Longtime Myrtle Beach visitors will notice some big-time changes at Broadway at the Beach's Celebrity Square in 2016, beginning with the centerpiece of the popular nightlife district. Hard Rock Cafe, located in the pyramid-shaped building since Broadway at the Beach's opening in 1995, is giving up its prime position to another big name in the entertainment industry. A craft beer and country cooking restaurant are also part of the new lineup for Broadway at the Beach visitors.
While official announcements about the changes have been released slowly, the coconut telegraph travels fast around the Grand Strand. A little birdie (more like a giant parrot) has given us the inside scoop on what's coming, going and moving at the popular entertainment complex this year. Dates for the grand openings have not yet been scheduled but here are some of the new restaurants and bars to look for when you visit Myrtle Beach in 2016:
Openings
American Tap Room: Craft beers and craft food are on the menu of this East Coast chain of gastropubs. With locations in Virginia and Maryland, American Tap Room takes its fare south with its motto of “the art of fine food and beer.” Serving a long list of American favorites, such as burgers, flatbread pizzas, pretzels, steaks and seafood, American Tap Room specializes in its liquid refreshments, including house drafts and rare microbrews. Craft beer lovers will be able to find American Tap Room in the former location of Club Boca in Celebrity Square.
Dave & Buster's: The home of food, fun and games finally finds a home on the Grand Strand, and it's right in the heart of Broadway's nightlife district. Patrons can play games, watch games and enjoy great food and drinks in a fun and festive atmosphere. While Dave & Buster's opening has been confirmed, the exact location within the Celebrity Square area will be announced at a later date.
Paula Deen's: Belly up to the table, y’all, and get ready for some country cooking so good it will make you slap your pappy. Paula Deen, the queen of Southern cuisine, recently opened her line of souvenir shops at Broadway, and we have it on good authority that she will follow with her chain of cafes. From fried chicken to shrimp and grits, this establishment is sure to be a big draw for folks with a taste for the South.
Moves
Broadway Louie's: A staple for visitors to Broadway at the Beach, Louie’s is seeing a change of venue. While downsizing in space and moving two doors down into the old Cowboy’s location, Broadway Louie's will continue to keep it's unique flavor as a sports bar with stellar karaoke and arcade games throughout.
Hard Rock Cafe: This international chain may be moving out of the unique pyramid topping Celebrity Square, but it is finding a new home in the old Broadway Louie’s location. You can get the same great food and live music, but with a brand-new, contemporary atmosphere similar to recent relocations and new Hard Rock openings.
Closings
Carlos N' Charlie's: This Mexican-themed eatery never quite took off at Broadway, perhaps because of the stiff competition with Senor Frogs. The location is set to be demolished, making way for a new two-story restaurant with additional retail space to house Paula Dean's Family Kitchen culinary store.
MagiQuest: This adventure-based attraction should have seen it coming in the crystal ball. Despite a long run, MagiQuest was the victim of new-age technology that allowed kids to play similar games on their cell phones.
Planet Hollywood: This globe-shaped eyesore was torn down last fall to make room for a new venture, but so far no word of a new tenant in the works has leaked out. Stay tuned.
Revolutions: The dancing won't stop, but Revolutions is making way for a brand new nightclub, OZ. More details on this exciting new club to come.
Broadway at the Beach may be going through some major changes, but guests can always count on the Breakers for a wonderful stay in Myrtle Beach. Located just a few blocks away from Broadway and directly on the oceanfront, Breakers Resort is still the place to stay for the ultimate Myrtle Beach vacation.
