12 South Carolina Seafood Buffets That Reel You In With Every Plate
Imagine piling your plate with steaming crab legs, golden fried shrimp, and oysters so fresh they could’ve come straight off the boat. Along South Carolina’s coast, seafood buffets aren’t just meals but full-blown feasts.
In Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and beyond, these all-you-can-eat spots deliver wave after wave of coastal favorites, offering enough variety to keep even the most devoted seafood lover coming back for seconds (and thirds).
1. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach
Nobody does buffet excess quite like this Grand Strand legend, where 170+ items sprawl across tables that seem to stretch forever. I remember my first visit here, overwhelmed by choices and leaving with my belt loosened three notches.
Crab legs flow like water, while shrimp appear in every preparation imaginable. Lowcountry sides complement the seafood stars, and their dessert bar could feed a small army.
Located at 9593 N Kings Highway, they typically open mid-afternoon daily, though smart diners check current hours before making the pilgrimage to this buffet paradise.
2. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant – Myrtle Beach
Polished chrome and gleaming sneeze guards house over 70 buffet items at this upscale seafood destination. Snow crab appears daily like clockwork, never disappointing the crowds who flock here for consistent quality.
Steamed shrimp mingle with plump scallops, while oysters glisten under warming lights. The presentation feels restaurant-fancy, but the portions scream buffet generosity.
Check their Myrtle Beach location page for current pricing and hours, because this popular spot adjusts schedules seasonally. Smart planning prevents disappointment when crab cravings strike hard.
3. Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant – Myrtle Beach
Everything about this place screams abundance, from the towering crab leg pyramids to the hibachi station sizzling with made-to-order magic. Multiple cooking stations ensure something fresh hits your plate every trip.
Steam bars, raw bars, and carving stations create a choose-your-own-adventure dining experience. Made-to-order pasta adds Italian flair to this coastal feast, because why limit yourself to just seafood?
Summer hours start at 2:00 PM, shifting to 3:30 PM during cooler months. Check their website for seasonal adjustments that keep this buffet beast running smoothly year-round.
4. Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood – Surfside Beach
Local families have been packing this Surfside Beach institution for decades, drawn by Calabash-style preparations that turn simple seafood into crispy golden treasures. Mike’s proves that sometimes the best buffets hide in plain sight.
Crab legs anchor the spread, while fried and broiled classics showcase traditional coastal cooking methods. The atmosphere feels wonderfully unpretentious, focusing energy on food quality over fancy decorations.
Doors typically swing open at 4:00 PM, though occasional special closings happen. Their website posts updates, so checking ahead saves hungry diners from disappointment.
5. Seafood World Calabash Seafood & Steak Buffet – Myrtle Beach
Surf meets turf at this crowd-pleasing buffet where crab legs share space with sizzling steaks. The combination works brilliantly, giving seafood skeptics in your group something substantial to enjoy.
All-you-can-eat crab legs dominate the seafood section, while fried shrimp provides that classic coastal crunch. A full salad bar adds freshness to balance the indulgent main attractions.
Current promotions and detailed menus appear on their official website, making meal planning easier. I always check for special deals before visiting, because saving money means more room in the budget for extra dessert.
6. Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach
Operating since the 1980s gives this buffet serious street credibility among Grand Strand dining veterans. Size matters here, with one of the area’s most expansive Calabash spreads stretching across multiple stations.
Crab legs, crawfish, and clams create a shellfish lover’s paradise. The dessert station rivals the seafood selection, tempting diners with sweet endings to their coastal feast.
Most days run 2-10 PM, with weekend hours extending earlier and later. Located at 401 S Kings Highway, this veteran buffet continues drawing crowds with consistent quality and generous portions.
7. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood #3 – Myrtle Beach
Family ownership spanning 40+ years shows in every carefully maintained buffet station at this 2900 N Kings Highway location. Bennett’s runs three Grand Strand spots, but this one holds special charm for longtime locals.
Crab legs pile high alongside steamed oysters that taste like pure ocean essence. Southern sides provide comfort food balance, because coastal cuisine needs proper accompaniments.
Hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead prevents wasted trips. This family-run operation adjusts schedules based on demand, maintaining quality over quantity in their operational approach.
8. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood #1 – North Myrtle Beach
North Strand diners get their Bennett’s fix at this 1010 Highway 17 S location, where the family’s buffet legacy continues strong. Being the original Bennett’s location adds historical weight to every crab leg cracked.
Calabash-style fried shrimp showcases the cooking method that made this region famous. Fresh salad bar offerings provide lighter options for those pacing themselves through multiple seafood courses.
Weekend-heavy hours during shoulder seasons mean planning becomes crucial. Confirming day-of operations saves disappointment, especially when you’ve driven specifically for their legendary seafood spread.
9. Hook’s Calabash Seafood Buffet – Myrtle Beach
Numbers tell the story here: 120+ buffet items create an overwhelming array of choices that could feed a small fishing village. Crab legs anchor the seafood selection, while prime rib adds landlubber appeal.
Carving station meats complement the ocean offerings, creating surf-and-turf combinations on every plate. Fresh oysters provide that briny ocean taste that transports diners straight to coastal waters.
Daily service typically runs 3-9 or 10 PM, though seasonal adjustments happen regularly. Verifying current hours prevents the disappointment of arriving at locked doors when crab cravings strike hardest.
10. Crabby George’s Seafood Buffet – Myrtle Beach
Smart diners hunt for Crabby George’s frequent coupons and early-bird specials, because this 120+ item buffet rewards planning with serious savings. Located at 7904 N Kings Highway, they often open for lunch service.
Raw oysters glisten on ice while crab legs steam under warming lights. Fried and broiled preparations showcase seafood versatility, proving that cooking method variety keeps buffet dining interesting.
Noon openings many days mean lunch buffet opportunities for early seafood seekers. Current promotions appear regularly, making this spot budget-friendly for families craving coastal cuisine without breaking the bank.
11. Captain Jack’s Seafood Buffet – North Myrtle Beach
Local stalwart status means Captain Jack’s has weathered decades of coastal dining trends while maintaining their seafood buffet focus. Seasonal reopenings get posted on social media, building anticipation among loyal followers.
Special lobster nights elevate the regular buffet lineup, though checking schedules prevents missing these premium events. Prime rib adds hearty appeal alongside traditional seafood staples.
Located at 1400 Highway 17 S, current hours appear on the Yelp and Facebook pages. Social media updates keep diners informed about special events and seasonal schedule changes at this North Strand favorite.
12. Crab Daddy’s Calabash Seafood Buffet – Murrells Inlet
Underwater theming transforms dining into an aquatic adventure at this family-friendly Murrells Inlet destination. Kids love the oceanic atmosphere, while parents appreciate the 100+ buffet items sprawling across multiple stations.
Standard crab legs satisfy most diners, but adventurous eaters can upgrade to unlimited lobster tiers. The upcharge option turns good meals into spectacular seafood celebrations.
Located at 3043 US-17 BUS in Murrells Inlet, current hours are posted on their website. The themed dining room creates memorable experiences that extend beyond just filling your belly with coastal cuisine.
