Kicks Quicks! | Graham’s Landing in Murrells Inlet has it goin’ on
Located at the southern tip of Murrells Inlet, Graham’s Landing has a spectacular creek view without the hustle and bustle of the Inlet Marshwalk.
Although the Marshwalk that runs behind many restaurants in the heart of Murrells Inlet’s restaurant row is a fantastic place to eat and stroll around with an amazing view, Graham’s Landing offers a more peaceful setting. The view of the inlet and Huntington State Park are relaxing and always changing with the tides.
During high tide, come by boat. If you get stuck during low tide, owner Graham Plummer promises to give you a low tide special. Otherwise, drive your car, bike or walk. This is a cool place to grab a burger and a beer while hanging out on the creekfront outdoor deck or have a nice dinner inside the nautically themed restaurant.
The vibe is inlet casual with cement floors, wood on the walls and the feeling of a great place to hear a local fishing lore. The bar area has ample seating, large televisions, and opens up to the outdoor waterfront deck. This bar beckons a local happy hour crowd.
“We try to get most of our seafood from local resources,” said Plummer. “Our oysters, shrimp and clams come from McClellanville, just down the road. Steamed buckets of oysters are very popular here. We even have several oyster tables made just for that purpose.”
An oyster table is a long dining table with a large hole in the middle for throwing away oyster and clam shells. Besides the oyster boil, Graham’s offers a few varieties like Jolly Rodgerfella Oysters, oysters topped with creamed spinach, parmesan and cheddar jack cheese, apple-wood smoked bacon and onions ($8.99 for half-dozen, $14.99for dozen).
The appetizers are mostly seafood items with a few other choices and start at $6.99. The lump crab cake was served hot, lightly breaded and perfectly pan seared. The dipping sauce was just the right complement to the crab cake. They also have a shrimp and salmon cake served with a lobster cream (both $9.99).
There are a few salads available as well as she crab soup and Grambo’s Lowcountry Stew. The presentations of this unique homemade stew is impressive and is a must-try, according to long-time wait staffer Steven Dalton ($4.99 cup, $6.99 bowl).
A few of the lunch menu items include custom burgers, cheesesteak, seafood Po’boy, French dip, and the most popular item, fish tacos. Choose from grouper, salmon or tuna then choose if you want it blackened, pan seared or fried. All served with slaw and french fries or tater tots. Lunches average about $10.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Graham smokes prime rib for the dinner special. This is especially popular as the weather cools down a bit. Ribs, steaks, fish of the day, seafood platters and pasta bowls are all offered on the dinner menu. Dinners include salad, vegetable and either a grit cake or twice baked potato. Dinners average about $17.
“I am so happy to be here running this business in the Inlet. I love when the locals come back after the tourist season slows down. It is really fun to catch up with people that I haven’t seen in a while, especially those that I grew up with,” said Plummer.
My favorite part of my lunch experience at Graham’s Landing was the beautiful view. The friendly staff, casual atmosphere, tasty food and most delicious cheesecake will bring me back. Dalton has taken over the dessert baker position and has created some amazing sweet treats. The banana pudding cheesecake and blueberry/lemon cheesecake were extremely rich, creamy and bursting with flavor. These are both Dalton’s own creations ($4.99).
Check the tides, jump in your boat and head to Graham’s Landing for a fun lunch or dinner experience.
This story was originally published September 18, 2013 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Kicks Quicks! | Graham’s Landing in Murrells Inlet has it goin’ on."