Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2018, Frank’s has been creating an “extraordinary evening of culinary delights” for its patrons – as one guest so elegantly phrased it. With two restaurants, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback, are located in one location, 10434 Ocean Highway, in the beautiful low Country of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Frank’s has become an overwhelming favorite of the locals… and visitors alike.
The cuisine is a fusion of flavors from Low Country to Pacific Rim created by Executive Chef Pierce Culliton. He has assembled a staff of young chefs who create his award-winning cuisine with the freshest, finest ingredients.
As you may know, Low Country cuisine includes some good old-fashioned Southern home cooking methods utilizing an abundance of shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters, dove, deer, quail and venison fused with Pacific Rim and Asian cooking techniques along with a host of other cultural and culinary influences. Freshness, elegant presentation, and an eclectic use of ingredients is the mainstay of their mouthwatering menu items, making it a favorite with the locals and tourists who return year after year to enjoy the delicious food as well as the entire dining experience as Stan L. explains below:
“Outstanding service and meal. We dine at Frank’s every time we travel to the Pawleys Island area. Every part of their dining experience is wonderful. Their 14 layer caramel cake and their key lime pie are in a league of their own.”
There are actually two separate restaurants with an outdoor seating area in between the original Frank’s and Frank’s Outback. Frank’s Restaurant is a little more elegant and refined, decorated in shades of black and taupe, white linens, candlelight and professional waiters are trained to be low key and unobtrusive, but attentive. They have extensive knowledge of the menu and most of them have been serving with Frank’s for many years.
“My husband and I ate at Frank’s while on vacation. We made a reservation and we found out there are two areas to eat in the restaurant – The regular Frank’s inside and the Outback which was the outdoor restaurant. We ate at the inside Frank’s. First off our waiter was amazing! Louis was so friendly and familiar with the menu. He knew all the specials without looking at his paper. He recommended some great options. He was not pushy or rushed us which is nice.” – Customer Review by Martha C.
The Mode awards Frank’s as one the top restaurant in Pawleys Island, SC based on the reviews we have read and the people we have talked to about it…..and made a few enjoyable visits.
Local Customer Kim F. says: “Frank’s is a very cool, unusual place! My friends and I love to go there. The food is always delicious and the menu changes often based on what is currently fresh and in season. During the off-season (Fall/Winter), we enjoy sitting by the fire pit and socializing while having a cocktail before dinner.”
The history of Frank’s Restaurant is quite interesting. It is actually located in the historic landmark of Marlow’s Supermarket which was opened in the 1930’s and owned by Frank Marlow and his family for over 50 years. The supermarket had the only telephone in Pawleys Island, so it became a local’s favorite spot to meet and make phone calls, catch up on gossip, and of course, buy groceries.
In 1970 when now owner, Salters McClary, was in high school he began working at the supermarket during the summers. Salters and Frank Marlowe became good friends and remained good friends through Salters’ college years and upon his return to Pawleys Island after college.
When Mr. Marlowe turned 65, he decided to retire, and Salters approached him about leasing the supermarket and turning it into a restaurant. In 1988, Salters and his wife, Elizabeth McClary, opened Frank’s Restaurant and named it Frank’s after Frank Marlowe.
There was also a house behind the restaurant where Frank Marlowe’s mother once lived. In 1992, Salters and Elizabeth renovated the house and turned it into Frank’s Outback. Frank’s Outback is a little less formal than Frank’s, but it still has soft candlelight and white linens with the same professional service and delicious food.
According to SeaSand 69- Frank’s has the best food from North Myrtle Beach through Georgetown: “Whether you are inside at Frank’s or outside at Frank’s Outback – great food, great service, and a great environment. We go there whenever we are in the area (from Charlotte). Even the best in Charlotte does not beat Frank’s. What’s good? Steaks, seafood, crab cakes… okay, everything – never had an experience that was less than excellent.”
Frank’s Outback is a beautiful garden setting under a canopy of trees, tents and outdoor pavilions — it has inside seating as well – great for meetings or small private celebrations. During the Fall and Winter, the weather is comfortably managed by infrared heaters as well as a huge outdoor fireplace.
There is a bar and dining area between Frank’s and Frank’s Outback called Frank’s Courtyard – it is almost like dining in a third restaurant. No matter where you are on the property, you can order food from either the Frank’s or Frank’s Outback menu…and any of their endless daily specials. Kathy C. certainly has good things to say about both restaurants below:
“Went to this restaurant twice and both times the food was excellent! The atmosphere is mixed depending upon where you select to be seated! Any place you decide will not affect the excellent service or food. At night, the outdoor area is romantic but yet it’s a beautiful area to entertain out of town guests if you want to impress them. We have been so excited to find this restaurant we are considering this place to hold a small gathering after we get married. A definite must for dinner!!!! We are looking forward to another dinner there!” – Customer review by Kathy C.
Frank’s has been featured in Bon Appetite, Gourmet, Southern Living and other national restaurant magazines. Below are some of the comments made by some professional writers and restaurant critiques:
Romantic Dining: “Both restaurants are excellent, but Frank’s is more formal if you’re looking for an upscale experience.”
Pawleys Island’s Best Restaurants says: “For a romantic dinner, request a seat outdoors under the lights and Spanish moss that hang from the giant live oak.”
Outdoor Dining: “For a romantic evening during the fall and winter months, make reservations for a table near the outdoor fireplace.”
Frank’s has been recommended by the local residents, tourists and food magazines for its quality food, extensive wine list, elegant setting, relaxed atmosphere and professional service, so do you have to dress up? No. Frank’s Pawleys Island dress code ranges from casual to elegant. Customer Anniehalltn says:
“Do yourself a favor and next time you visit Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach, make a reservation to eat at Frank’s Restaurant. We always eat inside; it is casual and you’ll see golfers who’ve come straight from the links but you’ll feel better if you put on your party shoes. However you dress, get ready for a feast. And whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, you will be welcomed like an old friend. We ate there Saturday night. I ordered the She Crab Soup and my husband had his favorite – Low Country Egg Rolls with country ham and collard greens. We prefer the Small Plates for dinner. This time I ordered and thoroughly enjoyed the Lump Crab Cake with mustard sauce. The flavor combinations are perfect. My husband always orders and enjoys the 4 oz. Beef Tenderloin. Cooked to perfection. Be sure to leave room for dessert.”
Based on all the information we have gathered from locals, tourists and professional food critics, I think you can see that Frank’s is a great dining experience that we do not want to miss! If you are planning to visit Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach or any part of the Grand Strand, make a point to experience Frank’s! Reservations are highly suggested, so make them today!
