You walk in expecting a simple dinner, maybe a plate of fried shrimp and a quick trip back to your room. Then you see the steam rising off a mountain of crab legs and realize you have badly underestimated your evening.
Somewhere along the South Carolina coast, there is a buffet so big that first-timers stop in their tracks just to take it all in. Grab a napkin, loosen your belt, and let’s find out why so many hungry travelers keep coming back.
A Seafood Landmark on South Kings Highway
Ask locals in Myrtle Beach where to go for a serious seafood feast, and one name pops up again and again. Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet sits at 401 S Kings Hwy, on the south end of town, close to plenty of beachfront hotels.
It is known as a landmark all-you-can-eat restaurant, and the reputation fits. The menu leans hard into seafood, but Southern classics share the spotlight, so nobody at the table gets left out.
One guest mentioned it was just a short walk from their hotel, which makes it easy to fit into a busy beach week. You can stroll over after a day in the sand, sit down, and start eating without much fuss.
For many families, a visit has become part of the vacation routine, right up there with mini golf and boardwalk strolls.
The Calabash Tradition Behind the Name
Here is a fun bit of coastal food history. The word Calabash comes from a small fishing town just over the North Carolina line, famous for lightly breaded, quickly fried seafood.
That style spread up and down the Grand Strand, and restaurants proudly started using the name to signal crispy, golden, not-too-heavy fried fish and shrimp. Captain Benjamin’s carries that label right in its title, so you know the fryers are a big deal here.
Fried seafood earns plenty of attention from guests, with diners regularly praising the crunchy shrimp and fish. One visitor gave the fried shrimp and Buffalo shrimp an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Calling itself enduring is no exaggeration either, since the buffet has stuck around long enough to become a familiar stop for repeat vacationers who grew up eating there and now bring their own kids along.
Bright Blue Rooms with a Nautical Feel
Picture the ocean, then bring it indoors. That is roughly the mood inside, where calming blue tones and nautical touches set a relaxed scene the moment you step through the door.
Guests describe the space as bright and spacious, which matters a lot at a buffet. Nobody wants to squeeze between chairs while balancing a plate piled with crab legs.
Here, there is room to move.
One couple was thrilled when the front desk helped them land a window table with a beautiful view. They said it made the whole meal even more enjoyable.
If you have a preference, it never hurts to ask politely when you check in.
Cleanliness also comes up often. Several visitors pointed out that the dining room felt well kept and tidy, a reassuring detail when you are sharing a giant spread with lots of other hungry people.
Snow Crab Legs, the Undisputed Star
Thousands of diners have mentioned crab legs when talking about this place, and honestly, that number tells you everything. The crab is the main event, and people plan whole evenings around it.
The unlimited snow crab legs come out hot and fresh, according to guests, and they get refilled so often that one family said they never had to wait. That is a big win when everyone at the table is reaching for the same tray.
Want a tip from regulars? Grab some butter and a shake of Old Bay.
One visitor said that combo made the snow crab taste great.
Be ready for shells, though. Lots of them.
Attentive servers tend to swoop in and clear the pile before it takes over your table, which lets you keep cracking without feeling buried. Bring patience, a good appetite, and maybe a few extra napkins.
More Than 200 Dishes Under One Roof
Two hundred items. Say it out loud and it still sounds a little wild.
Guests report a buffet with over 200 choices, and the restaurant itself says the count tops 220.
The spread covers fried, steamed, and baked seafood, plus two kinds of soup, a cold bar with fruit and pastas, and a full salad bar. Add steak and other meats, and you can see why first-timers say they were blown away just walking in.
One diner went back for three full plates and still wanted to try more. Another admitted eating far more than planned, simply because every pass revealed something new.
A smart strategy helps. Take a slow lap before grabbing a plate, note your favorites, and use small portions.
That way you can sample widely without hitting your limit after the second round of crab.
Oysters, Mussels, and Frog Legs for the Curious
Feeling adventurous? Frog legs show up on the buffet, and they get mentioned often enough that plenty of guests clearly give them a try.
They make a fun story to bring home.
Oysters are another favorite. One visitor singled out the baked oysters and the mussels topped with cheese as personal highlights, describing them as fresh and full of flavor.
Shrimp, fish, and crab earned similar praise from the same diner.
Crawfish appear on the line too, along with other interesting picks that rotate in and out. A guest visiting on a busy holiday said the trays of crabs and crawfish never stayed empty for long.
For seafood fans who usually stick with fried shrimp, this is a great chance to branch out. Grab one of each, share with your table, and decide together which surprise deserves a second helping.
Steak, Sides, and Choices for Landlubbers
Not everyone in the family dreams about crab. Good news: this buffet plans for that.
One guest said plainly that they are not a big seafood person, yet found plenty to stay happy. Another praised the variety for both seafood lovers and folks who prefer other foods.
Steak earns a mention from diners who say they ate their money’s worth in seafood and steak combined.
Southern classics round things out, along with meats and sides that suit picky eaters. The salad bar comes loaded with vegetables and toppings, so you can build a fresh plate between richer bites.
A cold bar adds fruit and pasta salads for something lighter.
That mix makes it easier to bring a group with very different tastes. Grandpa gets his crab, the kids grab something familiar, and the cousin who swears off shellfish still leaves full and smiling.
Two Dessert Bars and a Chocolate Fountain
Save room. Seriously.
The sweets here are a whole second adventure.
There are two dessert bars, packed with handheld treats, baked goods, and dippable goodies for the chocolate fountain. One family who visits buffets often said this dessert area was bigger than others they had tried nearby.
Favorites called out by guests include tiramisu, cannolis, and chocolate covered strawberries. One visitor who rarely eats sweets at buffets admitted these were really good.
Another urged everyone to try the chocolate cake.
Kids especially love it. A parent mentioned real ice cream, fondue for dipping all kinds of things, and plenty of yummy treats aimed at younger diners.
A fun approach is to grab a small plate of fruit and marshmallows, swing by the fountain, and then decide whether a slice of cake still fits. Usually, somehow, it does.
Servers Who Know the Buffet Inside Out
Funny thing about a buffet: you serve yourself, yet the staff still make or break the night. At Captain Benjamin’s, they seem to make it.
Guests rave about servers who explain how everything works, point out where the essentials sit on the line, and even share the price before diners get going. Several first-timers said that quick tour helped them feel at ease.
Drinks get refilled without asking, and dirty plates disappear quickly. One server even helped a couple find fun things to do around town.
On a packed holiday, a visitor watched the whole crew work hard through the rush and gave them top marks for effort. A manager also earned praise for checking that guests were having a great time.
Many reviewers name their server with real warmth, which says a lot about the friendly culture here.
Room for Big Families and Vacation Crews
Traveling with a crowd can make dinner plans tricky. Here, it feels simple.
Visitors mention ample seating for groups, and one party of eight said their server stayed patient and attentive the whole time. Another described the selection as huge enough for the entire family.
That suits the beach crowd perfectly. Reunions, team trips, and multi-generation vacations all end up here, partly because everyone can pick exactly what they want.
Quick seating comes up in guest chatter too, which is great news when little ones are already hungry. Still, timing matters.
A guest who came on the Fourth of July described it as the busiest time of year, so expect a livelier wait on major holidays.
Friends sometimes recommend the place to each other before a trip, and several visitors said that word of mouth is exactly what brought them through the door.
What the Bill Looks Like
Let’s talk money, since nobody likes surprises at the register. This buffet is not cheap, and guests say so openly.
One diner reported paying $54.99 per person and noted that prices are supposed to be lower before 5 PM. Another estimated around $250 for a family of four, while still calling it completely worth it.
Plenty of regulars use the phrase you get what you pay for. One guest described the meal as pricey yet worth every dollar.
A few practical notes help. One visitor said a coupon was not accepted in digital form, so bring a printed copy if you have one.
Another suggested asking about prices before being seated.
Considering unlimited crab legs alone, many seafood fans feel the math works out nicely, especially if you arrive hungry and pace yourself.
Hours, Timing, and Getting There
Good planning can turn a busy dinner into a relaxed one. Doors open at noon every day of the week.
From Sunday through Thursday, the buffet runs until 10 PM. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open a little later, until 10:30 PM.
Arriving right at opening worked well for one group, who found the seafood hot and fresh. On the other hand, a guest who arrived later in the afternoon felt some trays were not as warm as they hoped, so earlier visits may be a smart bet.
Remember the reported lower pricing before 5 PM, too.
You will find the restaurant at 401 S Kings Hwy on the south end of Myrtle Beach. Call +1 843-418-9839 or check captainbenjamins.com for details.
One visitor said phones can be hard to reach during rushes, so the website may be quicker.
A Crab Lover’s Verdict
So, should this be on your Myrtle Beach list? For most seafood fans, the answer looks like a cheerful yes.
Hot crab legs that keep coming, a staggering lineup of dishes, two dessert bars, and servers who treat guests warmly add up to a memorable meal. Many first-timers leave already planning their next visit, and one traveler even wished there was something similar back home.
Nothing is perfect. A few guests noted uneven tray temperatures during slower stretches and a hefty price tag, and holidays can feel hectic.
Still, if you love seafood, come hungry, arrive early, and take your time. Crack a few legs, sample something unexpected like frog legs, then finish with chocolate covered strawberries.
Chances are good you will walk out full, happy, and quietly wondering how soon you can come back for another round.
Share this story
