<img decoding="async" alt="Myrtle Beach's Top Five Mexican Restaurants" src="/media/images/Mexican_Restaurants_600x300.png" style="width: 600px;height: 300px" />
Story by Ian Guerin
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. | For seven decades, much of the drive-in golf traffic heading to South Carolina’s Grand Strand has swung by South of the Border, the state-line motel and roadside attraction off I-95.
South of the Border is loud and big, and it’s one of those deals everyone should see once, even if it’s just to pop in for a reliable bite to eat.
But after anyone finishes up the rest of the drive to start their golf vacation, Mexican cuisine is abundant in and around Myrtle Beach. From dine-in to take out (and we’re seeing more of that these days), the following five joints are going to offer plenty for the tank between rounds.
EL CERRO, EIGHT LOCATIONS
<a href="https://www.elcerromb.com/">El Cerro</a> is by far the largest “chain” of Mexican choices along the Grand Strand, with eight spots stretching from Georgetown all the way up to North Myrtle Beach. They’ve updated several of their looks over the years, but none bring the heat quite like the one across from Broadway at the Beach off 29th Avenue in city limits. Walk in the doors here and instantly you’ll see what we’re talking about, especially if you go at night when the bar is hopping, the dance floor is open and a band or DJ is doing his thing from the stage. If you’re not into all the extras, hit up one of the other seven locations and get your grub on without the frills.(photo above from El Cerro)
FIESTA MEXICANA, MYRTLE BEACH
If first appearances carry a ton of weight, it’s difficult to top what <a href="https://fiestamexicanacantina.com/">Fiesta Mexicana</a> presents time and again. It is not uncommon for this place to be packed with people waiting outside the door at 10 p.m. Yep, it is that popular. Locals and tourists alike know Fiesta Mexicana is every bit the high-volume restaurant from the time it opens until the doors are closed down after late-night music or karaoke. The kitchen cranks out plenty of great food and several bartenders make sure the drinks keep up with the pace.
HABANEROS, PAWLEYS ISLAND/MURRELLS INLET
Finding ways to be original in the Mexican restaurant game isn’t easy. Comedians have been writing about how standard the fare is for years. But <a href="https://www.habanerosrestaurant.com/">Habaneros</a> has some tweaks amid its massive menu that really stand out. There’s the Burrito Acapulco, a shrimp- and crab-laden roll-up. Or the Camarones a la Diabla, grilled shrimp in a spicy sauce. If you’re not looking to pair your Mexican and seafood tastes all at once, just order the Nachos Supreme and try not to act surprised when the massive plate is set down in front of you.
MARGARITAS, MYRTLE BEACH<img decoding="async" alt="Myrtle Beach's Top Five Mexican Restaurants" src="/media/images/Margaritas.png" style="width: 300px;height: 201px;float: right" />
Located just south of the Tanger Outlets off U.S. 17, <a href="http://www.margaritasmexrestaurant.com/">Margaritas</a> is one of the most highly awarded Mexican joints in town. In all our trips there, one overwhelming factor tells us why. It is always exactly the same. If you order a taco salad three times over the course of the year, you’re going to get the same taco salad three times. Same goes for the A.C.P. or the fajita nachos. It’s all done with a staff that flat out hustles and makes you want to tip more than usual.(photo right from Margaritas)
NACHO HIPPO, MYRTLE BEACH
If you fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport, the <a href="https://nachohippo.com/">Nacho Hippo</a> there is going to be the first Mexican restaurant you see. (Keep that in mind for your return flight; a margarita before boarding is acceptable.) However, the prime Nacho Hippo location at Market Common is a little bit of a new-age take on the menu. A bevy of namesake nacho dishes highlight the options here, and the constantly running drink specials are perfect to wash them down. There is plenty of outdoor seating, including a chunk of it that overlooks Market Common’s Grand Park.
Ian Guerin is a DJ and freelance writer based in Myrtle Beach. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/iguerin?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@iguerin</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IanGuerinWriter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">facebook.com/IanGuerinWriter/</a>

Myrtle Beach’s Top Five Mexican Restaurants

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