The Strand oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach was designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Those fine things include not only our first-class accommodations and world-class amenities, but also the smaller perks that make a beach vacation complete, like enjoying your favorite mixed drinks at a classy cocktail lounge during your Grand Strand getaway.
In fact, guests at The Strand don't even have to leave the resort to experience one of the area's best new bars on the beach. Located on the first floor of the boutique resort with window views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Strand Bar serves top-shelf liquors, handcrafted beers and craft cocktails in a luxurious but laid-back environment. But for those who want to explore and experience the most unique and upscale cocktail lounges in the area, visit these sweet spots:
* ART Burger Sushi Bar: As the name implies, this oceanfront cafe on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is known for art (the walls are lined with the works of local artists), as well as burgers and sushi (an unlikely culinary combo that works for patrons with diverse tastes) — but those things aren't our concern here. You've come for the fourth word in the name — “bar” — and ABSB delivers using a high-tech liquid nitrogen blender to create frozen concoctions. These include the house specialty Beach Portrait with coconut rum, mango puree, pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine. Among the most popular art-themed cocktails is the Salvador Da Mint (gin, apple puckers, sweet and sour mix, cucumber and fresh mint).
* Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville: You don't have to be a Parrothead to soak up the singer/songwriter's restaurant and bar at Broadway at the Beach, but it doesn't hurt. Buffett's iconic song about the mythical town of Margaritaville plays out throughout this establishment, from the giant-sized blender that sets off regular hurricane warnings to the namesake frozen concoctions that help you hang on. In fact, there are more than a dozen different margarita flavors to choose from, as well as a long list of “Boat Drinks” featuring fruit and rum mixtures that will put you tropical state of mind.
* Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen: The Strand's sister resort, The Breakers, is only a few blocks away, and it recently opened a new concept bar that brings the big city to the beach. Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen opened in March, with skilled and entertaining mixologists serving a wide variety of creative beverages. The eclectic drink menu is divided into four distinct categories: Day Drinking, Light and Interesting, Crisp and Boozy, and From the Barrel, which features in-house, oak-barrel-aged liquors with special ingredients. The house special is the Peach Tea Julep, which uses South Carolina's own Palmetto White Lightning moonshine. (Bonus tip: Guests at The Strand are welcome to use all the amenities at The Breakers.)
* The Chemist: There is always some weird science brewing at this downtown establishment, where bartenders in lab coats use beakers and test tubes to create some of the most unusual drinks in town. Among the many popular concoctions are the Mad Scientist (vanilla-infused vodka, limoncello, pomegranate juice, champagne and lemon zest) and the Flux Capacitor (vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, blackberry syrup, mint leaves and soda). The Chemist also offers a selection of martinis with a twist and dessert drinks, such as the Labtini (Bailey's, Kahlua and cold-brewed coffee topped with Amaretto foam). The food menu is equally eclectic, if you are up for experimenting.
After a nice evening out at the local cocktail bars, head back to The Strand for a nightcap at The Strand Bar or a relaxing rest on your private balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visit us on your next Myrtle Beach vacation and discover why The Strand boutique resort is the perfect place to stay for those with discriminating tastes.
