Hey guys! If you're planning a trip to Myrtle Beach and love seafood, you're in for a treat. Myrtle Beach is famous for its incredible seafood buffets. I'm talking mountains of crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and all the fixings you can imagine. But with so many options, how do you choose the best seafood buffet? Don't worry, I've got you covered. I've done the research (aka, eaten a lot of seafood) to bring you my top picks for the best seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach. Get ready to dive into a world of deliciousness!

Why Myrtle Beach is a Seafood Lover's Paradise

Myrtle Beach isn't just about the sun, sand, and surf; it's also a seafood haven. The city's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means you get some of the freshest catches daily. This abundance of fresh seafood has fueled the popularity of seafood buffets. These aren't your average buffets, guys. We're talking about all-you-can-eat feasts with a huge variety of seafood prepared in countless ways. From classic steamed shrimp to more inventive dishes, there's something for every seafood lover.

The Allure of Seafood Buffets: Let's be real – who doesn't love a good buffet? And when you combine a buffet with fresh, delicious seafood, it's a match made in heaven. Seafood buffets offer the chance to sample a wide range of dishes without committing to one particular entree. Want to try a little bit of everything? Go for it! Craving endless crab legs? Pile them high! The freedom and variety are a big part of what makes seafood buffets so appealing.

Beyond the Seafood: While seafood is the star of the show, the best buffets also offer a variety of other dishes to round out your meal. Think prime rib, salads, sides, and desserts galore. This ensures that even those who aren't huge seafood fans can find something to enjoy. Plus, it's great for families with picky eaters. Everyone can find something they love, making it a win-win situation.

A Culinary Adventure: Eating at a seafood buffet in Myrtle Beach is more than just a meal; it's a culinary adventure. You can try new things, discover new favorites, and indulge in all your seafood cravings. It's a chance to experience the best of what the ocean has to offer, all in one place. And with the lively atmosphere and friendly service you'll find at most buffets, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Top Seafood Buffets in Myrtle Beach

Alright, let's get down to business. Here are my top picks for the best seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach. These are the places that consistently deliver fresh, delicious seafood, a wide variety of options, and a great overall dining experience. Get ready to loosen your belts!

1. Bennett's Calabash Seafood Buffet

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Buffet is a legend in Myrtle Beach. With multiple locations, it's one of the most popular and well-known seafood buffets in the area. And for good reason – they offer an incredible selection of seafood, prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you're craving steamed shrimp, fried fish, crab legs, or oysters, you'll find it all here. The atmosphere is family-friendly and the service is always top-notch. This is a must-try for any seafood lover visiting Myrtle Beach.

Why Bennett's Stands Out: What sets Bennett's apart is their commitment to quality and variety. They use fresh, locally sourced seafood whenever possible, and their buffet is constantly being replenished to ensure everything is fresh and delicious. Plus, they offer a huge selection of non-seafood items, including prime rib, salads, and desserts. This makes it a great option for families or groups with diverse tastes. And let's not forget the crab legs – they're always a hit!

A Feast for the Senses: Walking into Bennett's is like entering a seafood paradise. The aroma of steamed seafood fills the air, and the sight of the endless buffet is enough to make any seafood lover's mouth water. From the glistening shrimp to the perfectly fried fish, everything looks and smells amazing. And the taste? Even better! You can easily spend hours exploring all the different dishes and indulging in your favorites. Just be sure to save room for dessert!

Beyond the Food: While the food is definitely the main attraction, Bennett's also offers a great overall dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the staff is always friendly and attentive. They go out of their way to make sure you have a great time, from refilling your drinks to clearing your plates promptly. This makes Bennett's a great choice for a special occasion or a casual night out with family and friends.

2. Captain George's Seafood Restaurant

Captain George's Seafood Restaurant is another top contender for the best seafood buffet in Myrtle Beach. This place is massive, with a huge dining room and an even bigger buffet. They're known for their extensive selection of seafood, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and more. Plus, they offer a variety of other dishes, like prime rib, chicken, and pasta. With something for everyone, Captain George's is a great choice for large groups or families.

A Seafood Extravaganza: Captain George's is all about quantity and quality. They offer a truly impressive selection of seafood, with something to please every palate. Whether you're a fan of classic steamed shrimp or prefer more adventurous dishes like seafood paella, you'll find it here. And of course, the crab legs are a must-try. They're always cooked to perfection and served hot and fresh. Just be prepared to wait in line – this place is popular!

A Dining Experience to Remember: Eating at Captain George's is an experience in itself. The sheer size of the restaurant is impressive, and the bustling atmosphere adds to the excitement. You'll feel like you're at a seafood festival! And with the friendly staff and attentive service, you're sure to have a great time. Just be sure to come hungry – you'll want to try everything!

More Than Just a Buffet: While the buffet is the main attraction, Captain George's also offers a full menu of seafood dishes. So if you're not in the mood for a buffet, you can still enjoy their delicious seafood. They also have a full bar, so you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine with your meal. This makes Captain George's a great choice for any occasion, whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration.

3. Crabby Mike's Calabash Seafood Buffet

Crabby Mike's Calabash Seafood Buffet is a local favorite known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood. This buffet is a bit smaller than some of the others on this list, but it makes up for it with its quality and charm. They offer a great selection of seafood, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and fish. Plus, they have a variety of other dishes, like prime rib, chicken, and vegetables. With its friendly service and tasty food, Crabby Mike's is a great choice for a casual seafood feast.

A Taste of Calabash: Crabby Mike's is all about Calabash-style seafood, which means it's lightly battered and fried to perfection. This gives the seafood a crispy, golden crust and a delicious flavor. Whether you're a fan of fried shrimp, fried oysters, or fried fish, you'll love the Calabash-style seafood at Crabby Mike's. And of course, they also offer steamed and grilled options for those who prefer their seafood prepared differently.

A Fun and Festive Atmosphere: Crabby Mike's is known for its fun and festive atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with nautical-themed decor, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. They often have live music, which adds to the lively atmosphere. This makes Crabby Mike's a great choice for a fun night out with family and friends.

More Than Just Seafood: While seafood is the star of the show, Crabby Mike's also offers a variety of other dishes to round out your meal. They have a great salad bar, a variety of sides, and a delicious dessert selection. This ensures that everyone can find something they love, even if they're not huge seafood fans. And with its reasonable prices, Crabby Mike's is a great value for your money.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Seafood Buffet Experience

Okay, now that you know where to go, let's talk about how to make the most of your seafood buffet experience. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your enjoyment and get the most bang for your buck:

• Go Early or Late: The best seafood buffets can get crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid long lines and crowded dining rooms, try going early or late in the day. You'll have a more relaxed experience and be able to sample all the dishes at your leisure.
• Pace Yourself: It's easy to get carried away at a buffet, but it's important to pace yourself. Start with a small plate and try a variety of dishes. Then, go back for your favorites. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you have room for dessert.
• Focus on the Seafood: While the other dishes are tempting, remember that you're here for the seafood. Focus on trying the different seafood options and indulging in your favorites. Don't fill up on bread, salads, or other fillers.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you're not sure what something is or how it's prepared, don't be afraid to ask the staff. They're usually happy to answer your questions and offer recommendations.
• Enjoy the Experience: Eating at a seafood buffet is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Savor the flavors, appreciate the atmosphere, and make some memories.

Final Thoughts

Myrtle Beach is a seafood lover's dream, and its incredible seafood buffets are a big part of that. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect buffet to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're a fan of crab legs, shrimp, oysters, or fish, you'll find it all here. So grab your appetite and get ready to dive into a world of deliciousness. Happy eating!