Myrtle Beach Seafood House Earns Top Spot in National Dining Rankings

On Sept. 15, 2026, Tripadvisor announced its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants, placing Myrtle Beach seafood eatery Hook & Barrel in the top spot nationally for casual dining. The local restaurant, located at 8014 N. Kings Highway, moved up from a third-place ranking in 2025 to earn the No. 1 position in the United States, as well as seventh globally.

The annual ranking is determined by the quality and volume of traveler reviews posted to the platform over a 12-month period running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, paired with an editorial review. Tripadvisor highlighted the establishment's focus on sustainable seafood and hospitality in its selection.

Founded in 2017 by restaurateur Heidi Vukov, who also operates the adjacent Croissants Bistro & Bakery, Hook & Barrel was designed around seasonal menus and local products. The restaurant was originally built featuring a green kitchen operating without gas or microwaves, using milled pine cleared from the property site for its interior design.

The top ranking follows additional regional and national milestones for the local establishment. Earlier in 2026, Vukov was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast award, marking the first time a chef from Myrtle Beach earned a nomination on the semifinal list.

With the national accolade expected to draw increased attention from visitors, local residents planning to dine at the North End restaurant should prepare for potentially longer wait times. Diners are encouraged to secure reservations in advance, especially as coastal golf and festival seasons proceed, and to check directly with the restaurant to confirm current operational hours.