You’re walking through Broadway at the Beach, and the humidity is doing that thing where it feels like a warm, wet blanket. Then you hear it. It’s a mix of a Taylor Swift chorus, a literal whistle, and someone shouting about a birthday. You’ve arrived. The Hangout Myrtle Beach isn't just a restaurant; it’s a high-decibel social experiment where the primary goal is to make sure nobody stays in their seat for more than twenty minutes at a time.
If you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings over a Pinot Noir, honestly, run. Turn around and go somewhere else. But if you have kids who are currently vibrating with excess energy, or if you’re a group of adults who think dancing on tables is a perfectly acceptable Tuesday night activity, this is your motherland. It’s massive. It’s loud. It’s chaotic in the best possible way.
The Chaos Theory of Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is already a sensory overload, but The Hangout takes it to a different level. It opened in 2022, following the massive success of the original Gulf Shores location. People were skeptical. Myrtle Beach has plenty of themed restaurants. We have the pirates, we have the medieval knights, and we have enough pancake houses to feed a small nation.
What makes The Hangout different? It’s the "vibe." That’s a word that gets thrown around by marketing departments way too much, but here, it actually fits. The space is a sprawling 40,000 square feet. It’s built to handle crowds that would make most restaurateurs weep. The architecture is open, airy, and covered in what I can only describe as "cool junk." We're talking collections of vintage lunchboxes, Matchbox cars, and Pez dispensers that line the walls like a pop-culture museum. It’s nostalgia bait, and it works.
There’s a giant sandpile outside. There’s a foam machine that goes off periodically, turning a bunch of toddlers into soapy marshmallows. Inside, the staff—they call them the "cast"—are essentially professional hype-men. Every hour, on the hour, the music cranks up, and everyone is encouraged to get up on the benches and dance. It’s awkward for the first five seconds, and then, suddenly, you’re doing the Macarena with a stranger from Ohio.
Is the Food Actually Good or Just a Side Note?
Usually, when a place focuses this hard on "the experience," the food is an afterthought. It’s often just frozen tenders and sad fries.
The Hangout is surprisingly decent. Is it Michelin-star dining? No. It’s elevated backyard BBQ and coastal comfort food. The Wipe Out Burger is a monster. It’s got wagyu beef, bacon, and enough cheese to require a nap immediately afterward.
They also do seafood boils that come out in big steaming heaps. If you get the Lifeguard Calamari, you’ll notice they don't skimp on the portion size. It’s salty, crispy, and exactly what you want when you’re three margaritas deep. Speaking of drinks, they serve them in these giant "shaka" mugs or buckets. It’s very "vacation mode."
One thing most people don't realize is that they actually try to source locally when they can. The shrimp isn't just generic bags from a warehouse; it’s often caught right off the Carolina coast. That matters. You can taste the difference between a shrimp that’s been frozen since the Clinton administration and something fresh.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Wait
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the wait times.
During the peak of summer, The Hangout Myrtle Beach can have a wait list that looks like a phone number. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday in July, you’re going to be waiting. A lot.
Here is the pro tip: don’t just stand there staring at the host stand. The whole point of the design is that the "wait" is part of the "hangout." Put your name in, get a buzzer, and head to the courtyard. There’s live music. There are fire pits. There’s the aforementioned foam pit.
- Go Early: If you hit it at 4:30 PM, you’ll walk right in.
- The Big Top: Check the schedule for their "Big Top" events. They do seasonal stuff that’s actually pretty cool.
- The Merchandise: The shop is actually worth a look. It's not just cheap t-shirts; they have some legit retro finds.
Why the Design Matters More Than You Think
The owners, Shaul Zislin and his team, spent a lot of time thinking about the psychology of the space. It’s meant to be a "multi-generational" spot. That sounds like corporate-speak, but look around. You’ll see a 70-year-old grandfather laughing at the same ridiculous dance-off as his 6-year-old grandson.
The "Wish Wall" is a great example. It’s this massive installation where people write their wishes on scraps of paper and tuck them into the wall. It’s simple, it’s low-tech, and it’s surprisingly moving to read some of them. It breaks the "commercial" feel of the place and makes it feel a bit more human.
The stage is the heart of the building. They don't just book generic cover bands. They look for acts that can interact with a crowd. If the band is just playing at you, they aren't doing it right. At The Hangout, the band is playing with you.
The Logistics of a Visit
If you’re driving, parking at Broadway at the Beach is... an adventure. My advice? Park near the WonderWorks end (the big upside-down building). It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s easier to get out of when the fireworks show ends and everyone rushes for the exits at once.
Prices are what you’d expect for a major tourist hub. You’re going to spend $20-$30 per person for an entree. It’s not "cheap," but you aren't just paying for the calories; you’re paying for the two hours of entertainment that keeps your kids from complaining they’re bored.
The Weird Stuff You Shouldn't Miss
There are these "secret" details scattered around. Look up at the ceiling. Look at the corners. There are thousands of objects curated from estate sales and flea markets across the country. It’s a literal Hoarders episode turned into high art.
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The "Shaka Shake" is another thing. It’s their signature move. If you see people making the "hang loose" sign and shaking their hands, just join in. Don't fight it. Resistance is futile.
Also, the restrooms. I know, weird to mention, but they are consistently clean and keep the theme going. In a place that handles thousands of people a day, that’s a small miracle.
Navigating the Menu for Dietary Restrictions
Surprisingly, they are pretty good with allergies. If you tell the server you’re gluten-free or have a shellfish allergy, they don't just roll their eyes. They have a protocol. The Chopped Chicken Salad is a solid bet if you’re trying to stay "healthy-ish" while your friends inhale fried pickles.
But let’s be real. You’re here for the Fried Pickles. They are thick-cut, heavily breaded, and served with a dipping sauce that I’m pretty sure is addictive.
The Seasonal Shift
Myrtle Beach changes when the "Snowbirds" arrive in the winter. The Hangout adapts. It gets a bit more relaxed. The foam machine might not be blasting as hard when it's 50 degrees out, but the indoor fire pits and the live music stay consistent.
If you’re a local, this is the time to go. You get the same energy without the elbow-to-elbow crowds. They often run local specials or events for the community during the off-season, which is a nice touch for a place that could easily just cater to the summer tourists and ignore the residents.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
To really "do" The Hangout correctly, you have to lean into the absurdity. If you’re self-conscious, you’re going to have a bad time.
- Arrive hungry but not starving. If you’re "hangry," a 45-minute wait for a burger will feel like an eternity. Grab a snack at a nearby kiosk if you have to.
- Dress for the sand. If you have kids, they will end up in the sandpile. Don't put them in their "Sunday best" unless you want to be vacuuming your car for the next three weeks.
- Check the calendar. They do a "Pirate and Princess Breakfast" that is legendary for younger kids. It’s an all-you-can-eat family-style meal with characters. It sells out fast, so book it online in advance.
- Engage with the cast. The servers are there to entertain. If you’re celebrating something, tell them. They’ll probably make you stand on a chair, but hey, you only live once.
The Final Word on The Hangout
Look, I get it. Some people hate "tourist traps." And on paper, a giant, loud restaurant in the middle of a shopping complex sounds like the definition of one.
But The Hangout Myrtle Beach avoids the trap by actually delivering on its promise. It promises fun, and it delivers it in spades. It’s one of the few places where the "experience" doesn't feel manufactured or cynical. It feels like a genuine party.
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Is the music too loud sometimes? Yeah. Is it expensive? A bit. Will you leave with sand in your shoes and a song stuck in your head? Absolutely.
But in a world where everything is becoming increasingly digital and isolated, there’s something genuinely nice about a place that forces you to put down your phone, stand on a bench, and do the YMCA with 300 strangers. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to just be a little bit ridiculous.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Download the Broadway at the Beach App: It helps you navigate the parking and see which lots are full.
- Book Your Breakfast: If you have kids under 10, go to their website right now and see if the Pirate/Princess breakfast is available for your dates.
- Hydrate: It sounds silly, but the combination of sun, salt, and dancing can wipe you out. Drink water between those signature cocktails.
- Charge Your Phone: You’re going to want photos of the "Wish Wall" and the lunchbox collections. Plus, you’ll need it to track your table status on their waitlist app.
Go in with an open mind, a big appetite, and a willingness to dance. You’ll find that it’s not just a meal; it’s basically the heartbeat of the Myrtle Beach vacation experience. If you’re staying anywhere on the Grand Strand, you owe it to yourself to stop by at least once. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the Macarena.
Actionable Insight: To avoid the longest wait times, aim for a "late lunch" around 3:00 PM or a "late dinner" after 9:00 PM. If you must go during prime time, plan to spend your wait time in the outdoor courtyard rather than wandering the shops—you don't want to miss your buzzer when the party really starts.