I feel like all the seafood tastes the same in Myrtle Beach…
Yeah, we’ve heard it too—but we’re here to set the record straight. From all-you-can-eat buffets to the freshest dockside catches, these spots actually stand out in a sea of sameness. Whether you’re chasing crab legs, oysters, or the perfect low-key dive, these are the five places locals trust when they’re craving seafood that hits different.
Here’s where to go when you want more than just “another seafood dinner.”
Our best seafood buffet:
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
If you’re looking for a buffet that delivers quality alongside quantity, this is where both locals and savvy visitors roll up their sleeves. Captain George’s is a massive, nautical-themed institution that piles plates high with crab legs, oysters, scallops, and shrimp that don’t taste like they’ve been sitting out for hours. Plus, there’s prime rib, a dessert bar, and surprisingly good cocktails to round it all out. Touristy? Sure. But this buffet earns its reputation.
Location: 1401 29th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC
Our best local catch:
Wicked Tuna
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood? Literally. Wicked Tuna’s “Hook to Plate” philosophy means your fish was probably caught that morning by their own fleet. Perched right on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, this spot nails that sweet spot between upscale and casual with sushi, seafood towers, and house specialties like the Wicked Tuna Roll. Grab a cocktail, watch the sunset over the water, and dig into seafood that locals swear by.
Location: 4123 US-17 BUSINESS, Murrells Inlet, SC
Our best spot for oysters:
357 Coastal Raw Bar
This one’s for the oyster crowd. Low-key and insider-y, 357 Coastal Raw Bar feels like the type of spot your buddy who lives here recommends. Expect a raw bar that stacks up everything from local oysters to cold North Atlantic specialties, plus lobster rolls, fresh catch specials, and a killer beer garden with over 90 taps. It’s casual, cool, and quietly one of the best seafood haunts around.
Location: 8205 Marina Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC
Our best crab legs (non-buffet):
Sea Captain’s House
A true Myrtle Beach classic. Sitting oceanfront since the 1960s, Sea Captain’s House nails old-school Southern hospitality with an unbeatable seafood menu. Their crab legs (yes, ordered off the menu) are legendary, and the She Crab Soup is basically a rite of passage. Expect white tablecloths, panoramic ocean views, and plates that make you feel like you’ve found the gold standard.
Our go-to seafood dive:
The Claw House
If you want lobster rolls and oysters in a spot that feels like a waterfront dive—but in the best way—The Claw House is it. With scenic MarshWalk views, cold beers by the dozen (over 90 on tap), and a full New England-style raw bar, this is where you grab a lobster roll in flip-flops and feel like a genius.
Location: 4097 US-17 BUSINESS, Murrells Inlet, SC
