Happy Hour Heaven | CreekRatz packs in good food, friendly service and affordable prices

THE LOCALE

▪ CreekRatz

FIND IT

▪ 4065 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

Call (843) 651-3816 or go to www.creekratz.com

THE LOWDOWN

The cheerful, warm atmosphere at CreekRatz is part of the whole package of good food, friendly service and affordable prices.

On a recent Sunday, with temperatures dipping low outside, there was a great fire in the fireplace and heaters placed in a sunny, enclosed porch.

The appetizer list was appealing, with the choices of calamari, cheese sticks, fried pickles. nachos, fried okra and fish nuggets.

The portions are generous at CreekRatz, with more than enough oysters in the oyster po’ boy sandwich and spicy toppings on the nachos.

CreekRatz is not new to the Inlet, because it has been there for 16 years.

“This used to be the owner’s house,” explained general manager Mary Beth Flowers.

The exact explanation of the term “creek rat” is included in the menu.

“A creek rat is an endearing term used to describe a child who grew up in Murrells Inlet. A true creek rat comes home covered in mud from head to toe after playing, fishing and swimming in the Inlet.”

CreekRatz continues the tradition of having much fun in the Inlet.

A continuing slate of events, music and special times at CreekRatz keep it a lively location on U.S. 17 Business.

Happy Hour takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. each day.

The prices are are $2.80 for domestic beer, $3.80 for house liquor and $4.80 for wines.

There are also baskets, bowls and plates of food to go along with the happy hour drink specials.

Some of the offerings at CreekRatz include a flounder basket, crab cake basket, shrimp and grits, chicken tenders and a steak and shrimp plate.

Diners can also choose from different types of pizza and sandwiches, as well as a wide choice of burgers.

There is also a raw bar, with shrimp sold by the pound. Oysters, clams and crab legs are also available at market price.

Lowcountry oysters are sold by the bucket, while they are in season.

TIPS

CreekRatz is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Happy Hour is from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Mark Roberts Band performs from 7 to 10 p.m., Wednesdays. Sea Cruz performs from 5 to 8 p.m. every Sunday.

Seating is available inside and out. Diners can enjoy waterfront dining, even during cold months.

The Annual Taste of the Inlet begins at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 and Feb. 28. Samplings and vendor sales will end at 4 p.m. Live music will be played throughout the afternoon.

Marshi Gras on the MarshWalk is Feb. 9. Louisiana-style food will be served at CreekRatz. Jazz music will be performed by Bates Holman and the Rag Time Five. Marshi Gras is one of the many events that Creek Ratz and the other six MarshWalk Restaurants collaborate together to show the community a good time.

By Kelly Fuller, For The Surge

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Happy Hour Heaven | CreekRatz packs in good food, friendly service and affordable prices."