Lifelong Local's Guide
Restaurants
- 6 restaurants listed
- 3 accessible by kayak
— Murrells Inlet Kayak, Lifelong Resident
Key takeaways
- Murrells Inlet is the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” — the MarshWalk‘s waterfront restaurants sit right on the salt marsh.
- Several MarshWalk restaurants have dock access, so you can paddle up and tie off for a meal — look for the “Kayak Access” tag on each listing below and confirm with the restaurant before you go.
- Local institutions like Lee’s Inlet Kitchen (since 1948) and Hot Fish Club (since 1977) are worth the wait.
- Time a paddle-to-lunch around the tide: arrive on a rising or high tide so the docks and creek are easy to reach, and plan your return before the water drops.
Local Favorites
Don't Miss These
Seafood
Kayak Access
Hot Fish Club
Murrells Inlet institution since 1977
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 (1,923 Reviews)
Bar & Grill
Kayak Access
Bovine's World Famous Waterfront Bar & Grill
Waterfront bar with live music on the Marshwalk
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 (1,654 Reviews)
Seafood
Kayak Access
Lee's Inlet Kitchen
Old-school Lowcountry seafood since 1948
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 (987 Reviews)
Bar & Grill
Kayak Access
Creek Ratz
Casual waterfront eats and cold drinks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 (743 Reviews)
Where to Eat FAQs
Can I really kayak to a restaurant in Murrells Inlet?
Yes — several MarshWalk restaurants have dock or waterfront access where paddlers can tie off, though not all do. Our Paddle to Lunch guide covers the route, the tide timing, and where to tie up.
Which restaurants have kayak access?
The listings above tagged “Kayak Access” are the ones known for dock or waterfront tie-up. Dock policies can change by season, so check with the specific restaurant before you paddle over.
What's the difference between this page and Things to Do?
This page covers where to eat around the inlet. Things to Do covers the attractions — Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, the MarshWalk, and more — and how to pair them with a paddle.
When is the best time to eat on the MarshWalk?
Sunset is the classic MarshWalk hour — the boardwalk faces the marsh and the light is the draw. Arrive early on summer weekends, or paddle in for a quieter weekday lunch. See our sunset kayak guide for timing.