A visit to LuLu's Cafe in Myrtle Beach is a lot like a culinary version of the movie "Back to the Future" - it's a trip back in time to home cooking with a modern twist. The decor of the recently opened restaurant on Ocean Boulevard in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach says it all - retro-cool but with a futuristic feel.
Lulu's Cafe's spacious porch — Photo courtesy of Lulu's Cafe
That theme matches the extensive menu - Southern comfort food prepared with creative curve balls. Even the basic grilled cheese sandwich gets a makeover by adding bacon and tomato to the mix. Breakfast is served anytime and makes up a large portion of the menu.
Lulu's also serves a more traditional breakfast, including two eggs any style with ham, bacon or sausage and grits and toast and runs $3.95. But it's the unique dishes that set LuLu's apart from others, such as the Charleston Benedict with a crab cake or the Horry County Benedict with fried bologna on toast. There's waffles with chicken fingers (an update on a soul food classic), and the Elvis (peanut butter and "naners" on French toast).
Lulu's also thinks outside the lunch box for the later meals, starting with Lowcountry egg rolls (collard greens and country ham), fried pickles and pub chips among the appetizers. There are some unique soup and salad creations, including Lulu's Salad, with grilled chicken over spinach with pecans, apples and goat cheese.
Surf-artist Drew Brophy paints a mural for Lulu's. — Photo courtesy of Lulu's Cafe
Sandwiches range in style (PB&Js with fruit and nutella), grilled palmetto (not pimento) cheese, fried bologna, crab cake and shrimp BLT. Even Burgers get an upgrade. The Wayward Winds is topped with chili, cheese, mustard and onions. Crab cakes and tenderloin medallions top the dinner menu.
Patrons can wash it all down with an eclectic array of mixed drinks and flavored coffees. Sit outside and enjoy the ocean view.
