Fat Harold’s Beach Club, Home of the Shag, has been at many addresses and housed in many different buildings over the years, but now resides at 212 Main St, Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. You’ll know the building by the replica of the jukebox around the front door and the caricature of the “Fat Man” himself, Harold Bessett. Once inside, you’ll understand why Fat Harold’s Beach Club is the 11 time winner of “Beach Club of the Year”. This club lives and breathes shag. The Front room is always the place to be to hear the great tunes spun by the beach/shag DJ’s. When the weekends are full, and especially at SOS, the Back room will be packed too with shaggers dancing elbow to elbow.

Not only is Fat Harold’s known for the great shagging by locals and visitors alike, it is world famous for it’s bologna sandwiches, and the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. It’s not a trip to Ocean Drive until you’ve slid into a booth and had a plate full of French fries at Fat Harold’s.

Open 7 days a week, Harold’s also sponsors many events throughout the year. Free shag lessons are offered on Tuesday nights each week. Customer Appreciation night is on Wednesday, and Judy Dukes teaches shag lessons on Thursday. On many weekends you can find one of the great beach/shag bands such as The Fantastic Shakers, Coastline Band, Craig Woolard Band or The Holiday Band playing for the crowds. This club also sponsors CSA and SPA shag contests, Fundraisers for the Hall of Fame Foundation, the Junior Shaggers and other events. Fat Harold also sponsors a large auction each year to raise thousands of dollars for Camp Kemo, a week long summer camp for children that have or are recovering from cancer.

All it takes is a walk around the club looking at the plaques from all the shag clubs and locations, the pictures of the bands and dancers, and the beach and shag memorabilia to feel the history of the shag alive in this location. Like the sign says “You ain’t been to the beach until you’ve been to Fat Harold’s Beach Club”.