Restaurants, OK, but why tons of pancake houses in Myrtle Beach, SC? Spring break to blame
The salty air and miles of sandy beaches are not the only thing in abundance in the Myrtle Beach area.
Visitors will be quick to notice the number of pancake houses that dot the landscape across the Grand Strand. And the great thing is that many of the pancake houses are independently-owned.
Those driving along along Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach will see more than 10 pancake or waffle houses.
And just like the beach, people tend to have their favorite place where they can indulge in the sweet breakfast treat, that, let’s be honest, can be eaten at anytime of the day.
Why pancakes?
The great number of pancake houses are believed to have come from Greek restaurateurs who set out to fill a need for vacationers. Families wanted to go out for a meal and breakfast was a budget-friendly treat.
The popularity of pancakes in the area also may have a Dutch influence. Poffertjes is a Dutch batter treat that resembles small, fluffy pancakes, and Dutch pancakes are generally eaten as full lunch or dinner meals.
How area pancakes stack up
Diners are not shy about ranking their favorite places to grab a stack of pancakes.
Here are nine top-rated pancake houses according to Yelp and TripAdvisor.
- Drift, 980 Cipriana Drive, Unit A06, Myrtle Beach. This locally and family-owned restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the breakfast menu, which includes such offerings as Chocolate Dream and Banana Foster pancakes, received high reviews. (5 stars TripAdvisor)
- Omega Pancake House, 1617 Highway 17 N, Surfside Beach. You can’t miss the big, golden Greek letter “omega” atop this Surfside Beach restaurant that offers up home-style cooking for both breakfast and lunch. (4/12 stars TripAdvisor)
- Donald’s Pancake House, 2600 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. This pancake house offers both traditional breakfast foods to specialty items with southern hospitality. (4 1/2 stars TripAdvisor and Yelp)
- The Golden Egg, 415 Highway 17 N., Surfside Beach. This breakfast spot that has been in business for 30 years boasts homemade pancakes and french toast, as well as other breakfast items. (4 1/2 starts TripAdvisor)
- Harry’s Breakfast Pancakes 2306 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. This Myrtle Beach spot has been serving comfort food since 1979. Obviously, breakfast is its specialty since it has pancakes in the name. (4 1/2 stars TripAdvisor)
- Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts. This restaurant has three locations: 3301 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach; 3900 Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach; and 1200 U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach. It’s family-owned and its breakfast dishes are chef-driven. (4 1/2 stars TripAdvisor and Yelp)
- Dino’s House of Pancakes, 2120 Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach. This is a popular local favorite, offering both breakfast and lunch items. (4 1/2 stars TripAdvisor)
- Golden Griddle Family Restaurant, 508 Main St., North Myrtle Beach. This restaurant has been in business for more than 40 years, serving up its homemade pancakes. (4 1/2 stars TripAdvisor)
- Plantation House of Pancakes 1501 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. The restaurant says it’s more than “really, really good pancakes.” But the menu makes it hard to choose something else when you can top your pancakes with so many good things. (4 stars Yelp)
This story was originally published March 5, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
