North Myrtle Beach has a bit of a reputation for fresh, tasty seafood—locals and tourists both seem to crave it. You’ll find all kinds of spots here, from laid-back shacks to more polished dining rooms, each with their own spin on coastal classics.
The best seafood in North Myrtle Beach tends to come from places that really care about fresh ingredients and a good vibe. Picking the right restaurant? Yeah, it matters if you want to dig into the real local flavors. Most places stick to the favorites: shrimp, fish, oysters—you know, the stuff that makes the area a magnet for seafood fans.
1) Boardwalk Billy’s
Boardwalk Billy’s is a casual seafood hangout right on Doc Holidays Marina. The view of the Intracoastal Waterway is tough to beat, whether you’re inside or out on the deck.
The menu covers all the bases—seafood, BBQ, drinks. There’s usually a happy hour going on, plus live music to keep things lively.
Families and friend groups seem to love the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The covered patio and bar make it easy to settle in and just enjoy.
Location: 1407 13th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
2) Captain Archie’s
Captain Archie’s is right on the water and keeps things pretty chill. Fresh seafood and sandwiches are the main draw, and you can sit at picnic tables out on the deck for that breezy, laid-back meal feel.
Besides seafood, they’ve got wings, burgers, and hot dogs. There’s usually live music, which adds to the easygoing mood. Locals and travelers both drop by for simple, good food and a cold drink.
The staff is friendly, and the place just feels comfortable. It’s a bar and grill at heart, but with a real taste of the coast. No wonder it’s a regular favorite.
Location: 2200 Little River Neck Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
3) Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill is a mix of Southern seafood and fresh sushi, sitting right on the waterfront. You get a nice view of the Intracoastal Waterway, and there’s a seafood market inside if you want to take something home.
The menu leans into local seafood, Lowcountry favorites, and a raw bar loaded with shellfish. It’s usually bustling, with a casual crowd and a few creative cocktails to keep things interesting.
The place takes some cues from Seattle’s Pike Place Market and the Pearlz Oyster Bar—so, a bit quirky, a bit unique for North Myrtle Beach. It’s both a market and a restaurant, which is pretty handy.
Location: 4744 US-17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
4) Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is for anyone who wants to try it all. Over 120 items—crab legs, oysters, shrimp, scallops, plus prime beef and Southern sides. You won’t leave hungry.
It’s pirate-themed, which is fun, and the buffet is all-you-can-eat or à la carte. Not far from the oceanfront and close to Myrtle Beach attractions like Broadway at the Beach.
The focus is on fresh, local seafood cooked to order. There’s also prime rib, fried chicken, salads, and desserts. Lunch and dinner options, with longer hours on weekends.
The place is lively, the staff is friendly, and it’s a solid value if you’re in the mood for a big seafood meal.
Location: 7904 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
5) Platt’s Seafood
Platt’s Seafood is the oldest and biggest fresh seafood market in North Myrtle Beach, around since 1970. Most of the seafood comes straight from local boats—oysters, clams, crabs, blue crabs, lobsters (when they have them).
They’ve got a carryout menu with shrimp baskets, fish, clam strips, and more, usually with fries and hushpuppies. Fried and sautéed stuff is made to order, and the kitchen stays open pretty late.
You’ll see a long case of fresh seafood, and they’ll steam shrimp for you (no charge), or do a Low Country Boil if you ask. Staff know their stuff and are always ready to help you out.
Location: 1108 Sea Mountain Hwy #1, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
6) Hoskins Restaurant
Hoskins Restaurant has been around since 1948—still family-owned, still serving North Myrtle Beach after all these years. They’re known for American seafood, steaks, and fried chicken.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered. The seafood is local and fresh, and they use seasonal produce. There’s a focus on sustainable ingredients, which is always good to see.
It’s casual, welcoming, and full of regulars. If you’re after traditional, home-style meals, Hoskins is worth a visit. Comfort food, but with a little extra care.
Location: 405 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
7) Good Fellas Seafood Hut & Bar
Good Fellas Seafood Hut & Bar is all about a casual, friendly dining vibe. The menu leans on Lowcountry-style seafood—shrimp, fish, scallops, oysters—but you’ll find burgers, steak, and ribs too.
It’s relaxed and family-friendly, and people seem to love the homemade hushpuppies. Don’t skip the fried cheesecake if you’ve got room.
You can call ahead for takeout, which is convenient. There’s a full bar for drinks to go with your meal.
Location: 4505 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
8) Rockefellers Raw Bar
Rockefellers Raw Bar is a chill seafood spot known for its steamed shellfish—crab legs, oysters, shrimp, mussels. You’ll find comfy captain’s chairs and a no-fuss atmosphere.
They serve more than just seafood, with steaks and tuna on the menu too. The bar has a good drink selection and happy-hour deals. Watching the bartenders prep fresh seafood right behind the counter is part of the fun.
If you want a relaxed spot with solid steamed seafood and a social vibe, Rockefellers is a good pick.
Location: 3613 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
9) Crab Catcher’s On The Waterfront
Crab Catcher’s On The Waterfront sits right on the water in Little River. The vibe is relaxed, and the menu sticks to the basics: fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches. The outdoor deck is a great place to just sit and watch the boats go by.
It’s got that dockside bar and grill feel—easygoing but still focused on quality. People like the variety and the fact that it doubles as a seafood market. They also do catering.
Doors open daily at 11:00 a.m., and it’s well-liked for mixing fresh seafood with a friendly, unpretentious setting. If you want a waterfront view and a straightforward meal, it’s a solid option.
Location: 4474 Water Front Ave, Little River, SC 29566
10) Joe’s Bar & Grill
Joe’s Bar & Grill has been part of North Myrtle Beach for more than 30 years. They serve up fresh seafood, beef, veal, and poultry in a laid-back, no-fuss setting. Folks keep coming back for the food and friendly service—yeah, every day, not just on weekends.
The building’s got two levels and some pretty great views of the saltwater marsh. You can eat while watching the scenery, which is honestly pretty relaxing. Out back, there’s a deck bar called Raccoon Cove—locals seem to love it.
You’ll find Joe’s in the Windy Hill area, close to the Alabama Theatre and Olive Garden. They run a happy hour and offer an early bird dinner menu during the week. The vibe is always welcoming, and the seafood? Super fresh.
Location: 810 Conway St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
What Makes North Myrtle Beach a Seafood Destination
North Myrtle Beach is pretty well-known for its coastal flavors and fresh seafood. Local spots love to highlight regional spices and simple cooking styles. Most of them get their seafood from right nearby, so you know it’s not sitting around for long.
Unique Coastal Flavors
Seafood here leans into that Lowcountry Southern influence. You’ll taste Old Bay, a little Cajun kick, and a lot of garlic butter. Somehow, it just works—bold but not too much.
Menus are packed with things like grilled shrimp, fried clams, and oysters done every way you can think of. The focus is on keeping things fresh and letting the ingredients shine, not drowning everything in heavy sauces.
Ragin’ Cajun Oysters are a local favorite—if you want to see what the area’s all about, that’s a good place to start. The flavors just feel like the coast.
Freshness and Sourcing
A lot of seafood places here get their stuff straight from local waters. Fishermen bring in shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish almost daily.
This tight supply chain means what you’re eating is about as fresh as it gets. Some restaurants are even run by fishing families, so the catch-of-the-day is actually, well, today’s catch.
Seafood often comes from Little River and Calabash, both known for top-notch shellfish and fish. With how fast things move, your meal lands on the table with great taste and texture.
Some spots do seafood buffets, so you can try a little bit of everything. It’s a fun way to see just how much variety the area has.
Seasonal Considerations for Seafood Lovers
Seafood in North Myrtle Beach changes with the seasons, so what’s best depends on when you visit. If you’re a planner, it’s worth checking what’s in season and if any special seafood events are happening.
Best Times of Year for Local Catch
Spring and summer are when you’ll find the best soft-shell crabs and oysters. Those months are kind of a sweet spot for shellfish.
In fall, there’s more flounder and sea bass, while winter brings crab cakes, shrimp, and some really good fish stews. Restaurants keep things local, so the freshest stuff is always what’s in season.
If you time your trip right, you’ll catch the best flavors and maybe even save a few bucks.
Popular Seafood Festivals and Events
North Myrtle Beach throws a few seafood festivals every year that are worth checking out. The Shrimp Festival in June is a big deal—lots of shrimp dishes, live music, and local crafts.
There’s also the Oyster Festival in early spring, which is all about fresh oysters and coastal eats. These events are a good excuse to sample a bunch of seafood and soak up the local vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re into seafood, North Myrtle Beach has a ton of options. Some places are known for quality, others for waterfront views, and there are picks for locals and budget-minded folks. New spots pop up all the time, too.
What are the top-rated seafood restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?
Some of the best-rated seafood joints are Flying Fish Public Market & Grill, Platt’s Seafood, and Boardwalk Billy’s. People rave about the fresh fish and good service.
Where can I find quality seafood on the water in North Myrtle Beach?
Captain Archie’s is right on the water and has a great view. It’s a popular spot if you want that seaside atmosphere with your meal.
Which seafood restaurants do North Myrtle Beach locals recommend?
Locals tend to go for Flying Fish Public Market & Grill and Platt’s Seafood. Both have built a solid reputation for fresh catch and consistency.
Are there any affordable seafood dining options in North Myrtle Beach?
Boardwalk Billy’s is known for good seafood at fair prices. It’s a favorite for folks who want value without skimping on flavor.
What is the best seafood buffet to visit in North Myrtle Beach?
Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a top pick for seafood buffets. Tons of choices and a great spot for groups.
Are there any new seafood establishments worth trying in North Myrtle Beach?
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill has been popping up on people’s radar lately. They offer fresh seafood and the vibe is pretty laid-back. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, it might be worth a visit.
