South Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffets That Keep Drawing Crowds

Few dining experiences match the joy of an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can sample endless dishes without worrying about portion sizes.

South Carolina has become a haven for buffet lovers, offering everything from fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort food.

Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor exploring the Palmetto State, these buffets promise satisfying meals that’ll keep you coming back for more.

1. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood

Imagine walking into a place where over 170 different dishes await your hungry appetite.

You’ll find this seafood paradise at 9593 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.

Since opening its doors in 1986, this landmark location has perfected the art of Calabash-style cooking.

The buffet spreads out before you like an ocean of flavors, featuring everything from succulent crab legs to perfectly seasoned prime rib.

What sets this spot apart is the on-site maritime museum that adds educational value to your dining experience.

Families love bringing kids here because there’s truly something for every palate and age group.

The restaurant maintains its reputation by ensuring freshness and variety throughout service hours.

2. Carolina Buffet

Comfort food reaches new heights when prepared with authentic Southern recipes passed down through generations.

Located at 3122 Platt Springs Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170, this establishment celebrates regional cooking traditions.

Your plate will overflow with golden fried chicken that’s crispy outside and juicy inside.

The collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning, while the mac and cheese delivers that creamy, nostalgic taste you remember from childhood.

Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home.

The pricing falls in the affordable range, making it accessible for regular visits without breaking your budget.

You’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next trip back.

3. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

History and flavor combine beautifully at this institution that’s been serving hungry crowds since 1969.

You can visit them at 340 E Columbia Ave, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070, United States.

The pulled pork melts in your mouth with that smoky tenderness only achieved through patient, slow cooking methods.

Hash over rice might sound simple, but here it becomes something special that locals crave regularly.

Fried chicken arrives at the buffet line hot and perfectly seasoned, with a coating that stays crispy even after sitting for a while.

Generations of families have made this their go-to spot for Sunday dinners and special celebrations.

The buffet format lets you try multiple dishes without committing to just one.

4. Dukes Bar-B-Que

Family recipes create magic when they’re perfected over nearly seven decades of dedicated service.

This beloved spot operates at 1298 Whitman St SE, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

Since 1955, the same family has been welcoming guests with open arms and full plates.

Their pulled pork showcases that distinctive South Carolina mustard-based sauce that sets regional barbecue apart from other styles.

The fried chicken maintains a loyal following among regulars who swear nothing else compares.

Hash and rice appears on nearly every table because once you taste it, you understand why it’s a Lowcountry staple.

Affordable prices make it possible to bring the whole family without worrying about the bill.

5. Crabby Mike’s

Beach vacations feel incomplete without at least one visit to a quality seafood buffet.

You’ll discover this coastal gem at 290 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575.

Calabash-style preparation means your seafood arrives lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.

The dedicated dessert bar deserves its own visit, featuring cakes, pies, and sweet treats that satisfy every sugar craving.

Families returning year after year have made this a tradition during their beach trips.

The variety ensures that even picky eaters find something they love among the many options.

Fresh catches and quality ingredients keep the reputation strong and the dining room consistently full.

6. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Seafood lovers dream about buffets where premium items like snow crab legs flow endlessly.

You’ll find this spot at 1401 29th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

This oceanfront favorite creates memorable dining experiences with its impressive selection.

Your eyes widen when you first see the massive buffet stretching across the dining area.

Steamed shrimp piled high, oysters on the half shell, and perfectly grilled fish fillets compete for your attention.

The salad bar offers fresh vegetables and toppings that provide a lighter balance to the seafood feast.

Families appreciate the spacious seating that accommodates large groups without feeling cramped.

Many guests arrive early to avoid peak dinner rush and secure the best seats with ocean views.

7. Golden Corral

National chains sometimes get overlooked, but this one consistently delivers value and variety that locals genuinely appreciate.

One of their SC locations is 5300 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206.

The carving station features rotisserie chicken and pot roast that’s sliced fresh as you wait.

Kids go crazy for the endless pizza, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders that cater perfectly to younger palates.

Adults enjoy the broader selection including grilled vegetables, baked fish, and made-to-order steaks.

The famous chocolate fountain provides entertainment and dessert simultaneously.

Budget-conscious families find this option works well for feeding everyone without sacrificing quality or quantity.

8. New China Buffet

Sometimes your taste buds crave flavors from across the Pacific rather than traditional Southern fare.

One location you can visit is 4554 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206.

Various locations throughout South Carolina serve authentic Chinese dishes alongside Americanized favorites.

The sushi bar adds fresh rolls and sashimi options for those seeking lighter, healthier choices.

Hibachi stations let you customize your stir-fry with vegetables, proteins, and sauces according to your preferences.

General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, and fried rice remain crowd favorites that disappear quickly from warming trays.

Dim sum selections provide adventurous eaters opportunities to try dumplings and buns they might not order elsewhere.

The dessert section blends Asian sweets like mochi with American classics like soft-serve ice cream.

9. Riverbanks Zoo Cafe Buffet

Zoo visits work up serious appetites, and this on-site dining option solves that problem perfectly.

You can find it at 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210 inside Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.

Convenience meets quality when you don’t have to leave the park to enjoy a satisfying meal.

The buffet adjusts its offerings seasonally, featuring lighter salads during hot summer months.

Sandwiches, wraps, and hot entrees provide enough variety to please different dietary preferences and restrictions.

Kids appreciate the familiar options that don’t push them too far outside their comfort zones.

Parents value the time saved by eating on-site rather than packing up and searching for restaurants nearby.

Outdoor seating lets you enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful weather while refueling for more animal exhibits.

10. Lizard’s Thicket

Home cooking tastes even better when someone else does all the preparation and cleanup for you.

One location is 2000 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29204.

This regional chain operates several locations across the state, bringing consistent quality to different communities.

Breakfast buffets feature fluffy biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, and scrambled eggs that rival what grandma makes.

Lunch and dinner spreads include meatloaf, fried okra, and green beans seasoned with just enough bacon.

The sweet tea flows freely, maintaining that perfect balance between sweet and refreshing.

Regulars know which days feature their favorite specials and plan their visits accordingly.

Reasonable pricing and generous portions explain why parking lots stay busy during peak meal times.

11. Grand Strand Resorts Breakfast Buffets

Vacation mornings start right when your hotel offers complimentary breakfast buffets with quality selections.

Many beachfront properties along the Grand Strand have them, such as 201 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Beachfront properties along the Grand Strand compete to offer the most impressive morning spreads.

Waffle stations let you create custom breakfasts topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, and syrup.

Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and breakfast sausages provide protein to fuel beach days ahead.

Fresh fruit bowls, yogurt parfaits, and granola appeal to health-conscious guests watching their diets.

Coffee bars featuring multiple roasts and flavors help parents wake up before corralling kids for the day.

The convenience of eating without leaving your resort saves precious vacation time and money.