Crab Daddy's Calabash Seafood Buffet: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Visit

A casual all-you-can-eat seafood spot in Calabash with fried and steamed options

Crab Daddy's is a buffet-style seafood restaurant in Calabash, the small fishing village on the North Carolina border that's known for its casual seafood houses. You pay one price, fill your plate as many times as you want, and choose from fried seafood, steamed options, and sides. The restaurant draws both locals and visitors passing through on the way to the beach, and the pace is relaxed—expect to spend an hour or more if you're eating with others.

The buffet includes fried shrimp, fried fish, fried oysters, and usually steamed shrimp and crab. Sides rotate but typically include hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, and cornbread. Drinks and dessert are usually separate charges. The dining room is casual and can get crowded during peak meal times, especially on weekends and summer evenings.

Key Takeaways

• Crab Daddy's operates as an all-you-can-eat buffet where you pay one flat rate and return to the line as often as you want during your meal.
• The menu focuses on fried seafood but includes steamed options, so you can choose your preparation style at each trip to the buffet.
• Calabash is about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and close to the North Carolina state line, making it a natural stop for beach travelers.
• Meal times are busiest from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for dinner, so arriving earlier or later means shorter waits.
• The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards; calling ahead during holidays or special events can help you understand wait times.

What's on the buffet line

The fried seafood is the main draw. You'll find fried shrimp, fried flounder or other white fish, and fried oysters when they're in season. Each trip to the line lets you choose what you want and how much—there's no limit on how many plates you build. The fried items come golden and crispy, and the kitchen keeps the line stocked throughout service.

Steamed shrimp and steamed crab are usually available as well, which gives you a lighter option or a way to vary your meal if you're staying for a while. The sides—hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, and cornbread—round out each plate. Iced tea and water are typically included with your meal, but soft drinks, beer, and dessert cost extra. The buffet changes slightly by season; winter months may have fewer oyster options, while summer brings more variety.

Location and how to get there

Crab Daddy's sits in Calabash, a working fishing village about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just before you cross into North Carolina. If you're coming from Myrtle Beach, take Highway 17 South toward North Carolina; Calabash is the last major stop before the state line. The restaurant is easy to spot from the road, and parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building.

The drive from central Myrtle Beach takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. If you're staying in the Calabash area or passing through on your way to Wilmington or the Outer Banks, the location makes it a convenient meal stop. The village itself has a working waterfront and a few other seafood restaurants, so you can explore before or after eating if you have time.

Pricing and what to bring

Crab Daddy's charges a flat buffet rate per person, which varies by meal period—lunch is typically less expensive than dinner. Children's pricing is usually available at a reduced rate. The price covers unlimited trips to the buffet line but does not include drinks beyond iced tea and water, or dessert. Soft drinks, beer, and wine are available at additional cost.

The restaurant accepts both cash and credit cards, though calling ahead to confirm current payment methods is a good idea. If you're planning a large group or celebrating a special occasion, calling ahead lets the kitchen know to prepare extra stock and can sometimes help with seating arrangements. Tipping is customary and expected, as with most casual dining.

When to go and what to expect

Lunch service runs from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or later, depending on the season. The busiest times are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for dinner. If you want to avoid a wait, arriving right when the restaurant opens or after 7:30 p.m. usually means shorter lines. Weekends are busier than weekdays year-round.

Summer and holiday weekends draw the most visitors, especially families heading to or returning from the beach. Winter is quieter but still steady with local traffic. The dining room has a casual, no-frills atmosphere—expect plastic chairs, paper napkins, and a focus on the food rather than ambiance. Service is friendly but brisk during busy periods, so don't expect a leisurely experience if you arrive during peak times.

What to know before you go

Crab Daddy's is a working seafood buffet, not a fine-dining restaurant. The food is fresh and straightforward, but the experience is casual and sometimes crowded. If you have seafood allergies or dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what options are available or what precautions the kitchen takes. The restaurant is not known for accommodating special requests, so managing expectations helps.

Parking is available on-site, and the restaurant is accessible by car. If you're visiting during a holiday or special event weekend, arriving early or calling ahead to check wait times is worth the effort. The restaurant may close or have limited hours during off-season months, so confirming hours before you drive out is a good idea, especially if you're making a special trip.

Nearby options and what else is in Calabash

Calabash has several other seafood restaurants within a short drive, so if Crab Daddy's has a long wait, you have alternatives. The village itself is small and walkable, with a working waterfront, a few shops, and a maritime museum if you want to explore before or after your meal. The Calabash Seafood Festival happens annually in October and draws crowds, so plan accordingly if you're visiting that weekend.

If you're staying in the area or making a day trip, the nearby beaches and state parks offer activities before or after eating. The drive back to Myrtle Beach is straightforward via Highway 17 North, making it easy to fit a Calabash meal into a larger beach day. Many visitors treat Calabash as a destination in itself rather than just a meal stop, especially if they're interested in fresh seafood and small-town coastal character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Crab Daddy's operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations for regular service. Large groups should call ahead to give the kitchen notice, which can help with seating and food preparation. During busy holiday weekends, arriving early or calling to check wait times is a smart move.

What if I don't eat much seafood?

The buffet is seafood-focused, so options for non-seafood eaters are limited. Hushpuppies, coleslaw, and cornbread are available, but the main dishes are all seafood. If you're dining with someone who doesn't eat seafood, calling ahead to ask about other options is worth doing.

Is the restaurant open year-round?

Crab Daddy's operates most of the year but may have reduced hours or close for a few days during the slowest winter months. Calling ahead or checking their hours online before making the drive ensures you don't arrive to find the restaurant closed.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted at the buffet. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the restaurant. The policy is standard for buffet-style restaurants and is enforced to maintain food safety and fair pricing.

How long does a typical meal take?

Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour at Crab Daddy's, depending on how many trips they make to the buffet and how busy the restaurant is. During peak times, service moves quickly. If you're eating with a group or want to linger, plan for closer to an hour and a half.