Established in 1986, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is a family-owned and operated restaurant in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, known for its world-famous buffet and fresh local seafood. This landmark on the Grand Strand offers a true nautical dining experience, with over 170 items on the buffet, including lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, snow crab legs, and an abundance of other delectable dishes.
The Calabash Seafood Experience
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is renowned for its Calabash-style seafood, a unique cooking method that originated in the small fishing village of Calabash, North Carolina. This style of cooking involves lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
The restaurant’s buffet features a wide variety of seafood options, including:
- Shrimp (fried, steamed, and scampi)
- Crab legs
- Oysters
- Clams
- Scallops
- Fish (such as flounder, tilapia, and salmon)
In addition to the seafood, the buffet also offers a selection of non-seafood items, such as:
- Fried chicken
- Meatballs
- Macaroni and cheese
- Vegetables
- Salads
- Desserts
The buffet is constantly replenished, ensuring that diners always have access to fresh, hot food.
Exceptional Service and Ambiance
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is known for its outstanding service, with waitstaff like Felisha who are described as friendly, accommodating, and attentive. The restaurant’s ambiance is also a key part of the dining experience, with food stations, mounted sharks, and a master model ship collection that create a nautical atmosphere.
The restaurant’s eleven dining rooms provide ample seating for large groups and families, making it a popular choice for post-amusement park dinners or special occasions. The spacious layout and comfortable seating ensure that diners can enjoy their meal in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Location and Hours
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is located at 9593 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. The restaurant is open daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer season.
Pricing and Discounts
The cost of the buffet at The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood varies, but on average, it is around $30 per person. However, the restaurant offers discounts for children and seniors, making it a family-friendly dining option.
Why Visit The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood?
There are several reasons why The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is a must-visit restaurant in North Myrtle Beach:
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Fresh, Local Seafood: The restaurant sources its seafood locally, ensuring that diners enjoy the freshest and most flavorful seafood available.
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Unique Calabash-Style Cooking: The Calabash-style of cooking, which involves lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, is a unique and delicious way to enjoy seafood.
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Extensive Buffet: With over 170 items on the buffet, there is something for everyone, whether you’re craving seafood, non-seafood items, or a variety of sides and desserts.
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Exceptional Service: The restaurant’s friendly and accommodating staff ensure that diners have a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.
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Nautical Ambiance: The restaurant’s decor and design create a true nautical atmosphere, transporting diners to a coastal setting.
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Family-Friendly: With discounts for children and seniors, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is a great option for families.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious seafood dining experience in North Myrtle Beach, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is a must-visit destination. With its fresh local seafood, Calabash-style cooking, extensive buffet, and exceptional service, this family-owned and operated restaurant is a landmark on the Grand Strand that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.