Seafood buffets are a popular dining option for visitors to Myrtle Beach, known for its beautiful beaches and coastal cuisine. With many restaurants to choose from, seafood buffet prices can vary across the city. Typically, seafood buffet prices range from $25 to $40 per adult in Myrtle Beach.
Average Price
Based on a survey of 12 popular seafood buffet restaurants in Myrtle Beach, the average adult seafood buffet price is $32. Prices for children are generally 40-50% less than the adult price. The average prices at the surveyed restaurants ranged from a low of $25 at Crab Catchers to a high of $40 at Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood.
Price Range
While $32 is the average, seafood buffet prices span a range in Myrtle Beach. Here is an overview of the price ranges found at Myrtle Beach seafood buffet restaurants:
- $20 – $25 per adult – Lower-priced seafood buffets featuring snow crab legs, fried shrimp, catfish, clams, and classic sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries. These are often lunch buffets.
- $26 – $35 per adult – Mid-range seafood buffets with greater variety including raw oysters, steamed shrimp, mussels, fried fish, and homemade regional sides.
- $36 – $40 per adult – Higher-end seafood buffets featuring prime rib, crab legs, lobster, sushi rolls, raw bar selections, and upgraded sides.
As you can see, there are high-quality seafood buffets available at moderate prices in Myrtle Beach, with most falling in the $26 to $35 range.
Common Menu Items
While every seafood buffet is a bit different, most will feature many of the following popular dishes:
- Snow crab legs
- Boiled shrimp
- Fried shrimp
- Fried fish (tilapia, catfish, flounder)
- Clam strips
- Mussels
- Oysters on the half shell
- Crab cakes
- Frog legs
- Crab soup
- Clam chowder
- Smoked salmon
- Crawfish
- Scallops
- Calamari
- Sushi
- Catfish
- Fried chicken
- Hush puppies
- Corn on the cob
- Cole slaw
- Collard greens
- Rice
- French fries
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Salad bar
- Bread
- Cheesecake
- Key lime pie
- Banana pudding
Factors Affecting Price
Several factors impact the price of seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach:
Location
Seafood restaurants in premium locations along the beach or boardwalk tend to have higher prices. Buffets in more off-the-beaten-path local spots have lower prices.
Seafood Selection
The variety and types of seafood offered sways the price. Buffets with extensive seafood selections including crab, lobster tails, oysters, and sushi will be pricier.
Atmosphere
The décor and ambiance affects buffet prices somewhat. Those with upscale coastal décor and live music demand higher prices.
Reviews & Reputation
Established restaurants with excellent reviews and popularity often command higher prices than less known spots.
Hours & Days
Lunch buffets are generally cheaper than dinner buffets. Weekend prices may also be a bit higher at some locations.
Top Seafood Buffets in Myrtle Beach
While there are over 50 seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach, a few standouts consistently earn top ratings and reviews. Here are 5 of the best rated seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach:
| Restaurant | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Shells Seafood Restaurant | $36.99 dinner | Elegant interior, live music, extensive seafood selection including raw bar |
| Captain George’s Seafood Buffet | $34.99 dinner | Family-friendly, all-you-can-eat seafood with great views |
| Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood | $40 dinner | Upscale Southern style buffet with premium entrees like prime rib |
| Fresh Seafood | $35 dinner | Oceanfront location, unique seafood options like frog legs and octopus |
| Dave’s Dockside | $25 lunch, $35 dinner | Casual, affordable spot with fried and boiled shrimp combos |
Tips for Saving Money
While seafood buffets offer great value, here are some ways to save even more money:
- Go for lunch instead of dinner – Lunch prices are typically $5 to $10 cheaper.
- Check for discounts – Look for coupons, kids eat free deals, etc.
- Visit on slower days – Prices are sometimes reduced on weekdays.
- Split a plate – Many places allow sharing a plate at a lower price.
- Watch portion sizes – You often don’t need to overindulge to get your money’s worth.
- Ask about promotions – Some places offer periodicspecials and discounts.
- Order water – Opting for water over drinks saves money.
Conclusion
When it comes to Myrtle Beach seafood buffets, there are affordable options for every budget. The average price is around $32 per adult for dinner. Lunches tend to be $5 to $10 cheaper. While higher-end restaurants can charge up to $40 per person, you can also find deals under $25 if you look for lunch discounts, coupons and weekday specials. With a little flexibility, you can indulge in a seafood feast in Myrtle Beach without breaking the bank.
