Skip the Buffet: The Best Way to Get Fresh Seafood in Myrtle Beach

🎣 Skip the Buffet: The Best Way to Get Fresh Seafood in Myrtle Beach

If you’re vacationing in Myrtle Beach, you’re in prime territory for some of the freshest, most flavorful seafood on the East Coast. But here’s a secret: the best seafood doesn’t come from a buffet—it comes from local docks, fish markets, and restaurants that know their fishermen by name.

Here’s how to find authentic, locally sourced seafood in Myrtle Beach—and where to skip the tourist traps.

---

🚫 Why Avoid the Buffets?

Sure, buffets are everywhere—but here’s why locals steer clear:

• Seafood is often frozen, overcooked, or imported.

• Quality is sacrificed for volume and variety.

• You miss out on the unique taste of just-caught Carolina seafood.

---

🛒 Best Places to Buy Fresh Seafood in Myrtle Beach

Skip the steamer trays—head to these local seafood markets for the real deal:

---

🐟

Mr. Fish Seafood Market

📍 6401 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC

A beloved market and restaurant combo offering:

• Fresh local fish (grouper, flounder, mahi, tuna)

• Local shrimp, scallops, oysters

• Prepared meals and sushi-grade cuts

  🔗 Visit Mr. Fish on our restaurant guide

---

🦐

Seven Seas Seafood Market

📍 3476 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC

Just 20 minutes south of central Myrtle Beach:

• Direct-from-dock selections

• Carolina shrimp, snapper, soft-shell crab

• Expert fish cutters on site

  🔗 Explore Seven Seas on our map

---

🦀

Harrelson’s Seafood Market

📍 4368 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC

Serving the coast since 1980 with:

• Whole fish, filets, oysters, shrimp

• Crab legs and pre-packed steam pots

• Specialty sauces and fixings

  🔗 See Harrelson’s in our local guide

---

🐠

Platt’s Seafood

📍 1104 Sea Mountain Hwy, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Convenient for guests staying in North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove:

• Fresh seafood daily

• Famous seafood buckets and grab-and-go meals

  🔗 View Platt’s on our Myrtle Beach seafood map

---

🌊 Native Carolina Seafood to Look For

Local waters offer amazing variety. At any of the above markets, look for:

🐟 Fish:

• Flounder

• Red Drum (Redfish)

• Black Sea Bass

• Grouper

• Spanish Mackerel

• Sheepshead

• Speckled Trout

• Mahi-Mahi

• Cobia

• Wahoo

🦐 Shellfish:

• Wild Carolina Shrimp

• Blue Crabs (especially soft-shell in spring)

• Bay Scallops

• Oysters

• Clams

👉 These species are caught locally and change seasonally—ask your fishmonger what’s fresh today!

---

🔥 How to Enjoy It Like a Local

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or a fully equipped oceanfront condo like those at Seawatch Resort, here’s how to cook like a local:

• Grill mahi or flounder with lemon and herbs

• Boil a shrimp and crab steamer pot with Old Bay

• Pan-sear redfish or trout for simple perfection

• Order a ready-to-steam seafood boil from Platt’s or Harrelson’s for the easiest option

---

🧭 Plan a “Fresh Catch Trail” in Myrtle Beach

1. Start at Mr. Fish Market — grab shrimp, scallops, and a few sauces.

2. Drive south to Seven Seas or Harrelson’s in Murrells Inlet for a bigger selection.

3. Staying in the North Myrtle area? Head to Platt’s Seafood.

4. Take your seafood home to your beach condo, or let the market steam it for you!

Use our interactive Myrtle Beach restaurant and seafood map to plan your stops!

---

✅ Final Takeaway

If you want the best seafood in Myrtle Beach:

• ❌ Skip the buffets

• ✅ Shop at local seafood markets

• ✅ Look for Carolina-caught species

• ✅ Cook it yourself or have it steamed fresh

Support the local fishing community, eat healthier, and experience Myrtle Beach like a local.