It hits you before you even see the water—the smell of brine and butter, the whisper of waves behind laughing children, the hum of vacationers standing in buffet lines with sunburned shoulders and dreams of crab legs. Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach town. It’s a place where flavor lives by the tide.

And if there’s one thing we return for, year after year, it’s the seafood.

The Ritual of Coastal Craving

Growing up near the Carolina coast meant seafood wasn’t just food—it was ceremony. Summer afternoons turned into seafood nights. Platters of snow crab, fried shrimp, hush puppies, and low country boils would show up on the table like a prize for enduring the heat. There was no dress code, no linen napkins, just sauce-stained fingers and the distant call of seagulls.

When I think about what draws thousands to Myrtle Beach every year, it’s more than the boardwalk rides or the shimmering Atlantic. It’s that first crack of a crab leg at a buffet table. That unspoken promise of “all-you-can-eat” gluttony that somehow still feels like home cooking.

A Local’s Tip: Skip the Tourist Traps

Visitors often ask, “Where can I find the best seafood buffet in Myrtle Beach?” The truth is, the answer isn’t just in the name of a restaurant. It’s in the experience.

That’s why Carolina Travel Pop’s guide to the best seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach feels like a gift to travelers who don’t want to settle for soggy shrimp or cold clams. The list doesn’t just tell you where to go—it tells you why it matters.

Because when you sit down with a plate piled high with oysters and catfish, you’re not just eating—you’re stepping into a decades-long tradition. A Southern feast that started on the docks, in small shacks where fishermen brought the ocean’s offerings straight to the fryer.

Why Buffets Still Matter

There’s something symbolic about seafood buffets. They aren’t just meals—they're unspoken contracts. You walk in hungry, and in return, they offer everything. Unlimited options. Endless tastes. A smorgasbord of what the sea has to give.

In Myrtle Beach, that means calabash-style fried shrimp, baked salmon slathered in lemon herb butter, thick cuts of mahi-mahi, and hush puppies that are borderline dessert.

It’s indulgence, yes. But it’s also memory.

I remember standing in line at a buffet when I was ten, staring at a mountain of crab legs. My father handed me the tongs and whispered, “You only get the good ones if you move fast.” That night, I learned more about seafood—and life—than any fancy menu could teach.

The Southern Hospitality in Every Bite

What separates Myrtle Beach’s seafood from other coastal towns is the kindness that comes with it. It's in the way the servers smile when they bring out a fresh tray. The way the cook nods from behind the counter like he knows this moment is sacred. You’re not just another customer. You’re part of the ritual.

And if you're not sure where to begin planning your Myrtle Beach food tour, CarolinaTravelPop.com is more than a travel site. It feels like a friend showing you around town—someone who knows which buffets are worth the wait and which ones to skip if you value fresh flavor over gimmicks.

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for a quiet dinner or a family with four kids and an appetite for value, this guide brings something rare in tourism—honest advice.

A Table Full of Possibility

Let’s pause for a moment and lay out what truly makes a Myrtle Beach seafood buffet unforgettable. Here’s a table that breaks it down:

More Than a Meal—It’s a Legacy

There’s something almost spiritual about returning to a buffet you visited ten years ago and realizing the mac & cheese tastes exactly the same. In a world changing too fast, Myrtle Beach’s seafood buffets are a form of comfort. A moment that resists time.

And yes, tourists may flood the Strip every summer. But locals know where the real flavor lives. That’s what Carolina Travel Pop gets right—it doesn’t just list restaurants. It tells the story behind the plate.

So if you’re planning a trip, or even just daydreaming about the coast, start with the real stuff. Start where the seafood still sings, the hush puppies are golden, and the hospitality tastes like home.

FAQ: Myrtle Beach Seafood Buffets

What’s the most popular seafood buffet in Myrtle Beach?
The most well-known buffets often include Captain George’s and Bennett’s Calabash. For a deeper dive, check out Carolina Travel Pop’s seafood buffet guide.

Are Myrtle Beach seafood buffets all-you-can-eat?
Yes, most are. You’ll find extensive menus with crab legs, shrimp, fish, and Southern sides in unlimited quantities.

What’s the average price for a seafood buffet in Myrtle Beach?
Expect to pay between $35 to $60 per adult, depending on location and offerings like snow crab or lobster.

Do seafood buffets offer non-seafood items?
Absolutely. Many include steak, pasta, salad bars, and even desserts for the non-seafood eaters in your group.

Are reservations required at seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach?
Not always, but it’s wise to book ahead during peak summer weekends and holidays.

Is the seafood fresh at these buffets?
The better buffets—like those featured on CarolinaTravelPop.com—prioritize freshness and quality sourcing.

Do buffets accommodate dietary restrictions?
Some offer gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergy-friendly options, but it’s best to call ahead and confirm.

When’s the best time to visit a seafood buffet?
Arrive early evening (5–6 PM) to avoid long waits and ensure the freshest trays.

Which buffet has the best crab legs?
Many say Crabby Mike’s or Captain George’s, but reviews on Carolina Travel Pop highlight lesser-known gems too.