By Becky Billingsley

Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, Myrtle Beach – Ten Myrtle Beach area restaurants offering fine meals for less than $10.

Bay Naturals

7611 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 448-0011

The front of the business is a thoroughly stocked health food store, but at the rear is a cute little restaurant serving organic sandwiches, soups, salads and smoothies. Everything here is exceedingly fresh, healthy and beautifully presented. There's plenty of outdoor seating in a covered area.

Big Mike’s Grill

504 16^th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, (843) 712-2048.

It’s all about soul food for lunch and dinner, and most locals go for the $8 blue plate special where each day the deal includes a choice of meats like fried chicken, meatloaf, ribs, smothered pork chops and fried pork chops; two sides such as cabbage, green beans, mac and cheese or collards; mashed potatoes or rice and gravy; and cornbread with butter.

Gem City Pizza

819 Main St., Myrtle Beach, (843) 712-1369

A couple of slices (called squares) won’t set you back much, and depending how many toppings you get, there might be room for a beer in your $10 budget. This is Ohio Valley-style pizza, and the crust is delicious.

Goodfella’s Seafood Hut and Bar

4505 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach (843) 272-3079.

The “mystery lunch,” a.k.a., the daily lunch special, is $6 and includes iced tea or coffee, while other $10 or less meals include a two-seafood lunch basket; Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp Salad; several sandwiches like Crab Cake Sandwich that include a side; Chicken Tenders Dinner; and a Chicken Breast Dinner (fried or grilled).

Jimmyz Original Hibachi House

6108 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-8008

Hot, tasty and affordable is what Jimmyz is all about, like a Teriyaki Chicken lunch for $5, or Mama’s Korean Beef Dinner for $8.50. They also have sushi rolls starting at $4.25, and a Salmon Hibachi Dinner is $9.

Longbeard’s Bar & Grill

5040 Carolina Forest Blvd., Myrtle Beach, (843) 903-2905

All day on Tuesdays, you can eat all the wings you like for $8.99. The deal includes celery and blue cheese.

Prosser’s Bar-B-Que

3750 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, (843) 357-6146

Picture heaped mounds of crispy chicken, piles of hot barbecue with a pronounced vinegar twang, chicken bog studded with smoked sausage, field peas, sweet potato casserole, tender meatloaf with a thick cap of fresh tomato sauce, coleslaw, biscuits, banana pudding and pineapple/cheese casserole. That spells Y-U-M, and those dishes and a lot more are on the daily lunch buffet at Prosser’s, a locals’ hangout for decades. At suppertime the buffet is $13, but at lunchtime this feast is $8.50 for all-you-care-to-eat.

Pine Lakes Tavern

5201 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 449-4758

The food at Pine Lakes exemplifies the best in gastropub dining: dishes are creative but not pretentious, and deliciously affordable. While the menu from Chef Bryan Bodle is sure to change with the seasons, examples for $10 or less from the summer 2012 menu include Carolina Pulled Pork Wrap; Grilled Southwestern Fish Burrito; Fish and Chips; and Pimento Burger. You could even have Crunchy Vietnamese Spring Rolls and one of 15 craft draft beers for less than $10.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina

38^th Avenue North at 17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-2383

Barefoot Landing, waterfront, North Myrtle Beach, (843) 427-7183

You can get a tasty customized burrito smothered in queso sauce for less than $10. Bonuses – Every day after 4 p.m., children eat free with paying adults. Also, house Margaritas are $3 all day long.

The Shack

1128 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach, (843) 663-3636

Lunch and dinner specials include one meat and side dishes for $7.59. At lunch time the deal also includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Expect Chicken and Dumplings, Fried Chicken, Stew Beef over Rice, Grilled Chicken, Broccoli Casserole, Fried Okra and much more.

Does your Myrtle Beach area restaurant have a great meal for $10 or less? Please feel free to add details in the comment section below this article – don’t forget your restaurant’s name, address and phone number.

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