Big Chill Island House, located in the Barefoot Landing dining, shopping and entertainment district of North Myrtle Beach, is bringing all the island vibes. The two-story waterfront restaurant, with its tropical flair and bold, coastal Caribbean menu, is quickly becoming one of The Beach’s hottest dining destinations.
It’s maximalist in the best way, with 370 seats, three bars (including a breezy rooftop terrace) and an all-out coastal décor scheme that invites you to unwind, stay awhile and enjoy the kind of transportive experience that feels like a vacation – even for locals.
What’s Good Here?
The Big Chill menu is all about seaside flavors, whether we’re talking local Lowcountry, Caribbean or Polynesian. One of the most popular starters is the Rum Hot Honey Wings, which comes chargrilled and lacquered in a sticky-sweet glaze with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The Island Bowl, which serves shrimp cooked in a coconut sofrito with purple sweet potatoes, avocado, pork belly, and lime-marinated peppers and onions over white rice, is ideal for sunny afternoons watching boats come and go from the nearby marina. For something more indulgent, the Island House Lobster Roll gets its own Big Chill twist, served on butter-toasted Hawaiian rolls with creamy avocado mayo. And the drinks? Island-forward, playful and presentation-heavy. Start with the Painkilla, a delicious rum punch served in a pineapple-shaped glass that’ll make for a great vacation selfie.
What’s the Vibe?
If the name didn’t give it away, Big Chill is all about laid-back luxury. Décor-wise, it’s a well-curated tropical daydream: lush greenery, breezy dining rooms, palm fronds and panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. There’s plenty of room to spread out – indoors and out – and the multiple bar areas make it just as suited to sunset cocktails as it is to a leisurely weekend lunch. Expect a steady rotation of live music, boaters pulling up dockside and rooftop firework watch parties. It’s a restaurant built for a good time, plus it has the kind of culinary chops that make it worth coming back for.
