16 South Carolina Seafood Buffets That Will Make Your Winter Feast The Best Meal Of The Month
The arrival of winter along the South Carolina coast brings with it a distinctive sensory experience defined by thick clouds of steam rising off freshly cracked crab legs and that momentary, expectant hush that occurs just before a crowded dining room erupts into happy chatter.
These coastal buffets are regarded as sacred seasonal rituals rather than mere culinary shortcuts, serving as bastions of tradition where the signature Calabash-style fry stays remarkably crisp and the golden hushpuppies hide internal pockets of aromatic steam.
I have spent many cold coastal nights chasing the comfort of warm plates, paying close attention to the small but vital details like serving tongs that never slip from the hand and specialized butter warmers that actually succeed in keeping the liquid gold at an ideal temperature.
If you find yourself needing a gentle nudge to begin planning your next grand winter feast, consider this comprehensive guide to be both your tactical map and your official permission slip to indulge.
Each of these sixteen destinations offers a unique take on the bounties of the Atlantic, ensuring that the biting wind outside remains a distant memory once you settle into your booth.
From the neon-lit corridors of Myrtle Beach to the quiet marshlands of Murrells Inlet, the Palmetto State stands ready to transform your winter hunger into a memorable celebration of maritime abundance.
Prepare to pace yourself through multiple rounds of chilled raw bars and steaming hot lines, as the variety on display is designed to satisfy the most demanding of seafood enthusiasts.
1. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood, Myrtle Beach
The impressive 170-foot model ships hang suspended like museum artifacts high above the constant clink of ceramic plates, successfully setting a grand maritime mood that feels entirely earned by the restaurant’s long history.
Located at 9593 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, the buffet lanes are kept remarkably tidy and are refreshed with new trays of food constantly and without any unnecessary fanfare from the kitchen staff.
The general hush of the dining room is periodically broken by the distant sound of crackling fryers and the excited voices of children marveling at the intricate lighthouse decor that anchors the various seating sections.
The snow crab legs are steamed to a point where they snap remarkably clean from the shell, while the lightly salted Calabash shrimp wear a delicate, golden crust that feels more like a whisper than heavy armor.
Their blackened mahi lands on the plate perfectly flaky and seasoned, and the traditional she-crab soup tastes honestly of rich roe and cream rather than being thickened with an overabundance of bland flour.
The house-made bread pudding arrives at the table pleasantly warm and fragrant without ever feeling too heavy or overwhelming after a meal primarily composed of rich, buttery seafood and fried delights.
I recommend arriving slightly before the peak dinner surge to secure a quiet table, then making sure to pace yourself by starting with the fresh salads and visiting the carving station for a slice of excellent prime rib.
2. Seafood World Calabash Seafood Buffet, Myrtle Beach
A faint but unmistakable aroma of warm butter hangs perpetually near the entrance of the building like a delicious promise of the decadent meal that awaits every guest who crosses the threshold.
Situated at 411 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, this establishment leans toward a classic aesthetic rather than a theatrical one, featuring simple, comfortable booths and a highly practical buffet line for efficient service.
The overall vibe of the restaurant is defined by a quick-turn momentum that never actually feels rushed, making it the perfect destination for those nights when you want to dive straight into decisive, high-quality plates.
The crab legs arrive in steady, steaming waves from the kitchen, and the fried oysters carry a wonderful briny pop beneath a lacey crust that shatters perfectly upon the first bite.
There is a mild and pleasant peppery kick found in the depths of their seafood gumbo, and the accompanying green beans are cooked just enough to keep their natural snap and vibrant color intact.
The sushi selection is intentionally straightforward and clean, serving as an excellent tool for resetting the palate between the richer, more buttery courses of the extensive Calabash-style buffet.
Having served as a reliable and trusted downtown pit stop for many years, this location rewards the savvy diner who requests clarified butter early and grabs extra lemon wedges from the salad bar to brighten the meal.
3. Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant, Myrtle Beach
The massive crimson crab perched prominently out front serves as your first colorful hint that subtlety has taken the night off in favor of a full-scale celebration of Atlantic coastal flavors.
Inside the dining rooms of 9597 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, the air hums with the energy of families enthusiastically plotting their attack routes toward the well-stocked raw bar and steaming crab stations.
The warm and inviting lighting throughout the space works effectively to keep the winter cold firmly outside where it belongs, creating a cozy sanctuary for those seeking a substantial and warming evening meal.
The steamed mussels are consistently plump and juicy, while the seafood pasta is prepared with a garlicky restraint that allows the natural flavors of the shellfish to shine through the al dente noodles.
The signature Calabash shrimp remain impressively crisp even if you wait for a second pass at the buffet, and the house hushpuppies lean toward a sweet flavor profile without ever becoming too cakey or dry.
The prime rib at the carving station is unexpectedly tender and serves as a fantastic land-based alternative for those who need a break from the salt-forward profile of the various shellfish options.
Having operated for several decades as a landmark on the famous Restaurant Row, the best strategy here is to sit near the snow crab station to minimize your walking distance for fresh refills.
4. Hook’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, Myrtle Beach
The very first impression you receive upon entering this establishment is the alluring and rhythmic sizzle emanating from the busy fry station, which continuously fills the air with the comforting and nostalgic scents of toasted cornmeal, fine sea salt, and fresh Atlantic catches.
Located at 1902 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Hook’s feels intentionally pared down and focused on the culinary essentials, featuring a team of incredibly friendly servers who have mastered the art of efficiently clearing away empty shells and used napkins without ever interrupting the flow of your table’s conversation.
The dining room is designed to be exceptionally bright and welcoming, while the intuitive layout of the buffet line allows for a smooth and frustration-free flow of traffic, even during the peak hours of the winter season when the coastal crowds are searching for a reliable and warm refuge.
The food leans heavily into the most beloved and time-honored coastal classics, such as golden fried flounder that features moist, white flakes protected by a delicate crust, and buttery snow crab legs that are steamed to absolute perfection until they crack with a satisfying and effortless ease.
The shrimp scampi is prepared with a generous and honest amount of pungent garlic and melted butter, while the slow-cooked collard greens maintain a solid and savory backbone of flavor rather than deteriorating into the unidentifiable mush often found at lesser, high-volume establishments.
Furthermore, the house-made baked macaroni and cheese carries a quiet but distinct cheddar tang that provides a comforting, creamy contrast to the various crispy fried elements that define the extensive and high-quality Calabash-style buffet lineup.
Longtime regular visitors frequently swear by the traditional, southern-style banana pudding for a nostalgic and creamy finish, so it is wise to plan your arrival before 6 pm in the winter months to coast through the lines before the primary evening rush begins in earnest.
5. Mr. Crab Calabash Seafood Buffet, Myrtle Beach
The vibrant and unmistakable neon crab perched upon the main roadside sign provides a glowing, high-energy promise of maritime plenty, and the dedicated team at 3043 Waccamaw Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, certainly delivers a steady and satisfying rhythm of kitchen steam and ceramic clang.
The interior seating arrangements are notably spacious and comfortable, and the aisles have been designed with a generous width that makes your inevitable second and third trips to the steaming buffet line entirely painless, even when the restaurant is operating at its maximum capacity.
Soft, melodic music plays throughout the dining area to provide a pleasant and unobtrusive background, allowing for easy and uninterrupted dialogue while you focus your full attention on the technical task of cracking into a massive mountain of freshly steamed shellfish.
The snow crab legs serve as the undisputed headliner of this particular show, offering a consistently salty-sweet flavor profile and firm, succulent meat that indicates a high level of freshness and very careful temperature management by the back-of-house staff.
The baked salmon is prepared with a remarkably steady hand so that it holds together perfectly under a glossy, translucent lemon glaze, while the golden-fried scallops are surprisingly delicate and successfully avoid the rubbery, overcooked texture that often plagues other seafood buffets in the area.
The corn on the cob is kept so thoroughly buttery and piping hot that you will likely find yourself reaching for extra napkins multiple times before you have even finished your first plate of lowcountry favorites and savory coastal sides.
Because this is a relatively newer entrant to the competitive Myrtle Beach seafood scene, the staff works with an incredible sense of purpose to maintain exceptionally high standards and a rapid pace of replenishment that keeps the local regulars returning week after week.
6. The Royal Crab Calabash Seafood Buffet, Myrtle Beach
Elegant crystal chandeliers meet a casual, roll-up-your-sleeves style of communal dining in a truly unique and sophisticated pairing that somehow works perfectly to create an atmosphere of accessible luxury for every guest who walks through the doors.
Located at 1211 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, this restaurant sets a slightly more formal tone than many of its immediate neighbors without ever raising a judgmental eyebrow at the necessary use of plastic bibs and heavy-duty metal nutcrackers during a messy crab feast.
The large, expansive windows frame a cool and moody Atlantic Ocean hue even on the grayest and most overcast of winter days, providing a beautiful and ever-changing natural backdrop for your evening of coastal indulgence, hearty laughter, and community conversation.
The various crab leg stations are replenished with an impressive and brisk speed, and the signature lowcountry boil hides a pleasant, lingering sausage warmth beneath a very generous and aromatic dusting of traditional Old Bay seasoning.
The fried flounder is prepared with an exceptionally light and deft touch that allows the seasoned coating to whisper rather than shout, ensuring that the tender and delicate nature of the white fish is preserved throughout the entire high-heat cooking process.
The salad bar remains remarkably crisp, fresh, and uncluttered throughout the long evening hours, providing a vital and much-needed source of acidity and crunch that is incredibly useful for balancing out the more starchy, rich, and butter-laden plates found elsewhere.
The restaurant benefits greatly from its modern and highly efficient service routines, so I highly recommend specifically requesting a window booth and timing your buffet passes for the exact moment the kitchen staff brings out the fresh, steaming trays.
7. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, Myrtle Beach
The soaring vaulted ceilings and the massive, ship-shape wooden beams make the experience of dining at 1401 29th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, feel as though you are enjoying a world-class meal inside the meticulously polished hull of a grand historic vessel.
The buffet line is laid out in a generous and sweeping arc that effectively keeps the high volume of foot traffic flowing smoothly between the different specialized stations of chilled raw bar items and steaming hot lines of Atlantic shellfish.
The dedicated and professional kitchen staff monitors the internal temperatures of the food like hawks, ensuring that every piece of broiled fish or fried shrimp lands on your plate at the very peak of its heat and flavor potential.
The signature she-crab soup possesses a proper and sophisticated whisper of dry sherry that elevates the dish to something truly special, while the broiled salmon carries a light, appetizing char that adds a sophisticated layer of smoky complexity to the palate.
The steamed crab legs possess a clean, natural, and oceanic taste that is not overwhelmed by an overabundance of salt or brine, allowing the inherent sweet flavor of the crab meat to remain the primary focus of the entire dining experience.
Their baked clams offer a refreshing and bright herb lift without the distraction of a heavy, soggy breadcrumb overload, and the accompanying roasted seasonal vegetables are cooked perfectly to maintain their vibrant colors and their essential nutritional integrity.
Situated conveniently right beside the popular Broadway at the Beach complex, this location is ideal for those who want to combine a major holiday shopping trip with a substantial and rewarding seafood feast that will sustain them through the rest of the cold evening.
8. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, North Myrtle Beach
Local residents and regular visitors frequently trade passionate and detailed notes about which specific Bennett’s location they favor, but the North Myrtle Beach spot at 1010 Hwy 17 S earns its fierce loyalty through a remarkably steady and reliable execution of the classics.
The expansive and well-appointed dining room glows with a warm and inviting light that provides a stark and welcome contrast to the biting coastal chill and the damp Atlantic winds found just outside the heavy front doors of the restaurant.
The servers are highly trained to whisk away discarded shells and empty plates with incredible speed and professional discretion, allowing you to maintain the seamless flow of your dinner conversation without the distraction of unnecessary tabletop clutter.
The fried shrimp wear a thin and exceptionally crisp jacket of seasoned batter that respects the high quality of the sweet meat inside, rather than hiding the seafood beneath a thick, greasy, and heavy layer of flavorless dough.
Their steamed peel-and-eat shrimp retain a satisfying and firm pop with every single bite, and the snow crab legs are steamed until the meat can be pulled out in long, generous, and succulent ribbons of pure salty sweetness.
The collard greens carry a deep and pervasive smoky flavor that indicates many hours of slow, patient cooking in the kitchen, while the signature hushpuppies are brought out to the buffet in small, piping hot batches to ensure maximum freshness for every guest.
This location draws heavily on the traditional and historical Calabash-style cooking methods that first originated just over the state line in North Carolina, rewarding the savvy diner who uses a simple lemon wedge and a light dip in vinegar to perk up the fried plates.
9. Captain Jack’s Seafood Buffet, North Myrtle Beach
There is an unmistakable and charming sense of nautical whimsy found in the large, colorful wall murals, which depict a family-friendly treasure map that sets a playful and adventurous tone for the entire multi-generational dining experience.
Located at 1400 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, the restaurant manages large and hungry winter crowds with a sense of firm cheer and rapid drink refills that often arrive at your table even faster than you realize you need them.
The room hums with the constant, high-energy activity of a successful and popular buffet, yet it never feels truly overwhelming or chaotic due to the experienced and calm management of the veteran floor staff and the organized kitchen line.
Snow crab legs sit prominently at the very center of the display, surrounded by impressive mountains of fried oysters that remain remarkably juicy and full of flavor beneath their expertly prepared, crispy, and golden-brown shells.
The stuffed clams deliver a potent and delicious blend of fresh green herbs and a subtle, gentle heat, while the professional prime rib carver is known throughout the area for being quite generous with both the thick cuts of meat and the savory, rich jus.
The salad fixings are always crisp, fresh, and surprisingly varied, proving once and for all that the cold side of the buffet is not just a secondary afterthought but a vital and refreshing component of a truly well-rounded winter seafood feast.
Experienced veterans of this specific location know to request a seat near the back of the dining room to ensure the shortest possible walking route to the freshest trays of hot seafood as soon as they are brought out from the kitchen.
10. Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood, Surfside Beach
The playful and animated crab mascot that greets every guest at the main entrance completely belies the restaurant’s very serious and professional commitment to serving high-quality, perfectly timed hot food to every single person who visits.
Located at 290 Highway 17 N, Surfside Beach, SC 29575, this destination fills up incredibly quickly with a mix of winter travelers and hungry locals who are all chasing the comfort and satisfaction of a reliable and substantial coastal meal.
The servers work tirelessly to keep the dining tables exceptionally tidy and maintain an easy, welcoming smile even during the absolute height of the busy dinner rush on a cold and windy South Carolina evening.
The signature Calabash shrimp provide a satisfying and audible crunch with every mouthful, while the steamed snow crab legs snap open to release fragrant, localized plumes of aroma that immediately fill your personal dining space.
The seafood gumbo is deeply savory and features okra that has been cooked with such precision that it holds its internal structure perfectly, and the elegant oysters Rockefeller wear a rich, buttery, and decadent blanket of fresh, sautéed spinach.
The cornbread edges possess a delightful caramelized sweetness that makes them almost impossible to resist, reflecting the many decades of kitchen experience that have made this restaurant a beloved and immovable Surfside fixture for generations of families.
I strongly recommend arriving right at the moment the doors open to avoid the longest and most daunting lines, and then beginning your feast with a hot, seasoned soup to warm your system before moving on to the heavy hitters.
11. Pirate’s Table Calabash Seafood Buffet, Surfside Beach
A massive, detailed indoor pirate ship and thick, authentic rope rails set a playful and adventurous scene that still manages to maintain a surprisingly high level of respect for the technical quality of the seafood being served to the guests.
Located at 1100 Water Ave, Surfside Beach, SC 29575, the restaurant effectively keeps a high volume of traffic moving smoothly past the raw bar and the busy fryer stations without ever creating any frustrating or slow-moving pedestrian gridlock.
The lighting throughout the creatively themed dining room is warm, golden, and flattering to the colorful and diverse plates of food, creating an environment that feels genuinely special for families looking to liven up a routine winter night.
The crab legs are remarkably consistent in their quality, temperature, and ease of cracking, while the golden-fried catfish frequently surprises new guests with its incredibly clean flavor and its tight, well-seasoned cornmeal crumb that shatters upon impact.
The coconut-crusted shrimp offer a gentle and tropical sweetness that provides a much-needed and refreshing break from the saltier items, and the clam strips are cooked with such care that they avoid any hint of the rubbery chewiness found elsewhere.
Even the simple green beans retain their natural snap and a garden-fresh flavor that indicates they weren’t sitting in a steam tray for too long, providing a helpful and refreshing contrast to the many fried and butter-heavy rounds of food.
For a more refined and customized experience, I suggest asking for extra fresh lemons directly at the bar and hitting the sushi station sparingly to effectively reset your palate for the next round of hot, butter-dipped Atlantic shellfish.
12. Crab Daddy’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, Murrells Inlet
The cool, damp, and salty marsh air often follows you directly into the building from the parking lot, which has the immediate and powerful effect of whetting an appetite you might not have even known was waiting for a grand feast.
Located at 3043 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, this buffet feels remarkably neighborly and welcoming, operating as the kind of room where the long-tenured staff frequently recognizes and greets the faces of returning local customers by name.
The interior lighting is soft and ambient, and the seating has been designed specifically for maximum comfort, allowing you to settle in for a long and leisurely evening of cracking shells and enjoying the various lowcountry specialties on offer.
The steamed crab legs are prepared so that they break exceptionally clean to reveal tender, sweet meat, and the fried shrimp achieve a perfect, professional balance between the natural salt of the sea and the slight sweetness of the golden cornmeal batter.
Their version of the classic lowcountry boil is highly aromatic and features savory smoked sausage and red potatoes that have been cooked just right so that they stay completely intact on your plate until you are ready to eat them.
The slow-simmered collard greens provide a welcome and necessary bitterness that balances out the richness and the butter-forward profile of the meal, reflecting the deep and storied seafood lineage that has made Murrells Inlet a world-famous dining destination.
A very common and highly recommended habit for visitors is to take a slow, restorative stroll along the nearby MarshWalk after finishing dinner, as the cool night air helps to reset the senses and makes those final sweet dessert bites taste even brighter.
13. Dry Dock Seafood Restaurant, Mullins
Located quite a significant distance away from the immediate coast, the Dry Dock at 103 S Park St, Mullins, SC 29574, trades the usual maritime spectacle for a sense of steady, reliable, and deeply rooted community comfort.
The traditional wood-paneled walls and the constant presence of local farmers and residents in ball caps set a casual and genuinely welcoming mood that makes every newcomer feel like a regular guest from the very moment they take their seat.
The buffet is notably smaller and more focused than the massive, high-volume coastal operations, but every single item is refreshed with great care and attention to ensure that nothing ever sits under a heat lamp for a moment too long.
The fried shrimp and the local catfish come out of the kitchen crackling with intense heat, featuring a light and seasoned cornmeal coating that clings perfectly to the fish and provides a satisfyingly rustic and crunchy texture.
The house-made deviled crab is packed with a gentle and inviting heat from secret spices, while the local regional specialty known as “chicken bog” tastes as though someone watched the pot with great patience to achieve the perfect, comforting consistency.
Having been founded many decades ago, this restaurant serves as a vital and irreplaceable community anchor after local high school ballgames and Sunday church services, rewarding those who have the foresight to arrive early before the pans are picked clean.
I find that adding a few drops of vinegar-based hot sauce to the fried catfish and chasing each savory bite with a large glass of ice-cold, extra-sweet tea creates a small but nearly perfect loop of authentic South Carolina flavor.
14. Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet, Columbia
Inland cravings for authentic Atlantic flavors meet an incredible and almost overwhelming breadth of options at Flaming Grill, located at 360 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212, where the rhythmic hibachi clatter competes with the rising seafood steam.
The massive dining space is exceptionally bright, expansive, and busy, featuring a level of quick table turnover that ensures the huge variety of food on the massive buffet lines stays remarkably fresh and hot throughout the entire day.
The long lines of hungry weekend shoppers and local Columbia residents move with a surprising and impressive speed, as the management team coordinates the high volume of traffic with a level of practiced and professional efficiency.
The specific seafood highlights of the international menu include garlicky boiled crawfish, pepper-seasoned shrimp, and buttery baked salmon that is prepared carefully to maintain its natural moisture and its delicate, flaky flavor profile.
The custom hibachi station serves as a fantastic and interactive resource for adding freshly seared vegetables to your plate for a sense of nutritional balance, while the sushi selection is kept clean and simple for the purpose of resetting your palate.
The history and reputation of this location are centered entirely on providing a high-quality and consistent experience for the thousands of visitors to the nearby major shopping districts, making it a very reliable choice for a substantial winter meal.
A great professional tip for the hibachi station is to hand the cook a generous extra helping of fresh scallions and request a very light soy sauce seasoning before swinging back to the hot line to catch the next tray of fresh crab legs.
15. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, Florence
Fluorescent-lit, cavernous, and impressively efficient, the Hibachi Grill located at 2600 David H McLeod Blvd, Florence, SC 29501, charms its many daily guests by simply doing all of the culinary and hospitality basics exactly right every single time.
Large families and groups of friends frequently settle into the comfortable, high-backed booths while the rhythmic, metallic clang of the busy hibachi station keeps a steady and energetic tempo in the background of the lively dining room.
The foot traffic flows smoothly and logically between the various specialized sections of the buffet, including the fresh salad bar, the diverse sushi station, and the long, steaming rows of tables filled with an international array of hot seafood.
The specific seafood options often include jumbo shrimp tossed in a savory and spicy chili garlic sauce, salt-and-pepper squid with a pleasant and tender chew, and broiled white fish finished with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
The black mussels served in a rich and savory fermented black bean sauce are particularly warm and satisfying, providing a deep, earthy, and complex flavor profile that feels especially appropriate during the colder months of the year.
Because it is situated so conveniently close to the major regional shopping districts and the busy I-95 travel corridor, the restaurant attracts a diverse and constant mix of weary travelers and hungry locals looking for a predictable, warming meal.
I strongly suggest building multiple smaller plates to ensure that your food always stays at a high temperature while you eat, and you should always finish your meal with a few fresh orange slices to provide a light and refreshing citrus lift.
16. Tokyo Grill Sushi & Supreme Buffet, Greenville
Greenville’s popular Tokyo Grill, situated at 3230 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29609, hums with the intoxicating scent of hibachi smoke and the soft, repetitive, and rhythmic click of chopsticks against heavy ceramic bowls.
The main dining room is notably spacious, airy, and calm even on those busy weekend evenings when the large parking lot is completely full, as the professional staff move with a sense of brisk and quiet purpose to keep the tables tidy.
The extensive seafood selection leans heavily toward a delicious pan-Asian flavor profile, featuring items like salt-and-pepper fried shrimp, gingered clams, and large pieces of fresh salmon that have been glazed lightly with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
The sushi lineup is kept intentionally simple and fresh enough to serve as an incredibly effective way to reset your palate between the various rich, hot, and savory courses of the extensive evening seafood buffet.
The house-made crab rangoon provides a fantastic, creamy, and crunchy texture between the more substantial steamed bites of Atlantic fish, making it a very popular choice for those looking to build a diverse and flavorful seafood plate.
Many local residents choose to swing by this location after finishing their afternoon errands on chilly Upstate evenings, building creative plates that zigzag across the room from the hot Mongolian grill to the chilled seafood stations.
A very helpful final tip for the hibachi station is to specifically ask the cook for light oil and a double helping of fresh bean sprouts and cabbage to ensure that you leave the restaurant feeling comfortable, satisfied, and energized.