Grand Strand Restaurants Review
Drunken Jacks is a Murrells Inlet dining institution
Even if Drunken Jacks Restaurant on the main drag through Murrells Inlet didn’t have spectacular views of the Inlet marsh and distant ocean front, it would still rate as one of the top restaurants for good food on the Grand Strand. The fact is, it does have those great views, not only from its main restaurant on the top floor, but also from the bar on the main floor overlooking the new Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk.
There’s no doubt the view draws a lot of tourists the first time, but when they have a meal there, they are drawn back again and again. Locals have long been familiar with the restaurant. It is one of the mainstays of the Murrells Inlet “restaurant row,” and its staff for the most part has been as steadfast as its reputation.
Caskey Blake has been the executive chef since 1992; Mike Brown, the bar manager, has been there since the 1980’s, and Gigi Roy, the dining room manager has been there since 1994. And then, there are the three owners, Al Hitchcock, Theodore Russell and David McMillan. “They are here every day. Sundays, weekends, Valentine’s day, every day,” said Roy.
Blake’s signature dish is made of locally caught Grouper. It’s called Grouper Royale and is topped with local fresh crabmeat. When it comes to appetizers, the list is as long as most restaurants main menu.
There are Crabcakes, Conch Fritters, Soft Shell Crab, Calamari and even Seared Sesame Encrusted Tuna. The soups are classics. Oyster Stew, New England Clam Chowder and She Crab soup.
Customers who like to begin their meal with pasta will find an excellent Fettuccine Alfredo. And then comes Blackened Chicken Breast, all sorts of steaks from Rib Eye to NY Strip to Filet Mignon and even Prime Rib. Fried fish lovers are going to find themselves having difficulty choosing among the many fried fish platter combinations, or maybe even some frog legs. There’s also a daily special depending on the best catch of the day and can range from Grouper to Yellow Tuna and Red Snapper.
The restaurant has been in Murrells Inlet for more than 30 years and is a gathering place for many locals because of the owners’ concern for various community projects and charities.
The desserts are a meal in themselves. “Black Joke” pie is about as chocolate as you can get. The Key Lime Pie is scrumptious and there is a “Strawberry Short Cream Cake,” which is like combining the best of strawberry short cake with New York cream cheesecake.
The regular restaurant employs about 80 people, depending on the season, but Drunken Jacks food has proven to be a favorite catering outlet as well and it employs about 15 people in a separate building strictly for preparing catered food and other items.
Drunken Jacks is located in the center of the Murrells Inlet waterfront “restaurant row” section on Business Highway 17.
DRUNKEN JACK'S
4031 Highway 17 Business
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 651-2044 | Menu
Restaurant Type: Seafood, Steakhouse
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Food Type: American, Seafood
Features: Alcohol Served, Catering, Child Friendly, Entertainment, Handicap Accessible, No Smoking Area, Take Out
Avg Cost: $10-$20. Location: South
