Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach

Restaurant review: The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is far more than just a buffet

It’s a dreaded question I get asked all the time. “Which is the best seafood buffet in the area?” They’re everywhere. The bummer is that I never had a good answer. Many offer loads of mediocre food. That was until I ate at The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood in Myrtle Beach on restaurant row, which showed me how great a buffet experience can be.

Locally owned by the Howard family, Benjamin’s holds 1000 guests and is the largest restaurant in Myrtle Beach. Within it is far more than food. It has 11 dining rooms and three handicap accessible areas. It’s classified as an antique nautical museum and houses the largest collection in the southeast! The theme runs from the floor clear up to the ceiling and a simple walk around proves to be very interesting.

The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood — The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood

The restaurant houses many fantastic artifacts.

The sea theme runs throughout the restaurant.

One thing you’ll notice is Benjamin’s large collection of model ships. They employ an in-house model ship builder named Jimmy Frost. The models, from huge to small, are all built by him. You can even visit his workshop and see his latest projects. He prides himself on his attention to accuracy and detail.

Have a look around at all of the model ships.

They're built with a keen eye for accuracy. — They’re built with a keen eye for accuracy.

You can visit the modeler's workshop and see his latest projects. — You can visit the modeler’s workshop and see his latest projects.

Some ships are huge and others, like these are small.

While waiting to be seated, there are two more areas that keep everyone happy. For those wanting a nice breeze and view of the beautiful intracoastal waterway, check out the outdoor porch which features rocking chairs, ceiling fans, and easy access to the bar.

Outdoor waiting area offers comfortable seating and a lovely breeze

Views of the Intracoastal Waterway on the outdoor patio waiting area

If you have wee ones, Benjamin’s has a fantastic kids’ Nautical Experience. In it are fish tanks, a ship, hand-painted mural, television, and loads of fun. Guests can wait for their table in this area. During busier times, there will be a staff member down there doing activities!

The kids' area is huge! — The kids’ area is huge!

kids4 — Don’t forget to bring your camera for this adorable photo op!

kids3 — Even the smallest guests at Benjamin’s have a place to play!

kids2 — Would this area be complete without an aquarium? Here fishy, fishy, fishy.

The Original Benjamin’s is a South Carolina Certified restaurant and gets a large portion of the food they serve from area sources. The buffet offers 170 items and truly has something for everyone. If you’re eating healthy, there are plenty of plant-based and low-fat options. Landlovers, have no fear. There are plenty of non-seafood choices for you including beef, chicken, pasta, and much, much more. And for those of you who love seafood – you’ll be in heaven. It’s available in a ridiculous number of varieties.

And while that's all very cool, it'll be the food that brings you back time and time again. — And while that’s all very cool, it’ll be the food that brings you back time and time again.

For those who loved fried foods, there is an entire wall of food offered in the “calabash” style. What does that mean? I had to ask, to. It means lightly breaded and deeply fried. The food prepared in this style is crisp and delicious. For those who love steamed seafood, head straight for the crab legs. If you’re unsure how to crack and eat them, ask your server for help. I did and got a lesson!

One piece of advice – go hungry! You’ll want to arrive ready for a basket of Benjamin’s hushpuppies and leave room at the end for their dessert bar. Everything is baked on premises.

I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not a buffet person, but Benjamin’s changed me. Not only was everything was fresh, but there were choices to please everyone in my family. Plus, it was an experience. We spent a lot of time taking it all in. I can’t wait to return.

Adults are $29.99 and children ages 5-12 are $12.99. This wouldn’t be a true MyrtleBeachforFamilies.com review if I didn’t have a discount, so here it is. On the Benjamin’s website, there is a coupon for $4 off the buffet that doesn’t expire until March 2015. Just make sure you read the fine print as there are time restrictions.

For any questions, give them a call at (843) 449-0821.

Happy dining!

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Jupiter Pies will send you over the moon!

By Melissa Byers

Jupiter Pies are now my life. And no, I’m not compensated in any way to say that!

My family and I were at the farmer’s market on Deville Street in the Market Common having a conversation about how we didn’t really need any produce but had to stop at Costco to get dessert for a dinner gathering later that evening. Two seconds later, I find myself standing at a table looking at pies. Lots and lots of pies in a variety of flavors, each looking better than the next. Homemade crusts, unique combinations, yum, yum, yum!

The pie company is Jupiter Pies. We got a blueberry pie with a crumb topping and a pecan pie. They were so delicious! There was a little scuffle over who would take home the leftovers. I won, but had to brush my teeth early in an effort to stop myself from eating more!

Jupiter pies, pies in myrtle beach — Jupiter Pies on Facebook

How to find Jupiter Pies

For more information about getting your hands on these amazing baked goods, check out the Jupiter Pies Facebook page. If you see them out and about and there happens to be a buttermilk pie or ten on the table, buy them. All. You won’t regret it, trust me! You can also place orders.

My personal pie-making game bar is set quite a bit lower. In a pinch, I have zero shame in turning to my tiny pie maker! LOL

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3 Grand Strand restaurants worthy of calling a babysitter

By Melissa Byers 1 Comment

When my babies were younger, I rarely let others watch them. I can’t tell you how many times my mother or mother-in-law (both trustworthy women whom we love dearly) offered to babysit while my husband and I went out to eat. “No, that’s okay. We’re good.” Now, all of these years later, I have realized that we were foolish.

Ladies, when you have the opportunity to get out with your sweetie sans little ones – DO IT! Even just dinner for the two of you can mean so much. This is for those of you who are working to keep the spark alive in 2013!

These are my three favorite kid-free restaurants in the Grand Strand:

1. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, located by the Marina Inn at Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach.

I may be a bit biased as Ruth’s Chris was the last pre-kid meal my husband and I shared before my oldest was born. It’s a franchise and while I love to spotlight locally owned businesses, this one is just too good not to mention.

Ruth’s Chris is an upscale steakhouse with a menu and wine list to die for. Beyond great food, the ambiance is noteworthy. The booths are isolated, meaning the walls go up to the ceiling between them, so you and your honey have the opportunity for quiet conversation. The lighting is low and the mood is very calm.

The best part of your visit will, of course, be the food. Every morsel is prepared with real attention to details. For starters the crab cakes are among the best I’ve ever had. And the Harvest Salad…I’m almost finding it hard to put how much I enjoyed it into words. It was the perfect combination of savory, sweet, crunchy, and fresh. I’d like to have it every day. Seriously. I’ve also had the wedge salad and it’s amazingly crisp and refreshing.

For your main course, there are options that include chicken, pork, and fish, but the steak is where the magic lives. It’s served to you on a sizzling platter and melts in your mouth.

The only dessert I’ve ever been able to tackle is the cheesecake. It’s huge. It’s creamy. It’s rich. It’s heaven.

The cost is up there. Our last visit, which included a few adult beverages, came close to $200, though I’m certain you can accomplish a beautiful meal for quite a bit less if you tried.

2. Aspen Grille, located in Myrtle Beach off 17 business just north of 48th Avenue.

I like to use the word “hand-crafted” when I talk about Aspen Grille. The menu is filled with delights, but what stands out to me most is how customizable it is. When we were there last, I saw a meat dish that looked delish, but the side dishes for another entrée had me considering it. In chatting with the waitress, she stressed how it was the chef’s pleasure to accommodate.

The atmosphere is quiet and cozy. There are candles and music. One thing I like about it best is that it’s an equally good place for a date or a small gathering.

The specials list is always, indeed, special. Duck was on it during our most recent visit. Another unique touch is the salt plate. There are three varieties, each with their own taste that complement dishes differently.

Dinner with a salad and dessert for two will run you about $100. It’s pricey, but remarkable.

3. Frank’s Outback, located on Highway 17 North in Pawleys Island.

Frank’s in Pawleys Island is an amazing restaurant, but if you want warm and romantic, you have to try Frank’s Outback. It’s literally located out back of Frank’s. Disclaimer – I’ve only ever eaten there during the winter and the Outback is an outdoor, covered patio. Those two things don’t typically go together, but there’s a huge fireplace and heat lamps throughout. I always feel toasty, but not hot.

While the atmosphere is a bit more casual than Frank’s proper, someone forgot to tell the menu that. I never go there without ordering the beet salad. I also love the small plates and pizza selections. But rest assured that if you’re looking to have a nice, long, romantic dinner with your sweetie, they have traditional appetizers and entrées, as well. It’s all rich, delicious, and a lovely break from the ordinary.

With drinks, our last meal there was about $120. I know that’s more than many would spend on a meal, but the quality makes it worth it.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the Grand Strand for dining without the kids? Tell us about it! Mommy needs a night out…

Photo credit: Flickr

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Pricey pancakes and other reasons to share at IHOP

By MyrtleBeachforFamilies Leave a Comment

When I review restaurants, I typically try to do those that are unique, locally run, or part of the tourist experience. I’m deviating this time and talking about IHOP. My spin is unexpected, though.

Last week I decided to take my two children there after a morning class. We hit the 501 location in Myrtle Beach, across from the Tanger Outlets. It’s roomy, bright, big, and reliable.

On this particular morning I got hot tea and the corned beef hash omelette that comes with three pancakes. One child got the chocolate chip pancake, chocolate milk, and a side of bacon. The other got a kid-sized cheese omelette, chocolate milk, and a side of bacon. When our meal arrived, I was astounded by the size of the portions – except for the bacon.

We ate, and ate, and ate. I only made it through half, at most, of my omelette and half of one pancake. One child ate the bacon, but only made a dent in her pancake. The other ate the bacon and a few bites of the egg. I remarked to the waitress (who was exceptionally nice and attentive. I wish I knew her name because I would publicly thank her for her kindness) that my meal could have fed all three of us.

When the bill came, I was more astounded than when the food was served. Our total was $29 before the tip and $35 after. Whoa! For breakfast? I started scrolling down the receipt. A side of bacon, which was two strips, cost $1.99. For the two sides I got, we could have bought a pound.

I’m sure there are coupons floating around. Trust me, I wish I had done my research on this one. Next time I’m going to do what dawned on me as we finished our meal. Splitsies! Next time I’m getting something the three of us will eat, divide it up, save money, and tip my server really well.

I bring this up because I feel like IHOP is typically viewed as an inexpensive place to eat. I feel a little suckered, when in reality being able to split a meal speaks to the generous size of their portions. I felt obligated to throw this out to the other frugal parents. There are times when what I want to eat is miles away from the pizza/chicken fingers/grilled cheese my kids want so there would be no way we’d share. In the case of a cheese omelette and pancakes though, Mommy will gladly pass her plate.

To find your closest IHOP restaurant, check out their IHOP locator. And if you just can’t get enough information about international pancakes, check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

While I’ve never used this site (yet), IHOPcoupons.org seems to have the scoop on all discounted pancake purchases. Check them out!

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Restaurant review: River City Cafe

By MyrtleBeachforFamilies 1 Comment

I’m asked, surprisingly often, for a place in the Grand Strand to get a good burger. You’d think it would be a recommendation for a seafood place, but I digress. My answer is always the same – River City Cafe.

River City Cafe is part of the Divine Dining group and has six locations across the area. My most recent visit was to the restaurant on 21st Avenue in Myrtle Beach.

If you stumbled upon River City Cafe, you’d think cool, eclectic, even maybe consider it a dive. There are unique license plates everywhere. The outdoor dining area is filled with picnic tables covered in graffiti. While I’m not sure it’s encouraged by the management, it clearly isn’t stopped. Don’t worry, though. The restaurant offers tablecloths. Well…it’s actually brown craft paper off a roll, but it serves the purpose of providing a barrier between your food and the table, so no complaints. We actually had a pretty good time drawing all over it. We like to think of it as temporary graffiti.

The kids menu has the typical fare. The regular menu has a spectacular amount of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and fried yummies. My favorite is the Palmetto Burger, which features pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. My second favorite dish is fries with bacon, cheese, and ranch. I’m sure onecould eat healthy at River City Cafe, but it’s kind of like going to IHOP and getting a bowl of Cheerios. Why? They have something called the S’more Burger which comes topped with peanut butter, marshmallows, and Nutella. I’m dying to try it!

Both of my children got the kids chicken fingers and they were good. My picky kiddos complained, though. They were batter-dipped and a little greasy. In my eyes, that’s kind of perfect. In theirs, it wasn’t the garden variety frozen chicken strips available everywhere else. Fries and Doritos (another side option) sweetened the deal and everyone enjoyed their meal.

The burgers are big and kind of sloppy. I told our server that I felt like David Hasselhoff in that really sad drunken video and promptly requested a knife and fork. Much better! In fact, our server said it’s always entertaining to watch someone attempt to eat their “Kitchen Sink” burger.

River City Cafe is definitely the place you want to go to get really good, casual food and great service all at a reasonable price. Because of the atmosphere, it’s perfect for a family with children of any age. Burgers start at about $5.50 and going up to about $8.50. Many of the portions are perfect for sharing, making it even more affordable. My favorite locations are at Barefoot Landing, the Surfside pier, and the Socastee swing bridge.

River City Cafe has been a family favorite for many years. We’ve been there many times and plan to enjoy it time and time again. However, please be advised that they use peanut oil. In fact, there are peanuts offered on each table and the shells disposed of on the floor. If someone in your family has a nut sensitivity or allergy this is NOT the place for you.

Because I’m a sucker for a coupon, here’s a link to one on their site. You can also keep up with the latest from River City Cafe on their Facebook page.

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Where to Eat in Myrtle Beach

How to find Jupiter Pies

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