Ryan's Buffet in North Myrtle Beach — What to Expect and How to Visit

What Ryan's Offers at the North Myrtle Beach Location

Ryan's Family Steak Houses operates a buffet in North Myrtle Beach where you serve yourself from a hot line and salad bar. The restaurant focuses on beef — carved meats, steaks cooked to order, and ground beef dishes — alongside sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The salad bar includes lettuce, vegetables, and dressing options. Desserts rotate but typically include cake, pudding, and soft-serve ice cream.

The buffet model means you pay one price and eat as much as you want during your visit. Unlike some buffets that charge by the pound, Ryan's charges per person. The dining room seats families and groups at tables, and the atmosphere is casual — expect a mix of locals and travelers, especially during peak meal times.

Hours and pricing change seasonally in North Myrtle Beach, so calling ahead or checking the location's phone number before you go prevents a wasted trip. The restaurant is located on North Kings Highway, the main commercial strip that runs through town.

Key Takeaways

• Ryan's serves an all-you-can-eat buffet with a focus on beef, carved meats, and Southern sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
• You pay one flat price per person rather than by weight or portion, and the salad bar and dessert station are included.
• The North Myrtle Beach location sits on North Kings Highway and operates on seasonal hours that vary by time of year.
• Call the restaurant directly to confirm current hours and pricing before visiting, as both change with the season.

The Buffet Line and What's Usually Available

The hot line at Ryan's typically features a carved meat station where staff slice beef to order, a grill where steaks cook while you wait, and warming trays of prepared sides. You walk through with a plate and choose what you want — there is no limit on trips back to the line. The salad bar sits separately and includes raw vegetables, lettuce, croutons, and several dressing options.

Sides rotate but commonly include mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The exact offerings depend on the day and time, so if you have a specific dish in mind, ask your server when you arrive. Soft drinks, tea, and coffee come with your meal; alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Desserts change but usually include sheet cake, pudding cups, and a soft-serve ice cream machine. The dessert area is self-serve, so you can return as many times as you want during your meal.

Pricing and What to Bring

Ryan's accepts cash and major credit cards. The per-person price varies by meal — lunch is typically less expensive than dinner, and children under a certain age (usually around 12) may have a reduced rate. Pricing also shifts seasonally, particularly in North Myrtle Beach where summer rates often differ from winter rates.

Call the restaurant to learn the current price before you go. This prevents surprises at the register and lets you budget accordingly. The location does not require reservations for regular dining, though large groups sometimes benefit from calling ahead to let staff know they are coming.

Location and Getting There

Ryan's North Myrtle Beach sits on North Kings Highway, the main commercial corridor that runs through town. This is the same stretch where you will find other restaurants, shops, and attractions. If you are staying in a hotel or vacation rental, ask the front desk for directions — most staff can point you toward the restaurant or provide a map.

Parking is available in the restaurant's lot. The building is easy to spot from the highway, and signage marks the entrance clearly. If you are unfamiliar with North Myrtle Beach's layout, using a GPS or mapping app with the restaurant's address will get you there directly.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch typically runs from 11 a.m. to around 2 p.m., and dinner service begins in the afternoon and runs into the evening. Peak times are noon to 1 p.m. at lunch and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at dinner — expect a wait and a busier dining room during these windows. Visiting mid-afternoon or early evening often means shorter waits and a more relaxed pace.

The dining room is casual and family-oriented. Servers bring drinks and clear plates as you eat. The atmosphere is not quiet or upscale — it is a working restaurant with families, groups, and solo diners. Noise levels are typical for a busy buffet during peak times.

Dietary Considerations and Restrictions

Ryan's buffet includes a salad bar and vegetable sides, so vegetarians can build a meal from those options. However, the restaurant's focus is beef and meat dishes, so the variety for vegetarians is more limited than for meat eaters. If you have specific dietary needs, call ahead and describe what you can eat — staff can tell you whether the current offerings will work for you.

Allergy information is available from staff. If you have a severe allergy, speak to a manager when you arrive so they can point you toward safe options or explain preparation methods. The buffet format means cross-contamination is possible, so those with severe allergies should ask detailed questions before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Ryan's operates on a walk-in basis for regular parties. Large groups sometimes call ahead to give staff a heads-up, but it is not required. Expect a short wait during peak meal times, especially at lunch and dinner.

Can I take food to go?

Ryan's is a dine-in buffet, so the all-you-can-eat model does not extend to takeout. You pay to eat in the restaurant during that visit. Some locations offer a limited to-go menu, but call the North Myrtle Beach location to confirm what is available.

What if I do not eat much — is the price still the same?

Yes. You pay one flat price per person regardless of how much you eat. If you are not a big eater or want to try a few things, the buffet may not be the best value for you — but you are welcome to visit and eat what appeals to you.

Are there options for kids?

Yes. Children can eat from the same buffet line as adults. Many buffets offer a reduced price for children under a certain age — call to confirm the current age cutoff and pricing at this location.

What are the hours during winter versus summer?

Hours change seasonally in North Myrtle Beach. Summer typically brings longer hours and more daily service, while winter may have shorter hours or closed days. Call the restaurant directly to confirm the current schedule for the time you plan to visit.