Myrtle Beach's first all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is still one of the best. Along with a complete range of fried seafood, you'll find broiled fish, crab legs, boiled shrimp, pastas, prime rib and all the sides you could possibly want. If buffets aren't your thing, there's also a full regular menu with plenty of seafood and beef options. A great choice for families.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH. This upscale grill combats the backwoods stigma of seafood restaurants with its hip environs. Its strong popularity also gives credence to a tasty menu. Fish (you choose from several varieties) is cooked over a wood-fired grill; the smoky flavor is accented with mango-, garlic-, teriyaki and butter-tinged sauces. Mussels, rock shrimp, calamari and lobster also make appearances, and pastas, chicken, steaks and pork round out the options. Waits can be common, so plan accordingly.

MURRELLS INLET. This blue house on Murrells Inlet has been warmly welcoming guests since 1975. Dedicated to serving fresh-from-the-water fish and seafood, much of it prepared using their signature lump charcoal grill, Capt. Dave's has been written up in a variety of regional and national magazines over the years. What makes the place special? Well, for starters, from the yellowfin down to the deep-fried oysters, the food is always good. Otherwise, maybe it's just the way the Inlet looks from their deck, or maybe it's a combination of the live music and open kitchen inside ­ but regulars agree that Capt. Dave's is a Murrells must.

CALABASH. Nance ain't just any Captain ... In fact, this restaurant is one of a handful of proud local institutions that keep the tradition of seafood, Calabash-style, alive and kicking in this tiny fishing village just across the NC state line. You want fresh? The shrimp, crabs, oysters, scallops and fish they serve are fresh-caught each day, and when you pair an order of one of those with several of their homemade hushpuppies ... Well, let's just say the big crowds don't lie. If you stop by in the evening, you'll catch great views of the boats on the Calabash River, too.

BROADWAY. Located across from Broadway at the Beach, Captain George's fresh seafood bounty is sure to dispel any misgivings you may have about the buffet experience. Plan on a feast of scallops, steamed crab legs, clams, mahi-mahi, shrimp, barbecued ribs, prime rib, salads and vegetables! Plus, there are always plenty of dessert choices. Needless to say, if you plan to eat at one of the Captain's tables, bring along a BIG appetite. Children under 12 eat for half price.