Myrtle Beach draws seafood lovers from all over, and crab legs are a must-try whether you’re a visitor or a local. Folks are always on the hunt for the tastiest crab legs—sometimes in restaurants, sometimes from markets to cook up at home.
If you’re craving crab legs in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find them at a mix of seafood buffets, local favorites, and markets that know what they’re doing. Picking the right spot can really make your seafood outing memorable.
1) Lobster House Seafood Restaurant
Lobster House Seafood Restaurant is a Myrtle Beach go-to for fresh seafood. You can actually pick your own live North Atlantic lobster from their aquarium—pretty cool, right? They also serve snow crab legs, steamed just right.
The menu covers all the classics: fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, sea scallops, and even hand-cut salmon steaks. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they’ve got USDA choice steaks too. Their seafood boil special is packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, crawfish, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
Since opening in 2018 near the State Park, they’ve built a loyal following thanks to friendly service, solid food quality, and prices that won’t make you wince. People rave about the lobster and crab legs—definitely the stars here.
They get their lobsters from a family-owned fleet off Cape Cod, so you’re getting the real Atlantic deal. The kitchen keeps it simple with seasoning and lets the seafood shine.
Location: 5301 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
2) Crabby Mike’s
Crabby Mike’s is famous for its all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, especially the Alaska Snow Crab Legs. They do Calabash-style seafood all sorts of ways—boiled, steamed, fried, you name it. And if you want something different, the prime rib is surprisingly good.
Besides crab legs, there’s a spread of steaks, chicken, ham, and a soup and salad bar. For dessert, think cheesecake, cobblers, ice cream, and pies. It’s tough to leave hungry.
The place has a quirky sea life vibe—fish hanging overhead, a pirate mascot named Crabby Mike, and even a village shop area outside. It’s fun, a little loud, and great for families.
During the season, they bring in live entertainment. Plus, there are discounts for kids and seniors. Everything’s made from scratch daily, using fresh, local ingredients, which is always a plus.
Location: 290 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
3) Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant is all about the seafood buffet. You’ll find crab legs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and a bunch of sides. There are even some steak options if you’re not feeling fishy.
The vibe is casual and a bit nautical, so it’s easy to relax and dig in. People mention the friendly staff and how clean the place feels, which honestly makes a difference.
Crab legs tend to steal the show here—cooked just right, and the meat comes out of the shell pretty easily. If you’re a crab leg fan, this is one to hit.
They do special buffet prices on holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day, but hours and offerings can change, so it’s smart to check ahead.
Location: 1401 29th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
4) Crab Daddy’s Seafood Buffet Restaurant
Crab Daddy’s has a laid-back vibe with a fun underwater theme—giant animatronic sea creatures and all. It’s kind of like eating in an ocean adventure.
Their buffet has over 100 items, including all-you-can-eat crab legs. You’ll also find lobster, oysters, shrimp, salmon, steaks, ribs, and a bunch of comfort foods and desserts.
You can jump right into the buffet—no waiting around for your food. If you’re not into seafood, they’ve got BBQ ribs and chicken too.
The place feels cozy and friendly. People love the fresh seafood and the salad bar, and it’s easy to see why this spot gets so many repeat visitors.
Location: 3043 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
5) Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a staple for those who want a huge all-you-can-eat seafood spread. Crab legs, crawfish, clams, and Southern classics fill the buffet. The nautical decor fits the location perfectly.
They’ve been doing Calabash-style seafood since the 1980s, so they know what they’re about. Folks mention the seafood’s freshness and the sheer variety. There’s even a build-your-own ice cream bar and frozen cocktails.
Hours change depending on the day, with weekends running later. It’s a casual spot, focused on seafood and local favorites. Both tourists and locals seem to keep it busy.
Location: 401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
6) Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
Crabby George’s is a pirate-themed buffet loaded with more than 120 dishes, including fresh crab legs, oysters, shrimp, and scallops. If you’re craving something else, there’s prime rib and steak, too.
Sides run southern—think mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. There are fresh salads and a dessert table with cakes and pies. The spot is close to Broadway at the Beach and the oceanfront, so it’s easy to find.
They’re open daily with flexible hours for lunch and dinner. Staff is friendly and tries to keep things fun and relaxed.
Location: 7904 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
7) Seafood World Calabash Seafood And Steak Buffet
Seafood World Calabash is a buffet spot where you’ll find fresh Alaskan crab legs and steaks. The steaks get seasoned and basted while grilling, which gives them a nice flavor. It’s a casual, ocean-themed place where seafood meets steakhouse.
The menu also includes grilled shrimp, a full salad bar, soups, and hot veggies. There’s fresh lobster and plenty of desserts, too. Specials and discounts pop up pretty often, making it easier on the wallet.
Reviews mention the food’s freshness and the friendly staff. Families seem to like the relaxed vibe and the big seafood selection. They even deliver around Myrtle Beach if your order’s over $50.
Location: 411 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
8) Hooks Calabash Seafood Buffet
Hooks Calabash Seafood Buffet is another all-you-can-eat favorite with a laid-back, comfortable feel. Crab legs are a big deal here, but the buffet has plenty of other seafood dishes to try.
The nautical decor matches its beachside location, and the buffet style lets you sample a bit of everything. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly place—just what you want after a day at the beach.
You’ll find it on North Kings Highway. Locals know Hooks for generous portions and good value. If you want to call ahead, they’ve got a phone number for reservations or questions.
Location: 1902 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
9) The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood
If you’re heading to Myrtle Beach, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is kind of a classic. Since 1986, they’ve been serving up fresh local seafood and really put the Calabash style on the map here—think lightly battered, deep-fried seafood that’s crispy but never greasy.
It’s an all-you-can-eat setup, and honestly, the spread is massive. You’ll wander past buffet stations under displays of mounted sharks and these wild, handcrafted ship models. The vibe is nautical, but not in a cheesy way—it’s more like a quirky museum meets seafood feast.
One thing that stands out? The ship models. They’re huge, and all crafted by their master shipwright, Jimmy Frost. He’s built everything from old schooners to military ships, and they’re scattered throughout the place. It’s almost as much about the ships as the food.
Families seem to love it, and if you’re into a relaxed, slightly themed spot with loads of seafood options, this is your place.
Location: 9593 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
10) Pirate’s Table Calabash Seafood Buffet
Pirate’s Table Calabash Seafood Buffet is all about going big. Their buffet is one of the largest on the Grand Strand, loaded with seafood (yes, crab legs), plus slow-roasted prime rib and other meats. The whole place is decked out with a pirate ship theme, which makes it a bit more fun than your usual buffet. If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s not boring, this is it.
They even have live mermaids swimming by the pool area while you eat—seriously, it’s a hit with kids. The restaurant opens Wednesday through Sunday from 4pm. Prices are set for adults and kids, and children under four eat free with a paying adult.
It’s roomy, lively, and perfect for groups. Just a heads up: groups of 15 or more get a 15% gratuity added. The buffet lineup can change based on what’s fresh or available, so don’t expect the same thing every visit. If you want a loud, family-friendly spot with lots of choices, this one’s worth a look.
Location: 1100 Water Ave, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
What To Expect When Ordering Crab Legs In Myrtle Beach
Crab legs in Myrtle Beach mostly come from a few types of crab, and that really shapes the taste and texture. Freshness can be hit or miss depending on the season, so knowing what and when to order helps you get the best bang for your buck.
Types Of Crab Commonly Served
You’ll mostly run into snow crabs and king crabs here. Snow crab legs are thinner, sweeter, and the meat is nice and tender. King crab legs? They’re bigger, meatier, and have a firmer bite.
Blue crabs are local, but you won’t usually see just the legs—they show up whole or as crab meat. King crab legs are usually frozen and shipped from far away, while snow crab legs might be a bit fresher, but honestly, most places use frozen for both.
Most restaurants either steam or boil the crab legs. Some, like Bimini’s in North Myrtle Beach, steam them to order, which is great if you care about freshness. Buffets might have them sitting out, so they’re not always piping hot.
Best Times Of Year For Fresh Crab
If you’re after fresh crab, late fall through winter (November to March) is your window. That’s when crabs are in season and more likely to be local or freshly shipped.
The rest of the year, crab legs are usually frozen and thawed, so how fresh they taste depends on how quickly the restaurant serves them after thawing. In summer, there’s still plenty of crab legs, but most are frozen.
If you want the best texture and flavor, go somewhere that cooks crab legs to order—and if you can, visit during crab season.
Tips For Enjoying Crab Legs Like A Local
Getting the most out of crab legs is all about cracking them right and picking the right sides and sauces. The little details make a big difference.
How To Crack And Eat Crab Legs
First, snap the legs off at the joints. Use a crab cracker or even a nutcracker to break the shell gently—don’t go Hulk on it or you’ll end up with shell bits everywhere.
For the longer pieces, kitchen scissors are your friend. Cut them lengthwise to open up the shell and get to the meat easily.
Dip the meat in melted butter, lemon juice, or whatever sauce you like. A seafood fork or pick helps get the meat out of the smaller parts.
Eat the crab while it’s hot for the best texture. Cold or overcooked crab just isn’t the same—it can get rubbery or bland.
Recommended Side Dishes And Sauces
You can’t go wrong with drawn butter, lemon, and cocktail sauce. They bring out the crab’s sweetness without drowning it out.
Locals often add hush puppies, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. They give a nice crunch and balance to the meal.
Garlic butter with a sprinkle of cayenne or Old Bay is a personal favorite—it adds a little kick but still lets the crab shine.
Steamed veggies or a simple salad work too, especially if you want to keep things light with all that seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best crab legs in Myrtle Beach? It really depends. Some places have awesome waterfront views, others just pile on the crab legs. What’s good can change with the season and the type of crab on offer.
Where can I find the best crab legs offered on the waterfront in Myrtle Beach?
Lobster House Seafood Restaurant is a solid pick for crab legs with a view. You get ocean scenery and fresh seafood. Crabby Mike’s is another spot by the water that locals seem to love.
Which restaurants in Myrtle Beach have the best all-you-can-eat crab leg deals?
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for its all-you-can-eat crab legs. Crab Daddy’s Seafood Buffet is another good choice if you want a big seafood selection.
What are some affordable places for all-you-can-eat crab legs in Myrtle Beach?
Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is known for being affordable and generous with the crab legs. Captain George’s is also pretty reasonable for what you get.
Can you recommend the top spots for crab legs in North Myrtle Beach that are not buffets?
Dirty Dicks Crab House is a favorite for all-you-can-eat crab legs without the buffet chaos. They make them to order, so you get them fresh.
When is the ideal season to enjoy crab legs in Myrtle Beach?
Late fall through early spring is the sweet spot. That’s when you’re most likely to get fresh crab legs in local restaurants.
Are there any local eateries that serve all-you-can-eat King crab legs in Myrtle Beach?
You might find all-you-can-eat King crab legs at places like Captain Benjamin’s, but honestly, it depends on the season and what’s on the menu right now. Menus change a lot, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online before you go.
