DinoLand Cafe in Myrtle Beach, SC: Where Dinosaurs Join You for Dinner

Walking In Is Half the Experience

The moment you step inside DinoLand Cafe, you understand exactly why kids lose their minds over it. With life-sized dinosaurs walking around, moving, and hanging from every direction, it is genuinely a bit of a sensory overload, in the absolute best way. My kids loved every second of it.

Watch! See inside DinoLand

The restaurant bills itself as an Ice Age adventure, and the theming lives up to that. You’re not just surrounded by dinosaurs: there’s a dramatic lava mountain centerpiece, a flying dragon bar for the grown-ups, and even a talking tree. Animatronic mammoths and lions join the T-Rex and Triceratops and other prehistoric creatures to round out the spectacle. It is a lot to take in, which is kind of the whole point.

The Dinosaurs Are the Real Stars

The huge walking dinosaurs were the highlight of my kids’ night, full stop. My daughter kept asking if they were real. (I’ll let you decide how to answer that question for your own crew.) The animatronics move convincingly enough that even older kids will do a double-take, and younger ones will genuinely wonder if they’ve walked into Jurassic Park. Bring your camera, because you’re going to want photos with every single one of them.

What makes DinoLand different from a standard themed restaurant is the immersive layering: it’s not just a few dinosaur props bolted to the walls. The creatures are positioned throughout the space so you’re encountering them at every turn, some walking the floor, some suspended overhead, some right next to your table. It creates that memorable “wait, is that thing moving?!” moment on repeat, and the kids are absolutely here for it.

The Menu: More Than Just Dino Nuggets

Here’s the pleasant surprise: the food is actually good. The menu ranges from chicken tenders to a two-pound bone-in ribeye, with burgers, seafood, and a genuinely fun assortment of dino-named dishes in between. It’s a full-service restaurant with real food.

Fair warning: the menu is definitely built for carnivores. Standouts include the Caveman’s Steak (a two-plus-pound USDA Choice bone-in ribeye that the kitchen asks you to allow 20 minutes for), Lava Mountain BBQ Ribs slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness, and the Pinosaur Chicken with Pineapple, a grilled and blackened chicken breast served over rice pilaf in an actual pineapple bowl, which the kids will immediately want to photograph. There are also burgers, a fried chicken sandwich, seafood options, and salads for anyone who wants something lighter.

My kids both went with the chicken tenders meal, and one order was large enough to share, we came home with leftovers. Portion sizes are generous. The milkshake bar is also worth a look if your crew has room for dessert.

The Gift Shop

Planning Your Visit

DinoLand Cafe is located at 1012 S Kings Hwy in central Myrtle Beach, just a few minutes from the beach itself, so it makes a natural dinner stop either on the way in, the way out, or right in the middle of a beach day.

Hours vary by day and season, and different sources list different times; the official website shows evening-only hours on weekdays, while other listings show the restaurant opening at noon daily. Your safest bet is to call ahead at 843.492.0999 or check dinolandcafe.com before your trip.

Reservations are available online and are strongly recommended, especially for weekends. The restaurant is full service, so plan for a sit-down meal (not a quick counter-service stop), and give yourself time to wander and take all the photos your kids will demand.

FAQ: DinoLand Cafe in Myrtle Beach

Is DinoLand Cafe good for young kids?

Yes, this is genuinely one of the most kid-friendly dining experiences in Myrtle Beach. The animatronic dinosaurs are big, loud, and moving, which is thrilling for most kids and worth a heads-up for very young or sensory-sensitive children who might find it overwhelming. Ages three and up tend to love it.

Do I need a reservation at DinoLand Cafe?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during summer. You can book a table online at dinolandcafe.com. Walk-ins may be possible on slower weekdays, but it’s a popular spot; don’t risk showing up with hungry kids and a full waiting list.

What is the price range at DinoLand Cafe?

Menu prices range from about $9 to $55 per person. Kids’ meals and appetizers are on the lower end; steaks and ribs will run higher. Portion sizes are generous; our kids’ chicken tenders meal was easily shareable. Check the full menu at dinolandcafe.com/menu for current pricing.

Is there a gift shop at DinoLand Cafe?

Yes! There’s an on-site gift shop with dinosaur souvenirs and stuffed animals. Budget a few extra minutes (and dollars) at the end of your meal if your kids are anything like mine.

Does DinoLand Cafe have vegetarian options?

The menu skews heavily toward meat-forward dishes, Rebecca’s assessment that it’s “built for carnivores” is accurate. Salads and a few sides provide some lighter options, but if your family includes committed vegetarians, check the current menu at dinolandcafe.com/menu before visiting.

The Bottom Line

DinoLand Cafe is the kind of place that earns an immediate “can we go back?” from the kids before you’ve even finished paying the check. It’s not fancy, and it’s definitely not subtle, but that’s entirely the point. If your crew loves a good theme, big portions, and the kind of dinner where your five-year-old genuinely wonders whether that velociraptor is about to charge your table, this one is absolutely worth a stop when visiting Myrtle Beach.

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Sources
Rebecca’s August 2026 visit with her family
DinoLand Cafe official website (accessed August 31, 2026)
DinoLand Cafe menu page (accessed August 31, 2026)
DinoLand Cafe contact and hours page (accessed August 31, 2026)