Local on the Water — Restaurant in North Myrtle Beach

WOW! This place is INCREDIBLE! We went 3 times in 24 hours, it was that good!! Went on a dolphin cruise on Tuesday and deep sea fishing Wednesday with a company that is based out of the same parking lot as the restaurant. We arrived too early on Tuesday so we stopped in for lunch per the captains recommendation (all he said was “you can go get a drink over there if you want while you wait”). We were not expecting such a beautifully open and expansive place walking in! We sat at the bar but the way the layout is, you get the same view and breeze as if you were sitting in the outdoor seating area, it’s an open layout. The bartender was so kind and accommodating, food came out super quick and they were happy to answer any questions we had and adjustments we made to our orders (my husband didn’t want certain toppings on his burger, I asked for salad instead of fries). He gave me a bite of his burger and we both agreed it was delicious. They put 1000 island dressing on it that has to be homemade based on the color and flavor of it and it is FANTASTIC! I had the mahi mahi tacos and they were delicious and so fresh. Down to the tortillas it was a fantastic bite. Any time I’ve had fish tacos it’s either fried fish or just flaky chunks but this was actual slices of fish seasoned and cooked beautifully. We loved lunch so much we went back for dinner after the dolphin cruise! Both of us got burgers that time and I was very happy to have my own, it was great! I could barely eat half of it and happily brought the rest home. We had the same bartender the second time and when we walked in my husband sat down and said “I had to come back for another burger” and the gentleman (who’s name I never caught) asked if he wanted it the same way and placed the order with the modifications and even remembered the beer I ordered hours earlier. Such a lovely guy. The next day we went for dinner after deep sea fishing, husband again got the same burger just added bacon and loved it just the same. I had the fish sandwich that had lightly fried grouper on it and holy moly I will be thinking about that sandwich for a very long time. I normally can’t eat a whole meal or sandwich in one sitting but I devoured that! Best fish sandwich...

The evening started out with beautiful weather, a table outside near the water as requested. We were excited to try a new restaurant for us, in N. Myrtle Beach. Our waiter informed us he was new, which was not a problem for us. (Or so we thought) We ordered drinks and appetizers, which were tasty. Spring rolls, California rolls and queso dip and chips. We then waited quite a bit of time for the waiter to come take our order. When my husband ordered the NY strip steak he said he would have to check to make sure they had it. He came back and said yes they had the steak. We finished placing our orders. We then waited some more, never being asked if we wanted another drink. My husband got his salad, then my daughter and I got our crab legs (more like a half pound not a full pound and the shrimp was not cooked enough) and shrimp. About 5 minutes later my grandson's pizza arrived. Still no steak for my husband. Approximately 15 minutes later our waiter appeared to say they don't have a strip steak they put a rib eye on the board. My husband said he would take that. The waiter then says, we don't have that either, do you want the sirloin? He said no, he would have fish and chips. Everyone finished their meal and a good half hour has past and he comes back to say, they are working on it. At this point we ask to see the manager. He comes over to tell us he is not going to charge us for the steak. I say, you mean the steak we never received? He said he would go back to the kitchen and expedite the fish and chips. Another 20 minutes go by and we catch the waiter and tell him to forget the fish which they had already done, as we were leaving. I don't know when South Carolina or is it just Myrtle Beach instituted this new practice of expecting people to pay a bill without actually seeing it. They just tell you what it is and you are expected to pay it. Where we are from we are given a bill so we can look at it to make sure it is correct. This is the second establishment that has done this and I am sure we are not the only ones who find this a bit odd. I wish I could say we had a good experience at Local on The Water, but unfortunately we did not. It is a beautiful place, but they definitely have a lot of...

Updated review to all 5 stars: I will definitely be returning here for the pizza, it was great! We came before the band and it was what I expected the first time. When the band came out, we moved around to let the kids play in the back area. Lots of friendly families doing the same, all the kids were having fun together. Service was great as well. They told us the pizza timing will be off from the rest of the food and our waitress was quit literally one of the best we ever had anywhere.

So, tip for families looking to have conversations, go for an early dinner (before 5) if you want to avoid loud music. Around the back of the patio is a little play area with basketball games, swings and a few games (with tables for the adults too). When the music starts, you can sit here, enjoy the music and have a conversation.

First experience was good, but we wanted more conversation at dinner and our timing was off and that was my original review. That was on us, purely sharing for info so others are aware. Second time we planned it to be able to talk and enjoy the music after. Lots of kids up dancing to the music (pre-teen) as well as adults. Everyone was friendly and respectful, really nice atmosphere.

If you come for the music, you’ve come to the right place and will enjoy every bit of it. If I want pizza locally, this will be my first choice!

Original review: Nice place on the waterway. If you like live bands and bar life, probably more up your alley. It got a bit loud if you want to have dinner conversation so keep that in mind.

Food was good, we had an assortment. My sirloin was good. If I came back it would be for the pizza. Pizza will come out later than other meals, FYI.

Again, not a bad place. I may go back for lunch/early dinner, but likely avoid late dinner/bands to give it another shot, unless my intentions were to go listen to a live band. I do really like the patio on the waterway and open layout. Staff was...