Seven of my girlfriends and I went to Bimini for dinner on Tuesday night. We do this once a month, try out a new (to us) place. It was Bimini's turn. We got there at 6:30 pm and had about a ten minute wait. The host was very nice and promised he would get us in soon.
We were seated at a picnic bench with an added circular table. If you have never been here the seating is very casual. No linens or tables with high backed chairs here. You know it's a local place when the atmosphere is this casual and laid back. There were clearly some tourist golfer groups there, but it's a local treasure of sorts.
We went on a Tuesday, and I expected it to be less crowded. Not a complaint, just an observation. It was loud, but I think the open plan just lends itself to being loud so if you are in a large party you might not be able to talk to someone at the other end of the table.
Our server was Ryan. I would highly recommend requesting him. He handled our orders without any complications, kept the drinks refilled without us having to hunt him down and answered every question we had. He was just a great all around server.
Now for the food. For the most part we stuck to shrimp, scallops, and clams. The serving sizes are very generous. I ordered the fried clams platter and it could have been a split. Almost all the items can come ala carte or platter servings. The platter servings include a side of hush puppies and either fries and slaw, house made chips with ranch, or rice and veggies.
I ordered the fried clam platter. The batter was more tempura-like than bready and I ordered fries. I would order the house made chips next time but the fries were fine. The house made chips were just better. I will say the fries and chips were not heavily salted. If you are a salt fan you are going to have to add. The clams were cooked just right and had great flavor.
I did an informal survey and everyone enjoyed their meal. The also commented on the amount of seafood...for example the grilled shrimp platter had 15 large shrimp. You'll go home with leftovers unless you are ravenous. The raw clams were a huge hit with someone who is a very particular eater. We ordered the key lime pie to split. The key lime was strong, but I prefer that to too much sweet. The crust is not my fav but that is a personal preference.
Overall we would absolutely go back.
Random notes: Ranch dressing is house made. There is a sign that clearly says 1 check per table but they are accommodating if you need it. The kitchen staff helps when needed for serving. It is a big reason service is so timely. There are t.v.s with sports playing so it would probably be a great place to watch a game. There is a full bar towards the back in the middle. There is seating and I assume you can order there, but I didn't ask. In the busier season there is plenty of...
Read moreBimini's has digressed from the neatest and best "hole in the wall" bar in Myrtle Beach to close to the bottom!!! Been coming to Biminis for at least 8 years and witnessed the downhill tumble. I suppose it is the way many small restaurants roll, but many others are able to ride the crest for a lifetime. I am from Asheville NC and have been visiting MB for 70 + years. Last night, we drove from Little River to make happy hour at Bimini's. Traffic was worse than normal for "off season," and we had to park in the overflow lot which is OK, but a hike to the restaurant. We both went in the restaurant to use restaurant restrooms. We were stopped after we entered and told to return to the hostess in front, outside, to place our names on their waiting list. Both employees were rude, which immediately activated my " un-fun meter." My wife left her glasses in the car, so she returned to get them and I hiked to the host stand. I was given a beeper and I asked if we could go to the bar inside. Quite rudely, the hostess replied, there's a bar outside and pointed to Tiki bar in the parking lot. Bimini's beer selection is horrible anyway, especially for anyone from Asheville, but I had looked online and saw a Sam Adam's IPA listed on the menu. Never found it and sure as hell wasn't on the Tiki bar since it was likely a draft beer - second strike! My wife returned, and by then, I was just plain irritated and pissed. I handed my beeper to the host, who was male but by then had a female standing behind the hostess stand, I made the comment that he was rude. Both he and she looked at each other, rolled there eyes and the host said, " bye" in a begrudging tone. 3rd strike - out! We'll never be back. The silver cloud was at the end of the street we noticed Clearwater. We had noticed it before, but knew nothing about it. The only information we had was signage on store front. We parked, asked a couple leaving how it was. Both of them said best happy hour and place EVER and they just had left 2 bar seats open. Happy hour was 4 to 7, Bimini's was 4 to 6. Clearwater was awesome and friendly! It has a outside full bar on the water, an awesome bartender named Awesome Austin, great live entertainment and a happy hour menu that is unbelievable. We use reviews for at least 75% of our food/ bar choices and personal recommendations for the rest. We both enjoy exchanging ideas and just talking to people. My wife hostessed, waitressed and managed several restaurants and I am a veteran, aviatior, airline pilot, instructor and GC. We don't enjoy trashing another's business but also feel maybe Bimini's should double back on their employees' training before they non-exist. It takes much work to climb up that restaurant incline and it can be a gentle decent or spin and...
Read moreMy recent visit to Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market was nothing short of spectacular! Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, this unassuming spot truly captures the essence of what coastal dining should be—fresh, flavorful, and filled with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the warm hospitality that seems to be a hallmark of this establishment. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, perfect for both locals and tourists looking to unwind and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the area. The interior exudes a charming, rustic feel, with nautical décor that reminds you that you’re in for a true ocean-to-table experience.
Now, let’s talk about the food—where do I even begin? We started with a dozen raw oysters, and I have to say, they were some of the best I’ve ever had. Briny, fresh, and served ice-cold, these oysters were perfection on the half shell. For anyone who appreciates the finer things in seafood, these are a must-try!
The steamed shrimp we ordered next was cooked to perfection—plump, juicy, and seasoned just right. It’s clear that Bimini’s takes great pride in the quality of their seafood, as every bite tasted as if it had just been brought in from the boat.
For the main course, I couldn’t resist the fried seafood platter. It’s the kind of dish that can make or break a seafood joint, and Bimini’s absolutely nailed it. The shrimp, flounder, and scallops were all lightly battered and fried to a perfect golden brown. The flavors were clean, crisp, and not at all greasy—a true testament to the skill of the kitchen.
The sides, too, deserve a mention. The hush puppies were addictively good, with a slight sweetness that balanced out the savory seafood. The coleslaw was fresh and crunchy, providing a great contrast to the fried elements of the meal.
And if all that wasn’t enough, the service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and seemed genuinely happy to share in our enjoyment of the meal. It’s rare to find a place that checks all the boxes, but Bimini’s certainly does.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a great meal in Myrtle Beach, Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel like a local, even if it’s your first time. I’ll definitely be back, and I can’t wait to introduce friends and family to this...
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