10 Best Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
The ten best cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach are Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant, Sea Captain’s House, Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood, Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe, Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, Hook & Barrel, Flying Fish Public Market and Grill, Boardwalk Billy’s, The Claw House, and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood. Budget-friendly seafood restaurants along the Grand Strand center on massive Calabash-style buffets, freshly shucked oysters, and daily catches straight from the Atlantic. These affordable fish houses serve massive platters of lightly breaded fried shrimp, steaming pots of crab legs, and rich She Crab soup.
A large number of these seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach are located in historic beachfront cottages, bustling marina decks, and massive pirate-themed buffet halls. They often feature raw bars, interactive ice displays for selecting whole fish, and outdoor seating overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. A meal at a cheap seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach averages $25 per person.
Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant earns the top recommendation for delivering high-quality, locally sourced catches and traditional Southern recipes at an accessible price point. Sea Captain’s House plates award-winning coastal soups right on the oceanfront for a scenic lunch. Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood satisfies large appetites with a 170-item buffet and an on-site maritime museum. Plant-based diners will find fresh coastal salads at Hook & Barrel, while The Claw House accommodates gluten-free diets by preparing unbreaded raw bar selections and steamed crab legs.
The top cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach are listed below.
10 Best Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach are listed below.
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1
Sea Captain's HouseSea Captain’s House operates inside a historic 1930s beachfront cottage. The dining room offers panoramic ocean views through large glass windows facing the Atlantic.- Item Prices 33
- Average Item Price $12.20
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, Southern
Signature Dishes:She Crab Soup
Captain's Shrimp Platter
Mahi Tacos
Location:3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Special Feature:The outdoor patio sits directly on the beach, providing unobstructed views of the ocean.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen prepares award-winning She Crab soup and classic Southern seafood dishes.
What Sets It Apart:A historic cottage setting paired with direct oceanfront dining separates this location from standard commercial seafood spots.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Saturday: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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2
Captain George's Seafood RestaurantCaptain George’s Seafood Restaurant houses a massive seafood buffet inside a building designed to resemble a classic sailing ship. The dining room features elegant woodwork and nautical chandeliers.- Item Prices 200
- Average Item Price $22.77
Type of Restaurant:Buffet, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:Alaskan Snow Crab Legs
Oysters Rockefeller
Hushpuppies
Location:1401 29th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Special Feature:The buffet stations feature custom-built copper domes to keep the seafood fresh and hot.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen prepares high-end buffet items like Oysters Rockefeller and blackened Mahi Mahi.
What Sets It Apart:A ship-themed architectural design combined with a premium seafood buffet provides a grand dining experience.
Operating Hours:Sunday: 12:00–8:30 PMMonday–Thursday: 3:30–8:30 PMFriday: 3:30–9:00 PMSaturday: 2:00–9:30 PM
Price:$50 to $60 per person
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3
Flying Fish Public Market & GrillSalads American SeafoodFlying Fish Public Market and Grill sits along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing. The space combines a full-service dining room with an active seafood market.- Item Prices 36
- Average Item Price $15.75
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:Seafood, Southern
Signature Dishes:Fish Market Sandwich
Fried Shrimp Po-boy
Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
Location:4744 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, United States
Special Feature:Guests select fresh fish directly from the market display case for the chefs to prepare.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen delivers a genuine Seattle-style public market experience in South Carolina.
What Sets It Apart:The interactive element of choosing raw seafood from an ice display before cooking creates a highly engaging meal.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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4
Boardwalk Billy'sBoardwalk Billy’s provides a lively, family-friendly environment overlooking the Doc Holiday Marina. The restaurant features a large outdoor deck and a casual, upbeat atmosphere.- Item Prices 93
- Average Item Price $11.25
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:Crab Legs
Hawaiian Shrimp
Peel and Eat Shrimp
Location:1407 13th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, United States
Special Feature:The outdoor dining deck offers direct views of boats passing through the marina.
What Makes It Special:The menu combines fresh coastal seafood with house-smoked barbecue and handmade sushi.
What Sets It Apart:A waterfront marina location paired with a menu spanning barbecue, sushi, and crab legs appeals to all tastes.
Operating Hours:Sunday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PMMonday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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5
Mr. Fish Seafood RestaurantMr. Fish Seafood Restaurant provides a relaxed coastal atmosphere with nautical decor and a dedicated sushi bar. The dining room serves fresh catches sourced directly from local fishermen.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, Southern
Signature Dishes:Shrimp Fried Oysters
Snow Crab Clusters
Build Your Own Platter
Location:6307 N Kings Hwy B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Special Feature:An attached seafood market allows guests to purchase fresh fish to cook at home.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen prepares fresh, locally sourced seafood using simple, traditional Southern recipes.
What Sets It Apart:A combination of a full-service dining room, a sushi bar, and an adjacent seafood market creates a comprehensive seafood destination.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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6
Crabby Mike’s Calabash SeafoodCrabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood features a massive all-you-can-eat buffet in a fun, pirate-themed environment. The interior includes colorful underwater murals and nautical props.Type of Restaurant:Buffet, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, Calabash
Signature Dishes:Alaskan Snow Crab Legs
Fried Oysters
Prime Rib
Location:290 Hwy 17 N Surfside Beach, SC 29575, United States
Special Feature:The buffet includes a 120-item bar featuring fresh crab legs and a carving station.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen specializes in the lightly breaded, deep-fried Calabash style of cooking seafood.
What Sets It Apart:A lively, family-friendly pirate theme paired with an expansive seafood buffet creates a highly entertaining meal.
Operating Hours:Monday–Wednesday: 4:00 PM–7:30 PMThursday & Sunday: 4:00 PM–7:45 PMFriday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–8:30 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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7
Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood CafeBimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe brings a relaxed, island-inspired vibe to the Grand Strand. The space features a rustic bar, wooden tables, and tropical decor.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Oyster Bar
Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:Steam Pots
Crab Legs
Scallops
Location:930 Lake Arrowhead Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States
Special Feature:The kitchen serves massive steam pots filled with crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and mussels.
What Makes It Special:The menu focuses on fresh, no-frills shellfish and cold beer in a laid-back tavern setting.
What Sets It Apart:An authentic dive-bar atmosphere paired with high-quality, freshly shucked oysters makes the location a local favorite.
Operating Hours:Monday–Tuesday & Sunday: 4:00–10:00 PMWednesday–Thursday: 3:00–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 12:30–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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8
Hook & BarrelHook & Barrel offers an upscale, eco-friendly seafood experience. The interior utilizes sustainable materials, featuring reclaimed wood and a bright, airy design.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:She Crab Soup
Bourbon Bacon
Crab Cakes
Location:8014 N Kings Hwy B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States
Special Feature:The kitchen uses sustainable, environmentally friendly cooking equipment and sources seafood responsibly.
What Makes It Special:The menu elevates traditional coastal dishes with modern culinary techniques and premium ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:A strict dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices separates the restaurant from traditional seafood shacks.
Operating Hours:Sunday: ClosedMonday–Thursday: 4:00–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 4:00–9:30 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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9
The Claw HouseThe Claw House operates as a New England-style lobster house situated on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. The dining room features large windows and a massive aquarium.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Seafood
Type of Food:Seafood, New England
Signature Dishes:Lobster Roll
Claw House Burger
Surf & Turf Skewers
Location:4097 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States
Special Feature:A large outdoor beer garden extends directly over the water of the inlet.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen imports fresh North Atlantic lobster and regional oysters directly from New England.
What Sets It Apart:A focus on Northern-style seafood in the heart of a Southern coastal town creates a unique culinary contrast.
Operating Hours:Sunday, Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMMonday, Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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10
Original Benjamin’s Calabash SeafoodOriginal Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood operates as a massive, 170-item buffet overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The building functions as a maritime museum, filled with nautical antiques and model ships.Type of Restaurant:Buffet, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, Calabash
Signature Dishes:Original Benjamin 's Calabash
Crab Legs
Coconut Shrimp
Location:9593 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant houses a master shipbuilder who constructs intricate model ships on-site.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen serves authentic, lightly battered Calabash-style seafood in massive quantities.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a massive seafood buffet and a museum-quality collection of nautical artifacts provides a distinct dining destination.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Saturday: 3:30–9:00 PM
Price:$50 to $60 per person
What Makes Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach Famous?
Cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach have gained widespread popularity for Calabash-style frying techniques, massive all-you-can-eat buffets, and direct access to Atlantic Ocean catches. Coastal kitchens along the Grand Strand built reputations on serving massive platters of lightly breaded, deep-fried shrimp, flounder, and oysters. Chefs source local ingredients like blue crab and regional oysters to craft affordable, filling meals. The presence of waterfront decks and lively pirate-themed dining rooms provides an entertaining backdrop for families seeking budget-friendly coastal meals.
What Types of Cheap Seafood Restaurants are Commonly Found in Myrtle Beach?
The types of cheap seafood restaurants commonly found in Myrtle Beach include massive buffet halls, casual oyster bars, and waterfront fish markets. The list below details Myrtle Beach restaurants specializing in cheap seafood dishes.
- Calabash Seafood Buffets: Massive dining halls focus on all-you-can-eat stations featuring lightly battered, deep-fried fish and crab legs. Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood fit this category.
- Casual Oyster Bars: Laid-back taverns serve freshly shucked oysters, steam pots, and cold beer in a rustic setting. Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe provides this experience.
- Market-Style Grills: Interactive eateries allow guests to select raw fish from ice displays for chefs to cook to order. Flying Fish Public Market and Grill exemplifies this style.
- New England-Style Lobster Houses: Northern-inspired spots highlight cold-water catches like Maine lobster rolls and clam chowder. The Claw House offers this approach.
- Southern Fish Shacks: No-frills coastal kitchens prepare classic regional plates like shrimp and grits or fried flounder. Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant is a prime choice for comforting fare.
Does Myrtle Beach Have an Authentic Cheap Seafood Restaurant?
Yes, Myrtle Beach features authentic cheap seafood restaurants, including Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant, Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe, and Sea Captain’s House. Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant preserves a genuine local fish market experience, preparing daily catches using traditional Southern recipes. Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe provides a real coastal dive-bar atmosphere, serving massive steam pots filled with fresh shellfish. Sea Captain’s House offers a true historic beach cottage setting, plating classic regional recipes like She Crab soup right on the oceanfront.
Do Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, booking a table online is simple at cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Guests secure reservations via restaurant websites or through applications such as OpenTable and Resy. Upscale-leaning spots like Hook & Barrel and Sea Captain’s House use these booking services to manage heavy summer tourist traffic. Other waterfront locations, including The Claw House and Flying Fish Public Market and Grill, also provide convenient digital scheduling. Massive buffet halls like Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?
The signature dishes of the best cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include Calabash-style fried shrimp, massive steam pots, and rich She Crab soup. The following list describes notable food in Myrtle Beach.
- Calabash Fried Seafood: Lightly breaded and deep-fried shrimp, oysters, and flounder served in massive portions. Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood specializes in this regional preparation.
- She Crab Soup: A rich, heavy cream soup flavored with crab meat and a splash of sherry. Sea Captain’s House is famous for this coastal staple.
- Lowcountry Boil: A messy, hands-on meal featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled in heavy spices. Flying Fish Public Market and Grill features this as a core menu item.
- Steam Pots: Large buckets filled with steamed crab legs, oysters, and mussels. Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe is known for this interactive dish.
- Shrimp and Grits: Plump coastal shrimp served over creamy, stone-ground grits with savory gravy. Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant is well-regarded for this Southern classic.
Does Myrtle Beach Enjoy Cheap Seafood?
Yes, Myrtle Beach enjoys cheap seafood, which is clear from the thousands of vacationers filling the buffet halls and waterfront decks along the Grand Strand every summer. Residents and tourists actively seek out dining experiences that offer affordable, filling meals after a day at the beach. The high volume of daily traffic at all-you-can-eat venues like Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood confirms a strong appetite for budget-friendly coastal dining. The local economy relies heavily on accessible fish shacks and oyster bars to feed millions of vacationers annually.
What is the Average Meal Price at Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?
The average meal price at cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach is $25 per person. A single meal at a casual oyster bar or fish market like Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe or Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant costs between $15 and $30. A group meal for two to four people at a waterfront grill runs from $60 to $120 total. A massive all-you-can-eat feast at a buffet hall like Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood or Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant requires $40 to $60 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, vegan options at cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include vegan dishes at Hook & Barrel, Boardwalk Billy’s, and Sea Captain’s House. Hook & Barrel provides a menu with several vegetable-forward dishes and fresh coastal salads. Boardwalk Billy’s features a dedicated section of the menu for roasted vegetables and plant-based sides. Sea Captain’s House modifies fresh vegetable plates and grain bowls to be vegan upon request. Buffet locations offer extensive salad bars and fresh fruit stations suitable for plant-based diners.
Do Cheap Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, gluten-free options at cheap seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach include meals without gluten at Hook & Barrel, Sea Captain’s House, and The Claw House. Hook & Barrel clearly labels gluten-free items, including fresh oysters and grilled fish entrees. Sea Captain’s House modifies traditional Southern seafood plates to accommodate gluten-free diets. The Claw House prepares fresh raw bar selections and steamed crab legs without gluten-containing ingredients. A majority of the buffet locations provide fresh, unbreaded seafood and steamed vegetables to suit gluten-free diners.
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