If you crave a mountain of peel and eat shrimp with that unmistakable Lowcountry snap, there is a line in Murrells Inlet worth joining. Crab Daddy’s Seafood Buffet turns dinner into a coastal ritual, where platters steam, butter pools, and diners smile without looking at menus.
With thousands of rave reviews and a price that makes second helpings feel guilt free, it delivers the dependable feast locals recommend.
Come hungry and curious, because the buffet tells a story of South Carolina tides in every bite.
Signature Lowcountry Shrimp Spread
The shrimp station is where you start and where you circle back. Plump peel and eat beauties arrive chilled and briny, while hot buttered shrimp glisten beside cocktail sauce that tingles just right. You taste the inlet in every bite, clean and sweet.
Seasoning is simple and confident, letting the shrimp carry the show. Piles shrink fast, so staff refresh the trays with steady rhythm.
You will plan your plate like a strategy, balancing lemon wedges, hot hushpuppies, and that second pass you know is coming.
All You Can Eat Crab Legs
Snow crab clusters crack with a satisfying snap, sending sweet strands across melted butter like confetti.
Tongs clink, steam rises, and you learn the art of pace, because the legs keep coming until you wave the white napkin. It feels celebratory and hands on.
Staff offer shell crackers and extra napkins without asking. The butter is clarified and hot, with a hint of garlic that stays polite.
When a fresh pan lands, a small cheer murmurs along the line, proof that this station is the buffet’s beating heart.
Hushpuppies and Southern Sides
Golden hushpuppies arrive crisp outside and tender within, whispering onion and corn sweetness. They sit beside collard greens, mac and cheese, and slow simmered green beans that taste like Sunday supper. A drizzle of honey butter turns hushpuppies into dangerous little bites.
These sides round out seafood richness with comfort and balance. You will find vinegar on the condiment bar because these folks know collards.
Scoop with confidence, then use hushpuppies to chase every last drop of shrimp butter from your plate.
She Crab Soup Warm Up
One ladle of she crab soup and you understand the Lowcountry accent. It is velvety, crabby, and gently sherried, finishing with a peppery whisper that lingers like sea breeze. The cup warms hands while you scout the buffet lanes.
Crab roe depth and cream richness invite a slow sip before you tackle piles of shells. Pair it with a small wedge of cornbread for texture. This starter sets a tone of tradition and care, promising the rest of the meal will respect the coast.
Fried Seafood Crowd Pleasers
When the fryer sings, trays of golden shrimp, flounder, and oysters slide forward, each piece lightly crusted and seasoned.
The coating stays crisp, not greasy, letting seafood sweetness push through. A squeeze of lemon and a dunk in tartar seals the deal.
Kids and purists meet here happily, because simple fried seafood never goes out of style. Pair with slaw for crunch and brightness.
If you time it for a fresh batch, you will hear that telltale crackle as you bite, the sound of done right.
Oyster and Mussel Spread
Steamed mussels open like small smiles, bathing in garlicky broth you will want to sop with bread. Oysters, plump and briny, carry the scent of tidepools and evening docks. A squeeze of lemon perks everything up without stealing the show.
These trays feel like a detour to a raw bar, minus the fuss. Shell bowls keep the station tidy, and attendants rotate fresh pans quickly. If you enjoy clean ocean flavors, this spread is a calm, refined counterpoint to fried favorites.
Salad and Cold Bar Refresh
When richness needs a reset, the cold bar delivers crisp lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and chilled shrimp with zesty dressing. Coleslaw offers tang, and pickled vegetables cut through butter like a friendly wave. Fruit trays give a sweet pause before another round.
You will appreciate the clean organization and constant restocking. It is the palate checkpoint that helps you keep pace. Build a small plate here between crab leg missions, and your dinner turns balanced instead of overwhelming.
Service, Lines, and Timing Tips
The line moves quickly because the team knows how to hustle and smile. Peak hours bring a buzz, but trays stay hot and full, and tables turn at a neighborly pace. If you arrive near opening, you will glide right in.
Check posted hours, since weeknights close at 8:30 PM and weekends run a bit later. Call ahead if you are a big group. Friendly hosts, quick bussing, and attentive refill timing make the busy scene feel smooth instead of stressful.
Price, Value, and What to Expect
At a solid midrange price, the buffet earns its keep with quality seafood and generous portions. You are paying for crab legs without rationing and consistent restocks that feel respectful. Drinks add a little, but value holds up strongly.
Budget by appetite and you will leave satisfied. Two plates of crab and shrimp already justify the spend, with sides as a bonus. The experience feels celebratory, not fussy, perfect for families, date nights, and vacation cravings.
Location, Hours, and Quick Details
You will find the restaurant at 3043 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, easy to spot by the nautical touches and steady crowd. Doors open at 2:30 PM most days, closing 8:30 PM on weekdays and a bit later on weekends. The phone is 843 299 1115.
It is a casual seafood spot with a 4.6 star reputation from a sea of happy diners. Parking is straightforward, and the website lists specials and updates. Bring an appetite and a plan, because the buffet rewards strategy.