Answer: The top liquor store Myrtle Beach locals and tourists rely on is Myrtle Beach Liquor on 17th Avenue North, thanks to its unbeatable selection, knowledgeable staff, and convenient hours.
That may sound like a blunt endorsement, but the reality is simple: if you’re in Myrtle Beach and you need a place that stocks a solid range of craft beers, fine whiskeys, and the occasional local brew, you’ll walk out of Myrtle Beach Liquor with exactly what you need and a smile from the clerk. This article explains why this store stands out, what most guides get wrong, and how to make the most of your trip to any Myrtle Beach liquor outlet.
What Makes a Liquor Store Worth Visiting in Myrtle Beach?
A liquor store is more than a shelf‑full of bottles; it’s a curated marketplace where you can discover regional specialties, try new styles, and get advice that you won’t find online. In a tourist‑heavy town like Myrtle Beach, the best stores balance three things: variety, expertise, and accessibility. Variety means having everything from local craft ales to imported scotches. Expertise is the staff’s ability to suggest pairings for a beach BBQ or a sunset cocktail. Accessibility covers location, parking, and hours that fit a vacation schedule.
Most stores in the area tick one or two of these boxes, but Myrtle Beach Liquor consistently hits all three. Their back‑room houses a rotating selection of South Carolina’s own breweries—like Palmetto Brewing and Holy City Brewing—while the front shelves feature major domestic and import brands. The staff often have certifications from the Beverage Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), so they can explain the difference between an Appalachian rye and a Kentucky bourbon without sounding like a textbook.
How Myrtle Beach Liquor Stands Out From the Competition
Many articles lump every storefront together, assuming “any liquor store in Myrtle Beach will have the same beers.” That’s the first big mistake. The reality is that smaller independent stores tend to focus on mainstream lagers, while larger chains like Total Wine keep a broad but shallow inventory. Myrtle Beach Liquor, on the other hand, blends the depth of a specialty shop with the breadth of a chain. Their weekly “Local Spotlight” features limited‑edition cans from regional brewers, often before they hit the shelves at larger retailers.
Second, most guides overlook the importance of staff interaction. A casual shopper might be handed a generic recommendation, but at Myrtle Beach Liquor you can ask about flavor profiles, food pairings, or even the story behind a label. This level of service translates into better purchases and a more enjoyable drinking experience.
What Other Articles Get Wrong About Myrtle Beach Liquor Shopping
1. Assuming All Stores Have the Same Hours. Tourist areas often have erratic opening times. Some guides list 9 am–9 pm as a blanket schedule, which can leave you stranded on a Sunday when a store actually closes at 5 pm. Myrtle Beach Liquor operates 8 am–10 pm Monday through Saturday and 9 am–6 pm on Sundays, giving you a reliable window.
2. Overlooking Local Craft Selections. Many pieces focus on big‑name brands and ignore the burgeoning craft scene in the Grand Strand. The store’s partnership with local breweries ensures you can find limited‑run IPAs, saison‑style lagers, and barrel‑aged stouts that you won’t see at the airport duty‑free shop.
3. Ignoring the Importance of Storage Advice. Buying a high‑proof spirit is only half the battle; you need to store it correctly. Few articles give guidance on temperature, light exposure, or how to keep an open bottle fresh. Our comprehensive beer buying guide covers that, but we’ll touch on the basics here too.
How to Choose the Right Liquor Store in Myrtle Beach for Your Needs
Start by defining your priority:
Craft Beer Enthusiast: Look for a store that rotates local brews weekly and offers growlers. Myrtle Beach Liquor’s “Growler Wall” lets you fill a 64‑oz jug with fresh tap beer at a discount.
Spirits Collector: Seek out a place with a deep whiskey shelf and knowledgeable staff. The store’s dedicated whiskey aisle includes single‑malts from Islay, Japanese blends, and limited‑edition bourbons.
Convenient Convenience: If you’re on a tight schedule, prioritize location and hours. The store’s central spot on 17th Avenue North is a short drive from most beachfront hotels and includes ample parking.
Once you know your focus, ask the clerk a few targeted questions: “Do you have any new releases from Palmetto Brewing this week?” or “Which bourbon would you pair with a grilled lobster?” Their answers will quickly reveal whether the store aligns with your expectations.
Common Mistakes When Buying Alcohol in Myrtle Beach
1. Buying Only Based on Price. The cheapest bottle isn’t always the best value. A modestly priced craft cider might offer a more complex flavor than a bargain‑bin lager, and you’ll get more enjoyment per dollar.
2. Ignoring Seasonal Releases. Many breweries launch limited‑edition summer series that disappear after a few weeks. If you overlook these, you’ll miss out on unique tastes that can’t be found elsewhere.
3. Not Checking Return Policies. Some stores won’t accept returns on opened bottles, but Myrtle Beach Liquor offers a 24‑hour exchange on any defective product, which is handy if a seal breaks during transport.
4. Forgetting to Ask About Storage. High‑ABV spirits benefit from a cool, dark environment. If you’re staying in a beachfront condo with a warm balcony, ask the staff for storage tips or consider a small cooler.
Verdict: Which Liquor Store Should You Choose?
If you value a broad, rotating selection of craft beers, expert staff, and hours that suit a vacation schedule, the clear winner is Myrtle Beach Liquor on 17th Avenue North. For those whose priority is the lowest possible price, a big‑box retailer may win on cost, but you’ll sacrifice variety and personalized advice. If you’re only interested in quick, after‑dinner wine, the hotel mini‑bar might suffice, yet you’ll miss the chance to explore the region’s emerging vineyards.
Bottom line: for a well‑rounded, satisfying purchase—whether you’re loading up for a beach party, hunting a rare bourbon, or just grabbing a six‑pack of a local IPA—Myrtle Beach Liquor is the store that consistently delivers the best overall experience.
