Captain Benjamin's Calabash Seafood: Fresh Catch and Low Country Tradition
What Captain Benjamin's Offers
Captain Benjamin's Calabash Seafood is a casual waterfront restaurant in Calabash, North Carolina—just over the South Carolina border near the Brunswick County line—that has been serving fried and broiled seafood since 1974. The restaurant sits on the Calabash River and specializes in the regional tradition of all-you-can-eat seafood platters, where diners choose their protein and sides and return to the buffet as many times as they want. The menu centers on fried shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops, and crab cakes, alongside broiled options for those who prefer less fried food.
The restaurant's draw for South Carolina visitors is its proximity—about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach and Calabash's reputation as a seafood destination—and its straightforward approach to Low Country eating. You order at the counter, sit in a casual dining room with river views, and eat family-style. The atmosphere is unpretentious: wooden tables, nautical decor, and a focus on quantity and freshness rather than fine dining presentation.
Key Takeaways
- Captain Benjamin's operates on an all-you-can-eat model where you choose your protein and sides, then return to the buffet as many times as you want.
- The restaurant is located in Calabash, North Carolina, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and just across the state line from South Carolina.
- Fried seafood is the signature preparation, though broiled options are available for diners who want a lighter meal.
- The restaurant is casual and counter-service, designed for families and groups rather than upscale dining.
- Calabash itself is known as a seafood hub, with multiple restaurants in the same style, so you can compare options before choosing.
The All-You-Can-Eat Format and How It Works
When you arrive, you order at the counter and pay a flat price per person. That price covers unlimited trips to the buffet, where you select your main protein—shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops, or crab cakes—and your sides, which typically include hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, and cornbread. The kitchen prepares your order fresh, and you eat at your table. When you finish, you return to the counter and order again.
This format works well for groups with different appetites and preferences. One person can eat five plates of fried shrimp while another has two plates of broiled flounder, and everyone pays the same price. It also means the restaurant does not rush you; you control the pace. On busy weekend evenings, however, the kitchen can fall behind, so expect a wait between orders during peak times.
What to Order and What to Expect
The fried shrimp is the most popular item and the one most visitors order first. The shrimp are breaded and fried until golden, served in generous portions. The flounder is mild and flaky, also fried, and works well for people who find shrimp too chewy. Oysters and scallops are available but less consistent—quality depends on the day's catch and the season. Crab cakes are smaller than at some restaurants but flavorful.
Hushpuppies are a must-try; they are sweet, fried cornmeal balls that are a Low Country staple. The coleslaw is vinegar-based and refreshing, a good counterpoint to fried food. French fries are standard. Cornbread is warm and buttered. None of these sides are fancy, but they are made fresh and in quantity. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, so bring your own or order tea and lemonade.
Pricing and What It Includes
Prices vary by season and day of the week. Lunch is typically less expensive than dinner, and weekday prices are lower than weekend prices. As of recent years, dinner prices per person range from the mid-20s to the low 30s, though you should call ahead or check the website to confirm current rates. Children often have a reduced price. The all-you-can-eat format means you are paying for volume and freshness, not for a single plated meal.
The price includes your protein, sides, and as many return trips as you want. Beverages, dessert, and tax are separate. The restaurant does not charge extra for choosing broiled over fried, so if you want to eat lighter, you are not penalized.
Location, Hours, and How to Get There
Captain Benjamin's is located at 1105 Calabash Road in Calabash, North Carolina 28467, on the Calabash River. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North for about 25 miles; the restaurant is on the right as you enter Calabash. From South Carolina's Grand Strand, it is roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive depending on traffic. Parking is ample and free.
Hours vary seasonally. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week during the summer and fall, with reduced hours in winter. Call ahead before visiting in the off-season, as hours can shift. The restaurant is busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, so expect a wait during those times. Weekday lunches are usually quieter.
Calabash as a Seafood Destination
Calabash has earned the nickname "Seafood Capital of the World," though that claim is debated. What is true is that the town has a cluster of seafood restaurants, many operating in the same all-you-can-eat format as Captain Benjamin's. Other well-known names include Beck's Restaurant, Ella's of Calabash, and Calabash Seafood Hut. Each has its own loyal following, and the quality and style vary slightly.
If you are making the drive from South Carolina, you might spend an afternoon exploring the town, trying different restaurants, or visiting the Calabash Seafood Festival if you are there in the fall. The town itself is small and quiet, with a working fishing harbor and a few shops. It is worth the trip if you are already in the Myrtle Beach area and want a change of scenery and a meal focused on fresh, simply prepared seafood.
What to Know Before You Go
Captain Benjamin's is casual and family-friendly, not a date-night destination. The dining room can be loud, especially on weekends, and the pace is fast. If you prefer a quieter meal or table service with a server, this is not the right fit. The restaurant is also not ideal for people with limited appetites or those who prefer to order a single, carefully prepared dish.
The food is fried and rich, so come hungry and be prepared for a heavy meal. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you order when you arrive. On busy nights, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table, and another 10 to 15 minutes between each order. Bring cash or a card; the restaurant accepts both. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask the staff about ingredients before ordering, as the kitchen is not set up for special requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Captain Benjamin's worth the drive from Myrtle Beach?
Yes, if you want all-you-can-eat seafood and do not mind a 30-minute drive. The restaurant is popular with visitors and locals alike, and the format and freshness justify the trip. If you are already in the area, it is a good lunch or dinner stop. If you are staying in central Myrtle Beach, the drive is long enough that you should plan it as a dedicated outing, not a quick meal.
Can I make a reservation?
No, Captain Benjamin's does not take reservations. You arrive, order at the counter, and wait for a table if needed. On weekday afternoons, waits are usually short. On Friday and Saturday evenings, waits can exceed 30 minutes. Arriving before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. can help you avoid the peak rush.
What if I do not eat much?
The all-you-can-eat format means you pay the same price whether you eat one plate or ten. If you have a small appetite, you may feel like you are not getting your money's worth. The restaurant does not offer a smaller, cheaper option, so consider sharing a meal with someone else or eating a light lunch beforehand if cost is a concern.
Does Captain Benjamin's serve alcohol?
No, the restaurant does not have a liquor license. You can bring your own beer or wine, or order tea, lemonade, or soft drinks. Some nearby restaurants in Calabash do serve alcohol if that is important to your meal.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekday lunches are quieter and faster. Summer and fall are peak seasons with the most consistent hours and freshest seafood. Winter hours are reduced, and some items may not be available. If you want to avoid crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.