There are lots of things in life that just go together. Just like peanut butter and jelly, seafood buffets and beaches are a match made in heaven! All you can eat crab legs and endless calabash-style seafood options? Yes, please!
One thing is for sure: when you’re vacationing in the Grand Strand, you’ll find no shortage of seafood options, including several of the all-you-can-eat variety. So, on your next stay at a Grand Strand Resorts property, be sure to check out one of these local seafood buffets.
Captain Jack’s Seafood Buffet
- Address: 1400 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Hot, fresh crab legs
- Price point: $$
This seafood spot is locally known as the giant crab seafood restaurant. With two enormous red crabs greeting you outside, it’s certainly hard to miss. You’ll find one crab perched above the entrance to the restaurant and one atop a yellow van in the parking lot. Adding to your nautical dining experience, you’re greeted by swashbuckling pirate statues as you walk in the door.
Inside Captain Jack’s, you’ll find a hot buffet bar stocked with ocean bounty, including a hot crab station, shrimp, scallops, calamari, and lots of fried seafood varieties. At the cold raw bar, you’ll find fresh peel-and-eat shrimp, mussels, crawfish, oysters, and more.
If you’re looking for something other than seafood, you’ll want to hit up their pasta station, where you can DIY your own Italian dish! You can also grab a freshly carved slice of prime rib or hit up their plentiful salad bar containing loads of fresh fruit!
Don’t forget to end your meal by visiting their decadent dessert bar loaded with delicious options like apple cobbler (topped with ice cream, of course!), sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bennett’s Calabash Seafood
- Address: 1010 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Bang bang shrimp
- Price point: $$
Bennett’s Calabash is practically an NMB landmark and is easily identifiable by the tall, red, and white lighthouse that flanks the entrance. Inside the doors, the coastal vibe continues with the nautical-themed decor and sprawling calabash seafood buffet awash with treasures from the sea.
In addition to endless Alaskan snow crab legs, you can also stock up on shrimp, oysters, flounder, grouper, and loads of different calabash-style seafood. If you want something besides seafood, you can choose from various other options like pizza, sausage, ribs, and fried chicken. You are also able to order from their menu, which has a variety of options.
Preston’s Family Seafood
- Address: 4530 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Lowcountry Boil
- Price point: $$
Preston’s Family Seafood is a family-owned gem is located near Alligator Adventure just outside of Barefoot Landing. Be sure to check the hours before visiting, as they change them up in the off-season. Currently, in the off-season they are open from 4 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
The seafood buffet here has an impressive spread of coastal delights, but that’s not the only thing they offer. You’ll find a well-stocked salad bar, a soup bar, and a decadent dessert bar loaded with delicious options to end your meal. You are additionally able to order from a menu here. One of their most popular non-buffet options includes their Steam Pot Specialties.
This family-friendly restaurant is well known by locals for its friendly service and mouthwatering hushpuppies.
Non-Buffet Seafood Options
If you’re a seafood lover but don’t want to hit up a buffet, you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurant options in the North Myrtle Beach area.
Hoskins Restaurant
- Address: 405 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Whole Fried Flounder
- Price point: $$
This laid-back local favorite has been serving up fresh seafood since 1948. At Hoskins, you’ll find a diverse array of seafood options, including filet of flounder, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab cake, and grilled Atlantic salmon.
Not in the mood for seafood? No worries, Hoskins has plenty of other options, including a large assortment of sandwich and salad options and some southern staples like fried chicken and chopped BBQ.
If you’re traveling with picky eaters, you’ll find a great kid’s menu offering basics like chicken tenders and some simple seafood dishes perfect for little ones.
Goodfellas Seafood Hut & Bar
- Address: 4505 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Crab cakes and sauteed scallops
- Price point: $$
Located off Hwy 17, just down the road from Alligator Adventures, Goodfellas Seafood Hut & Bar is a casual coastal eatery that has been a seafood staple in NMB since 2010.
Goodfellas offers a variety of seafood, including Alaskan White Fish, Popcorn Shrimp, Deviled Crab, Clam Strips, and Broiled and Fried Flounder. You can order a platter and sample several varieties of seafood or order them individually.
Goodfellas also offers a daily mystery lunch that is revealed on their Facebook page. From BBQ ribs to Shrimp Alfredo, the chefs at this local eatery keep you guessing with their newest daily delight. Don’t forget to top off your meal with some of the signature fried cheesecake!
Lulu’s
- Address: 4505 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Fried crab claws with a side of fried green tomatoes
- Price point: $$
Located just off the Intracoastal Waterway in Barefoot Landing, Lulu’s is a seafood joint and a destination all in one. In addition to offering delicious seafood, Lulu’s has a beach arcade, a ropes course, and even a spot where you can burn some calories playing beach volleyball!
At Lulu’s, you’ll find no shortage of delicious seafood entrees. From Blackened Mahi Mahi to Fried Oysters to Combo Platters, where you can sample several seafood options, you will surely find something here to satisfy your tastebuds. If seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of options, from burgers to tacos and everything in between.
Lulu’s also offers live music most evenings. Be sure to check out their event page before visiting to see what local talents will grace their stage during your visit.
Other Buffet Restaurants in NMB
For those days you want all you can eat but don’t necessarily want seafood, you’ll be happy to know NMB has several other buffet restaurants to offer.
Sakura Hibachi Buffet
- Address: 523 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Favorite menu item: Honey Chicken
- Price point: $$
When you’re craving Asian food, you’ll want to head to Sakura Hibachi Buffet. This all you can eat buffet boasts both Chinese and Japanese favorites that are sure to leave your stomach satisfied. In addition to the extensive buffet spread, Sakura’s has a sushi bar and hibachi grill where you can customize your favorite dish and have it prepared right before you.
Big E’s Country Buffet
- Address: 1250 SC-9, Longs, SC
- Favorite menu item: Chicken and dumplings
- Price point: $$
Located just outside of the North Myrtle Beach city limits, you’ll find Big E’s Country Buffet. When you’re in need of some down-home Southern cooking, this homestyle country cooking is sure to hit the spot!
The menu changes daily, reflecting an assortment of Southern staples like fried chicken, pork chops, and delicious chicken and dumplings!
Eat your Fill at North Myrtle Beach
One thing is for sure: you’ll never leave an NMB vacation with an empty stomach. Luckily, your vacation rental comes equipped with a cozy bed, perfect for the food coma that will result from indulging in all the delicious options!