Flavor:
Even though Burkey’s has a loyal following, I found the burgers a bit on the bland side compared to others on the list. The patty and bun were fine, but nothing really stood out in terms of seasoning or flavor.

Vibe/Service:
The prices are hard to beat, which makes it a solid value spot. The dining room is clean and comfortable, and the location is convenient if you’re in the area. Service is quick and friendly, which adds to the appeal.

Overall Impression:
Burkey’s is the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood staple—affordable, reliable, and easy to get to. While the burger itself didn’t wow me, it’s still a good option if you want a simple, budget-friendly meal in Myrtle Beach.

📍Address: 4001 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach

Flavor:
Oliver’s serves up a juicy, well-seasoned burger that’s more flavorful than many in this category. It’s a classic style done well, with just enough extra taste to keep it memorable.

Vibe/Service:
The dining room has a nostalgic charm, with a warm and welcoming staff. Prices are in line with the other value spots, and the service makes for a pleasant dining experience.

Overall Impression:
Oliver’s offers one of the best examples of a traditional hometown burger—affordable, tasty, and served in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. It earns a strong second-place spot in this category.

📍Address: 1301 US 501 Business, Conway SC

Flavor:
The burgers here are tasty, juicy, and satisfying—though they lean more on the natural flavor of the beef than on heavy seasoning. It’s a straightforward, no-frills burger that hits the spot when you’re craving something classic.

Vibe/Service:
Hamburger Joe’s is known for being casual, quick, and easy on the wallet. The prices are great, which makes it a popular stop for both locals and visitors. One small drawback: the burgers are served on tiny plates, which makes the meal feel a little cramped. Still, the laid-back vibe keeps it fun.

Overall Impression:
Hamburger Joe’s is all about value and speed. You won’t find anything fancy here, but you will get a juicy burger at a great price in a casual setting. With two locations and a steady following, it earns the top spot for hometown/value burgers.

📍Address: 1410 17 Business, Surfside Beach SC / 712 48th Ave S, North Myrtle Beach

Flavor:
The burger here is juicy and flavorful, though it could use a bit more seasoning to really stand out. I had the Carlucci Burger with 2 4-ounce patties, grilled onions, and chipotle aioli.

Vibe/Service:
Located right off Highway 22, Conner’s has the comfortable feel of a classic diner. The menu is big, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff—led by Chef Mike—makes you feel right at home.

Overall Impression:
While burgers may not be the main draw at Conner’s, theirs is definitely worth trying. Combined with the welcoming vibe and strong overall dining experience, it earns a spot in this “where you’d least expect it” category.

📍Address: 7050 SC 90, Longs SC

Flavor:
The Burgundy Burger here is a standout—juicy, flavorful, and layered with richness from red wine braised mushrooms, melted Gruyère, and black garlic aioli, all on a toasted brioche bun. It’s easily one of the tastiest burgers on the list, even though it’s not the restaurant’s main focus.

Vibe/Service:
Oak Prime is an upscale spot with a polished, modern atmosphere. The staff is excellent, led by co-owner Chris Roberts, and the service adds to the overall dining experience.

Overall Impression:
The only drawback is availability—you’ll only find this burger on the bar menu between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., and it’s their sole burger option. Still, when you can get it, it’s worth every bite. The flavor is top-notch, and while it lands at #2 due to limited access, it’s a must-try for burger lovers looking for something elevated in an unexpected place.

📍Address: 4210 River Oaks Dr, Myrtle Beach SC

Flavor:
Even though seafood is the star here, the smashburgers steal the show. Made with two 4-ounce patties, the burger is seasoned perfectly, juicy, and packed with flavor—easily one of the most flavorful burgers on this entire list. The warm bun and fresh toppings elevate it even further. I tried the mushroom and Swiss, which was excellent, but they also offer an All-American and a chopped cheeseburger, giving you a few options to choose from.

Vibe/Service:
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a bar that makes it a great spot to unwind. It feels like a neighborhood place where you can enjoy either fresh seafood or, surprisingly, one of the area’s best burgers.

Overall Impression:
New England Fish House may be known for seafood, but their smashburgers are among the best in the Grand Strand. With bold flavor, quality toppings, and multiple burger choices, it earns the top spot in this category and proves that sometimes the best surprises come from the least expected places.

📍Address: 4016 River Oaks Dr, Myrtle Beach SC

I tried more burgers for this roundup, but in the end I narrowed the rankings to 11. That doesn’t mean the others weren’t worth a stop—just that the competition was strong and some spots stood out more for their atmosphere or other menu items than for their burgers.

So, any on these two lists below are very great spots, when you try and rank 5 or so great places, you’re splitting hairs.

Flavor:
Drifters already impressed me in the past with one of the top Philly cheesesteaks, and their burger keeps the streak going. I tried the Drifters Burger, comes with BBQ sauce made in house, and the sauce really stood out—rich, tangy, and a perfect match for a juicy, well-cooked burger.

Vibe/Service:
The bar has a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and being smoke-free makes it even more enjoyable. It feels like a true local spot where you can grab a quality meal and hang out comfortably.

Overall Impression:
Drifters proves it’s not just about cheesesteaks here—the burger is worth the trip too. With great flavor and a friendly, easygoing vibe, it secures a well-earned place in the top 5.

📍Address: 2905 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach

Flavor:
Bohemian Bull is known for specialty burgers with creative toppings, i went with the That’s My Jam Burger—I opted for no fried green tomato on it, making my choice without much on top. It was solid, but maybe a little too plain compared to their more adventurous options, but a tasty burger.

Vibe/Service:
This is a fun spot with a big bar, outdoor seating, live music, and regular events. The atmosphere is lively but still welcoming, and the owners are very community-focused, which makes the place feel special.

Overall Impression:
With half-price burgers on Wednesdays and a menu full of unique creations, Bohemian Bull is a strong contender in the craft burger scene. While my choice leaned basic, this is definitely a place worth exploring if you like burgers with personality and a great setting to match.

📍Address: 2859 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet SC

Flavor:
I went with the Southern Heat burger (minus the jalapeños), and it didn’t disappoint. The patty was well-seasoned and juicy, the toppings were fresh, and the portion was generous. It’s a big burger that delivers on taste and satisfaction.

Vibe/Service:
Cooper’s has a really fun atmosphere with plenty of games and activities, making it more than just a place to eat. It’s lively but still feels welcoming, and the menu has a strong variety of burger options to fit different tastes.

Overall Impression:
Between the flavorful burger, fresh toppings, and a great setting, Cooper’s Tavern stands out as one of the top bar & grille spots for a burger in the Grand Strand. It’s the kind of place you can make a night of—good food and plenty to do.

📍Address: 1521 US 17, Little River SC

Flavor:
I went with the Steakhouse Burger, and it delivered big time. The patty was seasoned well, juicy, and paired perfectly with fresh bacon, grilled onions, provolone, and A1 steak sauce. I also like that you can swap the patty for chicken if you want a different spin on the same build.

Vibe/Service:
Island Bar is a clean, welcoming spot that’s open for lunch—a nice change from places that only serve later in the day. The atmosphere is laid-back but sharp, and the service was excellent.

Overall Impression:
With a strong lineup of burger options, tasty flavor, and a great overall dining experience, Island Bar earns a deserved spot in the top 3 of the craft/smash category. It’s a place that does everything right, from the food to the feel of the restaurant. Big bonus that their fries are next level!

📍Address: 2272 Glenns Bay Rd, Myrtle Beach SC

Flavor:
This burger hit all the marks—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and stacked with fresh toppings. The patty was cooked just right, and every bite had that balanced, satisfying flavor that makes a burger memorable. They also let you order any of their burger builds with chicken instead, which is a fun option for variety.

Vibe/Service:
The bar has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with plenty to do, from pool and darts to just hanging out with friends. It feels like a neighborhood spot where you can grab a bite, stay a while, and never feel rushed.

Overall Impression:
The taste alone makes this a top-tier burger, but the value puts it over the edge. Their lunch deal—$5.99 for a burger and fries—is almost unheard of, especially at this quality. Pub International more than earns its runner-up spot on the list.

📍Address: 3218 Waccamaw Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC

Flavor:
When I started this challenge, more people recommended Greg’s than almost anywhere else—and they were right. The patty is big, juicy, and seasoned just right, with that char-grilled flavor that sets it apart. I had the Tennessee Whiskey Burger, topped with caramelized onion, a whiskey-bacon glaze, and provolone on a toasted brioche bun, and it was as good as it sounds. Fresh toppings rounded it out perfectly.

Vibe/Service:
Greg’s has that “corner bar” feel where everyone seems to know everyone. It’s not fancy, but it’s friendly, laid-back, and welcoming. The kind of place you can settle into and feel like a regular right away.

Overall Impression:
With tons of burger options on the menu and a patty that delivers both flavor and size, Greg’s Cabana takes the crown for best bar & grille burger. It’s proof that sometimes the hype is justified—and in this case, the burger lives up to the reputation.

📍Address: 2817 US Business 17, Murrells Inlet SC

We’ve already covered the bar & grille burgers, which brought plenty of flavor and atmosphere to the table. Now we shift to the dedicated burger joints—places where the menu leans heavily on burgers and creativity is front and center.

From smash-style or craft style patties to unique topping combinations, these five spots showcase why the Grand Strand is such a great place for burger lovers.

Flavor:
Surf Dawgs brings serious smashburger energy with patties that are crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and stacked with creative toppings. The flavor combinations are bold, and their signature sauces really take the burgers up a notch. I had the Big Maui which is supposed to be a big version of a Big Mac, it did lack some Big Mac taste but great nonetheless.

Vibe/Service:
This Surfside spot has a fun, casual feel—perfect for grabbing a bite with friends or family. Beyond burgers, they also offer a big selection of loaded fries, piled high with all kinds of toppings that make them a meal on their own.

Overall Impression:
If you like your burgers smashed thin and packed with personality, Surf Dawgs delivers. Between the inventive burger builds and the fry options, it’s a spot that keeps things exciting and earns its place in the top 5 burger joints.

📍Address: 421 US 17 Business, Surfside Beach SC

Flavor:
Chuck Wagon strikes a nice balance between a hometown-style burger and a craft/smash creation. The patties are flavorful and juicy, and while the beef itself shines, they also offer plenty of creative topping combinations to keep things interesting. Single burgers are a nice focus on the meat and toppings, but you can get double and triple burgers!

Vibe/Service:
Both locations have a laid-back, casual feel, perfect for grabbing a quick but satisfying bite. The menu goes beyond burgers with hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and other grill favorites, making it a versatile spot for groups with different tastes.

Overall Impression:
Chuck Wagon is a reliable go-to when you want a burger that blends classic flavor with a touch of creativity. It’s consistently tasty and proves that sometimes a straightforward approach works best with quality ingredients. I had the Rise and Shine burger with an egg and bacon.

📍Address: 4012 Postal Way, Myrtle Beach SC / Coastal Grand Mall

Flavor:
Bruiser’s delivers on both creativity and quality. The patties are big and juicy, and the toppings set them apart—fresh cuts of bacon, perfectly fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, red pepper jam, and even truffle mayo. I had the Bruiser Burger itself, loaded with country bacon, red pepper jam, and a fried green tomato, and it was a half-pound of pure flavor. On another visit, also had their Center Ring burger with BBQ sauce and bacon.

Vibe/Service:
The restaurant has both a bar and a comfortable dining area, making it a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal. The hand-cut fries are outstanding on their own, and owners Eric and Melinda clearly put a lot of heart into everything they serve, which shines through in the overall experience.

Overall Impression:
Bruiser’s is a must-stop for anyone who loves specialty burgers with fresh, unique toppings. They have Pretzel buns and Brioche buns for variety. It’s one of my go-to spots when I’m in the Surfside area, and it earns its spot in the top 3 with ease.

📍Address: 317 US Business 17, Surfside Beach SC

Flavor:
Take A Bite makes some seriously good smashburgers. Juicy, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor, these burgers hit the mark every time. With a wide variety of specialty builds, there’s no shortage of options for burger lovers to explore. And beware, these burgers are big! I had the mushroom swiss, simple yet tasty!

Vibe/Service:
The atmosphere is small but cozy, giving it a friendly, hometown feel. Service stands out here—everyone is welcoming, and Aunt Susan at the front counter is part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Overall Impression:
Between the flavorful smashburgers, creative variety, and warm hospitality, Take A Bite earns its spot near the top. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert—fresh cakes and sweets are a bonus that round out a visit perfectly.

📍Address: 2270 501, Conway SC

Flavor:
Burger Social takes the top spot with burgers that are not only flavorful and well-seasoned, but endlessly customizable. From single or double patties to turkey or even Beyond Meat, they’ve got every base covered. The specialty burgers are excellent, but the real fun is in building your own and trying different combinations. Oh, and the shoestring fries that I had? Out of this world and will make you forget McDonald’s fries in a hurry.

Vibe/Service:
This new North Myrtle spot has a lively, modern atmosphere with a full bar and plenty of seating. It feels built for burger lovers, so this isn’t one to skip if you love burgers.

Overall Impression:
What makes Burger Social stand out is the sheer variety: nine different buns, 15 fry options, 18 house-made scratch dips, and a dozen seasonings. With thousands of possible burger-and-fries combinations, it’s the kind of place you can go back to again and again without ever having the same meal twice.

Oh, and they also have milkshakes! Not sure I mentioned that! For anyone who loves burgers, skipping this place would be a mistake—it’s a clear #1 on the Grand Strand.

📍Address: 4018 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach SC

From hometown classics to unexpected gems, from bar & grille favorites to the dedicated burger joints, the Grand Strand is packed with places serving up great burgers in their own unique way. Each spot on this list brings something different to the table—whether it’s unbeatable value, creative toppings, or simply a perfectly cooked patty served with pride.

At the end of the day, these rankings are just my take. Burgers are personal, and what’s “best” depends on your own taste. That’s exactly why I encourage you to go out and try them for yourself. The real goal of this challenge wasn’t just to eat a lot of burgers—it was to highlight and support the incredible local businesses that make our community special.

So grab a friend, head to one of these spots, and dig in. Every burger you try helps keep our local restaurants thriving—and that’s something worth celebrating.

💬 Your Turn!
I’ve shared my burger journey across the Grand Strand—but now I want to hear from you. What’s your go-to burger spot? Did I miss one of your favorites?

Drop a comment below or share your pick on this post—because the best part of this showdown is discovering even more local gems together.