Unearth The Voyage
If you crave towers of crab legs, buttery shrimp, and sizzling Calabash classics, you are in the right place. The South hides a surprising number of buffets where quality matches quantity, and every plate feels like a mini coastal vacation. From Myrtle Beach legends to Virginia Beach favorites and Mid-Atlantic sleepers, these spots prove all-you-can-eat can still be worth it. Come hungry, pace yourself, and discover where to dig in next.
1. Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet – Myrtle Beach, SC
Crab leg lovers, this is your playground. Trays of snow crab, Calabash-fried shrimp, and buttery scallops rotate quickly, so everything tastes hot and fresh. You will spot hushpuppies, slaw, she-crab soup, and peel-and-eat shrimp waiting beside drawn butter and lemon.
The vibe feels beachy and casual, perfect for family feasts or post-sand cravings. Pace yourself with salads, then circle back for a final crab round. Service keeps tongs full and tables cleared fast.
Prices fluctuate seasonally, but value stays strong if you arrive hungry. Save room for soft-serve and key lime pie.
2. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant – Myrtle Beach, SC
This place is a polished classic with a massive spread and shipshape decor. Expect snow crab legs, oysters Rockefeller, deviled crab, clams, mussels, crawfish, and blackened mahi alongside she-crab soup. Tongs move fast, and the seafood stays replenished.
Pricing is straightforward, with adult and kid rates that make sense for the variety. Pro tip: start light, then conquer the crab. The carving and dessert stations add depth without overshadowing the main catch.
Service is attentive, plates disappear quickly, and butter flows. If you want big selection and consistency, this is a dependable win.
3. Judy Boone’s – Murrells Inlet, SC
Small-town charm meets Lowcountry seafood classics at this local favorite. Expect lightly battered shrimp, oysters, and flounder, plus creamy grits, collards, and hushpuppies. Everything tastes like it came from a neighbor’s kitchen, with portions that invite seconds.
You will find peel-and-eat shrimp, rotating fish, and seasonal specialties. Desserts lean Southern, think banana pudding and cobbler. The buffet line stays tidy and warm.
It is not flashy, but flavor wins. Come for relaxed hospitality, return for the crunch and comfort. Perfect pre- or post-marsh walk fuel when you want genuine coastal fare.
4. Bennett’s Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach, SC
Calabash tradition lives here with light, crisp batter and generous trays that get refilled fast. You will find fried shrimp, oysters, scallops, and flounder, plus crab legs for shell-cracking fans. Sides deliver Southern comfort, from mac and cheese to buttery corn.
The dining room bustles, but lines move quickly. Start with salad, then hit hot stations when fresh batches land. Staff keeps the pace smooth.
Prices feel fair given the variety and turnover. Kids crush the dessert bar while grownups chase one more crab cluster. A reliable Myrtle Beach staple for group cravings.
5. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach, SC
Part buffet, part maritime attraction, this sprawling spot brings showmanship and serious volume. Crab legs headline, backed by fried shrimp, oysters, steamed mussels, and rotating fish. Carving stations, chowders, and Southern sides turn it into a full tour.
Kids love the ship models and decor while you strategize plates. Quality stays impressively consistent given the size. Aim for peak turnover times for hottest batches.
Expect crowds on weekends, but lines move. Dessert variety seals the deal. Bring a crew, set a game plan, and make multiple rounds count without burning out too early.
6. Crab Daddy’s Calabash Seafood Buffet – Murrells Inlet, SC
Murrells Inlet knows seafood, and Crab Daddy’s leans into that reputation. Expect snow crab clusters, fried shrimp, oysters, and scallops with a crisp, delicate batter. There is often a Lowcountry boil, plus hushpuppies and simple salads to keep pace.
Service is upbeat, with trays refreshed steadily. Pick your moments for the hottest crab and watch turnover for peak bites. Dessert is classic and unfussy.
Prices land in line with regional favorites, especially if you maximize crab. Comfortable, casual, and family-friendly, it satisfies that salt-air craving without fuss. Worth a detour for a relaxed feast.
7. Hooks Calabash Seafood – Myrtle Beach, SC
Hooks keeps things simple and satisfying, focusing on hot, freshly fried seafood and steady crab leg refills. Expect shrimp, oysters, and flounder with that signature Calabash crunch. Steamed options offer a lighter pass between fried rounds.
The room feels upbeat and casual, ideal for big appetites and beach crews. Staff hustles to keep pans full. Watch for fresh batches and time your sweep.
Pricing is competitive for the area. Sides are straightforward, and desserts deliver nostalgia. You leave happy, salty, and probably planning a return lap for just one more cluster.
8. Ocean Grill Buffet – Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach brings surf flavors with a balanced spread of steamed, fried, and chilled seafood. You will find crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and oysters plus a modest sushi selection. It is a practical choice before or after a boardwalk stroll.
Trays move quickly on busy nights, keeping quality steady. Start light with salad and cold peel-and-eat, then graduate to hot mains. Desserts are simple but effective.
Pricing aligns with the neighborhood and portions. Service is efficient, making table turnover smooth. When you want variety without fuss, Ocean Grill checks the boxes nicely.
9. Yukai Japanese & Seafood Buffet – Virginia Beach, VA
East-meets-coast at this hybrid buffet with a strong sushi lineup and serious steam trays. Expect crab legs, mussels, shrimp, and tempura alongside rolls and sashimi. The hibachi station adds sizzle and custom touches.
Quality cues matter here, so watch the sushi bar for fresh sets. Alternate cold and hot rounds to keep the pace. Sauces and condiments are plentiful.
It feels festive yet efficient, great for groups with mixed cravings. Prices are reasonable given the seafood and sushi breadth. You leave satisfied with both chopsticks and crab crackers getting a workout.
10. Seafood Palace Buffet — Annapolis, MD
In Annapolis, the buffet game nods to Chesapeake cravings. Expect snow crab legs, steamed shrimp, clams, oysters, and fried selections dusted with Old Bay. There are soups and simple salads to balance the salt and butter.
Turnover stays strong on weekends, so timing your rounds helps. You will find comfort classics beside seafood, making it easy for mixed parties. Dessert keeps it straightforward.
Prices land fair for the area’s seafood expectations. Service is steady, and tables clear quickly. If you are exploring the harbor, this is an easy, filling stop that respects regional flavors.
11. United Buffet – Woodbridge, VA
United Buffet blends Asian staples with seafood favorites, making it a reliable all-rounder. Expect crab legs on busy nights, peel-and-eat shrimp, mussels, and a rotating sushi lineup. Hibachi gives you control over veggies and protein.
The scene feels family-friendly and efficient. Start with lighter bites, then circle back for hot trays when replenished. It is easy to build a value plate here.
Pricing remains approachable for groups. Service keeps lines moving and stations tidy. When you want flexibility and plenty of seafood without splurging, this Woodbridge standby delivers consistent results.
12. Green Olive Buffet – Alexandria, VA
Green Olive surprises with breadth, offering crab legs during peak hours plus grilled fish, shrimp, and a sushi station. Mediterranean salads and hot sides add balance and freshness. You can build light or go full feast depending on the mood.
Turnover is strong on weekends, keeping textures crisp and temperatures right. The dining room is casual, comfortable, and group-friendly. Staff stays on top of refills.
Prices are competitive for the region. Finish with fruit, baklava, or soft-serve. If you are hopping around Northern Virginia, this buffet packs value and variety without overcomplicating the experience.
