North Carolina Seafood Buffets That Keep Locals Coming Back For More
North Carolina’s coastline stretches for miles, bringing fresh catches straight from the Atlantic to your plate. When you’re craving all-you-can-eat shrimp, crab legs, and oysters, these buffets deliver incredible value and flavor that tourists often miss.
I’ve gathered the top spots where locals return again and again, proving these aren’t just tourist traps but genuine treasures worth your time and appetite.
1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
Are you ready for over 70 items on one buffet line? Captain George’s has been serving hungry crowds in Myrtle Beach’s border area since the 1980s, and locals from southern North Carolina make the drive regularly.
You’ll find mountains of snow crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and scallops prepared multiple ways. The fried selections stay crispy even during peak hours, which tells you the kitchen staff knows their craft. Fresh salads and non-seafood options keep everyone in your group happy.
I recommend arriving early on weekends because the line gets long fast. The atmosphere feels festive without being too loud, making it great for families celebrating special occasions.
2. Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood
Calabash-style cooking started right here in North Carolina, and Benjamin’s claims the original recipe. Locals swear by their light, crispy batter that doesn’t overpower the seafood’s natural sweetness.
This buffet focuses on what they do best rather than offering endless mediocre choices. You’ll get perfectly fried flounder, shrimp, oysters, and deviled crab alongside classic Southern sides like hush puppies and coleslaw. Everything tastes like it came straight from a family fish fry.
The restaurant sits in Calabash itself, so you’re eating where this cooking style was born. Prices stay reasonable compared to fancier coastal spots, and portions are generous even before you hit the buffet line.
3. Pier House Restaurant
How often do you get to watch the waves while loading your plate with fresh catches? Pier House in Sunset Beach combines stunning water views with a seafood spread that changes based on what’s in season.
The steamed shrimp here tastes noticeably fresher than inland spots because boats dock nearby. Their crab cakes contain actual crab instead of mostly filler, which regulars appreciate. You’ll also find baked fish options if fried food isn’t your preference.
Local families come here after beach days because kids eat free on certain nights. The sunset timing makes dinner feel special without requiring fancy clothes or reservations.
4. Dockside Seafood House
It’s hard to beat eating where fishermen actually unload their catch. Dockside sits right on the water in Wrightsville Beach, giving you authentic coastal vibes with your meal.
Their buffet rotates daily specials but always includes peel-and-eat shrimp, fried fish, and at least two types of shellfish. The clam chowder gets made fresh each morning using a recipe that hasn’t changed in decades. I love that they offer grilled options alongside fried, so you can balance your plate.
Parking can get tight during summer weekends, so consider visiting on weekday evenings. The staff treats regulars like family, which creates a welcoming atmosphere even for first-timers.
5. Shuckers Raw Bar and Grill
Did you know Morehead City hosts one of the largest seafood festivals on the East Coast? Shuckers brings that festival energy year-round with their impressive raw bar selection.
You’ll find freshly shucked oysters, clams on the half shell, and peel-and-eat shrimp chilled to perfection. The hot buffet section includes steamed crab legs, fried selections, and their famous she-crab soup. Everything tastes like the ocean without that fishy smell bad seafood sometimes has.
Local fishermen actually eat here on their days off, which tells you everything about the quality. The prices feel fair for the amount of premium seafood you get access to.
6. Twin Lakes Seafood Restaurant
When locals want comfort food from the sea, they head to Twin Lakes. This family-owned spot has been serving the Sunset Beach area since 1983, and the recipes haven’t changed much.
Their buffet emphasizes home-style cooking over fancy presentations, which means everything tastes like someone’s grandma made it with love. The fried shrimp stays crispy, the hush puppies come out hot, and the seafood casserole disappears fast. You’ll also find plenty of vegetables and Southern sides.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and unpretentious, perfect for showing up in your beach clothes. Kids get their own buffet pricing, making this an affordable option for bigger families looking to fill up.
7. Calabash Seafood Hut
Though the name sounds simple, this hut serves some seriously good seafood. Located in Brunswick County’s seafood capital, they’ve perfected the light frying technique that made Calabash famous worldwide.
You’ll taste the difference in their flounder, which gets hand-cut and breaded to order throughout service. The popcorn shrimp practically melts in your mouth, and the oyster selection varies based on what local waters are producing. Their cocktail sauce has a perfect kick without overwhelming the seafood flavors.
Regulars know to save room for the banana pudding on the dessert bar. The restaurant gets packed during peak season, but the line moves quickly because the staff works like a well-oiled machine.
8. Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Restaurant
Are you looking for seafood with a side of local history? Fisherman’s Wharf in Atlantic Beach has served generations of families since opening decades ago.
Their buffet features traditional preparations that let the seafood shine without heavy sauces or complicated seasonings. You’ll find steamed shrimp by the pound, fried fish that stays moist inside, and sides like collard greens and mac and cheese. The crab dip appetizer on the buffet is worth trying even if you fill up on entrees.
Local retirees meet here for early bird dinners, which should tell you about the consistent quality and value. The portions are generous, and the staff genuinely seems to care whether you enjoy your meal.
9. The Oceanic Restaurant
How many restaurants let you walk over the ocean while heading to your table? The Oceanic sits at the end of a pier in Wrightsville Beach, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Their Sunday brunch buffet includes seafood alongside breakfast favorites, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll find shrimp and grits, smoked salmon, oysters, and traditional eggs and bacon. The lunch and dinner buffets focus more heavily on catches like mahi-mahi, grouper, and local shrimp prepared multiple ways.
The location means you’re paying slightly more than inland spots, but the views and atmosphere justify the price. Watching dolphins swim by while you eat makes this feel like a vacation even for locals.
10. Captain Jim’s Seafood Market and Restaurant
It’s not every day you can buy fresh seafood to take home and eat a buffet in the same building. Captain Jim’s in Sneads Ferry combines a working fish market with their restaurant, guaranteeing freshness.
Their buffet changes daily based on what the market receives that morning, which means you might find different fish species each visit. The fried shrimp basket on the buffet uses the same quality shrimp they sell at the market counter. You’ll also discover less common items like fried soft-shell crabs when they’re in season.
Local shrimpers actually sell their catch here, creating an authentic connection to the fishing community. The no-frills atmosphere keeps prices down while quality stays high.
11. Ella’s of Calabash
When you want seafood that tastes like a family reunion, Ella’s delivers. This Calabash institution has been feeding locals and smart tourists since 1950, making it one of the area’s oldest continuously operating restaurants.
Their buffet focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering overwhelming variety. You’ll get perfectly seasoned fried shrimp, flounder, scallops, and oysters alongside Southern vegetables cooked low and slow. The cornbread comes out warm, and the sweet tea tastes like summer in a glass.
Third-generation family members still work in the kitchen, maintaining recipes and standards from decades past. The prices remain surprisingly affordable considering the history and consistent quality you’re getting.
12. Holden Beach Seafood
Did you ever wonder why some beach restaurants survive decades while others close after one season? Holden Beach Seafood has thrived since the 1970s by treating customers like neighbors rather than tourists.
Their buffet emphasizes local catches prepared simply, allowing natural flavors to dominate. You’ll find grilled fish alongside fried options, steamed vegetables, and seafood salads. The she-crab soup recipe came from a local grandmother and hasn’t changed in forty years. Everything tastes fresh because they buy from nearby boats daily.
The restaurant sits just off the beach, making it convenient for sandy families wanting good food without fancy dress codes. Regulars appreciate the consistent portions and flavors that never disappoint.
13. Inlet View Bar and Grill
Are you tired of buffets that feel like cafeterias? Inlet View combines their seafood spread with a full bar and waterfront views that make dining feel like an event.
Their weekend buffets feature premium items like snow crab legs and peel-and-eat shrimp that rival pricier establishments. The kitchen staff keeps everything fresh by preparing smaller batches more frequently. You’ll also find creative preparations like blackened mahi-mahi and coconut shrimp alongside traditional fried options.
The outdoor deck seating lets you enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful weather while you eat. Live music on Friday nights creates a party atmosphere that locals love, making this more than just a meal.
14. Waterfront Junction
How often do you find a buffet that feels like eating at a friend’s dock house? Waterfront Junction creates that laid-back vibe while serving seriously good seafood.
Their buffet includes both hot and cold sections, giving you options whether you want steamed, fried, or raw preparations. The oyster roast on weekends brings locals out in force, and the all-you-can-eat crab legs on Friday nights sell out early. You’ll taste the care they put into seasoning and preparation with every bite.
The marsh views provide peaceful scenery while you dine, and the sunset timing makes evening meals particularly beautiful. Prices stay reasonable because they focus on being a neighborhood spot rather than a tourist destination.
15. Sea Captain’s House
Though technically just across the South Carolina border, this spot draws North Carolina locals from nearby Brunswick County weekly. The historic building sits right on the beach, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and relaxed.
Their Sunday brunch buffet has achieved legendary status among regulars, featuring seafood benedicts, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, and traditional breakfast items. The dinner buffets focus on coastal classics like steamed shrimp, fried fish, and seasonal catches prepared with care. Everything tastes restaurant-quality rather than mass-produced buffet food.
The oceanfront location and historic charm make this feel special enough for anniversaries while remaining welcoming for casual family dinners. Reservations help during peak season.
