Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. It’s considered part of the larger Myrtle Beach area and is such a lovely little hamlet to base any seaside adventures from. Here you’ll trade the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds for a more relaxing residential atmosphere, complete with many delicious Conway, SC restaurants.
It’s only a short drive to the Grand Strand and all the main attractions. Conway has its own set of coastal charms as well, including a rich history, enchanting scenery, and a surprisingly delightful culinary scene to explore.
You’ll enjoy fresh seafood, Southern comfort fares, and enticing flavors from around the globe. Get ready to dig in at any of these best restaurants in Conway, SC.
The Best Restaurants in Conway, SC
Crooked Oak Tavern
When you want to venture away from the Myrtle Beach restaurants, Crooked Old Tavern should be high on your go-to list. For fantastic farm-to-table eats in Conway, Crooked Oak Tavern is the ideal destination. The space is rustic and relaxed and the kitchen focuses on creating fresh and local plates, steaks in particular.
You won’t find any trace of hormones or pesticides in the meals here. Everything is made using traditional family recipes with a modern twist. Pimento Crab Dip and Fried Carolina Shrimp are superb starters. The Grilled Portobello with Avocado Chimichurri is a fantastic order whether you’ve meat-free or not.
Crafty Rooster
The Crafty Rooster is a neighborhood haunt serving up casual bites and craft beer. The atmosphere feels family-friendly and relaxed, with typical sports pub decor. There are 20 taps in total which are always rotating in new local brews.
If you go for either happy hour or late night you’re sure to find a good deal on some. The menu offers all the usual American bar fare, from shareable snacks to burgers and sandwiches to wings and things. There are also plenty of vegetarian options within this extensive selection.
Pickled Cucumber
Pickled Cucumber is the Southern-style alternative to fast food and one of the most unassuming restaurants in Conway, SC. The cuisine here is always fresh and made entirely from scratch for that authentic home-cooked feel that’s super affordable.
Old fashioned country meals meet contemporary techniques on a menu mainly set up with the classic meat and three extras options.
A vegetable plate (which is really just picking four sides) is also available. They offer a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, and wraps as well.
Rivertown Bistro
Rivertown Bistro is known for its inventive Southern plates and the stunning view from its deck which overlooks downtown Conway. Set in the historic district it’s been a favorite in the area for decades, and is always considered one of the best restaurants in Conway, SC.
The environment is more upscale than you’ll find elsewhere in town. Everything feels high quality here, and there’s a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary in the dishes.
The menu is seasonal and each order is carefully created. Sushi makes a surprise appearance on the menu, but all the rolls have gotten rave reviews. The Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Blackened Mahi Penne, and Lowcountry Springrolls all come highly recommended as well.
Shekinah Shine
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American
- Address: 707 Main St, Conway
- Website: See menu
Tasty home cooking with an international flair is the claim to fame at this cute cafe. It’s located inside the historic Chestnut House, built in 1927. The restored, sundrenched interior is super warm and inviting. Local artists display their handcrafted creations at a little market within the space as well.
Much of the organic produce comes straight from their garden. While Shekinah Shine operates less like a restaurant since closing its cafe, you can still contact them if you want to learn about gardening classes which will include a courses on permaculture, herb spiral creation & design, planting and propagating vegetables & flowers from seeds and cuttings!
El Patio
Conway is lousy with cute cantinas to try for traditional Mexican food, and El Patio is definitely one of the best. They offer authentic mouthwatering meals, including Carnitas, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas and more. The ambiance is laid back but brightly colored for a fully festive experience.
As the name implies, the patio is lovely for al fresco dining as well. The Pina Loca is as pretty as it is tasty, and perfect for a foodie photo op. There are fun themed specials each day, like Taco Tuesday and Senorita Saturday. They also have all the favorite cocktails on deck, but we of course recommend the margaritas.
Donzelle’s Restaurant
Donzelle’s is a local old school haunt in Conway. The ambiance is homey without any fancy frills, and you’ll often find regulars catching up over cups of coffee and plates of hearty food.
The prices can’t be beaten and though the food served is simple, sometimes that’s what really hits the spot. It’s a great place to go for a classic country breakfast, like the Biscuits and Gravy. Donzelle’s is certainly a hidden treasure for comfort food in Conway, but keep in mind it’s cash only!
Bellissimo Italian Pizzeria
Bellissimo is the most popular place in Conway for pizza. They’ve got both creative and classic pies to try, the New York Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is the standout special order here.
They’ve got all the traditional apps, from Fried Ravioli to Mozzarella Sticks, and a selection of sandwiches and pasta as well. You can even go just for a cheese slice if you wish! It’s a family-owned establishment, featuring a typically laid-back decor.
Sam’s Southern Eatery
Sam’s Southern Eatery is a casual local chain that everyone loves to eat at in Conway. They focus on Southern-style po’boys, burgers, and fried fish. Plus the portions are big and the price is always good. You can sit inside or go through the drive-thru for ultimate convenience.
They offer an array of fried comfort foods that have earned them a cult following among country cooking connoisseurs. The Fried Gizzards and Lizards (or Fried Pickles if you’re feeling less adventurous) are outstanding as a snack and we always love to go for the Seafood Combos here as well.
The Trestle
This bakery and cafe is set in the historic downtown of Conway. You can go for breakfast or lunch any day of the week. You’ll find hot and fresh fares with a Southern flair. The in-house bakery is famous for their sourdough bread and pastries.
The Breakfast Bagel and Build Your Own Omelet are both great ways to start the day and the Pile Up Grilled Cheese makes for a mouthwatering midday meal.
Eggs Up Grill
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Beakfast restaurant
- Address: 2246 Edward E Burroughs Hwy U, S. 501, Conway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Eggs Up Grille has many locations throughout the south and a total of two in Conway! It’s a beloved little spot for an easy down-home way to wake up. The menu is extensive, to say the least, so there’s sure to be something for everyone here.
They’ve got classics like Shrimp and Grits and Banana Foster French Toast alongside some more creative plates such as the Founders Hash Benedict and the Waffle Sandwich. There are craveable seasonal specials to try and plenty of beverages to pick from including mimosas and mochas.
Luvans Old South Fish Camp
This old school seafood spot is overflowing with charm. The wooden interior gives a country cabin feel that’s super homey. It opens in the early evening, after collecting the fresh catch of the day from the local fish market, and it doesn’t get much fresher than that. The Fried Oysters and Pan Seared Scallops are exceptional.
This mom and pop joint is cash only. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the find for any and all seafood lovers out there.
Bonfire
Bonfire is a smokin trendy taqueria that has the self-proclaimed best burn. It has the best of both worlds with classic Southern barbecue and amazing Mexican cuisine combined.
The space feels cool and modern. Everything is made so intentionally here and you can really taste it in quality. All the meats are cooked low and slow over hickory and oak hardwoods.
The vinegar-based pulled pork is legendary and there are vegetarian options as well. Settle on a sandwich, meat platter with sides, or tasty tacos like the Fried Catfish or Down South.
Jo Hibachi
For authentic Japanese eats in the city, Jo Hibachi is the best bet. It’s always crowded with local families and the portions are great for the price. Everything feels freshly cooked to perfection here with all high-quality ingredients.
It’s become such a fan favorite in the area, especially for the famous bowls, like the Chicken or Shrimp. They offer sushi rolls and special entrees that include steak and seafood as well. It’s a no frills atmosphere that’s all about the food.
Coppers Restaurant
Coopers is a Southern-style eatery located along the scenic banks of the Waccamaw River. They’re also known for their delightful outdoor dining and live music. The setting doesn’t get much better than this in Conway.
The Sunday Brunch has become a beautiful tradition in the area, otherwise, lunch and dinner here are divine. It’s just as fun to go for a cocktail and charcuterie board as it is for a full feast. If planning to chow down try the S and S, blackened salmon, and grilled scallops.
Big D’s BBQ Trough
This Southern comfort food comes complete with all the fixings. Big D’s is home to some of the best barbecue in Conway. They use both sweet mustard and original vinegar bases.
It’s family-owned and they’ve been in the smoking meat business since 1972, using soul food recipes that have been passed down for generations. You can order off the menu or indulge in the all-you-can-eat buffet. Either way, you’re in for a finger licking good time. You can even order by the pound to take some tasty eats home with you!
Spice C
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Japanese, Asian
- Address: 2246 E Highway 501 unit a&b, Conway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Spice C offs an array of tempting Asian-style cuisines. Noodles are their specialty, with plenty of delicious dishes to choose from. The Pad Thais, Drunken Noodles, and Fried Udons are the favorites here. There’s a hibachi grill menu as well for teriyaki meat or veggies.
The menu features both fusion and traditional style fares. The Chinese Ramens come highly recommended, especially the Beef Brisket. The space is bright and clean with a contemporary decor, making for an all around enjoyable spot to dine out in Conway.
Freshwater Fish Company
Freshwater Fish Company is an unassuming hole in the wall for all the fresh seafood fans and one of our favorite restaurants in Conway. It functions as both a market and a restaurant and has been a hidden gem in the area for many years. Everything is made to order so don’t expect the speedy service that can often come with fast casual dining.
The space is no-frills with an old school flair that lets the food speak for itself. Their hush puppies are some of the finest and the Shrimp and Oyster Dinner is to die for. The Crab Leg Boil is an honor to low country cuisine everywhere.
Tongy’s Schmack House
Tongy’s is that quintessential sports bar and grille every town needs. They offer all the typical pub grub done up right and it’s easily the best place to watch the big game around. They’ve got it all with flat screens, pool tables, and an excellent happy hour.
The burgers arrive stacked so high they seem impossible to eat, and it’s all part of the silly charm here. The bar is spacious with plenty of room to post up and enjoy a drink or two. Be advised the crowd can get pretty collegey as the night wears on. The Dollar Wings are quite the draw here.
Oliver’s Restaurant
Oliver’s serves up classic American fares for breakfast and lunch. They’ve been around since 1964, run by multiple generations of the same family.
The atmosphere is super lowkey, with modest decor that feels mostly functional. Everything is made by hand from scratch on-site. Sandwiches seem to be the specialty here, regardless of the time of day.
The menu seems so simple but the food doesn’t disappoint. Burgers, Barbecue, and Biscuits are all ready to blow you away. It all feels very classic country home-cooked, which when in Conway it’s really the way to go.
Map of The Best Restaurants in Conway
EXPLORE THE AREA
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Plan For Your Trip to the South!
- We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Hotels.com when searching for hotels.
- See our favorite cooler for the road!
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on Expedia.com
- Our Favorite Brand of Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Keen. When hiking, enjoying the beach, or just needing a comfortable shoe for daily wear, this it it.
- Check out our favorite South Carolina Souvenir! Or for the coffee or tea lover in the family!
Great list of restaurants in Conway, SC! I’m definitely going to try out some of these places on my next visit to the area. Thanks for sharing!