a Kings Highway gas station, you might miss this place if you drive by too quickly. However, it's relatively close to some of the more affordable hotels in Myrtle Beach, and it's easy to walk to.

The colorful and clean décor lends to the atmosphere without making it seem too pretentious or busy. The bar is welcoming, and the bartenders seem to make a genuine effort to help you out. Once you get to the menu, you may realize that it's somewhat simple, but this isn't uncommon with new businesses. In Baja's case, it works to their advantage. The talented chef O'Shell can focus on cooking up some of the best Southwest dishes you've ever tasted. Locals rave about the fish tacos and dirt cheap happy hour specials, and most are impressed by the consistent quality of all the food. With that kind of quality and few dishes over $10, Baja Grill and Bar is definitely one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.

Baja Grill and Bar: 504 16th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 213-1551

Best Myrtle Beach Restaurant: Budget Category

"The inside is less than desirable but the BBQ is amazing," said Justin on UrbanSpoon.com of Little Pigs Bar-B-Q in Myrtle Beach. You may be hesitant to accept those kind of words when considering a restaurant, but you definitely should reconsider. Serving up delicious barbecue for several years, Little Pigs knows how to consistently serve up good eats without all the glamor and very little damage to your wallet. Little Pigs has your typical side dishes to go along with the barbecue pork, including baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. While the hush puppies are merely ok, the crispy onion rings are well worth a look. Go with the classic $6.69 pork sandwich plate with two sides of your choosing. You can even carry out half-pounds and pounds of their delicious barbecue pork for serving up your own way. And as with most any barbecue, the sauce is an extremely important component. But don't worry: Little Pigs has a variety of sauces the locals rave about. With all the fanfare - despite the look - it's easy to see why Little Pigs is one of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach.

Little Pigs Bar-B-Q: 6102 Frontage Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 692-9774

Photo by Sam Chan from Flickr