Unearth The Voyage
Hungry for a true South Carolina feast where seconds are encouraged and thirds are celebrated? This list rounds up beloved all you can eat spots where locals actually line up, from mustard-sauced barbecue to stacked seafood spreads and Sunday-supper comfort plates. Expect unfancy rooms, big hospitality, and flavors that stick with you long after the last hush puppy.
Bring an appetite and a flexible belt because these buffets mean business.
Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood — Surfside Beach, SC
Crabby Mike’s feels like a vacation-on-a-plate with mountains of snow crab legs glistening under the lights and steam curling off shrimp trays. Servers keep tongs busy while trays of fried oysters, calamari, and buttery corn on the cob never seem to run low. The vibe is playful and beachy, with ocean murals and kitschy sea creatures setting a carefree tone.
Buffet lines move quickly, revealing stations stocked with hush puppies, creamy chowders, Southern vegetables, and a carving corner on busier nights. Kids light up at dessert while grownups keep circling back for another crack at sweet crab. Plates clatter, laughter carries, and the energy says this is where groups relax after a sun-soaked day.
Pricing is straightforward for the spread, and the staff hustles to clear shells and refill favorites without fuss. Locals return for consistency, generous portions, and that signature Calabash crisp. Vacationers find it once and make it a ritual stop, drawn by the endless seafood and friendly pace.
Leave room for banana pudding because the buffet finale deserves its own victory lap.
Carolina Buffet — West Columbia, SC
Carolina Buffet delivers the kind of comfort that tastes like Sunday without the sink full of dishes. Trays brim with golden fried chicken, tender meatloaf, country-fried steak, and gravy that deserves a biscuit companion. Mac and cheese bubbles at the corners while green beans and collards bring that slow-cooked, seasoned soulfulness.
The dining room is modest in the best way, more community hall than showpiece, which keeps the focus on flavor and plenty. Regulars chat between refills, and staff greets faces like neighbors, remembering who favors dark meat or extra cornbread. The buffet rotates just enough to keep plates interesting while honoring beloved standards.
Price points stay friendly, helping families pile plates high without stress. Desserts lean nostalgic, often featuring banana pudding, fruit cobblers, and a sliceable cake or two. The charm is predictability done well, that reassuring confidence of a meal that never tries too hard.
When hungry for the classics, this place keeps them coming, hot, familiar, and generously served.
Blossom Buffet — West Columbia, SC
Blossom Buffet balances comfort with variety, making it easy to mix sushi rolls beside fried chicken without judgment. The sushi bar offers crowd-pleasing maki, while hibachi chefs sizzle veggies, steak, and shrimp to order with savory sauces. American favorites share space with lo mein, egg rolls, and peppery General Tso’s.
Plates become choose-your-own adventures, assembling crispy bites with fresh salads and steamy rice. The dessert nook invites a quick soft-serve swirl, fruit, and bite-size pastries that go down easy after a salty plate. It is an casual, family-friendly scene where no one argues about what’s for dinner.
Service is brisk and attentive, keeping rolls replenished and grill orders moving. Prices stay approachable, especially during lunch, giving regulars a dependable mix-and-match meal option. Blossom earns fans by staying clean, stocked, and flexible for groups with picky eaters.
The comfort is simple: something tasty waits at every station, and seconds are always welcome.
Shealy’s Barbecue House — Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Shealy’s is pilgrimage-worthy for barbecue lovers chasing that South Carolina mustard glow. Pans of slow-smoked pulled pork shine with tangy gold sauce, while fried chicken crackles with seasoned crust. The famed hash over rice anchors plates, scooped beside collards, creamy mac and cheese, and sweet yams.
Lines form early, but they move with purpose, guided by staff who handle heaping plates like pros. The dining room is no-frills, full of church groups, families, and travelers swapping recommendations. That first bite of pork tells the story: smoke, vinegar zip, and mustard warmth harmonize in a way that lingers.
Value is undeniable, and the buffet format lets fans explore every side without leaving favorites behind. Banana pudding cools the palate, and fresh tea rides shotgun. Tradition feels alive here, seasoned by generations and anchored by reliable quality.
When the parking lot is packed, it is because the buffet rewards the wait with honest, deeply satisfying Carolina barbecue.
Seafood World Calabash Buffet — Myrtle Beach, SC
Seafood World leans into abundance with seafood towers that catch the eye before the first plate is grabbed. Crab legs, steamed shrimp, oysters, and buttery scallops headline the action, backed by fried flounder and hush puppies. Lowcountry sides like red rice and slaw bring coastal character to the spread.
Seating handles big groups, and the pacing works for beach schedules and celebrations. Staff keeps trays hot and replenished, guiding guests toward fresh batches and seasonal specialties. The dessert counter is a lighthearted finale, with soft-serve, cakes, and fruit making an easy coda to salty bites.
Prices reflect the bounty, especially on heavy seafood nights, but value shines with quality and variety. Families appreciate the reliable favorites, while seafood fans chase another round of legs. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, the kind that forgives sandy flip-flops and big appetites.
For classic Grand Strand feasting, this buffet checks every box.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Columbia, SC (and across SC)
Golden Corral is the statewide standby that understands crowd-pleasing comfort. Roast meats carve neatly beside fried chicken, while mashed potatoes, gravies, and classic casseroles keep plates sturdy. The salad bar refreshes between indulgences, and kids bee-line for the dessert station with soft-serve and candy toppings.
Locations feel familiar, clean, and geared for families, teams, and church groups on a budget. The price-to-variety ratio remains a big draw, especially at lunch. Staff moves with practiced efficiency, clearing plates and refilling staples like rolls and mac without fuss.
The food is honest and predictable in a good way, which is precisely the point for many regulars. It is easy to build a hearty dinner or a simple plate, depending on the day. Seasonal promos add small surprises without straying from comfort roots.
When the appetite is big and decisions are small, this chain delivers dependable satisfaction.
Brookland Café & Buffet — Columbia, SC
Brookland Café & Buffet channels a Sunday-supper spirit any day of the week. Fried chicken arrives crispy and seasoned, sliding beside cabbage, candied yams, rice, gravy, and cornbread. The line moves with neighborhood rhythm, full of familiar faces catching up between refills and dessert decisions.
It is a place that favors warmth over flash, with recipes that taste passed down. Portions are hearty, and prices remain approachable, encouraging second plates without guilt. Cakes, cobblers, and banana pudding make an easy case for a sweet finish.
Service is attentive, welcoming guests with real hospitality and quick table turns. The menu rotates, but staples remain steady, ensuring favorites are rarely missed. It all adds up to a comfortable routine for locals who want homestyle flavors on a busy evening.
The buffet feels like community in motion, generous, comforting, and reliably delicious.
Angelo’s Steak & Pasta — Myrtle Beach, SC
Angelo’s pairs a steakhouse spirit with a pasta-loving heart, making seconds feel inevitable. Carved steak stations satisfy carnivores, while pasta bars serve marinara, Alfredo, meat sauce, and veggies for mix-and-match comfort. Garlic bread scent drifts across the room, promising a simple pleasure that delivers.
The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with a touch of coastal nostalgia. Salad fixings and Italian-American classics round out plates that lean hearty and saucy. Portions are generous, and the buffet keeps hot pans rotating to avoid the lull of tired trays.
Prices align with the variety and steak draw, and service stays personable and swift. Regulars know to save space for meatballs and a final spoon of tiramisu or pudding. It feels like a reliable vacation tradition as much as a local standby.
When comfort reads pasta and steak, this spot answers loud and clear.
Old McCaskill’s Farm — Rembert, SC
Old McCaskill’s Farm puts a farm-table soul into all-you-can-eat comfort. Fried chicken shares the spread with roast pork or beef, scratch-made biscuits, and vegetables that taste like they came from nearby fields. The setting is relaxed and rustic, welcoming big appetites and bigger conversations.
The buffet lineup shifts with the calendar, emphasizing freshness and homestyle technique. Sides like squash casserole, rice and gravy, and greens feel like a handwritten recipe collection. Desserts often arrive as cobblers or cakes that warm the room with buttery aroma.
Prices are fair for the generous plates and thoughtful sourcing. Service comes with genuine hospitality, clearing plates while encouraging another pass. Families and groups settle in, taking time to savor rather than rush.
It is a reminder that simple food, cooked right, makes for the most satisfying seconds.
Soby’s Buffet Nights — Greenville, SC
Soby’s buffet nights turn a beloved Greenville kitchen into an open-handed celebration. Tables fill with chef-driven comfort, carving stations, seasonal vegetables, and creative salads that spotlight local purveyors. The lineup changes, which keeps regulars excited and first-timers curious.
Atmosphere leans polished but lively, a downtown energy that still feels welcoming. The buffet format encourages sampling house signatures alongside approachable classics. Desserts reflect the pastry team’s talent, making a return visit to the sweets table inevitable.
Because events are occasional, reservations and calendars matter. Prices reflect quality ingredients and the skilled hands behind each pan. Service is sharp, helpful, and eager to guide guests toward something new.
When the doors open for buffet night, it feels like a community party dedicated to good taste.
Dukes Bar-B-Que — Orangeburg, SC
Dukes Bar-B-Que carries family tradition straight to the buffet line with mustard-kissed pork that satisfies deep cravings. Trays of fried chicken sit ready beside hash and rice, while collards and slaw add balance to hearty plates. The sauce bar invites tinkering, from tangy to sweet, depending on mood.
Decor is simple and welcoming, the kind of space where conversation drifts easily. Staff keeps dishes hot and replenished, making sure favorites never run on empty. Prices remain friendly, which explains the steady stream of regulars through the door.
Dessert leans classic, with banana pudding and cobbler offering a gentle finish. The rhythm is unpretentious and steady, celebrating flavors that built a reputation over decades. It is a dependable stop for travelers hugging the interstate and locals craving a proper Southern spread.
Leave happy, possibly a little saucy, and entirely satisfied.
Simply Southern Smokehouse Buffet — Myrtle Beach, SC
Simply Southern Smokehouse feels like walking into a community potluck where everything tastes like it should. Fried chicken and pulled pork headline, backed by mac and cheese, green beans, yams, and rice and gravy. Refills are encouraged with smiles, and sweet tea seems to refill itself.
The room is unpretentious, dotted with families and beach-goers who know a value when they taste it. The buffet layout keeps lines moving and favorites hot, making second plates easy decisions. Desserts echo church-supper classics that never go out of style.
Prices stay approachable, turning this into a regular stop rather than a once-a-year treat. The staff’s warmth is as memorable as the crunchy chicken skin and smoky pork. Expect flavors that prioritize comfort over flash and deliver every time.
It is Myrtle Beach hospitality served in generous, satisfying portions.
Carolina Catfish House — Columbia, SC
Carolina Catfish House specializes in the simple joy of crispy, all-you-can-eat catfish. Filets arrive hot with a seasoned cornmeal crust that shatters just right. Hush puppies, slaw, and fries round out a plate that hits every Southern seafood note.
The dining room is laid-back, with servers quick to bring another round of fish while sides stay fresh. Portions feel generous, and refills arrive without delay, keeping the pace comfortable. Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and hot sauce encourage a personal touch bite after bite.
Prices are fair for the quality and the portion promise. Regulars appreciate consistency and that dependable fry that avoids greasiness. Dessert is simple and sweet, often a slice of pie or pudding.
For a focused feast that never skimps, this catfish destination reels in happy appetites.
Sea Captain’s House Breakfast & All-You-Can-Eat Buffets — Myrtle Beach, SC
Sea Captain’s House wakes up Myrtle Beach with an ocean-view breakfast that feels special without trying. The buffet stacks omelets to order, grits, biscuits, bacon, and pastries beside fruit and yogurt. Morning light dances across the dining room while waves set a relaxed rhythm.
Service moves with sunny efficiency, keeping coffee topped and stations refreshed. Families linger between beach plans, stealing an extra biscuit before the day gets busy. The variety covers savory cravings and sweet tooths alike, making second small plates irresistible.
Pricing tracks with the prime location and quality ingredients. The atmosphere is calm and coastal, a soothing start before crowds swell. When brunch specials pop up, the lineup adds a few indulgences worth exploring.
It is a breakfast buffet that proves simple classics shine brightest with a view.
Buffet & Grill Spots Around Charleston (Various)
Charleston’s buffet scene thrives through rotating events and neighborhood favorites that reward exploration. Seafood-centric spreads highlight shrimp, oysters, and seasonal fish, often paired with red rice and okra. Barbecue pop-ups and grill nights add variety, letting diners chase local flavors across the week.
Many spots run seasonal or weekly formats, so calendars and social posts are helpful. Expect relaxed rooms, friendly service, and plates stacked with Lowcountry comfort. Desserts nod to tradition with banana pudding, pies, and hand-sized cakes.
Prices vary, but value shows up in generous portions and fresh regional ingredients. Locals keep tabs on dependable standbys and new arrivals that offer all-you-can-eat flexibility. The spirit is communal, satisfying big appetites without pretense.
Charleston rewards curiosity, plate by plate, with satisfying, salt-air hospitality.
