Myrtle Beach is a resort town in north-eastern South Carolina. Part of the “Grand Strand” stretch of beaches, this area is a hive of amusement parks, seaside activity, bars and entertainment. If you are from the UK, I would compare it to the neon craziness of Blackpool. There are long swathes of white sand beaches, boardwalks, and many things to keep the tourists entertained. One of those entertainment options is the iconic Bowery bar – a Myrtle Beach institution.
The Bowery bar provides a great night of live rock and country music, delicious bar food, and well-priced pitchers of beer. When in the area, be sure to set aside an evening to enjoy a night of rock at The Bowery Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is a funny mix between the old time charm of Coney Island and the party city of Las Vegas. The peaceful crashing of the waves is juxtaposed with the amusement arcades, tat shops, and fast-food places. I think there is definitely a place in my heart for this neon chaos. In some ways you have the best of both worlds. The beach, sea breeze and plentiful swimming and picnicking opportunities. And the convenience of food, drink, games, and visitor attractions.
Music at The Bowery
I had read about The Bowery before visiting Myrtle Beach, as one of our favourite pastimes when we travel is to see live music. The infamous party bar had a reputation a bit like that of the bar in the movie Roadhouse. We couldn’t wait to visit! The icing on the cake was the funniest bouncer I have ever encountered. Two young partiers rocked up to the bar and asked “is this a club?”, the bouncer replied “this here’s a redneck bar, you best find somewhere else”! I knew we’d enjoy our evening if this was a sign of things to come.
The House Band
The house band, The Bounty Hunters, went on around the time we arrived (around 6 or 7pm if I recall correctly), and jumped straight on in with country and rock classics. These guys were absolute pros and didn’t miss a beat or note. They even had a pedal-steel player, which added an extra layer of musical complexity and richness. They played the rock and country classics, but added their own twists. Their repertoire certainly made the crowd happy – when the intro to ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ started, the audience went wild! I loved that, like in Roadhouse, there was chicken wire protecting the band (from what? I’m not sure!).
The band smoked and drank their way through their first sets, and didn’t seem to get worse or miss any steps after so much beer. I don’t know if I should be impressed by this, but I kinda was. During their break, they came around with a bucket, and we were glad to give them a tip, because the music was top-notch.
The Bowery is open daily from 11am – 2am. However during the winter months, live music takes a break, so please check directly with the bar if you are visiting for music.
Food from Duffy’s
Duffy’s is the food and non-music side of the establishment. Churning out quality bar snacks and burgers that compliment the whole raison d’être of the place. The bar’s tagline is ‘hot beer, lousy food and bad service’ – none of which is true, but we appreciated the self-deprecating humour. I couldn’t resist having two of my favourite fried treats – a corndog and fried pickles. Corndogs remind me of the seaside – and of being a child in New Zealand, eating chips and hotdogs (as we call them in NZ) on the beach. Frickles are one of America’s best inventions. Seriously, I love them. This was the ideal dish to accompany the warm spring evening and rock music at The Bowery.
Ocean Boulevard & The SkyWheel
At some point, you’ll more than likely end up on Ocean Boulevard and at the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. When it was built in 2011, it was the second tallest ferris wheel in North America. At 187 foot tall it affords a fantastic view out over Myrtle Beach. Ocean Boulevard is a hive of activity and you’ll find plenty to distract kids at heart. For a list 12 things to do out of the water in Myrtle Beach, check out this great list from Road Trips & Coffee.
Want to Fall in love with the desert landscapes of Arizona and Utah? Check out our road trip adventures…
A night of rock at The Bowery Myrtle Beach
Our night of rock at The Bowery Myrtle Beach in South Carolina was an evening we will always remember. The funfair spirit of this area in Myrtle Beach is frenetic and is a bit of a spectacle. But we found our musical haven at The Bowery. The atmosphere is rowdy and very much lives up to the rock n’ roll reputation, but we sat outside and enjoyed the more laid back pace of the terrace. If you love rock music, and want to see a quality house band, I recommend a visit to The Bowery in Myrtle Beach. You won’t find pop music or fancy cocktails, but you will find hearty food, cheap beer and a great night of rock and country music!
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I was NOT a guest of The Bowery or Duffy’s, and all opinions are my own.
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with an iPhoneX.
I love boardwalk and this definitely has lots of appeal and local flavor, definitely would visit and enjoy the yummy food, music and boardwalk activities and exploration.
I’ve heard a lot about Myrtle Beach but did not pass by when I was in the area in 2012. Now I regret it!
We visited Myrtle Beach when our kids were young. Most of what we do centred around the beach. And we played so much mini-putt. I would have loved some adult entertainment at The Bowery. Love when a house band can play a mix of music. And when the bar food is good! Definitely something we should do if we head back to Myrtle Beach.
I love this experience in the deep south. There are supposedly 11 distinct cultures in America and it’s hard to truly experience the deep south. Sweet Home Alabama played behind a CHICKEN wire cage is pretty good (along with a fried pickle). We host visitors to Central Florida and recently took a group out for some fried green TOMATOES. Last night we went mini golfing at an establishment off of Orlando’s INFAMOUS I-Drive. There were probably over 200 gators of varying sizes on the course with the largest being almost 18′. That would be our version of a deep south experience. Sounds like you found yours at the Bowery.
I have not been to Myrtle Beach but after reading this I see I need to go! Love the sand next to the boardwalk, Ferris wheel, arcades and ‘neon chaos’. I can always use some neon chaos in my life, but not hot beer lol
LOL thank goodness the “hot beer” wasn’t a reality 😉
You had me when mentioning those rock classics the house band played at The Bowery. 🙂 Would love to hear them in person. It’s nice to know that you can chill a bit outside on the terrace, but I would definitely stay inside. You just can’t beat the good live rock, can’t you! And the whole area sounds live and bustling, nice. 🙂
Sounds like you had an amazing time…and it makes me happy you were so happy. I visited myrtle beach for the first time last October and was quite impressed by the beaches. We walked by the bowery but did not stop in. We did make to the ferris wheel and boardwalk. quite a charming city, don’t you think?
It was a very charming little place. I loved the similarities to Coney Island – the boardwalk, amusements etc.
I haven’t been to myrtle beach in so long (1987) and it looks like it’s grown up quite a bit. What a fun evening you had. Listening to good live music is always a great night. I’ve never had fried pickles. are they dill or sweet? An interesting concept for sure. I might have to make another trip to myrtle beach.
I haven’t been to myrtle beach but the boardwalk looks like a great time. i laughed at calling a corn dog a hot dog – something i will never get used to in NZ.
Haha I know, right?! I have to remember the right terminology depending where I am!
This sounds like a fun night!! From watching the Blues Brothers I think the chicken wire is to protect the musicians from bottles the crowd might throw, but it sounds like these guys were too good for that!
Haha I figured, having watched Roadhouse and seen something similar. But the crowd were very happy, so no bottles that night!
Sounds like a great place. It was already on my radar but interesting to see you liken it to blackpool. hopefully i can pay a visit in the near future!
It was a really fun area to visit! Full of neon and a bit chaotic like Las Vegas, but a great night of live music.