SC Buffets Dishing Out Big Portions And Even Bigger Flavor
When hunger strikes and you’re craving authentic Southern comfort food, nothing beats a good buffet where the plates are piled high and the flavors are unforgettable.
South Carolina has become famous for its incredible buffet restaurants that serve everything from smoky barbecue to crispy fried seafood.
I’ve explored some of the best spots across the state where generous portions meet mouthwatering taste, and I’m excited to share these hidden gems and beloved favorites with you.
1. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que
Family traditions run deep at this beloved spot that’s been serving hungry customers since the late 1960s. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a relative’s home where everyone’s welcome at the table. The buffet line stretches with pulled pork that practically melts on your tongue, ribs with meat falling off the bone, and fried chicken with a perfectly crispy coating.
Hash, a South Carolina specialty, gets prepared using recipes passed down through generations. Every side dish tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. The sweet tea hits different here it’s perfectly sweetened without being syrupy.
Don’t leave without trying their banana pudding, which locals consider the best in the region. This place proves that some recipes shouldn’t change, and authenticity always wins over fancy trends.
2. Little Pigs Barbecue
Did you know some recipes stay unchanged for over forty years because they’re already perfect? That’s exactly what happened with the homemade sauce at this Columbia treasure. Smoky pulled pork dominates the buffet, cooked low and slow until it reaches that ideal texture where it’s tender but still has character.
Tangy coleslaw provides the perfect contrast to rich meats, while crispy hush puppies come out golden brown and fluffy inside. The old-fashioned approach means no shortcuts and no compromises on quality.
Everything tastes authentic because it is authentic no modern twists or trendy additions. When you find a winning formula, you stick with it. Generations of families have made this their go-to spot for celebrations and regular weeknight dinners alike.
3. Dukes Bar-B-Que
Yellow mustard-based barbecue sauce sets this place apart from typical barbecue joints you’ll find elsewhere. With multiple locations scattered across South Carolina, finding one nearby is easy no matter where you’re traveling. The signature sauce has a tangy kick that barbecue enthusiasts either already love or quickly learn to appreciate.
Fried chicken competes with the barbecue for attention, and honestly, both deserve top billing. Classic Southern sides like lima beans and butter beans remind you why simple ingredients prepared well beat fancy cooking any day.
Each location maintains the same high standards, so you know what to expect every single visit. It’s comfort food that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that taste like home, even when you’re miles away from your own kitchen.
4. Shuler’s Bar-B-Que
Since 1996, this Latta establishment has built a reputation that extends far beyond its small-town location. Pulled pork, chicken, and ribs share space on the buffet, each prepared with care and attention to detail. Traditional sides complement the meats without overpowering them, letting each dish shine individually.
The banana pudding here has achieved legendary status among dessert lovers throughout the region. Creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you consider skipping the main course altogether.
How does a restaurant in a small town become so famous? Quality speaks louder than advertising ever could. Word travels fast when food tastes this good, and families drive from neighboring towns just to fill their plates. It’s proof that great cooking doesn’t require a big city address.
5. Magnolia’s at 26th
Breakfast and lunch both get star treatment at this Myrtle Beach favorite where Southern classics take center stage. Fried catfish arrives at your plate crispy on the outside and flaky inside, while country-fried steak comes smothered in rich gravy. Vegetables cooked with butter and love taste like someone’s grandmother spent all morning preparing them.
When breakfast time rolls around, fluffy biscuits pair perfectly with sausage gravy that’s neither too thick nor too thin. Creamy grits provide that essential Southern breakfast foundation.
It’s the kind of place where tourists discover real Southern cooking and locals bring out-of-town guests to show off regional cuisine. Every dish demonstrates why Southern food has earned its reputation for comfort and satisfaction. You won’t leave hungry, and you’ll probably start planning your next visit before finishing your current meal.
6. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood
Pioneering a style of seafood preparation that became a regional trademark takes serious skill and dedication. Benjamin’s introduced Calabash-style seafood to the buffet scene, and they’ve perfected it over decades. Lightly battered shrimp, flounder, and oysters come out golden and crispy without being greasy or heavy.
The nautical-themed setting makes you feel like you’re dining at a seaside shack even though you’re getting buffet-style service. Hush puppies and coleslaw provide classic accompaniments that seafood lovers expect.
Are you wondering what makes Calabash-style different? The light batter lets the seafood flavor shine through instead of hiding it. Fresh catches prepared simply often taste better than complicated recipes. This approach has kept customers coming back year after year, making Benjamin’s a Myrtle Beach institution that visitors and residents alike consider essential.
7. Olde House Café
Friday nights transform this café into a fish fry destination where crispy catfish and tilapia reign supreme. The golden coating crunches perfectly with each bite, while the fish inside stays moist and flavorful. Sunday buffets shift gears completely, offering fried chicken that rivals any grandmother’s recipe and pot roast that falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Southern sides like squash casserole and creamed corn round out the meal with vegetables prepared the traditional way. Each dish tastes homemade because it is.
Though the menu changes depending on the day, quality remains constant throughout the week. This café proves that specializing in certain meals on specific days creates anticipation and allows for maximum freshness. Regulars know exactly when to show up for their favorite dishes, and newcomers quickly learn the schedule.
8. Woodstone BBQ & Seafood
Where else can you find smoked chicken and calabash-style fish sharing the same buffet line? This Florence restaurant brilliantly combines two South Carolina food traditions into one satisfying experience. Smoked chicken carries that unmistakable flavor that only comes from hours in a proper smoker, while the seafood maintains that light, crispy Calabash preparation.
Collard greens, coleslaw, and Brunswick stew provide the supporting cast that makes the main dishes even better. The rustic atmosphere matches the food nothing fancy, just honest cooking in comfortable surroundings.
It’s rare to find a restaurant that does both barbecue and seafood well, but Woodstone manages the challenge beautifully. You don’t have to choose between cravings here. Families with different preferences can all find something they love, making dinner decisions much easier for everyone involved.
9. Big Mike’s Soul Food
Soul food cooked right warms more than just your stomach it feeds your spirit too. This buffet specializes in dishes that have sustained communities for generations, prepared with recipes that honor their origins. Fried chicken gets seasoned perfectly before hitting the fryer, resulting in pieces with incredible flavor all the way through.
Mac and cheese comes out creamy and rich, exactly how it should taste. Collard greens simmer until tender, and cornbread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up pot liquor.
Sweet potato pie offers a fitting finale to your meal, sweet but not cloying. When food carries this much cultural significance, preparation becomes an act of love and respect. Every dish tells a story, and every bite connects you to traditions that deserve celebration and preservation. That’s what makes soul food buffets so special and meaningful.
10. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
If you’re serious about seafood, this buffet delivers an impressive selection that covers everything from the ocean. Crab legs pile high on the buffet, ready for cracking and dipping in melted butter. Shrimp appears in multiple preparations fried, boiled, and grilled so you can sample different styles in one visit.
Oysters, fish, and other seafood options ensure that even the pickiest eater finds multiple favorites. The upscale casual atmosphere makes it suitable for special occasions without feeling stuffy or overly formal.
Maritime decorations create an environment that celebrates coastal cuisine and fishing traditions. Are you getting your money’s worth? Absolutely, especially if you love seafood and want variety. This restaurant proves that buffets can offer both quantity and quality without compromising either. It’s become a destination for seafood lovers traveling through South Carolina who want one memorable meal that showcases everything the coast offers.
