7 Buffets in South Carolina That Locals Keep Returning To

South Carolina’s buffet culture is more than a feast, it’s a way communities gather and celebrate good food. Over the years, I’ve found that locals are loyal for a reason: these spots offer generous helpings, fresh ingredients, and a spirit of hospitality that’s hard to fake.

Whether you’re craving mountains of seafood, Southern classics, or global flavors, there’s a buffet here where families and friends keep coming back for both the food and the memories. I’ve rounded up seven buffets that stand out for their variety, consistency, and regional character.

Each one brings its own style to the table, reflecting the state’s love of food and tradition. From beachside seafood spreads to cozy country kitchens, here’s where South Carolinians go when they want seconds, and thirds, without a second thought.

1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, Myrtle Beach

Step inside Captain George’s, and the first thing you notice is the lively buzz, families, couples, and even solo diners all tucking into an ocean’s worth of seafood. The upscale cruise-ship décor, complete with gleaming brass and wood, makes every table feel like a special occasion. You won’t find cold food here; staff keep the buffet moving so each tray of crab legs, shrimp, and hush puppies is fresh and piping hot.

Beyond the sea, there’s an array of comfort sides: mac and cheese, roast beef, and seasonal vegetables. It’s easy to see why locals don’t treat Captain George’s as just a tourist spot. Regulars rave about the variety and the attentive service, which means you’re never waiting long for your favorite dish to be restocked.

On weekends, it’s not unusual to spot multi-generational families making a night of it. If you’re a fan of all-you-can-eat seafood with a side of Southern hospitality, this Myrtle Beach institution is hard to beat. Even after dozens of visits, I still discover something new each time.

2. Brookland Cafe, West Columbia

If you’re ever near West Columbia at lunchtime, Brookland Cafe is a stop I never skip. Locals have a soft spot for the fried chicken, golden, crispy, and seasoned just right. But the real draw is the daily rotation of soul food staples, from savory collard greens to rich macaroni and cheese.

The serving line is warm in every sense, thanks to welcoming staff who treat regulars by name. Generous portions mean no one ever leaves hungry, and the lunch crowd is a lively mix of families and local workers. There’s something comforting about seeing familiar faces come together for heaping plates of food that taste just like home cooking.

Brookland Cafe doesn’t bother with frills. Instead, they focus on keeping traditions alive, one dish at a time. You’ll often find a special or two that’s only available that day, so there’s always a new reason to return. It’s a true neighborhood gathering spot where the food keeps folks coming back.

3. Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, Myrtle Beach

Some nights, nothing beats a plateful of pasta followed by a perfectly cooked steak. At Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, you can help yourself to both, plus a spread of Italian favorites made from recipes that haven’t changed in years. Locals love the stuffed shells, homemade lasagna, and a creamy Alfredo that rarely lasts long on the buffet.

The steakhouse atmosphere is relaxed but never stuffy. Families and friends swap stories over garlic bread, while servers make sure the steak orders come out just right. I’ve noticed the Italian buffet draws regulars who treat it almost like a weekly tradition.

Angelo’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, the kitchen delivers comfort food at its best, with a little Italian flair. If you crave classic flavors and hearty portions in Myrtle Beach, this place stands out from the crowd.

4. Simply Southern Smokehouse, Myrtle Beach / Conway

Walking into Simply Southern Smokehouse feels like joining a big family reunion. The buffet stretches with Southern staples, fried chicken, pulled pork, sweet potato casserole, and collard greens that taste homemade. The air smells faintly of barbecue, and the laid-back vibe invites you to slow down and savor every bite.

Regulars say the sweet tea flows as freely as the conversation here. Staff members greet you with genuine warmth, and you’ll often spot local sports teams or church groups digging in after a busy day. I love how the menu changes just enough to keep things interesting, but the old favorites always stick around.

There’s no rush at Simply Southern. Diners linger, swapping stories over banana pudding and peach cobbler. It’s the kind of place where comfort food meets community, and everyone leaves a little happier than when they arrived.

5. Forest Buffet, Columbia

Forest Buffet offers a refreshing break from the typical buffet lineup. With its bright, modern dining room and a menu that covers sushi, stir-fried noodles, and traditional Chinese entrees, it’s a favorite for those who want variety. Locals appreciate the consistent freshness, especially at the sushi bar, which always seems to have something new to try.

What sets this family-owned spot apart is the balance between adventurous flavors and familiar favorites. There’s always something for everyone, from sesame chicken to steamed dumplings. The staff makes sure dishes are replenished often, so nothing sits too long.

On busy nights, you’ll see regular customers mixing plates of lo mein with more American favorites like fried rice and spring rolls. Forest Buffet has become a reliable choice in Columbia for casual meals that don’t skimp on quality or portion size.

6. BJ Country Buffet, North Augusta

At BJ Country Buffet, the food is just like grandma used to make, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The buffet line reads like a greatest hits of Southern comfort: chicken-fried steak, pork chops, turkey with dressing, and always a bubbling peach cobbler at the end. The aroma of slow-cooked meats and baking bread fills the cozy dining room.

Locals return for more than the food. Staff greet guests like old friends, and regulars chat across tables as if it were a family gathering. The value here is unmatched; you get hearty portions without breaking the bank, which makes it popular with families and retirees alike.

Some nights, a surprise dish turns up, maybe a special casserole or extra dessert. There’s a certain joy in not knowing exactly what’s in store, but trusting it’ll be delicious. BJ Country Buffet is as welcoming as it gets in North Augusta.

7. The Junction Family Restaurant, Landrum (Upstate SC)

In the foothills of Upstate South Carolina, The Junction Family Restaurant is where I go when I need a slower pace and a taste of real country cooking. Plates here are piled high with fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and a lineup of Southern side dishes that change with the seasons. The dining room feels more like someone’s kitchen than a restaurant, casual, homey, and never rushed.

Locals have long made this their spot for Sunday lunches and after-church gatherings. There’s a simple pleasure in helping yourself to food that doesn’t try to impress with trends, only with flavor and generosity. Regulars know to save room for dessert, usually a cobbler or cake made from scratch.

The Junction is slightly off the beaten path in Landrum, but that’s part of its charm. You’ll leave full, content, and maybe with a new friend or two. It’s every bit the community staple it’s rumored to be.