Carolina Forest’s O.A.K. Prime Kitchen and Bar, located at 4210 River Oaks Drive, has retained its place in the 2026 American South Michelin Guide. The restaurant is the Grand Strand’s only establishment listed as “Recommended,” the guide’s entry tier, marking a second consecutive year of recognition.
Why the Repeat Listing Matters
Michelin’s anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants on ingredient quality, flavor harmony, technical skill, the chef’s personality on the plate, and consistency over time. While the first listing proved O.A.K. Prime could meet these high standards, the repeat listing confirms the restaurant has maintained that level of excellence.
For a coastal region better known for casual seafood buffets and pancake houses, a sustained Michelin presence signals a growing appetite for chef‑driven dining. It also validates the vision of the three partners who transformed the former Cypress Room into a fine‑dining steakhouse in March 2023.
Local Roots, National Praise
Chef Jerrett “JK” King, a Myrtle Beach native, rose through local kitchens—from bussing tables at The Filling Station to leading the grill at Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar and later managing Fire and Smoke. Self‑taught and with roughly 15 years of experience, King brings hometown pride to the plate.
Michelin’s write‑up highlights O.A.K. Prime’s top‑price‑range steakhouse offerings, including Angus beef with a charred crust, ribeye finished with smoked tomato and Madeira butter, and a wild mushroom bruschetta. The restaurant’s best‑selling pan‑seared Chilean sea bass, regularly refreshed with lobster, shrimp, or crab, showcases the kitchen’s commitment to fresh, high‑quality seafood.
Economic Impact for the Grand Strand
According to Greenville Business Magazine, business at O.A.K. Prime has doubled since its Michelin debut, a boost that can make reservations harder for regular patrons but also draws visitors planning trips around the accolade. Visit Myrtle Beach has leveraged the recognition, sending Chef King to New York to showcase his shrimp and grits to national editors and featuring the restaurant in the Grand Strand Chef’s Table event.
State tourism agencies fund the regional Michelin guide at $350,000 per year for South Carolina. While the guide’s inspectors operate independently, the public‑money investment raises a legitimate question: does the expense translate into broader exposure for Grand Strand eateries? So far, the region’s sole Michelin listing remains O.A.K. Prime, while neighboring counties continue to seek similar recognition.
What Locals Should Know
Michelin rates O.A.K. Prime in its top‑price category, so diners should budget accordingly. As of late 2025, the restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday evenings, offering a refined steakhouse experience that stands out in a market dominated by casual fare.
The repeat Michelin recommendation underscores the value of supporting local, family‑owned businesses that uphold high culinary standards. For Grand Strand residents, O.A.K. Prime provides a reason to stay home for a world‑class dining experience while contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
