Fat Harold's Beach Club

- 212 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

For over six decades, Fat Harold's Beach Club has been a cornerstone of the vibrant nightlife scene in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. More than just a night club or a bar, this iconic establishment is a living piece of history, a place where the spirit of the Carolina Shag dance and the soul of beach music are kept alive and thriving. Stepping into Fat Harold's is like taking a delightful trip back in time to the golden era of the 1960s, a sentiment shared by many who visit. The atmosphere is consistently trendy yet welcoming, drawing a diverse crowd of both tourists eager to experience the local culture and regulars who have made the club their second home for generations. It is a place where you can find great food and drinks, enjoy live performances, and hit the dance floor to glide to the rhythm of classic tunes. Fat Harold's is deeply rooted in the community, not just as an entertainment venue but as a hub for the "Society of Shaggers" and a central location for shag festivals and events. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the laid-back, friendly, and lively atmosphere that defines the South Carolina coast.

Known affectionately as "The Home of the Shag," Fat Harold's Beach Club is an essential stop for anyone interested in the official state dance of South Carolina. The venue’s dedication to preserving this unique dance form is evident in every detail, from the music played to the two expansive dance floors—one in the front and one in the back—that are always in use. The club has been a recipient of numerous awards, including being inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame, a testament to its significant contribution to the culture. What makes Fat Harold's so special is its ability to be both a party hotspot and a community center. It's a place where seasoned "shaggers" can showcase their moves, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms, often being taught the basic steps by friendly regulars. The laid-back, "divey" feel adds to its authentic charm, ensuring that it remains a down-to-earth and fun-loving destination for all.

Fat Harold's Beach Club is ideally located at 212 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, placing it at the very heart of the Ocean Drive entertainment district. This central location makes it an easy destination for anyone in the area, whether you're staying nearby or just visiting for the night. The club's accessibility is a key feature, as it offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. In addition to the accessible parking lot, free street parking is also available, providing ample options for patrons. Its spot on Main Street means you are never far from the heart of the action, with other local attractions and businesses just a short walk away. The convenient location and thoughtful accessibility features make Fat Harold's a stress-free and welcoming place to visit.

Fat Harold's Beach Club offers a wide variety of services and amenities that cater to a full night of entertainment. Their offerings include:

• Live Music and DJs: The club is renowned for its live music, featuring popular beach music bands and DJs who spin classic tunes to keep the two dance floors full. Live broadcasts on local radio stations are also a highlight.
• Food and Drinks: As a bar & grill, Fat Harold's provides a full menu with a focus on classic American fare. Offerings include food at the bar, with popular items like the famous fried bologna sandwich, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more from the "Shag City Grill."
• Extensive Drink Selection: The bar serves a wide range of beverages, including alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine. The great beer and cocktail selections are noted highlights, with many creative shooter options available.
• Shag Dance Lessons: As the "Home of the Shag," the club offers free beginner shag dance lessons on certain days of the week, providing a perfect opportunity for newcomers to learn the official state dance.
• Happy Hour: Fat Harold's offers happy hour drinks, making it a great spot to start your evening out with friends.
• Dine-in and Takeout: Patrons have the option to dine-in and enjoy the lively atmosphere or grab their food to go.

These services ensure that a visit to Fat Harold's is a complete experience, from the moment you arrive and grab a bite to eat until you're dancing the night away to live music. The venue’s versatility as a restaurant and night club means it caters to multiple types of outings.

What sets Fat Harold's Beach Club apart and makes it a must-visit destination in South Carolina are its unique features and highlights. These include:

• Cultural Significance: As a historic club and a central hub for the Carolina Shag dance, Fat Harold's offers a truly authentic and unique cultural experience that you can't find just anywhere. It is often referred to as the "Mecca of Shag."
• Live Entertainment: The club consistently features live music and DJs who are masters of beach music, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere that gets everyone on their feet.
• Inclusivity and Community: The venue is known for its welcoming environment where both tourists and locals, young and old, come together. The free dance lessons are a key feature that encourages participation and fosters a sense of community.
• Great Food and Drinks: The bar & grill side of the business offers fast and delicious food options, and the bar is celebrated for its great beer and cocktail selections, including a wide array of shooters.
• Accessibility for All: The commitment to providing a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restroom is a significant highlight, making the club a welcoming space for people with different needs.
• Trendy but Not Intimidating: The atmosphere is described as trendy, but the club's long history and friendly regulars ensure that it is not intimidating. It feels more like a party or a fraternity of shaggers rather than a formal dance club.

These highlights, particularly its cultural importance and friendly atmosphere, make Fat Harold's a beloved institution in the North Myrtle Beach community and a true destination for visitors.

For more information, to check the live music schedule, or to get a taste of the club's atmosphere, you can easily get in touch with Fat Harold's Beach Club. They are located at 212 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. You can reach them by phone at (843) 249-5779 or on their mobile line at +1 843-249-5779. Their official website often has calendars and updates on upcoming events and live performances. The club's active presence in the community and its well-known status make it a simple matter to get information and plan your visit.

Choosing to visit Fat Harold's Beach Club is an excellent decision for anyone seeking a quintessential South Carolina nightlife experience. What makes it truly worth choosing is its authenticity and rich heritage. Unlike other clubs that may come and go, Fat Harold's is an institution with a decades-long history, a place where the shag dance was born and continues to thrive. Its status as "The Home of the Shag" is not just a marketing slogan; it's a genuine reflection of its identity and role in the community. The combination of live music, a welcoming atmosphere, delicious bar food, and a great selection of drinks makes it a complete package for a fun night out. It’s a place where you can not only witness a cultural tradition but also become a part of it, with free dance lessons available for all. For both tourists and locals, Fat Harold's offers a chance to make memories, dance with friends, and experience the laid-back, rhythmic soul of the South Carolina coast.

Fat Harold's Beach Club

212 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA