Finding Waterfront Magic at Blue Drum in Little River
If there is one universal truth about traveling with kids, it’s that "vacation rules" apply to dining. Case in point: during our most recent family dinner out, my son confidently ordered the kid's Macaroni and Cheese... with a side of Macaroni and Cheese.
Hey, it’s vacation. What are you gonna do? Laugh, order yourself a great meal, and soak in the memories!
Finding a restaurant that caters perfectly to the unpredictable tastes of little ones while still offering parents a high-quality, sit-down dining experience can sometimes feel like searching for a hidden gem. But on our latest trip to the beach, we found just that at Blue Drum Waterfront in neighboring Little River.
If you're looking for a stress-free family meal with incredible views, here is the rundown of our evening and why it needs to be on your dining itinerary.
Convenient, High-Energy, and Easy to Book
One of the things we love about hosting families at Oceans Edge is providing a quiet, oceanfront sanctuary that is still incredibly convenient to the area's best spots. Blue Drum is a breeze to get to: just a quick 12-minute drive from the condo.
When we pulled into the massive parking lot for our 5:45 PM reservation, a classic Carolina summer thunderstorm had just rolled through about five minutes prior. Naturally, the outdoor decks were cleared, and everyone had packed inside, creating a bustling, high-energy vibe. There was great music playing and a lively crowd around the bar.
Parent Hack: We highly recommend booking ahead through their website! We were able to specifically request an "enclosed waterfront table" on our online reservation. Knowing you can lock in a great view while staying in the air conditioning (and out of the rain) is a huge relief when you're managing hungry kids.
The Menu: Parent-Approved and Kid-Loved
Once we were seated immediately by the windows, it was time to dive into the menu.
For the Kids: The children's menu covers all the essential bases: fish bites, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and of course, the aforementioned double-order of Mac & Cheese (which, while not a traditional creamy style, was highly approved by my son). My daughter ordered the kid's cheeseburger, and when it arrived, our jaws dropped. It had to be a half-pound burger! It was an unbelievable value for a kid's meal. Note: She loved the fries, but they are very heavily seasoned, so keep that in mind for picky eaters!
The Drinks: To kick off the evening, my wife and I ordered drinks. If you are a wine connoisseur, just a heads-up that the wine list is extremely limited (only one Cabernet Sauvignon, a Silver Palm for around $41). However, if you love fun, tropical mixed or frozen drinks, you are absolutely in the right spot!
The Appetizers: I opted for a cup of the She Crab Soup. It was incredibly rich, flavorful, and filling: I highly recommend sticking to the cup size so you still have room for your main course.
The Entrees: My wife ordered the Blackened Mahi Tacos, which she said were solid and tasty. (Honest Local Tip: Any item ordered "blackened" comes with a $2 upcharge for the seasoning. It's a bit "ticky-tack," but good to know so you aren't surprised by the bill!) For my meal, I was torn between the Grouper Oscar and the Shrimp & Lobster Fettuccine. I asked our wonderful server for her opinion, and she steered me toward the pasta. Thank goodness she did! I assumed it would feature chunks of lobster meat, but it arrived with a whole lobster tail resting on a massive bed of shrimp and rich, creamy pasta. It was a spectacular dish and an incredible deal at just $39.
Golden Hour on the Water
Midway through our meal, the magic of the Carolina coast showed off. The rain stopped, the storm clouds parted, and the bright sun came back out. The restaurant staff quickly opened up the large windows to the back patio, and live acoustic music started wafting in.
The mood instantly elevated. Families and couples started filtering back out to the tables by the dock. Sitting right on the edge of the Intercoastal Waterway is a wonderful switch-up from a traditional beach or marina view. We spent the rest of dinner happily watching boats cruise by, and chuckling at the occasional jet ski that "forgot" to slow down for the no-wake zone.
The Perfect End to a Family Adventure
After a memorable and filling dinner, the best part was knowing we didn't have a long, exhausting trek back to our home base. A quick 12-minute drive had us right back at the condo. We got the kids bathed, tucked into bed with full bellies, and finally enjoyed the spacious quiet of our own oceanfront living room.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, family-friendly headquarters for your next NMB adventure, we would be honored to host you at Oceans Edge. Click here to check our seasonal availability and book your next family getaway! We can't wait to share more of our favorite local spots with you!
Warmly,
Your Hosts at Oceans Edge