Best Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a treasure trove of seafood joints thanks to its coastal proximity, where the salty breeze makes every bite even better. Since there’s so many great options to choose from, I’m here to give you the low down on some of the most delicious seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

Whether you’re looking to crack into some crab legs, indulge in delicious scallops, or dive into a steaming low country style boil, there’s a restaurant slinging what you’re craving!

These are the places that everyone wants to stop in, whether you’re a local and looking to try something new, or you’re a seasonal visitor like a snowbird looking to try the best of the best while you’re in town, you can find the best catch at these local Myrtle Beach seafood restaurants.

best seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach South Carolina Snowbird Haven featured image

Discovering Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Bounty

Hook & Barrel – A Fusion of Flavors and Freshness

Surf and Turf with a lobster tail and filet mignon
Surf and Turf with a lobster tail and filet mignon – hookandbarrelrestaurant.com

One of my favorite seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach is Hook & Barrel – and with good reason! The restaurant is decorated in a tasteful, modern, yet nautical vibe that’s welcoming, and the fresh seafood they’re serving up can’t be beat.

The crab cakes and she crab soup are my go-to dishes there. Though, when I’m not in the mood for seafood, the short rib is also pretty delicious, and who can beat bourbon bacon for an appetizer?

There’s also raw oysters if you’re into that, and pretty much any variety of seafood you can dream of here. Don’t forget the baked Alaska for dinner – it’s like dessert and a table side show all in one!

The only thing that could possibly make it better would be an oceanfront location, but it’s so close you could just walk there after your meal! Entrees range from about $25 to $40 on average (with a few exceptions). On a budget? Check out daily happy hour light bites under $10 daily from 4-6pm.

Visit Hook & Barrel Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 9pm (9:30 on Friday and Saturday nights).

Flying Fish Public Market & Grill – Where Sea Meets Market

Seafood Boil with crab legs, clams, and smoked sausage
Seafood Boil with crab legs, clams, and smoked sausage – flyingfishmarket.com

Tucked inside the retail village of Barefoot Landing, you’ll find Flying Fish Public Market & Grill. Now, despite the touristy charm of the surrounding shops an entertainment, Flying Fish is serving up a literal ocean of delicious foods.

Their fried shrimp po boy always hits the spot when I’m craving a perfect crispy bite on a soft bun. They’ve also got fresh sushi – I love the Mango Tango roll, since the idea of stuffing fried calamari into a sushi roll is something I’ve only seen here!

However, there’s something for everyone, like poke bowls for lunch, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and chicken for the landlubbers, and a ton of amazing seafood (including a raw bar) to explore. Complete your meal with a signature cocktail, wine, beer, or hard seltzer!

Entrees range from around $15 to $35 (with a few exceptions), though the seafood is on the higher end of that scale (burgers generally being the most budget friendly option). For a great deal, check out happy hour at the bar from 4-6pm daily which includes some sushi rolls under $10!

You can visit Flying Fish Public Market & Grill in North Myrtle Beach daily from 11am to 10pm. If you visit for lunch, I recommend visiting the fish market while you’re there to bring a fresh catch home for dinner!

Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant – A Buffet of Sea Delights

All you can eat seafood buffet
All you can eat seafood buffet – captaingeorges.com

If you’re looking for a literal buffet at a seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant can’t be missed. It’s an all you can eat treasure trove of seafood, and yes, they have beer, wine, and cocktails to go with your meal too.

Most famous is the snow crab legs that they serve over 1.5 million pounds of annually! But you’ll also find plenty of steamed shrimp, clams, crawfish, mussels, and lots of different kinds of fish. There’s also steak, ribs, brisket, chicken, salads, and lots of sides to explore as well!

Finish off your meal with a homemade dessert from the dessert bar (my favorite is the key lime cake). There are lots of gluten free options available here too, if you have that as a dietary restriction!

Captain George’s is $50 per adult and $26 for kids aged 5-12 (children 4 and under are $6). The first hour they are open every day offers an “early bird discount” of between $3 and $5 per person, depending on the day of the week.

You can visit Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant in Myrtle Beach Monday through Friday from 3pm to 9pm (open til 9:30 on Friday), Saturday 2pm to 9:30pm, and Sunday 12pm to 9pm.

Sea Captain’s House – A Historic Oceanfront Eatery

Award winning She Crab Soup
Award winning She Crab Soup – seacaptains.com

Sea Captain’s House restaurant is the quintessential oceanfront dining option when it comes to seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach.

It’s housed in an early 1930’s cottage that makes you feel right at home as you indulge in delicious dishes by the sea. Sure, it’s not as “modern” and “fancy” as some of the other eateries, but there’s something I find nostalgic and homey about it.

The she crab soup and crab cakes are the stars here, but I also enjoy the more modern bang bang shrimp dish as well. For lighter fare, they make a mean Caesar salad, and don’t forget the bourbon chocolate pecan pie for dessert!

You’ll find Sea Captain’s slinging breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and yes – you can get fresh seafood for breakfast too, like the seafarer omelet with shrimp and crab, or an amazing crab cakes benedict!

Expect around $10 per dish for breakfast, $15-$20 for lunch, and $25-$40 for dinner entrees. Of course, there are some exceptions to each, but that’s a good general ballpark to get you started. There’s also house specialty cocktails and a fairly extensive wine list to round out your meal!

Visit Sea Captain’s House daily from 7am to 10:30am for breakfast, and after a brief close, they’re open again from 11:30am to 10pm daily for lunch and dinner service.

Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market – A Lively Shucking Good Time

Platter of Oysters with lemon wedges
Platter of Oysters with lemon wedges – biminisoysterbar.com

There’s a slice of South Carolina called Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, where the freshest seafood meets a downright festive atmosphere. This joint has been slinging oysters and spinning tunes since ’85, and it doesn’t take long to see why it’s a local favorite.

If raw oysters aren’t your thing, I’m right there with you. The real gems at Bimini’s are the crab legs, or the steamer pots if you want some accompaniments with your crab legs! I also never say no to conch fritters for an appetizer, since they don’t pop up on too many menus and they’re a real treat!

There’s also plenty of fried fish and shrimp to satisfy, along with sandwiches, salads, and a kids menu too! Much like Flying Fish, Bimini’s also has a seafood market, so you can pick up the freshest of catches to bring home for later.

Entrees are $20-$30 on average, with the larger steam pots at $50 and upwards. For a budget friendly option, check out happy hour from 4pm to 6pm daily at the bar, with a lot of light bites for under $10 (plus drink discounts too)!

You can visit Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market Sunday through Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Wednesday and Thursday 3pm to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 12:30pm to 10pm.

Wicked Tuna – Innovative Seafood on 2nd Ave Pier

Shrimp Po'Boy and fries
Shrimp Po’Boy and fries – thewickedtuna.com

Let’s switch gears and talk about the Wicked Tuna. This joints sits on 2nd Avenue Pier for a little slice of oceanfront dining at its finest! Feel the fresh sea air blow through your hair while you dive into the assortment of fresh seafood available.

The bang bang grouper is my must-have appetizer here! Crispy fish and a lightly spicy, creamy sauce makes for the perfect bite. The lobster roll is my splurge for an entree choice, or some of the fresh sushi if I’m wanting to keep it lighter for the day!

Now, they do have chicken and salads on the menu if you’re toting a non-seafood lover with you, but the specialty here is the seafood for sure (so you may be disappointed if you go for something else).

It’s also of note that they don’t allow for substitutions in most cases, so if you’re a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, you may want to opt for a different pick.

Entrees range from $30 to $50 a plate on average, though sushi rolls are $20 or less. For a deal, hit up happy hour at the bar from 4pm to 7pm for sushi and light bites $10 or less (and drink specials too).

You can visit Wicked Tuna in Myrtle Beach daily from 11am to 10pm.

Soho Myrtle Beach – Cosmopolitan Flavors by the Shore

Fresh assorted Sushi Roll choices
Fresh assorted Sushi Roll choices – sohomb.com

Now Soho Myrtle Beach isn’t ocean front, but it’s darn close, being under a block away! They do have outdoor seating too, so you can enjoy that glorious sun and sea air, even if you can’t see the waves.

The menu here is an eclectic mix of Asian and Mediterranean flavors, with lots of different options. The crispy coconut shrimp is divine, but you could get some chicken hibachi or pad Thai if you want to skip the seafood. There’s also lots of fresh sushi, and classic Chinese takeout done their way.

In short, there’s something here at Soho for everyone to enjoy! I usually stick to sushi, since they have a rotating seasonal menu of whatever is fresh and in season, so I like to take advantage of that.

Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for an entree (and that includes the sushi menu, though you can find some basic rolls $10 or less). There’s also specialty cocktails to finish your meal! Happy hour is daily from 4-7pm (food specials only run until 6pm) where you can find light bites and drinks under $10 as well.

Visit Soho Myrtle Beach daily from 11:30am to Midnight (they’re often open until 1am during the busy summer season).

FAQs

What Are the Best Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach South Carolina?

Some of the best seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, include Sea Captain’s House, Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant, Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, and Hook & Barrel.

Where Can I Find the Best Seafood Buffets in Myrtle Beach? 

For the best seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach, visit Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant, and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood, known for their extensive and fresh selections.

Are There Any Family-Friendly Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, family-friendly seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood, offering kid-friendly menus and welcoming atmospheres.

What Are Some Popular Waterfront Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?

Popular waterfront seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include Sea Captain’s House, Wicked Tuna Waterfront Dining, and Gulfstream Café, providing stunning views along with delicious seafood.

Where Can I Find the Best Crab Legs in Myrtle Beach?

For the best crab legs in Myrtle Beach, visit Crabby George’s Seafood Buffet, Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill, and Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet, where crab legs are a specialty.

Are There Any Upscale Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, upscale seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include Hook & Barrel, Aspen Grille, and The Cypress Room, known for their gourmet dishes and elegant dining experiences.

What Are the Best Seafood Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner in Myrtle Beach?

The best seafood restaurants for a romantic dinner in Myrtle Beach include Sea Captain’s House, The Library Restaurant, and 21 Main at North Beach, offering intimate settings and exquisite cuisine.

Can I Find Any Good Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach with Outdoor Seating?

Yes, good seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach with outdoor seating include The Boathouse Waterway Bar & Grill, Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge, and Wicked Tuna Waterfront Dining, perfect for enjoying meals in the fresh air.

What Are Some Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach with Live Music?

Seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach with live music include The Claw House, Dead Dog Saloon, and Hot Fish Club, where you can enjoy great seafood and entertainment.

Where Can I Get Fresh Seafood to Cook at Home in Myrtle Beach?

For fresh seafood to cook at home in Myrtle Beach, visit Mr. Fish Seafood Market, Harrelson’s Seafood Market, and Seven Seas Seafood Market, known for their high-quality, fresh catches.

You can also dine in and take home a fresh catch at Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, and Flying Fish Public Market & Grill.

Wrap-Up: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise in Myrtle Beach

When it comes to seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, you’ll find a bustling oasis for seafood aficionados, where the succulent taste of the ocean is never more than a skip and a hop away.

Whether you’re longing for a sushi ensemble, a steam pot teeming with coastal finds, or a grilled fish masterpiece, you’ll find your sea legs at any of these delicious local joints.

This area is seafood central, and with fresh, local fare straight from the boat to your plate, you’ll understand why this stretch is a magnet for every palate that loves a good maritime feast!

Looking for more about the local food scene? Make sure to check out my guide on restaurants in North Myrtle Beach South Carolina, as well as my must-try South Carolina barbecue restaurants!

Emily Bradley

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