New restaurant inspired by ancient Greek mythology to open in Myrtle Beach soon

A new mythology-inspired spot is bringing craft cocktails, light bites and an unusual marketing campaign to Myrtle Beach.

The Lotus Den Tapas and Libations is set to open at 5900 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, July 19. According to co-owners and siblings Beau and Nicole Ice, the grand opening will feature live music, free koozies for the first 100 patrons and a special promotion: rubber Pegasi.

Leading up to The Lotus Den’s debut, the Ices plan to hide 200 of the rubber duck-like toys around the Grand Strand. Anyone who finds a Pegasus can redeem it for $5 off their bill at The Lotus Den.

“The name of it is based off of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ and the whole idea of the island of the lotus eaters,” Nicole said. “You eat a lotus flower, and you forget everything that’s wrong in your life and feel this moment of bliss.”

In Homer’s epic poem, travelers never want to leave the intoxicating island, but at The Lotus Den visitors are welcome from 5:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday. According to Nicole, The Lotus Den will open seven days a week after they obtain a Sunday liquor license.

Although the restaurant kitchen closes at midnight, from 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., The Lotus Den will offer discounted dishes like flatbreads and gourmet truffle popcorn on its “Underworld Bites” menu.

In keeping with the theme, some of The Lotus Den’s global menu is mythologically inspired. The ambrosia nachos will feature lamb, tzatziki and feta, while the Pegasus wing is a rye whiskey cocktail with lotus syrup. Beau and Nicole are partial to the chili-garlic colossal shrimp and the fig and prosciutto flatbread.

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a family-owned spot, Beau and Nicole were inspired to open a Myrtle Beach eatery by their mother, who is also an owner. The pair previously owned a cidery and winery in Ohio, but wanted to open a restaurant near their mother with stage three breast cancer who has lived in the Grand Strand for 15 years.

“Her dream was to have a bar and restaurant and before she had her surgery we all decided to do this, so it’s a fun family thing, and we’re all happy to do this,” Nicole said.

This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.