Myrtle Beach isn’t just famous for its sandy shores and sunny skies – it’s also a paradise for seafood lovers! Fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean make their way straight from boat to plate at the best seafood joints along the Grand Strand. Whether you’re craving buttery lobster, perfectly fried shrimp, or oysters on the half shell, these local favorites serve up ocean treasures that will make your taste buds dance.
1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
The moment you walk into Captain George’s, the mouthwatering aroma of steamed crab legs and buttery seafood welcomes you.
This massive nautical-themed restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet that stretches as far as the eye can see. Piles of snow crab legs, steamed shrimp, and fresh oysters compete for space with countless hot seafood dishes. The made-to-order crab cakes burst with lump crabmeat and minimal filler.
Captain George’s has been a Myrtle Beach institution since 1979, serving over 250 items daily on their buffet. Family-friendly with spacious seating, it’s perfect for large groups celebrating special occasions or simply satisfying serious seafood cravings.
2. Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
Seafood enthusiasts flock to Captain Benjamin’s for their legendary 170-item buffet featuring Calabash-style seafood. The restaurant’s claim to fame? Lightly battered and perfectly fried seafood that’s crispy outside yet tender inside.
Beyond fried offerings, their steamed crab legs cause a happy commotion as diners crack open shells to reveal sweet meat inside. The hush puppies alone are worth the visit – golden brown with a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with their homemade honey butter.
Located on Restaurant Row, this family-owned establishment has been serving hungry beach-goers for over three decades. The nautical decor creates a fun atmosphere while you feast on unlimited seafood treasures.
3. Hook & Barrel
Sustainability meets sophistication at Hook & Barrel, where Chef Heidi Vukov transforms locally-sourced seafood into culinary masterpieces. Unlike the buffet-style restaurants dotting the Grand Strand, this upscale eatery offers a refined dining experience with plated seafood dishes that showcase creativity and technical skill.
The She Crab soup, velvety and rich with a splash of sherry, has earned legendary status among locals. Signature dishes include their cedar-planked salmon and lobster mac and cheese that elevates comfort food to gourmet status.
Their commitment to ocean-friendly practices extends to their strawless initiative and sustainable seafood sourcing.
4. Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant
Perched directly on the beach at 14th Avenue North, this restaurant offers something priceless – panoramic ocean views while you dine on fresh seafood.
The gentle crash of waves provides a soothing soundtrack as pelicans dive for their own seafood dinner just yards away. Their blackened mahi-mahi sandwich has achieved local legend status, perfectly spiced and served on a toasted bun with homemade remoulade. Seafood platters arrive piled high with golden fried shrimp, scallops, and local fish.
Built on an actual pier extending over the Atlantic, the restaurant has weathered numerous hurricanes since 1986 yet keeps bouncing back. Come for lunch to enjoy lower prices and the spectacular daytime ocean views that no inland restaurant can match.
5. Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill
What began as a small seafood market has evolved into one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved local eateries.
Mr. Fish (actually a father-daughter team) maintains that market-to-table freshness that keeps locals coming back repeatedly. Their sushi rolls feature fish caught that morning, while the seafood nachos topped with blackened shrimp and crab have developed a cult following.
The restaurant’s unpretentious atmosphere feels like dining at a friend’s place – if your friend happened to be an amazing seafood chef! The adjoining market lets you take home the same fresh catches served in the restaurant. Don’t miss their famous fish tacos or the seafood cheesecake – an unexpected savory appetizer that combines crab and shrimp with a creamy base that keeps customers guessing about the secret recipe.
6. Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
Families on vacation flock to Crabby George’s for their kid-friendly atmosphere and endless seafood options. The mascot – a cartoon crab with a chef’s hat – might seem playful, but they take their seafood seriously.
Snow crab legs disappear from the buffet almost as quickly as staff can replenish them. The seafood mac and cheese combines several types of seafood in a creamy sauce that even picky eaters love. Their hushpuppies – slightly sweet cornmeal fritters – are so popular they offer complimentary baskets while you wait. The restaurant features a separate children’s buffet with kid-approved options at a lower height they can reach themselves.
With reasonable prices compared to other seafood buffets and early bird specials, Crabby George’s delivers excellent value for families wanting to experience Calabash-style seafood.
7. Lobster House Seafood Restaurant
Red checkered tablecloths and nautical decor create an old-school seafood joint vibe at this family-owned establishment. Unlike many Myrtle Beach seafood spots that focus on buffets, Lobster House specializes in made-to-order dishes with Maine lobster taking center stage.
Their lobster rolls come two ways – warm with drawn butter or chilled with light mayo – letting the sweet lobster meat shine. The seafood pot pie breaks tradition with a flaky crust covering a creamy mixture of lobster, shrimp, and scallops that warms you on cooler beach evenings.
Founded by a transplanted New Englander who missed authentic lobster shacks, this restaurant brings a taste of Maine to South Carolina. Their lobster bisque, rich and velvety with chunks of lobster meat, has won local awards and converts even those who claim they don’t like seafood soups.
8. Seafood World Calabash Seafood And Steak Buffet
A giant crab sculpture greets guests at this massive buffet restaurant that combines seafood and steakhouse favorites under one roof. Perfect for groups with mixed seafood enthusiasm, Seafood World ensures everyone finds something to love.
The seafood section features both fried Calabash-style options and healthier steamed and broiled preparations. Their crab legs arrive perfectly pre-split for easy access to the sweet meat inside. Meanwhile, the carving station offers prime rib and other land-based options for those taking a break from seafood. The restaurant’s all-you-can-eat format includes an impressive dessert bar with over 20 options including their famous bread pudding with warm bourbon sauce.
Early bird specials and senior discounts make this a popular choice for budget-conscious diners who still want seafood variety.
9. Noizy Oysters Bar & Grill
The rhythmic clack of oyster shells being shucked provides the soundtrack at this lively local favorite. Noizy Oysters breaks the mold of tourist-focused establishments with its authentic coastal charm and commitment to showcasing regional seafood preparations.
Their raw bar features oysters from various Atlantic regions, each with distinct flavor profiles explained by knowledgeable staff. The blackboard specials change daily based on what local fishermen bring to their door. Their signature dish – Oysters Rockefeller – arrives bubbling hot with a perfect balance of spinach, bacon, and Pernod.
The restaurant’s casual vibe and reasonable prices attract a mix of locals and in-the-know tourists. Live music on weekends and creative seafood-inspired cocktails make this a place where people linger long after their meal ends, swapping fishing stories and oyster opinions.
10. Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse
Housed in a rustic building that resembles an old fishing camp, Bubba’s offers a delightful twist on traditional seafood by combining it with Southern barbecue expertise. The smell of applewood smoke mingles with ocean breezes on their sprawling outdoor deck.
Their smoked fish dip served with house-made crackers makes a perfect starter while you consider options like their famous smoked fish platter or seafood jambalaya. The shrimp and grits elevates this Southern classic with jumbo shrimp and stone-ground grits from a local mill.
Family-owned for three generations, Bubba’s walls display vintage fishing gear and photos of record catches from Myrtle Beach’s early days. The restaurant sits slightly off the beaten tourist path, making it a hidden gem where you’ll dine alongside locals who guard this secret spot jealously.
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