Most strip mall burger joints survive on convenience and hope tourists don’t notice the frozen patties.
Bruiser’s Burgers named their spot after owner Eric’s childhood nickname and created unique combinations nobody else offers at the beach.
This Highway 17 operation proves the best burger in Myrtle Beach happens when a family commits to fresh ingredients over shortcuts.
Why Hand-Cut Double-Fried Fries Change Everything
The kitchen hand-cuts potatoes daily, then fries them twice to achieve crispy exteriors with fluffy insides.
That extra step takes more time and effort, but creates fries so addictive that customers specifically mention them in every conversation.
The dangerous deliciousness comes from refusing to use frozen fries like every other beach burger spot within five miles.
How Bruiser’s Became Surfside Beach’s Hidden Burger Gem
Eric and Melinda left Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 2021 with their two daughters to start a beach adventure.
They opened this unassuming spot with a simple goal: create quality burgers with unique combinations unavailable anywhere else.
The tiny hole-in-the-wall location might not look impressive from the outside, but regulars return annually because the food earned their loyalty.
Food Highlights
- Center Ring Burger: Ridiculously good creation served hot with lots of greasy, messy flavor that delivers at an impossible $13.50 price point. 🍔
- Hot Chicken Bruiser: Nashville-style heat meets fresh beef patty for customers who want serious spice with their burger experience. 🔥
- Mushroom and Swiss Burger: Classic combination executed perfectly with huge portions and solid flavor that satisfies traditional burger lovers. 🍄
- Philly Cheesesteak: Shaved ribeye with truffle mayo, hot cherry peppers, and Cooper Sharp cheddar creates the best cheesesteak at the inlet. 🥩
- Hand-Cut Fries: Double-fried potatoes achieve dangerously delicious status with crispy texture and filling portions that steal the show. 🍟
- Bruiser Burger: Signature creation featuring quality bacon that keeps annual visitors coming back specifically for this combination. 🥓
Atmosphere
The small strip mall space stays unpretentious with sticky floors and no fancy decor to distract from the food.
Quick, attentive service from friendly bartenders and staff creates a welcoming vibe despite the hole-in-the-wall setting.
The outdoor patio provides additional seating for beach weather dining when you want to enjoy your burger with fresh air.
Bottom Line
Bruiser’s figured out that family-run passion and refusing to take shortcuts create burgers worth the annual pilgrimage.
The hand-cut double-fried fries and huge juicy burgers prove that strip mall locations can deliver quality rivaling fancy restaurants.
Visit this Surfside Beach gem where Eric’s childhood nickname became the brand for burgers and cheesesteaks done uncompromisingly right. 🌟
Address: Bruiser’s Burgers 317 Hwy 17 N Surfside Beach, SC 29575
📞 (843) 945-4174
🕐 Tue-Sat: 12pm-9pm | Sun-Mon: Closed
Outdoor patio available | Hand-cut fries double-fried fresh daily | Unassuming strip mall location