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South Carolinians have had a long love affair with buffet dining. Friend of the hearty appetite, these dining destinations are typically brimming with hungry folk drawn by the multiple eye-popping options.
But not all buffets are created equal. Amid the myriad steam tables and salad bars, several stars stand out, each delivering a buffet experience that rises above the rest.
Here is a sampling of some of South Carolina’s best and reasons why they are worth lining up for.
1401 29th Avenue, Myrtle Beach
(843) 916-2278
Crack all the crab legs you can eat in airy surroundings that give off a definitive high seas vibe. Captain George's is attractively decorated and massive, seating more than 1,000 in an atmosphere that’s been described as cruise ship chic.
The steam tables, designed to look like towering tall ships, are replenished at lightning speed, which means the food is hot right down to the crab legs. A well-trained, attentive staff further distinguishes Captain George’s.
While seafood is by far this busy restaurant’s most popular draw, there’s prime rib, fried chicken, pulled pork, salads and countless other tempting choices, too.
No one leaves unsatisfied. No one.
1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia
(803) 744-7929
This buffet dares to be different by serving meals on holy ground. Brookland Baptist Church's cafe welcomes diners to lunch Tuesday through Friday and brunch on Sunday.
You’ll be anointed by their famous fried chicken, fresh-from-the-oven mac and cheese, a variety of perfectly seasoned vegetables, tempting desserts and more.
Can we get an "amen?"
5599 SC Highway 14, Landrum
(864) 468-4675
In the Gowensville community where Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway crosses SC Highway 14, The Junction Family Restaurant (sometimes referred to as The Junction of Gowensville) has been laying out a hot, homestyle buffet since 1992.
The homey atmosphere falls right in line with the country cooking that is the hallmark here. While the fried chicken is off the charts, it shares the spotlight with the fried green tomatoes—crisp, golden disks of Southern goodness.
Take a road trip to the Upstate and get you some.
611 Martintown Road, North Augusta
(803) 279-6999
Take a trip back to simpler times when you visit the buffet at this hotspot for tummy-tantalizing grub. Want to dine on foods like grandma used to fix? This is your place.
Chicken-fried steak, creamy mashed potatoes, fried pork chops, fatback, black-eyed peas, baked turkey and dressing, warm peach cobbler - and the list goes on and on.
This buffet changes up each day, so check their website or call for the daily lineup.
2311 S Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
(843) 626-2800
Though this Myrtle Beach tradition is known for its sizzling steaks, locals and visitors swear by the Italian buffet, too.
Now, you won’t find a mile-long steam board here, but you will find a thoughtfully laid out array of well-prepared dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through generations. Lasagna, chicken cacciatore, ravioli, stuffed shells and everybody’s favorite—tortellini alfredo—form the foundation of choices with strong pairings of Italian green beans, sausage, meatballs and pizza.
Bonus: Every table gets a family-size bowl of garden salad with garlic rolls.
509 Dicey Ford Road, Camden
(803) 713-7900
Any time spent in this quaint, historic town is special, and the buffet at Old South Catery beautifully fits into that overall experience.
This dedicated catering company throws its doors open each Sunday so everyone can enjoy their generous Southern buffet supper. Fried chicken, baked turkey, chicken and dumplings, baked ham, roast beef, pork chops and all the vegetable and cheesy starchy sides (mac-n-cheese, anyone?) you dream of are on this spread.
Desserts like strawberry shortcake, brownies and everyone’s favorite, peach cobbler, will make your tummy smile.
418 Highway 38 W, Sellers
(843) 752-4700
Shuler's is an institution in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. This is the Southern barbecue buffet of your dreams.
After appearing on the CNBC show “The Profit,” the secret was out and Shuler’s is now a hotspot for I-95 travelers, barbecue aficionados and locals craving outstanding whole hog barbecue, ribs, irresistible homemade biscuits and a host of vegetable accompaniments.
Goes down best with a tall glass of their sweet tea.
377 Cantey Lane, Rembert
(803) 432-9537
This buffet is farm-to-table—literally. Old McCaskill’s Farm is a real-life farming operation (complete with animals!) and a hub of agricultural activity.
Each Friday, the public is invited to partake in a specially prepared buffet of dishes made from ingredients straight from the field. Eat your fill, then stroll the grounds for an inside peek at life on the farm.
Sign up on their website for info on the week’s offerings.
205 Meeting Street, Charleston
(800) 611-5545
Tucked inside of The Charleston Place, Palmetto Cafe sets out a sumptuous weekend brunch buffet in a gorgeous garden-like setting.
This is a splurge you should not pass up, and here are a few reasons why: carving stations with roast duck and beef, French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat, waffles, cheeses, salads, made-to-order omelets, breakfast meats and an eye-popping dessert station.
Take the plunge and make a buffet memory, Charleston style.
117 Edwards Avenue, Darlington
(843) 944-0398
Darlingtonians cherish South of Pearl and its small but well-executed buffet—and so will you.
On weekdays, lunch at what was once the residence of the late South Carolina author, Elizabeth Boatwright Coker. The entire house has been renovated and rooms set up for dining.
The blessing is said at 11:30 sharp. Bow your head, then fill your plate with good Southern fare, most of it made with ingredients produced and grown in Darlington County.
Once you’ve had your fill, plan to sit a spell in one of the rockers on the inviting porch.
