- Attraction: Big Mike’s Soul Food
- Location: 504 16th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://bigmikessoulfood.net/
In a city overflowing with tourist traps and chain restaurants, one family-owned soul food kitchen has been quietly serving up the kind of authentic, made-from-scratch comfort food that makes visitors cancel dinner reservations elsewhere and locals plan their weeks around daily specials.
Big Mike’s Soul Food, owned and operated by Myrtle Beach City Councilman Mike Chestnut, represents everything genuine about Southern hospitality and traditional soul food cooking.
Since opening in 2013, this locally owned establishment has become the kind of place where first-time visitors become regulars.
Signature Soul Food Classics
Award-Winning Fried Chicken: The fried chicken here has earned “Best of Myrtle Beach” recognition for its perfect crunchy-crusted exterior and juicy interior. Order it as the Big Mike Special blue plate, which lets you choose three sides from their impressive repertoire of traditional soul food accompaniments.
Blue Plate Specials: The $9.49 blue plate special has become legendary for both value and quantity – you get one meat and three sides plus cornbread, creating a complete soul food experience that feeds both body and soul without emptying your wallet.
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Keep Exploring →Daily Specials: Monday and Saturday bring barbecue ribs, Tuesday features meatloaf, and Friday and Saturday showcase chicken bog (a Myrtle Beach area original), ensuring that regular customers always have something new to anticipate.
Traditional Sides & Accompaniments
Authentic Collard Greens: Prepared using traditional methods that create the perfect balance of tender greens and savory seasonings, these collards taste like they came straight from a Southern grandmother’s kitchen.
Mac & Cheese Excellence: The baked macaroni and cheese features that perfect contrast between creamy interior and slightly crispy top that defines proper Southern mac and cheese preparation.
Cornbread Perfection: Every blue plate comes with cornbread that’s cake-sweet rather than savory, representing the traditional Southern style that complements savory main dishes and sides.
Comfort Food Specialties
Chicken & Waffles: Their take on this Southern classic demonstrates the kitchen’s ability to balance sweet and savory elements in ways that create harmony rather than competition between flavors.
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Discover MorePeach Cobbler: Save room for dessert because their peach cobbler provides the perfect ending to a soul food meal, with fruit that tastes like summer and a crust that provides textural contrast.
Sweet Tea: No soul food experience is complete without properly prepared sweet tea, and Big Mike’s serves it exactly as it should be – sweet, refreshing, and essential to the Southern dining experience.
Atmosphere & Community Feel
Quirky Multi-Level Space: The dining area features an interesting multi-level layout that creates intimate dining spaces while maintaining the energy of a busy restaurant. The design adds character without sacrificing functionality.
Local Institution Status: This is where locals bring visiting family and friends when they want to showcase authentic Myrtle Beach soul food culture. The restaurant has become part of the community fabric rather than just another dining option.
Family-Friendly Environment: The atmosphere welcomes families with children while still providing an enjoyable experience for adults. The staff demonstrates patience and friendliness with guests of all ages and backgrounds.
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Keep Exploring →Service & Experience
Order-Ahead Options: The food takes time to prepare because it’s made from scratch, so calling ahead or ordering online can reduce wait times while ensuring food quality isn’t compromised for speed.
Catering Services: For events ranging from 15 to 250 people, they offer catering that brings their soul food quality to special occasions, making them a popular choice for local events and celebrations.
Consistent Quality: Repeat visitors consistently comment on the reliable quality from visit to visit, which reflects established kitchen procedures and commitment to maintaining standards even during busy periods.
Other Considerations
Wait Times: Popularity means potential waits, especially during peak tourist season and weekend periods. The quality justifies the patience, but planning ahead helps manage expectations.
Cash vs. Card: While they accept various payment methods, checking current payment policies before visiting ensures a smooth transaction experience.
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Discover MorePortion Sizes: The generous serving sizes mean most people leave satisfied, but they also mean you might have delicious leftovers for later meals.
Parking Availability: Street and nearby parking is available, though busy periods might require a short walk to find spaces.
Sunday Closure: They’re closed Sundays, so plan your soul food cravings accordingly. Monday through Saturday hours are 11 AM to 9 PM.
Big Mike’s Soul Food
📍 504 16th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
