Rats, flies & old meat: Latest Myrtle Beach area restaurants with worst inspections
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture, found “excessive flies,” evidence of rats, food build-up in a meat grinder and more in the latest round of Grand Strand restaurant inspections.
In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.
However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.
Of the 152 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between May 8 and May 16, SCDA gave nine restaurants B grades and one restaurant a C grade. However, only five of those establishments actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.
4620 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29588
Score: 78
A routine inspection of Indo Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar on May 13 found several violations, including raw unpackaged scallops stored in the same pan as cooked mussels and inadequate records for salmon served raw. SCDA requires a written statement from raw fish suppliers to verify the fish were fed pellets free of parasites or frozen to eliminate parasites, which the facility couldn’t provide.
The inspector also observed bean sprouts and tuna stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, no sanitizer in the dish washing machine, no hot water at a hand sink, uncovered personal drinks on prep tables and condiments and dishes stored in unapproved wicker baskets that can’t be early cleaned.
A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before May 23.
3046 Nichols Highway, Galivants Ferry, SC 29544
Score: 79
In response to a complaint, SCDA conducted an inspection of Midland Panthers on May 15 and found that the facility completed unapproved renovations. The inspector observed weeks-old chili and peas, bologna and hot dogs without dates marked, ready-to-eat foods like chicken sandwiches and wings held without discard times indicated for safe consumption and dishes washed but not sanitized.
The inspection report notes that the door doesn’t seal tightly–which SCDA considers a risk for pests–and evidence of rats, including nesting, chewed-up bread and gnaw marks in the walls. Although the person in charge said the facility had a pest control contract, no invoice could be provided.
Walls and ceilings were damaged and there were also accumulations of grime, dust and debris throughout the facility, including inside containers holding clean cutlery, on shelving, on the ceiling fan, on the floors, on walls and on vents.
A follow-up inspection is to be performed on or before May 23, according to the inspector’s comments.
4227 Broad St., Loris, SC 29569
Score: 80
At a routine inspection of the Loris location of Hills Food Store on May 15, there was food build-up inside the meat grinder, dust build-up on cooling unit fan guards, water leaking from the ceiling in the meat cutting room and a damaged door latch in the walk-in refrigerator.
The inspector also observed a cart of hamburger meat left out to thaw at room temperature, cut melons stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, an inaccessible handsink filled with cleaning supplies and a handsink without paper towels.
A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before May 25.
3842 Joyner Swamp Road, Galivants Ferry, SC 29544
Score: 82
VK Shop volunteered to temporarily close due to remodeling after a routine inspection on May 15. The facility hadn’t notified SCDA or gotten department approval.
The inspection found “excessive flies,” there were no dates marked on an open package of hot dogs and cooked foods in the refrigerator to ensure safe consumption, no one present had a minimum food handler certification and the inspector couldn’t confirm there was a certified food protection manager certification.
Due to the remodeling, there was a large hole in the exterior wall–which SCDA considers a risk for rodents and insects, both the mop sink and the dish handsink had been removed, utensils were stored in the kitchen handsink and food items were out in the middle of the facility.
The inspection report also notes there were accumulations of grease and grime on the floors, walls, shelving and equipment. VK Shop won’t be able to reopen until it’s inspected and approved by SCDA.
806 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Score: 85
A routine inspection of Roca Roja Cantina on May 14 found several violations, including glue and stickers left on clean pans, cheese stored at insufficiently cold temperatures and liquids stored in unlabeled bottles.
The inspector also observed cooked rice and beans stored in a large portion that didn’t facilitate cooling and weren’t properly cooled overnight.
A follow-up inspection is to be performed on or before May 24.
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM.