The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood in South Carolina has been serving up a seafood buffet since 1986, with a dining room that features life-size sharks hanging from the ceiling, including hammerheads, great whites, and makos.
These sharks float above the buffet, which offers over 170 items, including all-you-can-eat Alaskan snow crab legs, a favorite among diners. The restaurant’s decor is just as notable, with an 18-foot replica of Queen Elizabeth II and 11 themed dining rooms.
Calabash-Style Seafood
Calabash-style seafood, which originated in Calabash, North Carolina, is defined by its light batter and quick fry method, resulting in a crispy, golden finish that doesn’t overpower the seafood. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is credited with bringing this style to the Myrtle Beach area.
The buffet features a variety of Calabash-style fried seafood, including shrimp, oysters, flounder, and scallops, as well as hushpuppies and cheese biscuits. For a comparison, diners can try a fried scallop next to a broiled one to taste the difference.
Flounder fans have options too, with both fried and stuffed flounder available. The restaurant’s name highlights its focus on Calabash-style cooking, and after a few bites, it becomes clear why this style has become a staple in the area.
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A Buffet with Endless Options
With over 170 buffet items, diners need a strategy to make the most of their meal. Oyster lovers can choose from fried, steamed, or oysters Rockefeller, while salmon comes blackened and parmesan tilapia offers a milder option.
The buffet also features a clam bake, craw daddy’s, and crab cakes, as well as shrimp and grits for a Southern classic. Specialty stations, including carving stations and a made-to-order pasta station, add even more variety to the mix.
A smart approach for first-timers is to walk the entire buffet before picking up a single item, scouting out must-haves and avoiding filling up on bread too quickly. Small portions are key, allowing diners to sample a range of dishes without getting too full.
A fresh salad bar provides a lighter option between seafood rounds, and with so many choices, it’s unlikely anyone will try everything in one visit – a good excuse to come back and try more.
For those who aren’t seafood fans, the buffet also offers Southern favorites like ribs, barbecue, pork loin, and pepper steak, as well as fried chicken, baked chicken, and chicken tenders.
The variety of options makes it easy to plan group outings, and with something for everyone, even the most discerning eaters are likely to find something they enjoy. The endless snow crab legs are a major draw, but smart diners know to pace themselves and try a range of dishes.
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The buffet offers fried, broiled, steamed, jumbo, peel-and-eat, coconut, scampi, and Cajun shrimp. By pairing a few shrimp styles with crab legs, diners can create their own seafood sampler platter.
Fresh breads and desserts come out of an in-house bakery daily. Saving room for dessert is a must, with small portions allowing diners to sample a few treats.
Life-size sharks hang over the dining room, part of a Dry Sea Aquarium featuring hammerheads, great whites, and makos. These models create an unusual dining experience, and kids especially love pointing out each species, turning dinner into a fun, educational moment.
The Alaskan snow crab legs are a major part of the buffet’s appeal, and with a dedicated crab station keeping them coming, it’s no wonder that diners keep coming back for more. By treating the crab legs as just one part of a larger meal, diners can enjoy a range of flavors and textures without getting too full.
A Lasting Impression
The combination of delicious Calabash-style seafood, Southern favorites, and the fun atmosphere created by the sharks makes The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood a memorable destination for anyone looking for a special dining experience. Whether it’s the endless snow crab legs, the variety of shrimp preparations, or the fresh breads and desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
