Unearth The Voyage
Myrtle Beach is famous for sun, sand, and some of the best all-you-can-eat seafood buffets on the East Coast. Whether you crave mountains of crab legs, fried shrimp by the plateful, or fresh oysters on the half shell, this coastal paradise has a buffet to match your appetite. Finding the right spot can save you money while delivering an unforgettable feast. Get ready to explore twelve restaurants that locals and visitors trust for quality, variety, and value.
1. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood (Myrtle Beach)
Since opening its doors in 1986, this Grand Strand landmark has earned its reputation through sheer scale and consistency. Picture a staggering 170-item spread that includes everything from raw oysters to carved prime rib, plus an on-site maritime museum to browse between plates. Crab leg lovers rejoice—the supply here is legendary and rarely runs low, even during peak summer evenings.
Families appreciate the pasta and carving stations where chefs prepare dishes to order, adding a personal touch to the buffet experience. The nautical theme runs throughout, making dinner feel like an adventure at sea. When locals think of the quintessential Myrtle Beach buffet, this is often the first name that comes to mind, and for good reason—it delivers breadth, quality, and a memorable atmosphere every single visit.
2. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant (Myrtle Beach)
Polished wood, ship wheels, and nautical accents greet you at this Broadway at the Beach neighbor, where quality control stands out among big buffets. Captain George’s balances variety with execution, crab legs arrive hot and plentiful, while shrimp, oysters, and scallops rotate through the stations with impressive freshness. The expansive dining room accommodates everyone from toddlers to grandparents without feeling chaotic.
What sets this spot apart is dependability; even on crowded Saturday nights, the kitchen keeps pace and standards stay high. Mixed groups love the range of options, from adventurous raw-bar selections to comfort-food sides that please picky eaters. If you want a buffet experience that rarely disappoints and handles crowds gracefully, this ship-themed gem checks every box with style and substance.
3. Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet (Myrtle Beach)
Claiming the title of Myrtle Beach’s largest Calabash buffet is no small feat, yet this restaurant backs it up with more than 200 items spread across an enormous dining space. Crab legs dominate the conversation here—servers keep them flowing from kitchen to table in a seemingly endless parade. Southern-style sides like hush puppies, collard greens, and mac and cheese round out the seafood stars beautifully.
The nautical setting adds charm without overdoing the theme, letting the food take center stage. First-timers often wander the buffet line twice just to take it all in before committing to a plate strategy. Variety is the name of the game, and whether you prefer fried, broiled, or raw preparations, you will find multiple versions of your favorite seafood waiting for you at every turn.
4. Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant (Myrtle Beach)
You cannot miss the giant crab sculpture perched outside this Kings Highway landmark—it practically waves you in from the road. Inside, a bustling raw bar greets seafood purists, while hibachi and pasta stations offer made-to-order magic that elevates the buffet experience beyond simple self-serve. Prime rib joins the lineup for meat lovers, and the crab legs promise remains unbroken: they keep coming, hot and plentiful.
Frequent specials sweeten the deal, especially for early-bird diners and large parties. Despite its size, management keeps the flow smooth and the stations well-stocked, even during holiday weekends. Live cooking stations add theater and flavor, turning dinner into an interactive event. If you want a buffet that feels big but never chaotic, with plenty of wow factor built in, this giant delivers every time.
5. Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood (Surfside Beach)
Pirate flags, treasure chests, and playful decor make this Surfside Beach favorite a hit with families, especially those traveling with young buccaneers. Hot pans arrive from the kitchen at a brisk pace, ensuring fried shrimp, fish, and hush puppies stay crispy and fresh throughout your meal. Friendly service adds warmth to the lively atmosphere, and kids genuinely enjoy the themed surroundings.
Longtime fans return year after year because the quality never wavers—cooks pay attention to frying temperatures, so nothing tastes greasy or overdone. During peak summer hours, restocks happen fast, meaning you rarely encounter empty trays or lukewarm food. South of Myrtle Beach proper, this spot offers a slightly quieter vibe without sacrificing variety or value, making it a smart choice for families seeking consistent execution and a fun dining adventure rolled into one memorable meal.
6. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood — #2 (Myrtle Beach, Restaurant Row)
Bennett’s runs three locations along the Grand Strand, and this Restaurant Row spot anchors the middle of the action. Traditional Calabash frying takes center stage—golden, light batter on shrimp, fish, and oysters that never feels heavy. Crab legs flow steadily from the kitchen, and family pricing windows make it easier on the wallet, especially for groups with kids in tow.
Having three sites means you can usually find one without a crushing wait, a huge advantage during busy vacation weeks. The menu stays consistent across all locations, so regulars know exactly what to expect no matter which Bennett’s they visit. Reliable execution defines the experience here—nothing flashy, just solid Calabash cooking done right. For travelers who value predictability and convenience, this chain delivers both without cutting corners on taste or portion sizes.
7. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood — #3 (Central Myrtle Beach)
Staying near central Myrtle Beach attractions? This Bennett’s location sits closest to the heart of the action, making it a no-brainer after a day at the boardwalk or shopping. The lineup mirrors the other Bennett’s outposts—expect plenty of shrimp, oysters, fried fish, and all the classic Southern sides that complete a Calabash feast. Predictability becomes a virtue when you are hungry and want zero guesswork.
Locals appreciate the straightforward approach: no gimmicks, just a well-stocked buffet that delivers what it promises. Crab legs, hush puppies, coleslaw, and sweet tea form the backbone of every visit, and the kitchen maintains quality even during peak dinner rushes. Convenience and consistency make this spot a practical pick for families who want to fuel up quickly and get back to vacation mode without sacrificing a satisfying meal or breaking the budget.
8. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood — #1 (North Myrtle Beach)
Anchoring the northern end of the Strand, this Bennett’s serves guests staying in North Myrtle Beach with the same reliable Calabash formula. Large self-serve stations keep the lines moving, and popular items like crab legs and fried shrimp turn over quickly, ensuring maximum freshness. The kitchen staff stays on top of restocks, so you rarely encounter empty trays even during weekend dinner hours.
North-end travelers love the convenience—no need to drive south when a trusted buffet sits right in your backyard. The menu holds no surprises, which is exactly the point: you know what you are getting, and it will be good. Whether you crave oysters, scallops, or classic fried fare, this location handles volume with ease. For visitors based up north, it is an easy, dependable choice that saves time and delivers a satisfying seafood feast every single visit.
9. Crabby George’s Seafood Buffet (Myrtle Beach)
Another pirate-vibe gem, Crabby George’s injects energy into every meal with colorful decor and a menu boasting 120-plus items. She-crab soup earns raves from regulars, rich and creamy with just the right hint of sherry. Raw oysters sit on ice at the bar, while fried and broiled options cover every other craving you might have walked in with.
Frequent coupons and special deals make this spot a budget-friendly champion, especially for big parties looking to maximize value without sacrificing variety. The vibe stays upbeat and welcoming, perfect for groups celebrating birthdays or reunions. Breadth defines the experience—seafood, sides, desserts, and even some landlubber options ensure everyone leaves happy. If you want a buffet that feels like a party and treats your wallet kindly, Crabby George’s delivers both with a smile and a treasure chest full of flavor.
10. Seafood World Calabash Seafood & Steak Buffet (Myrtle Beach)
Operating since 1990, Seafood World blends the best of two buffet worlds—seafood and steakhouse—under one roof. Centrally located off Kings Highway, it attracts diners who want variety beyond the ocean, offering hearty steak cuts alongside the usual crab legs and shrimp. The old-school buffet feel charms those who remember when these spreads first became Grand Strand staples.
Steady crab-leg flow keeps seafood fans content, while the steak options give carnivores a reason to celebrate. The kitchen balances both menus well, never letting one side overshadow the other. Decor stays traditional and unfussy, putting the spotlight squarely on the food. For groups with mixed tastes—some craving surf, others turf—this spot solves the debate with ease. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense choice that has stood the test of time by simply doing what it does best: feeding people well.
11. Hook’s Calabash Seafood Buffet (Myrtle Beach)
Hook’s has been reeling in hungry diners for years with a lineup that stretches from 100 to 120-plus items, including all-you-can-eat crab legs, prime rib, and oysters. What makes this spot stand out is the generous selection of non-seafood choices—think roasted chicken, pasta, and hearty sides—that appeal to landlocked palates in your group. Recent menus and active hours confirm it remains a thriving option, not a relic.
The balance between land and sea options makes Hook’s a crowd-pleaser for families with picky eaters or anyone who wants a little bit of everything. Crab legs still command attention, but the prime rib carving station runs a close second in popularity. Service stays attentive, and the kitchen keeps pace even when the dining room fills up. For a buffet that refuses to box itself into one category, Hook’s casts a wide net and catches plenty of satisfied customers every night.
12. Captain Jack’s Seafood Buffet (North Myrtle Beach)
Up at the north end, Captain Jack’s waves the banner for value with frequent coupon deals and a menu advertising 140-plus items. Practical and unpretentious, this stalwart caters to groups who want variety without the frills or the hefty price tag. Hot bars brim with fried favorites, while cold stations offer raw oysters, shrimp cocktail, and fresh salads to balance the heavier fare.
Locals and repeat visitors appreciate the consistent value—coupons and promotions pop up regularly, making it easy to feed a crowd without emptying your wallet. The solid mix of hot and cold options ensures everyone finds something they love, from adventurous eaters to comfort-food devotees. Location matters, and for those staying in North Myrtle Beach, Captain Jack’s eliminates the need to trek south. It is a straightforward, budget-conscious choice that delivers a satisfying seafood feast every single time you walk through the door.
