The Library is my favorite restaurant. If you are looking for an excellent, high-end dining experience in the Myrtle Beach area, The Library is by far the best choice. I've been to The Library several times and tried a lot of dishes off of their menu. Including the rack of lamb, sweetbreads, grouper with crabmeat, and duck l'orange. I've also tried their soups and appetizers - all have been delicious. I'm not a wine drinker typically, but their cocktails like the acai mojito or brandy alexander are excellently prepared. I also highly recommend the bananas foster for dessert - it's prepared table-side and is ridiculously good. One tip: the vegetables used to be a la carte, but this is no longer the case. They are included with the entree and the entree prices have not been increased. When I first attended The Library they would cook the vegetables and offer them to you - if you wanted them. Now they just give them to you - a much better way of doing things. The owner Shad has been there every night I've attended and will be sure to check in with you several times - or even cook some of your food table-side. Danny has been my server each time and has been exceptional as well. Make sure to get a reservation if you want to dine at The Library. I believe they are required. They will give you a table for the night, so there is no pressure to leave and you are encouraged to eat as slowly as you would like and enjoy the experience. It's very easy to spend several hours there!
(5)
Dustin D.
Note: This restaurant mandates reservations. Your party will be at your table for a couple hours. This is an extensive and beautiful experience that requires some forethought. We parked easily (valet would be nice, but parking yourself is not the end of the world), entered on time for our reservation, introduced ourselves and were seated immediately.From there, our waiter visited our table and the service was fantastic. The service alone is comparable to the nicest restaurants I've visited - that is to say, it is flawless. I drank mojitos that met & exceeded every expectation i could have for such a prestigious, 40-year old restaurant. We had an appetizer, shrimp and blackened steak tips, then soups, then salads. The courses came only as we were ready - zero pressure to rush our meal in any way. After all that, our entrees came. The owner himself served me my sweet breads, and they were the best example of sweet breads I've ever had. My friend ate fresh duck. I don't need to explain the food or service in detail. If you are already accustomed to finer dining, then you know what to expect - it is exceedingly rare for a restaurant of this reputation to have food that disappoints, or service that disappoints. If you are not yet accustomed, then there is no better entry point into this particular world. Certainly, the Library excelled in every aspect and was fully worth the price - interesting & unique French dining in Myrtle Beach (of all places! A desolate land of franchises and dreary corporate shells of restaurants, and amidst all of that, tucked away not far from the boardwalk, there is The Library! A literal diamond in the rough). The most memorable part of all of this is the setting. From outside, the restaurant is just a building like any other on its stretch. It doesn't physically stand out, especially compared to the gaudy and ridiculous exteriors of locals like Planet Hollywood, MargaritaVIlle or Rioz Brazillian Steakhouse. Those big overwrought buildings designed to attract attention - goodness, for all of the opulence within the Library, it is fascinating that the exterior can be so modest. And yet, The Library is by far the most genuine Myrtle Beach dining experience. In an area where restaurants open & close, isn't it incredible to visit an establishment that's been open for over 40 years, totally uncompromising in its pursuit of quality and identity? The Library is that place, and if you respect interesting, privately owned and excellently staffed restaurants, then there is simply no way you wouldn't find The Library worthy of your attention. If you're looking up The Library, you already know their most distinguishing feature - the "library" aspect of this place - there are shelves and shelves of antique books lining the walls. The ambiance from this is great - know how interesting it is to see the bookshelves in a friend's home, in their study? To see what they choose to own and read? Imagine that feeling, that connection, but not to a friend but to a restaurant. Peruse the titles on the shelves, see this window into literature from long, long ago. There is an historical aspect to The Library, rising from its history of 40 years, and also from its substantial collection of hardcover books. I challenge anyone to not be excited by the titles on the walls. After all of this writing, the only thing I can do is plead with you - visit this site. Make your reservation here. Don't got to the Brazilian steakhouse (there is almost definitely one in your area already). Don't go to the standard New York style steakhouses (They are everywhere, too). Do yourself justice, and go to the absolute finest dining establishment in the entirety of Myrtle Beach. Settle not for gimmicks and marketing schemes and pretty obnoxious buildings, but accept only the absolute - the EXCELLENCE. Go to The Library and experience for yourself the finest food in this city, the finest food for the past 40 years running. This place has no local competition. If you vacation here, don't be a fool.
(5)
Lee I.
Once again, fantastic meal! I look forward to dining at The Library every year. The Caesar salad is always so tasty...the shrimp and beef tips appetizer...OMG if I could just figure out what they do to those beef tips! Thanks again Shad (owner) and Chris (most excellent waiter and table side Caesar salad dude!).
(5)
Kara C.
Terrible. Caesar was tasteless. It needed more lemon juice or vinegar. My steak looked like it was taken out of the freezer. My husband ordered the grouper and it was so fishy tasting neither one of us wanted it. For $200 I could have found someplace much better. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. One star because the bread was good. One roll.
(1)
Shakira J.
Wanted to wait to do this review until my second visit in a few days but just figured I'd just go ahead and do it! Service was EXCELLENT(I'm a server and we can be the worst or the best people to wait on).... food was excellent waiter(Bob) and chef/owner(Shed) were very attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink menus. They offered great suggestions between the drinks and food as well. Had cocktails(Acai mojito and Blue Martini).Excellent!!Food was great had the duck with the orange sauce and veggies...duck was a little over cooked to my liking but still had good flavor...would get it again for sure.Friend had the special which was I believe grouper blackened and topped with lobster and crabmeat which was absolutely delicious! Totally recommend the She-crab soup was different with a twist ....and the vinaigrette dressing for the salad was great as well... salad was wimpy but the dressing and the fresh lettuces made up for it. Could have eaten a whole thing of the romaine lettuces with that dressing. Dessert was great as well.... it was homemade blueberry ice cream sundae with a champagne poor and slivered almonds and whipped cream ...simple...light...and nice to the taste buds.. Looking forward to trying this place again Will say it is a little pricey but seemed worth it...$$$
(4)
Sam C.
Extremely overpriced, inedible food coupled with nonchalant service. What a poor choice for an anniversary dinner. The French onion soup and Caesar both lacked flavor, unfortunately the black grouper special didn't but the only flavor was a strong fishy taste. That ended up as $200 down the drain. Thank goodness McDonalds was still open when we left.
From the outside this place looks like a hole in the wall dive bar, but inside it's a lot nicer. Food is average and quite pricey, the cheapest bottle of wine + 2 entrees and my bill was $117. The service however was very good, our server was very nice and attentive, not sure if I'd return or recommend.
(3)
J. P.
We have been to the Library three times, the last visit was for my husband's birthday. This restaurant is truly in a league of its own among the sea of fried food and subpar chain restaurants that call MB home. I know MB is located in the South which equates to fried food as far as the eye can see, but with all the retirees and tourists, I'm amazed that finding a good restaurant is so hard... and don't even think about an organic or farm to table restaurant. That being said, the Library would be a gem regardless of its location. You are pampered from the minute you walk in, the service is top drawer and the food is delicious. We had the crab claw special, the caesar salad tableside, and the escargot amongst other things. All were divine. Our waiter, Barrett (sp?) could not be more gracious and knowledgeable. It is a joy to eat somewhere that puts a premium on excellent service, rather than the typical experience with an overworked waiter going through the motions. Our hostess Jennifer was a gem as well. Good luck on your upcoming wedding Jennifer and Go Boston! The owner on down should be very proud of having a guest centered experience that would be at home in any major metropolitan area. Kudos!
(5)
Bob F.
So we went here for happy hour. The food is good but it is really expensive. We had a unique experience. We ordered 2 shrimp cocktail and 1 library mushroom appetizer. The server brought 2 shrimp cocktail and 2 library mushroom appetizers. But we let the mistake slide and simply ate the extra mushrooms. The martinis we ordered tasted like fruit juice with no hint of alcohol. Then they brought the check. Although I enjoy a good happy hour I'm not a cheap person. But the bill was $44.54 and the tax on that price was $11.53. I immediately looked at my father (the South Carolina resident) and said "wow, you guys charge 25% tax on meals!" He immediately refuted that by saying the taxes are only in the 10-12% range. I asked the server why the taxes were so high. She stated that is was customary to charge the taxes on the pre-discounted price of the food. Having experience in collecting sales tax I immediately refuted that claim. She introduced me to the owner and his only solution to the problem was to remove the mushroom dish, that we didn't even order, from the bill. Unless you have more money than most I would avoid dining at this establishment. For what we got it was not nearly worth the price.
(1)
Steven C.
Let's get this out of the way right now -- The Library is not typical Myrtle Beach fare. Expect to spend at least $75 per person (more if you like to drink), but expect it to be worth every penny. What does your money get you? First, The Library spaces out the reservations such that the dining room is not crowded and the noise level is just right. Second, the attention you will get from the manager, your waiter, and the executive chef/owner will make you feel like a VIP. Third, the food was simply extraordinary. The beef carpaccio we had as an appetizer was so tender, delicate and delicious. All of our entrees were great, but the best was the sweetbreads, flamed table side by the executive chef. Also flamed table side was my son's Bananas Foster and it was hands down the best I've ever tasted. I had a blueberry sundae with a 10 year tawny port and I'm still wearing a satisfied smile an hour later. If you're looking for a break from smokers, tattoos, baseball caps, and beer bellies, The Library will treat you to a dining experience you will remember.
Best Caesar salad you will ever have in your life! Excellent service, personable waitstaff, delicious food. Small intimate setting. A favorite.
(5)
Dennis A.
We Just left the best resturant in Myrtle Beach. Shad and a wonderful staff provide service and warmth that rivals the best Lad Vegas and other high profile cities have to offer. from the moment you enter you will enjoy a friendly and knowledgable staff and intimate ambiance. You can enjoy Shane's wine recommendation for a new experience. You have to try the potato leek Roquefort soup, then follow up with a table side Caesar salad, also you have to try the steak diane, it is perhaps the best meal I have ever had. You have to try this establishment, it blows every other place on the Strand out of ghe water, I will come back every year as long as possible, this is the place to go!!!
(5)
Cathy N.
A little hard to find, but please make the effort. First, they couldn't be nicer or more accommodating here and that extends to everyone. The ambience is the exact opposite of most of Myrtle Beach- quiet and lovely. That said, the decor could use a little update, but that is part of the charm. The food is very good and the table side service is not to be missed. Get the Caesar salad and strip steak if you want to know what these dishes are supposed to taste like- delicious. And save room for the homemade blueberry ice cream. Yum!
(4)
Kathleen B.
Just loved it! Nice quiet ambiance - romantic, old fashion charm and sophistication. If you want to get away from the tourist traps and would like a fabulous meal where you can have a nice conversation with exceptional service this is the place for you. I do not recommend this for kids or loud parties;) We had Shane as our waiter and he's a real pro. He won't steer you wrong. I wanted the duck and he recommended the cherry bing sauce which was fabulous! My husband had the grouper with crab sauce special, which was also fantastic. We started with the beef tritips with shrimp special, also deslish. We finished with the pecan chocolate ganache pie, also yummy, but I love all things chocolate. This is a wonderful restaurant with charm and atmosphere. If you're looking for a fabulous meal and service, I highly recommend you try the Library. We'll be back next time!
(5)
Rob K.
Very good and very authentic. A classic restaurant and upscale. The she crab soup is delicious and I literally want to try everything on the menu. Wow.
(4)
JoAnn W.
The Library is a fantastic restaurant -- excellent food, attentive service, reasonable prices, and an elegant environment. Don't be put off by the strange location and nondescript front door! It's worth it. Best find in Myrtle Beach!
(5)
Eric E.
Awesome food and superior service.
(5)
Andrea W.
My husband and I go out to dinner frequently and this is the best dining experience you'll find in the area! Their attention detail and personal interactions make their amazing food stand apart from the other local finer establishments. The best things to order on the menu are their table side items... You'll definitely enjoy the experience!
(5)
Matthew K.
This will be the first and last time ever to this so-called prestigious establishment.seeing as though we were one of two couples there on Valentine's Day, one would expect that the food would be prepared perfectly. I have had better fish at outback and I feel apologetic to outback for making that comparison. And My dog eats better duck products from her purina. Next time Valentine's Day comes around I may hit up Petsmart and save myself some cash.The one positive aspect was that I was looking at foursquare and noticed a 10% off instant coupon which I presented to the waiter who showed it to the manager in our presence, both of them looked as dumbfounded as we did when we first took a bite of the catchers mitt they called a filet.I honestly wanted this to be a great dining experience however this certainly disappointed. The next time, I will likely go across the street to the Chick-fil-A at least there I can bring my own wine and have a piece of properly prepared protein.
(1)
Mary N.
I brought my daughter here to celebrate her 21st birthday. Our server Barrett went out of his way to help make our dining experience an outstanding one. An extremely cozy and inviting place. The food is incredible. I would highly recommend The Library for any occasion. It will be my first stop when back in Myrtle Beach.
(5)
Travis W.
This place is just incredible. If you are in town and want a break from the normal dining experience you have to eat here. All the other reviews have pretty much hit it on the head. The owner (Shad) is very interested in making sure you feel like you are the only person in the place and was willing to talk about wines in depth as well as give us all the background we needed and wanted about the place. The waiters are no exception to that same intent. Very good at table side manner and presentation of all foods and drinks. The food, well, it's just phenomenal. I had the Kansas steak and it literally tasted like warm butter and cooked to perfection. The table side prepared salad was probably the best I'd ever had and the bananas flambe' was impressive to say the least. My favorite thing is that when you reserve your table, it's yours for the night. We spent over 2 hours there. I asked them to hold off dinner for about 45 minutes and they were more than happy to do that. Now THAT my friend is service!
(5)
Christina S.
I almost didn't book this place because I was a little put off by the decor but gee wiz am I glad we came! The service was beyond and the food was just right. The salad was as delicious as advertised. I thought my entree just needed a little salt and pepper but my companion loved his food. The cocktails were thoughtful and fun. Overall the experience was very charming and special. We loved it!
What excellent cuisine. And a level of service that is quite far above the par. My love and I both work on restaurants and decided to treat ourselves to the best dinner we could on our vacation. We chose The Library. For the level of service and the quality of cuisine we experienced this restaurant is, honestly, quite a bargain. The cuisine and service is quite unparalleled to anything else we have experienced on Myrtle Beach or, really, anywhere else. Our server, Shane was informative, accommodating and exquisitely professional. We will be back anytime we are in the area!
(5)
Shaun C.
The best restaurant experience u can have in Myrtle Beach. It's been awhile since my wife and I have been there since we moved to Las Vegas, but Shad and his team will treat u like royalty while u enjoy fabulous food and wine!! A must do when u are in town! Every night if u can afford to!!
(5)
Angie M.
Amazing! Fun staff. Excellent wine list. We went here for an anniversary dinner. Out of towners. Loved that we found this place. It is truly a hidden gem! We had side table prepared ceasar salads. Yummy! My husband had escargot and veal. He loved his meal. I ordered Cajun steak and shrimp which was too salty. But that's Cajun for you. I should have known better. The experience here was so incredible we will definitely return if we are back in the area.
(4)
Luke C.
This is our hands down favourite dining experience in MB. We came here and did not have any expectations except that the name intrigued us and that they do French food. We walked in through the unassuming exterior and came into the "drawing" room area and was welcomed by the owner. We were seated promptly and taken to a table in the main dining room. We started with a mojitos and glasses of wine. They had escargot on the menu which we sampled. Our salads were prepared at the tableside and we completely enjoyed this intimate and authentic dining experience. We would definitely come back for more.
(5)
Ann Marie D.
In college I read in my textbooks about restaurants who offer service and dining like the Library. I wasn't really sure that table side service like this still existed. With that in mind, do not think you are going to get in and out of this restaurant. Plan for a leisurely dinner. 1. The Service- I want to get this out of the way. The service was impeccable. Both the owner and our waiter were very attentive, polite, knowledgeable, professional, etc. 2. The ambiance- This place is very old school in decor, and personally, I think it would benefit greatly from a face lift. The front dining room is small and open, and I felt a bit awkward about our proximity to fellow diners. 3. The Food a. Appetizers and salads - Our table had the Library mushrooms, the Shrimp cocktail, and the Caesar Salad. Both of the appetizers were very good. 3 of 4 in our party who had the Caesar Salad said that it was hands down the best they have ever had. Of course the Cesar Salad is prepared table side from scratch. Our waiter also gave us a brief history of the salad while he prepared it. b. Entrees- 3 of us had the filet mignon, and it was fine. We eat a lot of beef, and personally if I am going to pay almost $40.00 for a steak I expect it to be USDA Prime beef. The owner told us that their beef is between "Choice" and "Prime", and since he is able to save on the cost, he can pass the savings on to the consumer. The meat was cooked perfectly. Another member of our party had the Salmon on the reef, which she felt was a bit too fishy in flavor. Also, she asked for the hollandaise sauce on the side. When her entree arrived the sauce was on top of the fish. They did offer to bring her a new and/or different entree, but she did not want to wait. We also had a Chicken and Shrimp Entree, which again was fine. c. Dessert and drinks- For dessert we had two items prepared table side. Cherries Flambe and the Bananas Foster, I think the members of my party who had the bananas foster were a bit disappointed. In fact one of them did not care for it at all. We had a Godiva Martini, which was thoroughly enjoyed. I had chocolate mousse, and it was good, but not great. The cherries flambe was good. I must make special mention that the beverages that the Library serves are very good. We had the blueberry martini, Cosmo, and pomegranate martini. The wine list was extensive as was the after dinner drink menu. We indulged in one of the fine Cognacs that was offered. It is not really our area of expertise, but something that was fun to try. Overall, if you are looking for a very traditional, upscale dining experience in Myrtle Beach I would recommend you try The Library. We enjoyed our dinner, but for us it will be a one time thing.
(3)
Cullen S.
Context: Couple's weekend vacation to MB, July 2011. Chose this for a dressed-up date night and it fit the bill just right. Pleasant atmosphere, attentive owner and waitstaff. Live and quiet guitar player in the corner. It is potentially a 5 star place but my food didn't quite hit the spot with me. My girlfriend really enjoyed her meal. Total price for two entrees, one appetizer, one dessert, and two glasses of wine was $95
(4)
Keith B.
HIGHLIGHTS: - Fantastic Service! ; Our WAITER (not "Server"), Chris is a Professional Waiter. Seriously, he has a business card, and it's boss. He spoke with me about "French Service" which is a true technique and the training he went through in order to perfect the art. It shows. He was attentive, knowledgeable about the meal, and basically a great Sherpa for our experience at The Library. Plus, he uses a fork and spoon to cook and provide service. It's a sight to behold. (Ask him about picking up loose change with them!) - Excellent Food ; My guest had a steak prepared tableside in a mushroom sauce and I had salmon topped with crab (there were more particular details of the meal but I got lost in how good it tasted!) She also had lump crabmeat appetizer and I had a Caesar salad (prepared tableside) which, as other reviewers have described, was the best Caesar I've ever had. Ask your waiter to describe the process as he makes it....seriously fascinating. Dessert was amazing as well. Also, I had carrots marinated in brown sugar and fancy alcohol that tasted amazing. For most, I think they would find the menu a bit limited. But the foodies will absolutely find something here to love. Check out the menu online for a better idea. - Atmosphere ; Not something I normally care about too much (the food is more important), but The Library is really cool and unique. It looks "old" but I think that for this place, it works. Take a trip to see the two other private dining rooms and ask about the wine cellar downstairs. VERY COOL. - The Owner ; Seriously, if Shad is there you NEED to speak with him. He absolutely loves food and drink. He has a true passion for his restaurant, and he is also very opinionated and a great person to speak with about life (in general), even if you don't agree with his viewpoints. He is extremely invested in whether or not you are enjoying your experience at The Library, so make sure you go out of your way to let him know how you find the place. Our visit was special because Shad gave us a parting gift for our trip back to New Jersey. Seriously, Shad rules. LOWLIGHTS: - Time ; I only say this because a lot of people just go "out to eat". Which is not what The Library is about. You are here for an entire culinary experience. Which means that the courses will come out in due time, and you spend time speaking with your waiter/the owner, so you will be here for an hour or more (We spent close to 2 and a half hours there, albeit GLADLY). Not really a critique, more or less a warning to those who are just used to going out for "food", as opposed to going out "to dinner". - Price ; This place is PRICEY. And yes, the a la carte veggies might come across as sneaky to some. For perspective: An appetizer, a Caesar Salad, a House Salad, two entrees, two servings of vegetables, one dessert, one coffee and two glasses of wine was close to $150. But, again, you're not just buying "food" here. You're going out for a wonderful meal. If you just want food, go to one of the millions of crappy chain places or buffets in Myrtle. Seriously, you can't throw a dead cat without hitting one, so you won't have to go far. VERDICT: Absolutely one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had. Shad is truly providing the world with a place that is like a last bastion of hope for the more in-touch amongst us. If chain restaurants are a frequent visit for you, this is not your place. Not because it's snobby or elitist, but because you probably aren't looking for what The Library provides. If you are the kind of person that likes something different, and don't mind paying for a truly unique and worthwhile experience, then you need to make reservations here. And if you do so, call them (don't book online)....Shad will appreciate it.
(5)
Jonathan K.
This place is soooooo amazing I don't know where to start. I haven't been there in a year or so since I moved out of Myrtle Beach, but I think about it often, and still recommend it to people in the area years after i've been gone. Looking back, this place TAUGHT ME what french food is all about, and it still remains my favorite of all the cuisines in the world. The service here has always been superb. I remember trying their famous 'shecrab soup' for the first time, and it being unlike any soup I'd ever had! Their Caesar salad has that 'wow' factor from the very first bite, and their escargot is to die for. The kitchen was insanely committed to quality. There were many times I wouldn't have been able to fault the food even if I'd tried. I used to go to this place often when I lived in Myrtle Beach...their specials seemed to change every night. So no matter how often you went here, there was always something new for the enthusiastic fine-dining junkie to pursue.
(5)
Richard M.
A recent dinner on a Saturday night: not up to their usual high standards. My wife's Lobster and my rack of lamb were both over-cooked. When we complained we were told that the chef was at his graduation. These things happen but to not have a suitable substitute when/if that happens has to effect the standard that we are used to at this restaurant. It would have been better if they had been closed that evening.
(3)
Harley C.
Excellent in every way. For anyone who appreciates REAL service, and exquisite food, this is the place for you. Beware though, if you get the tableside caesar salad, and you must get the tableside caesar salad, it will ruin every other caesar salad for you forever. Also be prepared for at least 3 hours for your dinner, as they do it right, no rushing, real courses, letting you rest between them, as it should be. The art of dining. My filet was by far the best steak I have had in my lifetime, and the only negative is that from now on I will be comparing everything else to it. And probably will be disappointed. Shad the manager/owner is a delight, stopping by to see how everything is going, discussing food and wine like the pro that he is. Shannon was the best waiter we've ever had, and we dine out A LOT. If you are reading this review, Library restaurant, PLEASE don't change, you are perfect just the way you are. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Lewis B.
CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT. Have been here twice in the three years I've lived here and have been absolutely blown away by everything I've tasted. The service is spectacular and intimate, the lighting is low and romantic, the wine selection is marvelous and...where to begin with the food? Five stars pretty much says it all. Highly recommend the table-side Caesar salad and the Duc a l'orange. Magnifique!
(5)
Phil M.
Interesting, interesting, interesting, interesting and more interesting... Interesting #1 - The owner greets you at the door and observes you throughout your entire meal. It's weird and quirky, but he attended to every need and was genuinely interested in our experience. Interesting #2 - Cold forks for cold items. Never experienced this before, but I got a new cold fork for everything I ate before my entree. I was happy and clean. Interesting #3 - They cook table side. I did not have a "table side" entree, but there were several available on the menu as well as desserts (be prepared to pay though) Interesting #4 - The ninja vegetable attack. Entree ordered, brought to table, when served, waiter states "we have a lovely selection of vegetables tonight; let me show you. You can have a serving for an additional $3.95 per person." Thanks broseph, I don't appreciate the nickel and dime BS. I can get a whopper junior for a $1 what makes you think I want to pay $4 to eat vegetables? Interesting #5 - The decor. Books, spotlights and other fun things. Quite eclectic. Overall, this was a good experience. Be prepared to spend some coin, but the food is tasty and unique.
(3)
Joe S.
The food was fresh and well seasoned. The service was great. Our waiter Chris was very attentive and funny. He made the dinner experience enjoyable. This was a great recommendation on yelp. My and I would definitely come back again and again.
(5)
Teresa H.
This place was fun. They actually produce their own beer and cream soda(for the kids) The food was OK. Just a fun place. Yep its child friendly.
(4)
Joseph B.
Walking into The Library is a wonderful experience. Suddenly, one isn't in Myrtle Beach's series of unattractive strip malls. The atmosphere is delightful, the menu is creative and well-executed and the cocktails are wonderful. Shad, the owner, is very friendly and gregarious.
(5)
Roger S.
The best upscale restaurant in town. This is the place to take your date and impress her.
Something original and impeccable service = an ultimate dining experience. It's better than any fine dining experience you have had. Get the famous soup. And Caesar salad.
(5)
Mitch W.
My new wife and I were ending the first part of our honeymoon in Myrtle Beach and we were looking for something upscale...not an easy task in Myrtle Beach! I came across The Library, read the menu and hoped it was as good as it sounded. It was!!! We started with the blackened beef tips and tiger shrimp. Amazing! My wife doesn't love red meat, and she could not stop eating the filet. For entrees, my wife had crusted halibut prepared in a homemade hollandaise sauce. Her fish was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. I had the black grouper prepared with a bay shrimp and burgundy wine sauce. The grouper was fantastic, however, I felt the sauce was a bit heavy handed because I lost a bit of the flavor of the grouper. That being said, I ate every bite! The entire experience was 5-star. Shad, the owner, is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about fine wine and food. Shane, our waiter, was great as well. Corkage is $15, but they have a fabulous wine list and the prices are very reasonable. The food and atmosphere were so good we went back the next night!!! If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Myrtle Beach, go nowhere until you try The Library. Night 2 The first night went so well the owner suggested we eat in their private dining area located above the wine cellar. It is completely private and very romantic! The night before, Shad had recommended a bottle of Two Hands '05 Ares for us to drink. I agreed, and he started decanting it an hour before we were to arrive. Shad knows his wine, because this was one of the best bottles I've ever had. For the appetizer, we shared an order of mushrooms topped with gruyer cheese. Again, amazing. For the entree, we shared a 14oz. Kansas City steak topped with caramelized onions, and we added a lobster tail. The steak was cooked to perfection and the onions melted in your mouth. The lobster tail was delicious, and they fill the empty tail full of bay shrimp and bernaise sauce. Yum!!!! We finished the diner with a table-side flamed bananas foster. Again, top notch. We had two of the most amazing meals two nights in a row at The Library. This restaurant is not to be missed. 5 stars across the board. I'm counting down the days until our next trip to Myrtle Beach. Thanks Shad, can't wait to come back!!
(5)
Rick A.
The Library is the only place in Myrtle Beach that serves classic French fine dining fare in a traditional atmosphere. The food is impeccably prepared from high-quality ingredients. Their wine list is eclectic, offering a number of uncommon wines (like a pure Cab Franc) at reasonable, albeit not bargain, prices. Service is outstanding. The owner generally serves as host, and as a trained chef himself is knowledgeable and helpful. The waitstaff is also knowledgeable, and keeping with the classic French style, quite attentive. Tableside preparations abound, which is rather a lost art, but can add to the experience. Traditional fine dining restaurants like The Library are becoming few and far between, and that is a tragedy. This place does everything right, and is strongly recommended.
(4)
JOHN C.
My wife and I had a very nice dinner. Very good food and service with excellent atmosphere.
(4)
Kim D.
So I took my boyfriend at the time here and he is a total food snob-eating out with him always produced some lukewarm feeling about wherever we ended up. But for this place? Let's put it this way: he still raves about the meal we had there, and it was several years ago. The food was. so. amazing. He had the escargot and I had the she crab soup as appetizers. The soup literally melted on my tongue. I had the three filets with three different sauces as my meal, and he had the special: poached grouper topped with crab meat and lobster sauce. Oh my god- both outstanding. I think the moment we both swooned at this place was when we were offered fresh veggies on the side - now I don't think you can quite comprehend - I was just expecting a simple tasting veggie medley. What we got was..... Its hard to describe.... the veggies were poached to perfection with what I can only imagine was grapefruit and oranges. It made my mouth water. Just stunning. For dessert, I got blueberries in champagne and ice cream, and I believe he got some sort of chocolate cake confection. This is seriously one of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of attending. Since it's in Myrtle Beach, they have people walking in wearing polos and shorts, all the way up to the dressy dressy stuff. From the minute we walked in we were offered cocktails while we waited for our table, and then you walk past this impressive wine collection. Was it pricey? Yes. Was it COMPLETELY worth it? A thousand times over.
(5)
Cathy D.
Very dissatisfied and disappointed We came here based on yelp reviews very poor reviews THANKS We came from up north near Boston MA and we were so disappointed to come to myrtle beach and experience this PLACE cheap atmosphere bad bad help over priced We should have taken the whole family to Murrell s inlet for dinner versus just the 2 of us versus 5 of us better places dont waste a great date night on this PLACE
While their proteins and service were a five star level... the vegetables were less than desirable. Carrots too citrusy tasting and potatoes were slightly crunchy in the center. I've eaten at quite a few fine dining restaurants and I had higher expectations due to the raves on Yelp. The service was incredible. Extremely tentative. Not over bearing and he had an excellent memory and made great suggestions for what we were interested in. The salmon, lobster and filet minion were cooked to perfection. I feel my salmon was a little over powered with seasoning, still delicious. My husband's filet and lobster set the standard for our taste buds. The Ceasar salad, was honestly a little disappointing. Everyone raves about it on here and when I received it, while the flavors were amazing... still over powering and far too much lettuce and far too much dressing really weighing down my salad. Again, still tasted pretty good, but just a bit too much of everything. We would absolutely go back and just order different items on the menu or request certain adjustments to our order. Highly recommend their cocktail menu.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Christine H.
This was an amazing meal from start to finish. We had been meaning to try this place for years but every time we came down to the myrtle beach area we seemed to run out of time.... This visit, we made reservations as soon as we got to our hotel and we were so happy we did. Let me mention something about parking. There are free parking spaces in front of the restaurant but they seem to go quickly and they are on a very busy road. There are spaces on either side street but you have to pay the meter or you will get a ticket. The secret is the Library has a handful of spots directly behind their storefront that are free and are marked. So if you drive there, be sure to pull around back to park and this way you can relax and enjoy the dining experience without worrying about feeding that meter! The moment you walk in, you are greeted by the owner who takes pride in his restaurant. He seats you and watches as you open the cocktail menu. It lights up! You open the menu and the items are back lit which was really cool. I ordered the berry mojito which was out if this world. The bartender/sommelier came to the table and mentioned the drink of the night which was sort of like a dark and stormy and also provided the wine list. He was super friendly and very knowledgeable in the wines. My husband picked a nice French red and he recommended trying a California wine that was a little cheaper, but more flavorful. We ordered the California and my husband was very pleased with it. Our waiter, Shane, went over the specials and gave us plenty of time to enjoy our cocktails and peruse the menu before bringing the bread basket. We ended up sharing an appetizer of filet tips and shrimp and then had the Caesar salad for two. Shane prepared the Caesar salad table side and it was delicious. The filet tips were great as well. They melted in your mouth. At this point Shane offered an intermezzo if we wanted to wash the garlic off our palate and we accepted. It was more of an ice cream versus an ice, which I have had in other restaurants. Their intermezzo was strawberry and it tasted like I was eating strawberries and cream. It was delicious and I wanted more! For our main course, I ordered the salmon which had a hollandaise sauce on top and my husband ordered the grouper which was one of the specials that evening. Both were delicious. Shane presented us with a tray of side vegetables to choose from that included asparagus, string beans, carrots and red bliss potatoes. My salmon was served over creamed spinach which was heavenly. There was something sweet in that spinach that just hit the spot. For dessert, we opted for the bananas flambé which is prepared table side. This was nice especially since you could ask for more or less of something (like more sugar, less butter...). We also had sambuca and espresso with dessert. The entire evening lasted about 2 1/2 hours. As someone had mentioned in a prior review, Shane mentioned that the table was ours for the evening after he presented the specials. So we knew right away that they were not going to rush us and they certainly didn't. Every course was timed nicely and he presented the check when we requested it. There were five other tables occupied while we there. One table was a foursome of much older couples who are locals and had been there before. They seemed to know the servers. Two other foursomes were middle aged couples who seemed to be vacationers like ourselves and the other two tables were couples. Everyone was dressed business casual and everyone was enjoying their meals. It was fun to watch them interact with the staff and react to the cocktail menu like I had. Bottom line, this place may seem stuffy from the outside, but it is comfy on the inside and you feel like you are in a friend's home for dinner. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a place where you can hear the people you are dining with and can enjoy a wonderfully prepared meal. Also, ask to be seated in Shane's section. He was awesome and has a great personality.
(5)JD D.
The Library is my favorite restaurant. If you are looking for an excellent, high-end dining experience in the Myrtle Beach area, The Library is by far the best choice. I've been to The Library several times and tried a lot of dishes off of their menu. Including the rack of lamb, sweetbreads, grouper with crabmeat, and duck l'orange. I've also tried their soups and appetizers - all have been delicious. I'm not a wine drinker typically, but their cocktails like the acai mojito or brandy alexander are excellently prepared. I also highly recommend the bananas foster for dessert - it's prepared table-side and is ridiculously good. One tip: the vegetables used to be a la carte, but this is no longer the case. They are included with the entree and the entree prices have not been increased. When I first attended The Library they would cook the vegetables and offer them to you - if you wanted them. Now they just give them to you - a much better way of doing things. The owner Shad has been there every night I've attended and will be sure to check in with you several times - or even cook some of your food table-side. Danny has been my server each time and has been exceptional as well. Make sure to get a reservation if you want to dine at The Library. I believe they are required. They will give you a table for the night, so there is no pressure to leave and you are encouraged to eat as slowly as you would like and enjoy the experience. It's very easy to spend several hours there!
(5)Dustin D.
Note: This restaurant mandates reservations. Your party will be at your table for a couple hours. This is an extensive and beautiful experience that requires some forethought. We parked easily (valet would be nice, but parking yourself is not the end of the world), entered on time for our reservation, introduced ourselves and were seated immediately.From there, our waiter visited our table and the service was fantastic. The service alone is comparable to the nicest restaurants I've visited - that is to say, it is flawless. I drank mojitos that met & exceeded every expectation i could have for such a prestigious, 40-year old restaurant. We had an appetizer, shrimp and blackened steak tips, then soups, then salads. The courses came only as we were ready - zero pressure to rush our meal in any way. After all that, our entrees came. The owner himself served me my sweet breads, and they were the best example of sweet breads I've ever had. My friend ate fresh duck. I don't need to explain the food or service in detail. If you are already accustomed to finer dining, then you know what to expect - it is exceedingly rare for a restaurant of this reputation to have food that disappoints, or service that disappoints. If you are not yet accustomed, then there is no better entry point into this particular world. Certainly, the Library excelled in every aspect and was fully worth the price - interesting & unique French dining in Myrtle Beach (of all places! A desolate land of franchises and dreary corporate shells of restaurants, and amidst all of that, tucked away not far from the boardwalk, there is The Library! A literal diamond in the rough). The most memorable part of all of this is the setting. From outside, the restaurant is just a building like any other on its stretch. It doesn't physically stand out, especially compared to the gaudy and ridiculous exteriors of locals like Planet Hollywood, MargaritaVIlle or Rioz Brazillian Steakhouse. Those big overwrought buildings designed to attract attention - goodness, for all of the opulence within the Library, it is fascinating that the exterior can be so modest. And yet, The Library is by far the most genuine Myrtle Beach dining experience. In an area where restaurants open & close, isn't it incredible to visit an establishment that's been open for over 40 years, totally uncompromising in its pursuit of quality and identity? The Library is that place, and if you respect interesting, privately owned and excellently staffed restaurants, then there is simply no way you wouldn't find The Library worthy of your attention. If you're looking up The Library, you already know their most distinguishing feature - the "library" aspect of this place - there are shelves and shelves of antique books lining the walls. The ambiance from this is great - know how interesting it is to see the bookshelves in a friend's home, in their study? To see what they choose to own and read? Imagine that feeling, that connection, but not to a friend but to a restaurant. Peruse the titles on the shelves, see this window into literature from long, long ago. There is an historical aspect to The Library, rising from its history of 40 years, and also from its substantial collection of hardcover books. I challenge anyone to not be excited by the titles on the walls. After all of this writing, the only thing I can do is plead with you - visit this site. Make your reservation here. Don't got to the Brazilian steakhouse (there is almost definitely one in your area already). Don't go to the standard New York style steakhouses (They are everywhere, too). Do yourself justice, and go to the absolute finest dining establishment in the entirety of Myrtle Beach. Settle not for gimmicks and marketing schemes and pretty obnoxious buildings, but accept only the absolute - the EXCELLENCE. Go to The Library and experience for yourself the finest food in this city, the finest food for the past 40 years running. This place has no local competition. If you vacation here, don't be a fool.
(5)Lee I.
Once again, fantastic meal! I look forward to dining at The Library every year. The Caesar salad is always so tasty...the shrimp and beef tips appetizer...OMG if I could just figure out what they do to those beef tips! Thanks again Shad (owner) and Chris (most excellent waiter and table side Caesar salad dude!).
(5)Kara C.
Terrible. Caesar was tasteless. It needed more lemon juice or vinegar. My steak looked like it was taken out of the freezer. My husband ordered the grouper and it was so fishy tasting neither one of us wanted it. For $200 I could have found someplace much better. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. One star because the bread was good. One roll.
(1)Shakira J.
Wanted to wait to do this review until my second visit in a few days but just figured I'd just go ahead and do it! Service was EXCELLENT(I'm a server and we can be the worst or the best people to wait on).... food was excellent waiter(Bob) and chef/owner(Shed) were very attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink menus. They offered great suggestions between the drinks and food as well. Had cocktails(Acai mojito and Blue Martini).Excellent!!Food was great had the duck with the orange sauce and veggies...duck was a little over cooked to my liking but still had good flavor...would get it again for sure.Friend had the special which was I believe grouper blackened and topped with lobster and crabmeat which was absolutely delicious! Totally recommend the She-crab soup was different with a twist ....and the vinaigrette dressing for the salad was great as well... salad was wimpy but the dressing and the fresh lettuces made up for it. Could have eaten a whole thing of the romaine lettuces with that dressing. Dessert was great as well.... it was homemade blueberry ice cream sundae with a champagne poor and slivered almonds and whipped cream ...simple...light...and nice to the taste buds.. Looking forward to trying this place again Will say it is a little pricey but seemed worth it...$$$
(4)Sam C.
Extremely overpriced, inedible food coupled with nonchalant service. What a poor choice for an anniversary dinner. The French onion soup and Caesar both lacked flavor, unfortunately the black grouper special didn't but the only flavor was a strong fishy taste. That ended up as $200 down the drain. Thank goodness McDonalds was still open when we left.
(1)Tiffanie C.
The decor is very nice as are the staff. I started with the French onion soup. It was good, but not better than other French onion soups I've had. Next I had the Ceasar salad. AMAZING ! Prepared table side , I've never seen Ceasar dressing made fresh, and it was awesome. Don't shy away from that tiny piece of anchovy. Trust me dressing is awesome and not fishy at all. Next , I couldn't decide what I wanted so I ordered 2 entrees. The first was a daily special: Scottish salmon broiled and topped with crab and a creamy sauce. Sides were green beans almondine, and large slices of carrot. The beans were good but carrots were still abut crunchy. They tasted good though- they were flavored with orange and maybe a hint of ginger. Next entree was a menu item the steak AU poive ( peppercorn steak). The sauce was awesome. I ordered it medium rare, and it came out medium. They took it back and made me a new one and even made me fresh sides. Last, Bananas Foster served table side. Butter, brown sugar, juice from half a fresh orange and half a lemon sautéed to a bubbly Yum. Then the bananas and flambéd with 99 bananas and 151 rum. Cinnamon, orange and lemon zest ( which actually flame pretty cool). Then it's served over vanilla ice cream served between two pieces of puff pastry. Man.... This desert is lick your plate clean good! They can and will recork your bottle of wine if you don't finish it, but put it in your TRUNK. You can get an open container charge even if it's in your back seat.
(4)David S.
From the outside this place looks like a hole in the wall dive bar, but inside it's a lot nicer. Food is average and quite pricey, the cheapest bottle of wine + 2 entrees and my bill was $117. The service however was very good, our server was very nice and attentive, not sure if I'd return or recommend.
(3)J. P.
We have been to the Library three times, the last visit was for my husband's birthday. This restaurant is truly in a league of its own among the sea of fried food and subpar chain restaurants that call MB home. I know MB is located in the South which equates to fried food as far as the eye can see, but with all the retirees and tourists, I'm amazed that finding a good restaurant is so hard... and don't even think about an organic or farm to table restaurant. That being said, the Library would be a gem regardless of its location. You are pampered from the minute you walk in, the service is top drawer and the food is delicious. We had the crab claw special, the caesar salad tableside, and the escargot amongst other things. All were divine. Our waiter, Barrett (sp?) could not be more gracious and knowledgeable. It is a joy to eat somewhere that puts a premium on excellent service, rather than the typical experience with an overworked waiter going through the motions. Our hostess Jennifer was a gem as well. Good luck on your upcoming wedding Jennifer and Go Boston! The owner on down should be very proud of having a guest centered experience that would be at home in any major metropolitan area. Kudos!
(5)Bob F.
So we went here for happy hour. The food is good but it is really expensive. We had a unique experience. We ordered 2 shrimp cocktail and 1 library mushroom appetizer. The server brought 2 shrimp cocktail and 2 library mushroom appetizers. But we let the mistake slide and simply ate the extra mushrooms. The martinis we ordered tasted like fruit juice with no hint of alcohol. Then they brought the check. Although I enjoy a good happy hour I'm not a cheap person. But the bill was $44.54 and the tax on that price was $11.53. I immediately looked at my father (the South Carolina resident) and said "wow, you guys charge 25% tax on meals!" He immediately refuted that by saying the taxes are only in the 10-12% range. I asked the server why the taxes were so high. She stated that is was customary to charge the taxes on the pre-discounted price of the food. Having experience in collecting sales tax I immediately refuted that claim. She introduced me to the owner and his only solution to the problem was to remove the mushroom dish, that we didn't even order, from the bill. Unless you have more money than most I would avoid dining at this establishment. For what we got it was not nearly worth the price.
(1)Steven C.
Let's get this out of the way right now -- The Library is not typical Myrtle Beach fare. Expect to spend at least $75 per person (more if you like to drink), but expect it to be worth every penny. What does your money get you? First, The Library spaces out the reservations such that the dining room is not crowded and the noise level is just right. Second, the attention you will get from the manager, your waiter, and the executive chef/owner will make you feel like a VIP. Third, the food was simply extraordinary. The beef carpaccio we had as an appetizer was so tender, delicate and delicious. All of our entrees were great, but the best was the sweetbreads, flamed table side by the executive chef. Also flamed table side was my son's Bananas Foster and it was hands down the best I've ever tasted. I had a blueberry sundae with a 10 year tawny port and I'm still wearing a satisfied smile an hour later. If you're looking for a break from smokers, tattoos, baseball caps, and beer bellies, The Library will treat you to a dining experience you will remember.
(5)Kevin B.
Very close between this place and Divine Prime for best overall dining experience at MB. Love the table side Caesar salad! Our waiter Shane was first rate as well. I'd give divine prime the slightest of edges for entree flavor(comparing similar dishes). Can't get past how awesome the salad and dessert were here though. I had the table side bananas flambé(their take on bananas foster) and it was off the charts! Bring your wallet but you will certainly feel like you've gotten what you paid for.
(5)Lisa Marie R.
Best Caesar salad you will ever have in your life! Excellent service, personable waitstaff, delicious food. Small intimate setting. A favorite.
(5)Dennis A.
We Just left the best resturant in Myrtle Beach. Shad and a wonderful staff provide service and warmth that rivals the best Lad Vegas and other high profile cities have to offer. from the moment you enter you will enjoy a friendly and knowledgable staff and intimate ambiance. You can enjoy Shane's wine recommendation for a new experience. You have to try the potato leek Roquefort soup, then follow up with a table side Caesar salad, also you have to try the steak diane, it is perhaps the best meal I have ever had. You have to try this establishment, it blows every other place on the Strand out of ghe water, I will come back every year as long as possible, this is the place to go!!!
(5)Cathy N.
A little hard to find, but please make the effort. First, they couldn't be nicer or more accommodating here and that extends to everyone. The ambience is the exact opposite of most of Myrtle Beach- quiet and lovely. That said, the decor could use a little update, but that is part of the charm. The food is very good and the table side service is not to be missed. Get the Caesar salad and strip steak if you want to know what these dishes are supposed to taste like- delicious. And save room for the homemade blueberry ice cream. Yum!
(4)Kathleen B.
Just loved it! Nice quiet ambiance - romantic, old fashion charm and sophistication. If you want to get away from the tourist traps and would like a fabulous meal where you can have a nice conversation with exceptional service this is the place for you. I do not recommend this for kids or loud parties;) We had Shane as our waiter and he's a real pro. He won't steer you wrong. I wanted the duck and he recommended the cherry bing sauce which was fabulous! My husband had the grouper with crab sauce special, which was also fantastic. We started with the beef tritips with shrimp special, also deslish. We finished with the pecan chocolate ganache pie, also yummy, but I love all things chocolate. This is a wonderful restaurant with charm and atmosphere. If you're looking for a fabulous meal and service, I highly recommend you try the Library. We'll be back next time!
(5)Rob K.
Very good and very authentic. A classic restaurant and upscale. The she crab soup is delicious and I literally want to try everything on the menu. Wow.
(4)JoAnn W.
The Library is a fantastic restaurant -- excellent food, attentive service, reasonable prices, and an elegant environment. Don't be put off by the strange location and nondescript front door! It's worth it. Best find in Myrtle Beach!
(5)Eric E.
Awesome food and superior service.
(5)Andrea W.
My husband and I go out to dinner frequently and this is the best dining experience you'll find in the area! Their attention detail and personal interactions make their amazing food stand apart from the other local finer establishments. The best things to order on the menu are their table side items... You'll definitely enjoy the experience!
(5)Matthew K.
This will be the first and last time ever to this so-called prestigious establishment.seeing as though we were one of two couples there on Valentine's Day, one would expect that the food would be prepared perfectly. I have had better fish at outback and I feel apologetic to outback for making that comparison. And My dog eats better duck products from her purina. Next time Valentine's Day comes around I may hit up Petsmart and save myself some cash.The one positive aspect was that I was looking at foursquare and noticed a 10% off instant coupon which I presented to the waiter who showed it to the manager in our presence, both of them looked as dumbfounded as we did when we first took a bite of the catchers mitt they called a filet.I honestly wanted this to be a great dining experience however this certainly disappointed. The next time, I will likely go across the street to the Chick-fil-A at least there I can bring my own wine and have a piece of properly prepared protein.
(1)Mary N.
I brought my daughter here to celebrate her 21st birthday. Our server Barrett went out of his way to help make our dining experience an outstanding one. An extremely cozy and inviting place. The food is incredible. I would highly recommend The Library for any occasion. It will be my first stop when back in Myrtle Beach.
(5)Travis W.
This place is just incredible. If you are in town and want a break from the normal dining experience you have to eat here. All the other reviews have pretty much hit it on the head. The owner (Shad) is very interested in making sure you feel like you are the only person in the place and was willing to talk about wines in depth as well as give us all the background we needed and wanted about the place. The waiters are no exception to that same intent. Very good at table side manner and presentation of all foods and drinks. The food, well, it's just phenomenal. I had the Kansas steak and it literally tasted like warm butter and cooked to perfection. The table side prepared salad was probably the best I'd ever had and the bananas flambe' was impressive to say the least. My favorite thing is that when you reserve your table, it's yours for the night. We spent over 2 hours there. I asked them to hold off dinner for about 45 minutes and they were more than happy to do that. Now THAT my friend is service!
(5)Christina S.
I almost didn't book this place because I was a little put off by the decor but gee wiz am I glad we came! The service was beyond and the food was just right. The salad was as delicious as advertised. I thought my entree just needed a little salt and pepper but my companion loved his food. The cocktails were thoughtful and fun. Overall the experience was very charming and special. We loved it!
(4)David L.
I have too much to say but I'll keep this as short as I can. I ate here with my fiancée. I ordered soup and salad for us to start and our server was rude about my order. Not very friendly and not around our table enough to serve us! He made our salad, brought us soup and disappeared for a good length of time. I was so mad I didn't order an entree. I left very angry and I won't go back. When your in an expensive restaurant like The Library, you should expect the best and only the best. I got good food with Half a$$ service. So The Library gets 2 stars from me. You could have the best food in the world.....but when the service is bad, the restaurant is bad.
(2)David P.
What excellent cuisine. And a level of service that is quite far above the par. My love and I both work on restaurants and decided to treat ourselves to the best dinner we could on our vacation. We chose The Library. For the level of service and the quality of cuisine we experienced this restaurant is, honestly, quite a bargain. The cuisine and service is quite unparalleled to anything else we have experienced on Myrtle Beach or, really, anywhere else. Our server, Shane was informative, accommodating and exquisitely professional. We will be back anytime we are in the area!
(5)Shaun C.
The best restaurant experience u can have in Myrtle Beach. It's been awhile since my wife and I have been there since we moved to Las Vegas, but Shad and his team will treat u like royalty while u enjoy fabulous food and wine!! A must do when u are in town! Every night if u can afford to!!
(5)Angie M.
Amazing! Fun staff. Excellent wine list. We went here for an anniversary dinner. Out of towners. Loved that we found this place. It is truly a hidden gem! We had side table prepared ceasar salads. Yummy! My husband had escargot and veal. He loved his meal. I ordered Cajun steak and shrimp which was too salty. But that's Cajun for you. I should have known better. The experience here was so incredible we will definitely return if we are back in the area.
(4)Luke C.
This is our hands down favourite dining experience in MB. We came here and did not have any expectations except that the name intrigued us and that they do French food. We walked in through the unassuming exterior and came into the "drawing" room area and was welcomed by the owner. We were seated promptly and taken to a table in the main dining room. We started with a mojitos and glasses of wine. They had escargot on the menu which we sampled. Our salads were prepared at the tableside and we completely enjoyed this intimate and authentic dining experience. We would definitely come back for more.
(5)Ann Marie D.
In college I read in my textbooks about restaurants who offer service and dining like the Library. I wasn't really sure that table side service like this still existed. With that in mind, do not think you are going to get in and out of this restaurant. Plan for a leisurely dinner. 1. The Service- I want to get this out of the way. The service was impeccable. Both the owner and our waiter were very attentive, polite, knowledgeable, professional, etc. 2. The ambiance- This place is very old school in decor, and personally, I think it would benefit greatly from a face lift. The front dining room is small and open, and I felt a bit awkward about our proximity to fellow diners. 3. The Food a. Appetizers and salads - Our table had the Library mushrooms, the Shrimp cocktail, and the Caesar Salad. Both of the appetizers were very good. 3 of 4 in our party who had the Caesar Salad said that it was hands down the best they have ever had. Of course the Cesar Salad is prepared table side from scratch. Our waiter also gave us a brief history of the salad while he prepared it. b. Entrees- 3 of us had the filet mignon, and it was fine. We eat a lot of beef, and personally if I am going to pay almost $40.00 for a steak I expect it to be USDA Prime beef. The owner told us that their beef is between "Choice" and "Prime", and since he is able to save on the cost, he can pass the savings on to the consumer. The meat was cooked perfectly. Another member of our party had the Salmon on the reef, which she felt was a bit too fishy in flavor. Also, she asked for the hollandaise sauce on the side. When her entree arrived the sauce was on top of the fish. They did offer to bring her a new and/or different entree, but she did not want to wait. We also had a Chicken and Shrimp Entree, which again was fine. c. Dessert and drinks- For dessert we had two items prepared table side. Cherries Flambe and the Bananas Foster, I think the members of my party who had the bananas foster were a bit disappointed. In fact one of them did not care for it at all. We had a Godiva Martini, which was thoroughly enjoyed. I had chocolate mousse, and it was good, but not great. The cherries flambe was good. I must make special mention that the beverages that the Library serves are very good. We had the blueberry martini, Cosmo, and pomegranate martini. The wine list was extensive as was the after dinner drink menu. We indulged in one of the fine Cognacs that was offered. It is not really our area of expertise, but something that was fun to try. Overall, if you are looking for a very traditional, upscale dining experience in Myrtle Beach I would recommend you try The Library. We enjoyed our dinner, but for us it will be a one time thing.
(3)Cullen S.
Context: Couple's weekend vacation to MB, July 2011. Chose this for a dressed-up date night and it fit the bill just right. Pleasant atmosphere, attentive owner and waitstaff. Live and quiet guitar player in the corner. It is potentially a 5 star place but my food didn't quite hit the spot with me. My girlfriend really enjoyed her meal. Total price for two entrees, one appetizer, one dessert, and two glasses of wine was $95
(4)Keith B.
HIGHLIGHTS: - Fantastic Service! ; Our WAITER (not "Server"), Chris is a Professional Waiter. Seriously, he has a business card, and it's boss. He spoke with me about "French Service" which is a true technique and the training he went through in order to perfect the art. It shows. He was attentive, knowledgeable about the meal, and basically a great Sherpa for our experience at The Library. Plus, he uses a fork and spoon to cook and provide service. It's a sight to behold. (Ask him about picking up loose change with them!) - Excellent Food ; My guest had a steak prepared tableside in a mushroom sauce and I had salmon topped with crab (there were more particular details of the meal but I got lost in how good it tasted!) She also had lump crabmeat appetizer and I had a Caesar salad (prepared tableside) which, as other reviewers have described, was the best Caesar I've ever had. Ask your waiter to describe the process as he makes it....seriously fascinating. Dessert was amazing as well. Also, I had carrots marinated in brown sugar and fancy alcohol that tasted amazing. For most, I think they would find the menu a bit limited. But the foodies will absolutely find something here to love. Check out the menu online for a better idea. - Atmosphere ; Not something I normally care about too much (the food is more important), but The Library is really cool and unique. It looks "old" but I think that for this place, it works. Take a trip to see the two other private dining rooms and ask about the wine cellar downstairs. VERY COOL. - The Owner ; Seriously, if Shad is there you NEED to speak with him. He absolutely loves food and drink. He has a true passion for his restaurant, and he is also very opinionated and a great person to speak with about life (in general), even if you don't agree with his viewpoints. He is extremely invested in whether or not you are enjoying your experience at The Library, so make sure you go out of your way to let him know how you find the place. Our visit was special because Shad gave us a parting gift for our trip back to New Jersey. Seriously, Shad rules. LOWLIGHTS: - Time ; I only say this because a lot of people just go "out to eat". Which is not what The Library is about. You are here for an entire culinary experience. Which means that the courses will come out in due time, and you spend time speaking with your waiter/the owner, so you will be here for an hour or more (We spent close to 2 and a half hours there, albeit GLADLY). Not really a critique, more or less a warning to those who are just used to going out for "food", as opposed to going out "to dinner". - Price ; This place is PRICEY. And yes, the a la carte veggies might come across as sneaky to some. For perspective: An appetizer, a Caesar Salad, a House Salad, two entrees, two servings of vegetables, one dessert, one coffee and two glasses of wine was close to $150. But, again, you're not just buying "food" here. You're going out for a wonderful meal. If you just want food, go to one of the millions of crappy chain places or buffets in Myrtle. Seriously, you can't throw a dead cat without hitting one, so you won't have to go far. VERDICT: Absolutely one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had. Shad is truly providing the world with a place that is like a last bastion of hope for the more in-touch amongst us. If chain restaurants are a frequent visit for you, this is not your place. Not because it's snobby or elitist, but because you probably aren't looking for what The Library provides. If you are the kind of person that likes something different, and don't mind paying for a truly unique and worthwhile experience, then you need to make reservations here. And if you do so, call them (don't book online)....Shad will appreciate it.
(5)Jonathan K.
This place is soooooo amazing I don't know where to start. I haven't been there in a year or so since I moved out of Myrtle Beach, but I think about it often, and still recommend it to people in the area years after i've been gone. Looking back, this place TAUGHT ME what french food is all about, and it still remains my favorite of all the cuisines in the world. The service here has always been superb. I remember trying their famous 'shecrab soup' for the first time, and it being unlike any soup I'd ever had! Their Caesar salad has that 'wow' factor from the very first bite, and their escargot is to die for. The kitchen was insanely committed to quality. There were many times I wouldn't have been able to fault the food even if I'd tried. I used to go to this place often when I lived in Myrtle Beach...their specials seemed to change every night. So no matter how often you went here, there was always something new for the enthusiastic fine-dining junkie to pursue.
(5)Richard M.
A recent dinner on a Saturday night: not up to their usual high standards. My wife's Lobster and my rack of lamb were both over-cooked. When we complained we were told that the chef was at his graduation. These things happen but to not have a suitable substitute when/if that happens has to effect the standard that we are used to at this restaurant. It would have been better if they had been closed that evening.
(3)Harley C.
Excellent in every way. For anyone who appreciates REAL service, and exquisite food, this is the place for you. Beware though, if you get the tableside caesar salad, and you must get the tableside caesar salad, it will ruin every other caesar salad for you forever. Also be prepared for at least 3 hours for your dinner, as they do it right, no rushing, real courses, letting you rest between them, as it should be. The art of dining. My filet was by far the best steak I have had in my lifetime, and the only negative is that from now on I will be comparing everything else to it. And probably will be disappointed. Shad the manager/owner is a delight, stopping by to see how everything is going, discussing food and wine like the pro that he is. Shannon was the best waiter we've ever had, and we dine out A LOT. If you are reading this review, Library restaurant, PLEASE don't change, you are perfect just the way you are. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Lewis B.
CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT. Have been here twice in the three years I've lived here and have been absolutely blown away by everything I've tasted. The service is spectacular and intimate, the lighting is low and romantic, the wine selection is marvelous and...where to begin with the food? Five stars pretty much says it all. Highly recommend the table-side Caesar salad and the Duc a l'orange. Magnifique!
(5)Phil M.
Interesting, interesting, interesting, interesting and more interesting... Interesting #1 - The owner greets you at the door and observes you throughout your entire meal. It's weird and quirky, but he attended to every need and was genuinely interested in our experience. Interesting #2 - Cold forks for cold items. Never experienced this before, but I got a new cold fork for everything I ate before my entree. I was happy and clean. Interesting #3 - They cook table side. I did not have a "table side" entree, but there were several available on the menu as well as desserts (be prepared to pay though) Interesting #4 - The ninja vegetable attack. Entree ordered, brought to table, when served, waiter states "we have a lovely selection of vegetables tonight; let me show you. You can have a serving for an additional $3.95 per person." Thanks broseph, I don't appreciate the nickel and dime BS. I can get a whopper junior for a $1 what makes you think I want to pay $4 to eat vegetables? Interesting #5 - The decor. Books, spotlights and other fun things. Quite eclectic. Overall, this was a good experience. Be prepared to spend some coin, but the food is tasty and unique.
(3)Joe S.
The food was fresh and well seasoned. The service was great. Our waiter Chris was very attentive and funny. He made the dinner experience enjoyable. This was a great recommendation on yelp. My and I would definitely come back again and again.
(5)Teresa H.
This place was fun. They actually produce their own beer and cream soda(for the kids) The food was OK. Just a fun place. Yep its child friendly.
(4)Joseph B.
Walking into The Library is a wonderful experience. Suddenly, one isn't in Myrtle Beach's series of unattractive strip malls. The atmosphere is delightful, the menu is creative and well-executed and the cocktails are wonderful. Shad, the owner, is very friendly and gregarious.
(5)Roger S.
The best upscale restaurant in town. This is the place to take your date and impress her.
(5)Michael R.
We ate here last night on a whim. While a bit on the pricey side, the food and service were excellent (easily as good as places we used to frequent when we lived in Manhattan). I had carpaccio to start and sweetbreads for my entrée. My wife had the library mushrooms, followed by the grouper with shrimp in a burgundy sauce. All items were excellent - I cannot think of how any could have been improved (which is hard to do since both of us, while not hard-core foodies, will often come away from a really good meal saying: "did you think the sauce overpowered the fish?). Shane, our waiter, was wonderful. He was knowledgable about the food and was attentive to our needs - without being overbearing. The experience was very well paced - leisurely, but not slow - I think our meal (starter, salad, entree, dessert) took just over two hours. We would definitely come back - the menu had a large selection; we will need many visits before we would run out of thngs to order. In The Library, the Grand Strand has quality food for the most for discerning of diners.
(5)Cameron S.
Something original and impeccable service = an ultimate dining experience. It's better than any fine dining experience you have had. Get the famous soup. And Caesar salad.
(5)Mitch W.
My new wife and I were ending the first part of our honeymoon in Myrtle Beach and we were looking for something upscale...not an easy task in Myrtle Beach! I came across The Library, read the menu and hoped it was as good as it sounded. It was!!! We started with the blackened beef tips and tiger shrimp. Amazing! My wife doesn't love red meat, and she could not stop eating the filet. For entrees, my wife had crusted halibut prepared in a homemade hollandaise sauce. Her fish was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. I had the black grouper prepared with a bay shrimp and burgundy wine sauce. The grouper was fantastic, however, I felt the sauce was a bit heavy handed because I lost a bit of the flavor of the grouper. That being said, I ate every bite! The entire experience was 5-star. Shad, the owner, is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about fine wine and food. Shane, our waiter, was great as well. Corkage is $15, but they have a fabulous wine list and the prices are very reasonable. The food and atmosphere were so good we went back the next night!!! If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Myrtle Beach, go nowhere until you try The Library. Night 2 The first night went so well the owner suggested we eat in their private dining area located above the wine cellar. It is completely private and very romantic! The night before, Shad had recommended a bottle of Two Hands '05 Ares for us to drink. I agreed, and he started decanting it an hour before we were to arrive. Shad knows his wine, because this was one of the best bottles I've ever had. For the appetizer, we shared an order of mushrooms topped with gruyer cheese. Again, amazing. For the entree, we shared a 14oz. Kansas City steak topped with caramelized onions, and we added a lobster tail. The steak was cooked to perfection and the onions melted in your mouth. The lobster tail was delicious, and they fill the empty tail full of bay shrimp and bernaise sauce. Yum!!!! We finished the diner with a table-side flamed bananas foster. Again, top notch. We had two of the most amazing meals two nights in a row at The Library. This restaurant is not to be missed. 5 stars across the board. I'm counting down the days until our next trip to Myrtle Beach. Thanks Shad, can't wait to come back!!
(5)Rick A.
The Library is the only place in Myrtle Beach that serves classic French fine dining fare in a traditional atmosphere. The food is impeccably prepared from high-quality ingredients. Their wine list is eclectic, offering a number of uncommon wines (like a pure Cab Franc) at reasonable, albeit not bargain, prices. Service is outstanding. The owner generally serves as host, and as a trained chef himself is knowledgeable and helpful. The waitstaff is also knowledgeable, and keeping with the classic French style, quite attentive. Tableside preparations abound, which is rather a lost art, but can add to the experience. Traditional fine dining restaurants like The Library are becoming few and far between, and that is a tragedy. This place does everything right, and is strongly recommended.
(4)JOHN C.
My wife and I had a very nice dinner. Very good food and service with excellent atmosphere.
(4)Kim D.
So I took my boyfriend at the time here and he is a total food snob-eating out with him always produced some lukewarm feeling about wherever we ended up. But for this place? Let's put it this way: he still raves about the meal we had there, and it was several years ago. The food was. so. amazing. He had the escargot and I had the she crab soup as appetizers. The soup literally melted on my tongue. I had the three filets with three different sauces as my meal, and he had the special: poached grouper topped with crab meat and lobster sauce. Oh my god- both outstanding. I think the moment we both swooned at this place was when we were offered fresh veggies on the side - now I don't think you can quite comprehend - I was just expecting a simple tasting veggie medley. What we got was..... Its hard to describe.... the veggies were poached to perfection with what I can only imagine was grapefruit and oranges. It made my mouth water. Just stunning. For dessert, I got blueberries in champagne and ice cream, and I believe he got some sort of chocolate cake confection. This is seriously one of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of attending. Since it's in Myrtle Beach, they have people walking in wearing polos and shorts, all the way up to the dressy dressy stuff. From the minute we walked in we were offered cocktails while we waited for our table, and then you walk past this impressive wine collection. Was it pricey? Yes. Was it COMPLETELY worth it? A thousand times over.
(5)Cathy D.
Very dissatisfied and disappointed We came here based on yelp reviews very poor reviews THANKS We came from up north near Boston MA and we were so disappointed to come to myrtle beach and experience this PLACE cheap atmosphere bad bad help over priced We should have taken the whole family to Murrell s inlet for dinner versus just the 2 of us versus 5 of us better places dont waste a great date night on this PLACE
(1)Chris O.
The Library was one of my top fine dining experiences of all time. I took my girlfriend there for her birthday since we wanted something unique and high-class. As others have said, be prepared for a ~2 hour meal, but it is definitely worth it. Don't be deceived by the plain exterior. Inside we were greeted at the door by the owner, Shad, and given a cute little table lit by a small oil lamp. Very cozy and romantic. Our waiter, Chris, was inviting and attentive throughout the night and helped enhance the dining experience. We started off with the Caesar salad, and it was incredible! Well-worth the price. Chris prepared it table-side for us, and it is most definitely the best Caesar we'd ever had (in fact, even the croutons were the best croutons we've had). For entrees we ordered the day's special filet mignon and the veal with shrimp. My veal was good, but the filet stole the show. It was juicy and perfectly-cooked, with a wonderful port reduction sauce and mushrooms. We couldn't help but close our eyes and say "Mmmm." My girlfriend got the side veggies as well. The carrots and green beans were must-haves, though the potatoes were good but nothing special. Drink-wise I was thrilled to see The Library's beer selection. We had intended to order a bottle of wine (of which they also have a great selection) but, being a craft beer lover, I couldn't pass-up on a chance to try a rare Dogfish Head brew. Shad explained to us that he is an official Dogfish Head seller and is able to get cases of some of their rarest beers. They had 750mL bottles of beer that I haven't seen for sale anywhere else in the Southeast. Speaking with Shad about their beers, about The Library and about the area were definite highlights of the night. He is extremely kind and attentive and wants to ensure that each diner is fully enjoying their experience. For dessert you must, MUST try the bananas foster. It's a dessert unlike any I've ever had in my life. Shad himself prepared the dessert table-side in a pan that flashed and sparked with flames as he flambéed the dish. The result (served over vanilla ice cream and a thin pastry) was heavenly. It seriously capped-off a dinner, and a night, that was one to remember.
(5)Amy W.
While their proteins and service were a five star level... the vegetables were less than desirable. Carrots too citrusy tasting and potatoes were slightly crunchy in the center. I've eaten at quite a few fine dining restaurants and I had higher expectations due to the raves on Yelp. The service was incredible. Extremely tentative. Not over bearing and he had an excellent memory and made great suggestions for what we were interested in. The salmon, lobster and filet minion were cooked to perfection. I feel my salmon was a little over powered with seasoning, still delicious. My husband's filet and lobster set the standard for our taste buds. The Ceasar salad, was honestly a little disappointing. Everyone raves about it on here and when I received it, while the flavors were amazing... still over powering and far too much lettuce and far too much dressing really weighing down my salad. Again, still tasted pretty good, but just a bit too much of everything. We would absolutely go back and just order different items on the menu or request certain adjustments to our order. Highly recommend their cocktail menu.
(3)