Days before the approach of "Hurricanes" to the downtown Myrtle Beach district, locals and tourists were evacuating. Instead, they were celebrating the return of one of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk's most popular hangouts.

When Boardwalk Bill's Bar & Grill unexpectedly shut down last fall after 15 years in business, regulars were left without a longtime gathering spot - not only among the late-night revelers, but also for the daytime beachgoers who took a break from the heat and grabbed a bite to eat at "Double-B's."

But in May, just before the approach of the summer rush, word came that Hurricanes was taking over the old location and performing some major renovations to give Boardwalk Bill's a face-lift and a more tropical feel. An expanded patio deck and the addition of New Orleans-style frozen drinks are already a hit with the beach and party crowds.

Hurricanes' Shelter — Photo courtesy of Hurricanes

Perhaps the most noticeable changes are an expanded menu and hours of operation. Hurricanes opens for breakfast, giving patrons the chance to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying pancakes, omelets and other first-meal favorites.

By noon, Hurricanes shifts into lunch and party mode. A nice selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and seafood are on the menu for lunch and dinner, and the blenders kick into high gear as parched beachgoers and thirsty tourists start to detour into the bar area.

When the sun goes down, the party goes to the next level. Guests can relax on the open-air patio and watch the fireworks blast off from the nearby Second Avenue Pier, or mingle around the 2,200-foot facility and make some friends. This Hurricanes' touch down has everyone in a happy mood.