Kicks! Quicks | Fun fusion burgers, sushi set ART Burger*Sushi*Bar apart

ART Burger*Sushi*Bar has a few months of experience under its belt and is on the way to making its mark in Myrtle Beach.

Located on North Ocean Boulevard near Seventh Avenue North, this chic restaurant stands out from the competition with its sleek look and unique name. Burgers and sushi certainly aren’t the first combination people think of when imagining a fusion restaurant. However, ART is making it work.

ART appears to have cultivated a regular crowd with adults in their 20s and 30s. On a recent chilly Saturday evening — not quite tourist season — the small building was packed with customers enjoying the dim but colorful lights and fun atmosphere.

The restaurant looks like one long hallway, with one wall showing off a local artist’s work before revealing the bar, while the other wall is lined with tables. Nonetheless, the open bar and kitchen accompanied by large windows at both ends keep this eatery from seeming closed off. The tables and benches also can be easily moved to seat larger groups, a very smart move in a place with limited space.

From the name of the restaurant, you should know what to expect. The menu is surprisingly eclectic, with the main attractions being, obviously, sushi and burgers. Burgers can be replaced with grilled chicken, and there are turkey, tuna and veggie options, as well. Sides to go with the burgers can be fries, both regular and sweet potato, or coleslaw.

The sushi choices have changed since the opening of this restaurant, and now there is more to enjoy. Some of the sushi rolls and nigiri plates are familiar, with a smattering of creations new to sushi lovers. They also have provided a sushi that can be created by the consumer, with three ingredients and a sauce to top.

The meals came out wonderfully prompt, and the service was pleasant and very interactive. They also are quite accommodating, and altogether, the experience was a lot of fun.

The nitrogen cocktails remain a definite hook for potential diners who want something new. There is a $3 charge added to the cocktails undergoing the freezing reaction, but it is certainly worth trying. The drink comes out like a slushy but very smooth, with some steam still evident. It’s a fun way to enjoy beverages and very much like having dessert before the meal.

Speaking of desserts, ART does have a few options to satiate the sweet tooth, like lava chocolate cake and cheesecake, and even ice cream that can be frozen with liquid nitrogen, as well. The ice cream also can have alcohol added to it, should an adult so choose.

The restaurant has Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m., easy hours to keep up with, mutual support from local artists, plus a nice view of the beach and casual atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike should be glad for this fun fusion restaurant that has caused such a buzz within the first months of its opening.

This story was originally published May 20, 2015 at 2:00 AM with the headline "Kicks! Quicks | Fun fusion burgers, sushi set ART Burger*Sushi*Bar apart."