The Bowery

The Bowery is a legendary Myrtle Beach honky-tonk and restaurant that has been serving cold drinks, hot food, and live music since 1944 — making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Myrtle Beach. Its claim to fame is launching the career of Alabama, one of the most successful country music bands in history, who played here for tips from 1973 to 1980 before exploding onto the national scene. For families, The Bowery offers something rare on the Grand Strand: a genuine piece of musical history combined with a fun, casual dinner experience that kids genuinely enjoy.

The restaurant occupies a weathered wooden building just off the boardwalk near 9th Avenue North, and it looks exactly like what it is — a beach-town honky-tonk that has been standing since World War II. The walls are covered with memorabilia, concert posters, and photographs documenting decades of live music, including extensive Alabama coverage. For kids old enough to appreciate it (roughly ages 8 and up), the story of Alabama playing here for $100 a week before selling 75 million albums is a tangible lesson about persistence and humble beginnings.

Live music is the heartbeat of The Bowery, with bands performing daily during summer months. The early evening sets, typically starting around 5 PM, are the sweet spot for families. The music is energetic, the crowd is a mix of ages, and kids often end up dancing near the stage or clapping along from their table.

The sound is loud but not overwhelming during these early hours. Country, beach music, and classic rock dominate the playlist. There is no cover charge — the entertainment is included with your meal.

The food is straightforward American bar-and-grill fare executed well. Burgers, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and wings anchor the menu alongside larger entrees. The kids' menu ($6-$8) offers familiar options that even picky eaters accept.

Portions are generous, and the casual atmosphere means spilled drinks and wiggly children draw zero judgment. This is a place where families can relax and enjoy a meal without worrying about restaurant behavior expectations.

The Bowery's location near the boardwalk makes it an ideal anchor for a family evening in the boardwalk district. Walk the boardwalk, ride the SkyWheel at sunset, eat dinner at The Bowery during an early music set, and finish with ice cream — that sequence constitutes one of the best free-to-moderate-cost family evenings in Myrtle Beach.