Gut Reaction | 17 is a lucky number for Palmetto 17 in Myrtle Beach

Hamburger International was as good as Hamburger Joe’s, Five Guys or Cheeseburger in Paradise hands down and it’s way cheaper, too. Palmetto 17 replaced my favorite neighborhood hamburger restaurant some time back. Thought I’d give Palmetto 17 a try, finally.

Palmetto 17, on U.S. 17 Bypass at the “back gate” near The Market Common, is counter service but sometimes a waitress will deliver your food and check back with you during your meal. The diner-looking restaurant has black and white checked floors, glass blocks and has an old-fashioned soda shop look, which is fitting as they offer 15 different flavors of ice cream.

Seventeen different types of burgers and seventeen different kinds of sandwiches are made. I liked the mix of music that was the perfect volume; Kenny Chesney, Steve Perry, etc.

My date ordered a Black and Bleu burger; I chose the Bangin’ Shrimp appetizer and an order of Chili Cheese Fries. I thought you would really be able to judge a place like Palmetto 17 by the Chili Cheese Fries. I was disappointed. The chili on top was just hot dog chili, the bacon was left off (that was stated on the menu) and the french fries were overcooked. Bummer.

The Bangin’ Shrimp was good though and a generous serving. I got 17 small to medium shrimp on a bed of iceberg (lightly breaded and fried then tossed in what tasted like sweet chili sauce and Yum Yum sauce mixed) for $6.95 … and that was an appetizer! Great value. I wonder, however, if the number 17 was a conscious decision by the cook?

The Black and Bleu burger was a regular burger that had melted blue cheese on it (too melted as it was really just an opaque glaze) and no blackened seasoning. I asked at the counter if that burger was in fact supposed to have Cajun spice on it and the cook handed me a little cup of the seasoning.

The flavor of the meat was really good. The fries were again overcooked. Almost seemed as though they were cooked and redropped back into the fryer to heat. Frozen crinkle fries can be delicious if fried fresh and cooked perfectly.

The prices were really good (I didn’t see anything – even the fried seafood baskets which if like the Bangin’ shrimp would be really good – over $9.95) and I would love to try the Steak Philly ($8.95), Reuben ($7.75), The Home Run (prime rib sandwich with caramelized onions, cheese and horseradish sauce for $7.75) and even a Cuban sandwich (made with pulled pork, ham and Swiss for only $6.95).

The prices are truly reasonable. An all-beef all the way hot dog is only $1.95! The burgers are from $5.45 to $9.95. Texas burger with onion straws, The Fuhgeddaboudit burger, which is with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese, grilled onions and sautéed mushrooms and fried onions is one I want to try along with the Palmetto burger with homemade Pimento cheese. The burgers come with fries, tots or onion rings and the sandwiches are served with potato salad or pasta salad.

A nice addition to the menu of burgers and sandwiches is the Meat & 3 or Businessman’s Lunch. $6.95 will get you fried flounder, country fried steak, pulled BBQ, chicken bog, fried shrimp, baked beans, potato salad, slaw, fried okra, collards, apple sauce or lima beans. I think it changes daily. Served with corn bread or roll and tea.

Seafood baskets, kid’s meals, salads, appetizers and nothin’ over $10!

If Palmetto 17 would not take shortcuts on the food prep, I would rate it as good as about any hamburger restaurant around. And a lot cheaper. I like the relaxed atmosphere and location. Also I like that there is plenty of parking.

My bill was under twenty bucks and I tipped $3 for counter service.

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 1:19 AM with the headline "Gut Reaction | 17 is a lucky number for Palmetto 17 in Myrtle Beach."