Why So Grumpy?
by Kurt Epps—The PubScout July 4, 2022
After fasting all day and picking the missus up from the airport, I wanted food and a good beer. I had visited The Grumpy Monk in Myrtle Beach a few times and was never disappointed, so I figured we’d stop at its sister place in North Myrtle for a bite.
I should have said BIG sister place, as it’s positively cavernous. Like the cathedrals of old, its design attracts the eye upward—and sideways, and forward, directly to the large irregularly-shaped bar situated dead center.
Game rooms of considerable size flank your entry on both sides, and an upstairs gallery seating area overlooks the whole. Grumpy Monk Servers must be in great shape to trek food and drinks up there regularly.
And you can bet there’s a lot of food and drink that gets trekked up there, as the food is really good and reasonably priced. The beer list is also pretty extensive, and even includes an offering from a Brooklyn Brewery called Ebbs Beer (sadly, no relation). Ebbs Pilsner was quite good, actually, and as I’ll be going to Brooklyn next month, I may have to visit the brewery and do a story. It is, after all, what I do.
We split an order of Zippy Shrimp (above) as an appetizer, you know, “Bang-Bangy-type” shrimp that are usually just OK, or overladen with a sauce that’s either nondescript or so blazing hot, you can’t wait to be done. But Zippy Shrimp was perfectly done, and perhaps the best example of the style I’ve had in the South so far. When the missus devours more than half the dish, you know it was special.
As was the main food we ordered. For me, who originally hankered after a burger, it was a French Dip sandwich Au Jus just loaded with shaved steak and onions. Although it was barman Trey’s favorite as well, he advised me not to miss the Monk Philly Cheese that was also on the menu. Next time, for sure, my man.
The missus, who would rather not comment about mediocre food, absolutely raved about her Mahi-Mahi Tacos. Interestingly, the place employs not one, but two sushi chefs, and the folks—locals— seated next to us at the bar made full use of their talents while praising the skills of the creators.
There’s a small seating area outside as well, but with so much to see and do inside, I suppose the only reason to venture out would be to smoke. People were playing corn hole ( I still don’t understand that moniker ) and video games in both large playrooms. Above one was a sign that said “Don’t Grow Up—It’s A Trap.” Hard to disagree with that, and the two classic motorcycles ( a Harley and an Indian ) encased in glass in the eating area gave testimony to the freedom of two wheels.
Our barman Trey allowed that two hours earlier, this vast building as so crammed with patrons that you couldn’t have fallen down if you wanted to. They must have headed out for fireworks on this July 4.
The Grumpy Monk has two other locations, one in Myrtle Beach on 501, and the other in Broadway at the Beach.
The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the bill was quite reasonable. Both of these conditions guaranteed our return to The Grumpy Monk NMB.
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