Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly associated with inflammation. Myeloid cells, including tumor‐associated macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, are abundant in the HCC microenvironment and are often associated with poor prognosis. Myeloid cells in HCC play a vital role in supporting tumor initiation, progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Here, we summarize our current knowledge about myeloid cells in HCC and focus on their immune‐suppressive activities and tumor‐promoting functions, as well as the relevance to potential new therapies in HCC. (Hepatology 2015;62:1304‐1312)