The brew-pub trend has finally made its way to Myrtle Beach. Strict South Carolina alcohol laws once discouraged on-site breweries, but recent changes have made it profitable for brew pubs to operate on the Grand Strand.
The result is a growing number of brew pub-style restaurants and bars in Myrtle Beach. In fact, guests at Long Bay are within walking distance of three such establishments. Some make their own craft beers on location while others serve hard-to-find microbrews from all over the world. Here is a six-pack of the most popular brew pubs in Myrtle Beach:
* Atlas Tap House: Located in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, Atlas brought a much-needed brew pub to an area absent of anything resembling a craft beer outlet. Offering more than 90 different brands of bottle and draught beers, as well as a collection of rare bourbons. Atlas also specializes in smoked meats that go well with a cold beer. The outside patio deck is perfect for relaxing while taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Myrtle Beach.
* Fire & Smoke Gastropub: Located just a few blocks away from Long Bay Resort, Fire & Smoke attracts a nice mix of locals and visitors who have a adventurous taste buds. The creative food menu features a wide selection of smoked meats and cheeses made on-site in the hot-and-cold smoker. A lengthy list of draught and bottled beers is available, and several specials incorporate alcohol into food dishes, like the oyster shooters. Belly up to the bar and get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride.
* Gordon Beirsch Brewery & Restaurant: This Market Common hot spot serves cold beers made on site and a unique menu that incorporates its brews into its food lineup. Like the Beer-Battered Fish and Chips and Brewhouse Chicken marinated in the house-made Marzen. Serving five on-site beers – Czech Pilsner, Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Marzen and Schwarzier, Gordon Beirsch also makes special seasonal brews and holds parties to celebrate the tapping of new concoctions.
* Hurricane Maggie's: Located just two blocks away from Long Bay, this new brew pub is staggering distance back to the resort. Serving seven draught beers on tap and a countless number of bottle brands from all over the world, Hurricane Maggie's has quickly become a busy place for beer aficionados. The downstairs is an English-style pub, the upstairs features a sports bar and the outside patio deck is a great place to relax and watch the sun go down.
* Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery: This Broadway at the Beach brew pub and eatery is one of the most popular gathering places on the Grand Strand. Offering excellent happy hour specials with discounted food and beers ($3 house brews), Liberty packs them in for lunch and dinner too. The hand-crafted beers go well with the expansive menu, including some dishes made with house beers, such as the Drunken Ribeye. Good news for Long Bay guests; the sister establishment, Liberty Tap Room, is just a few blocks from the resort.
* New South Brewing: Recent law changes have allowed the only local brewery, New South, to open its own pub on the premises. Take a tour of the facility and see the brewing process from start to finish, including large vats of product and a canning machine. All that touring can build up a powerful thirst, so make your way to the pub for samples of the house brands. Souvenirs are also available and happy hour draws a nice crowd.
(Posted: 11/10/14)
(Photo Courtesy: myrtlebeach.com)