Captain Jack's Seafood Buffet in Myrtle Beach: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Visit

What Captain Jack's Offers

Captain Jack's Seafood Buffet in Myrtle Beach is an all-you-can-eat restaurant where you pay one price and serve yourself from a spread of hot and cold seafood dishes, sides, and desserts. The buffet includes fried shrimp, fried fish, crab legs, mussels, and seasonal offerings that change based on availability and market prices. You'll also find non-seafood options like chicken, pasta, and vegetables, plus a salad bar and dessert station.

The restaurant operates as a casual, counter-service model: you walk up to the buffet line, fill your plate, and return as many times as you want during your visit. The dining room overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, which is part of what draws both locals and tourists to the location on North Kings Highway.

Key Takeaways

• Captain Jack's charges one flat price per person for unlimited servings from the seafood and sides buffet, with pricing that varies by season and day of the week.
• The restaurant is located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach, making it a waterfront dining spot rather than oceanfront.
• Peak dining times are lunch (11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), and waits can run 20 to 45 minutes during summer weekends.
• The buffet includes fried and steamed seafood, crab legs when in season, plus chicken, pasta, and desserts for those who want non-seafood options.
• Reservations are not taken, so arriving during off-peak hours or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.

Pricing and What It Covers

The per-person cost varies by time of day and season. Lunch is typically less expensive than dinner, and weekend rates are higher than weekday rates. The buffet price includes all the seafood, sides, and desserts you can eat during one visit—there is no separate charge for crab legs or premium items, though availability of certain items like crab legs depends on the season and market conditions.

Children under a certain age (usually around 5 or 6) may eat free or at a reduced rate; confirm the current policy when you arrive or call ahead. Beverages are not included in the buffet price and are ordered separately. The restaurant accepts cash and major credit cards.

When to Go and How Long to Wait

Lunch service runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (hours may vary seasonally). The busiest times are summer weekends, holiday weeks, and Friday and Saturday evenings. During peak season (May through August), expect waits of 30 to 45 minutes on weekend evenings. Weekday lunches and early dinners (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) typically have shorter waits of 10 to 20 minutes.

If you're visiting during the off-season (September through April), waits are generally much shorter, though the restaurant may have reduced hours or close for brief periods. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan. The restaurant does not take reservations, so arriving early or during slower hours is your best strategy.

What to Know Before You Go

The buffet operates on a self-serve model, so you'll be standing and walking to the buffet line multiple times. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a casual dining experience rather than table service. The restaurant can be loud and busy, especially during peak times, so it's not ideal for a quiet meal.

Seafood freshness and variety depend on the day and season. Crab legs, for example, are seasonal and may not always be available. If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, ask staff about ingredients before filling your plate. The restaurant does accommodate some non-seafood preferences with chicken and pasta options, but it is primarily a seafood-focused buffet.

Location and Parking

Captain Jack's is located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, along the Intracoastal Waterway. The address is easy to find using GPS or a map app. Parking is available in the restaurant's lot, which fills up during peak times but usually has space available. The lot is free and dedicated to the restaurant.

The waterway location means you're not on the ocean, but you do get water views from the dining room. The area is accessible by car and is close to other Myrtle Beach attractions along Kings Highway, making it easy to combine with other activities in the area.

Dietary Considerations and Allergies

If you have a shellfish allergy, this restaurant is not a safe choice—cross-contamination is a real risk in a buffet environment where seafood is prepared and served. Even if you only eat the non-seafood items, the kitchen handles shellfish throughout the day. Speak to a manager before eating if you have any concerns.

The buffet includes vegetarian options like salad, pasta, and vegetables, but the focus is on seafood and meat. If you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, you may find limited choices. Gluten-free diners should ask staff which items are prepared without gluten or breading, as most fried seafood is breaded.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

Arrive hungry but not starving—eat a light snack beforehand if you're coming during a peak wait time, so you're not standing in line on an empty stomach. Start with the items you came for (crab legs, shrimp, fish) before filling up on sides and bread. Return to the buffet line multiple times rather than overloading one plate; this lets you pace yourself and try more variety.

If you're visiting with a group, consider arriving during off-peak hours to reduce wait time and have a more relaxed experience. Bring cash if you prefer it, though cards are accepted. Ask staff which items are freshest that day—they can point you toward what just came out of the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No, Captain Jack's operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. Arriving during off-peak hours (weekday lunches, early dinners, or the off-season) will minimize your wait time.

Are crab legs always available?

Crab legs are seasonal and their availability depends on market prices and supply. They are typically available during peak season but may not be offered year-round. Call ahead or ask when you arrive to confirm whether they're being served that day.

Can I bring children, and do they pay full price?

Yes, children are welcome. Children under a certain age (typically 5 or 6) may eat free or at a reduced rate. Confirm the current policy when you arrive, as it may change seasonally.

What if I have a shellfish allergy?

A buffet environment with seafood preparation throughout the day poses a cross-contamination risk. This restaurant is not recommended for people with shellfish allergies. If you have other food allergies, speak to a manager before eating to understand which items are safe.

How long does a typical visit take?

Plan for 45 minutes to 2 hours total, depending on wait time and how long you spend eating. During peak season on a weekend evening, you might wait 30 to 45 minutes before being seated, then spend another 45 minutes to an hour eating. Weekday visits are typically faster overall.