So you're craving unlimited crab legs in Myrtle Beach? I get it. That first crack of the shell, the sweet meat dipped in butter... there's nothing like it. After trying every all you eat crab legs spot along the Grand Strand over six years, I'll save you the trial and error. Some places nail it, others make you wonder if they've ever tasted crab before.
Let's be real - not all AYCE crab legs are created equal. I remember driving 45 minutes to a "famous" spot last summer only to find rubbery crab and watery butter. Total disappointment. But when you find a good one? Heaven. That's why I'm breaking down every detail: where to go, what you'll pay, even how to avoid getting shortchanged.
Top Spots for All You Can Eat Crab Legs in Myrtle Beach
These three consistently deliver quality without hidden surprises. I've ranked them based on crab quality, value, and overall experience.
Captain George's Seafood Restaurant
The buffet here stretches longer than a football field. Their snow crab legs come steaming hot with clarified butter that actually tastes like butter (shockingly rare). Went last Tuesday - they refilled the crab bins every 12 minutes like clockwork. Only downside? The $49.99 price tag stings, but includes shrimp, prime rib, and desserts.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4016 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet (15 min south of Myrtle Beach) |
| AYCE Price | $49.99 adults | $24.99 kids (4-10) |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 4:30-9pm | Fri-Sun 11:30am-9:30pm |
| Crab Type | Snow crab legs (consistently meaty segments) |
| Wait Time Tip | Arrive by 4pm or use their call-ahead seating (843) 651-7002 |
Crab Catchers Too
Smaller spot but hands-down best value. $36.99 gets you unlimited crab legs PLUS crab cakes and fried shrimp. Their "crab leg happy hour" (Tue-Thu 4-6pm) drops it to $32.99. Just don't expect fancy decor - it's picnic tables and paper towels. Bonus: they don't rush you like some places.
Pro tip: Ask for Old Bay seasoning. They keep it behind the counter but it's free.
Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood
The OG of Myrtle Beach buffets since 1983. Their all you can eat crab legs option ($44.99) comes with 70+ other items. Quality varies - go on weekend nights when turnover is high. Avoid Monday lunch when crab legs sit under heat lamps.
Personal Hack: Make a reservation online for 5:15pm - you'll avoid the 7pm rush but still get fresh crab batches from the dinner shift.
What You're Really Paying For (Price Breakdown)
All you eat crab legs prices swing wildly in Myrtle Beach. Here's what influences cost:
- Snow vs King Crab: Snow crab averages $42-49 while king crab jumps to $65-80 (rarely AYCE)
- Inclusions: Buffets like Captain George's justify higher prices with extras
- Day/Time: Crab Catchers' $32.99 happy hour saves you $4
- Tourist Tax: Oceanfront spots charge 15% more than inland locations
Saw a place charging $58 for AYCE snow crab last month near the boardwalk. Walked right out - that's highway robbery when others charge $20 less.
All You Can Eat Crab Legs FAQs You Actually Care About
How many crab legs can I realistically eat?
Most people finish 1.5-2 pounds. Competitive eaters? I watched a guy at Crab Catchers down 4 pounds last July. Server looked horrified.
Do drinks come with all you can eat crab legs deals?
Rarely. Sodas run $3-4, beer $5-7. Captain George's does include sweet tea. Always ask - sometimes they have free refill promotions.
Can I take leftovers home?
99% of places prohibit doggy bags for unlimited crab legs. They'll charge extra for uneaten crab too (usually $5/lb). Saw this enforced at Benjamin's when a table tried sneaking crab into napkins.
Are reservations needed for all you can eat crab legs?
Absolutely. Waits exceed 90 minutes at peak times. Call same-day:
- Captain George's: (843) 651-7002
- Crab Catchers: (843) 449-2722
- Benjamin's: (843) 448-9751
Red Flag Alert: If a hostess says "no reservations - just wait," expect chaos. These places often run out of crab legs by 8pm.
Insider Tips They Won't Tell You
After 20+ crab leg feasts, here's what actually matters:
Timing is Everything
Best crab legs come between 5:30-7:30pm. Early birds get lunch leftovers. Latecomers get scraps. Tuesday/Wednesday nights offer fresher crab with less crowd.
Cracking Techniques That Save Fingers
Watch how locals do it:
- Snap legs at joints before cracking
- Use butter knife tip to push meat through shell
- Put napkin over shell when cracking - no flying shards
Secret Seasoning Stations
Most places hide these near soda machines:
- Captain George's: Cajun seasoning behind dessert bar
- Crab Catchers: Old Bay under cash register (ask)
- Benjamin's: Garlic butter at carving station
Things That Annoy Crab Lovers (Including Me)
Let's vent about common frustrations:
- The "Endless Wait" Scam: Servers who disappear when you want refills
- Waterlogged Crab: Soaked legs = diluted flavor
- Butter Sins: Lukewarm, grainy, or - worst of all - margarine
- Cluster Shortage: Getting all claw sections no matter how many times you ask
Had a server at a Broadway spot argue with me about crab refills last summer. "You've had enough" she said. I counted - only 9 legs! That place closed 3 months later.
My Personal Crab Leg Ranking Criteria
Judging all you can eat crab legs isn't just about quantity. Here's my scorecard:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Perfect Score Example |
|---|---|---|
| Meat-to-Shell Ratio | Thick legs vs hollow disappointments | Captain George's (85% full segments) |
| Butter Temperature | Cold butter won't melt into cracks | Crab Catchers (kept over sterno) |
| Refill Speed | Under 10 minutes = acceptable | Benjamin's (7 min avg on weekends) |
| Crab Freshness | Sweet smell = recently steamed | All three when busy |
When to Avoid All You Can Eat Crab Legs
Straight talk: sometimes it's not worth it.
Off-Season Visits (Jan-Feb)
Fewer tourists mean older frozen stock. Crab legs develop freezer burn taste after 6 months. Ask "when was your last shipment?" If they hesitate, order something else.
If You Hate Crowds
Saturday nights turn into crab leg thunderdomes. People will reach over you for the last leg. Seen it happen. Go Wednesday instead.
Dietary Restrictions
Most crab is pre-soaked in salt water. Sodium levels exceed 800mg per serving. My blood pressure spiked after two rounds last spring - had to cut back.
Crab Leg Alternatives Worth Trying
Sometimes unlimited isn't the move. Consider:
- Hook & Barrel's Crab Pot ($39): Fixed 2lb pot with corn/potatoes
- Sea Captain's House Crab Feast ($55): King crab clusters with sides
- Market Commons Crab Market: Buy fresh legs ($14/lb) and steam at your rental
Tried the DIY approach last month using Old Bay and beer. Total cost? $28 for two pounds. Messy but rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Is All You Can Eat Crab Legs Worth It?
Honestly? Depends. If you can eat 2+ pounds and value variety like salad bars and desserts, absolutely. For light eaters? Stick to market-priced entrees.
My best Myrtle Beach crab legs memory? Sunset dinner at Crab Catchers after a beach day. Steam rising from the buckets, cold beer in hand, no rush to leave. That's the magic. Just pick the right spot using this guide.
Still have questions? Hit me up on Twitter @MyrtleCrabGuy. I'll tell you which spots to avoid this month.
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