The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood
Seafood Restaurant in Restaurant Row
with 106
Reviews
There are currently 106 user submitted reviews for this restaurant.An all-you-can-eat buffet featuring over 170 items including crab legs, steaks, pasta station, carving station, grilled, steamed, broiled and fried seafood, salad bar and homemade soups, in-house bakery and desserts. Located on the water the Original Benjamins is the largest calabash seafood restaurant on the strand.
Reviews of The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Feb 12th, 2009 at 8:36 pm From: Goldsboro, NC By: re Avg. Rating:5 |
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After reading reviews from others we were a little skepitcal, however it didn't take long to see that we had made a wise choice. From the time we walked in until we left the service was outstanding.Our waitress whose name was Donna did a superb job looking out for us. The food was hot and fresh.My wife and I love crab legs and these were as good as we have had. They kept them well stocked and they were delicious. We will definitely be back and we would highly recommend this restaurant to others. ref: 13918 
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jan 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm From: St.Catharines, ON By: dl Avg. Rating:3 |
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Although I havent been there in a few years, the last time I was there it was ok.
However, willing to try again. BUT where do you get those discount coupons????? ref: 13647
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 19th, 2008 at 11:17 am From: China Grove, NC By: cef Avg. Rating:3.2 |
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We wanted to try here, had heard it was the best. Well my wife is into the crab legs while I am the steak and potatoes type. I can tell you that this is not the place to go for that combination. While my wife enjoyed her crab legs I found the "prime rib" not very prime nor were any of the other beef offerings. I guess if you are one that likes to keep stacking up the crab legs plate after plate, as we saw some do, this is a good deal. For myself I will never go there again, I can't justify spending almost $30 for poor beef and one serving of crab legs. I will keep searching for restaurants that have a tier pricing for those with seafood and those without, I know they are there. ref: 13116
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 15th, 2008 at 11:50 am From: Sunset Beach, NC By: mwl Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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Two of us went in October because we had a gift certificate from Christmas. Good crab legs, very good fried oysters, steamed shellfish were bland. Really almost too much to choose from, but we never go to all-you-can-eat buffet type places. Service was prompt and courteous and the staff is huge. For large groups or families it might be attractive. The place was mobbed on a Saturday afternoon, so they must be doing something right. ref: 13070
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 05th, 2008 at 7:25 pm From: Clemson, SC By: tcl Avg. Rating:4 |
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My husband and I have gone once or twice every year for the past couple of years. I have always had a good experience. We usually stop and get a coupon because it is a little expensive. The crab legs are big and yummy. The other food is not quite as good but the selection is great. I have been to a few other seafood buffets and benjamins is definitely my favorite!. ref: 12267
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 31st, 2008 at 5:02 pm From: Hillsville, VA By: tg Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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We have ate here every time we go down to the beach 6 to 9 times a year. The price keeps rising but you cant beat the atmosphere and the food. My only complaint is the service. The waitresses and waiters would stand in their areas talking and no one would clean our table or refill our drinks etc. the service was horrible this time, but we will go back and hopefully get a better waitress this time. ref: 12192
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 28th, 2008 at 11:37 am From: Franklin, WV By: pl Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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I have been visiting Myrtle Beach for about 20 years and eating here has been a highlight of my visit each year! This place is the best if you love seafood. Crab legs are plentiful. It's a little pricey, but not really any worse than most other seafood places in town and you can definitely get your money's worth. There is something for everyone. Go for the early bird. It's a little cheaper, and the wait time is short. ref: 12129
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 08th, 2008 at 10:59 pm From: Ridgeville, OH By: jc Avg. Rating:4.5 |
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Benjamins is where its at. ref: 11841
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 07th, 2008 at 10:14 am From: Kings Mountain, NC By: tf Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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We thought that the food was great! My kids loved the coconut shrimp, the hushpuppies, and broiled shrimp. My favorite part was the made-to-order pasta bar -- AWESOME! The pirate opening the door and the captain costumes were also a hit! If you can eat a big dinner, you will get your money's worth. I thought the service was good and very friendly. ref: 11787
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 21st, 2008 at 11:16 pm From: Columbia, SC By: m Avg. Rating:3.8 |
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Crablegs are solid, service is decent, though you have to beg for tarter sauce, butter, etc... Watch out! The tasty rolls and hush puppies are a CHEAP way to fill you up EARLY.
I totally agree with other reviewers that say the rest is bland...very true, typical avg. mass-produced..the comfort food (chicken, ribs, steaks all sit in a pan, are typically room temp, and just ok).The desserts are for the most cakes with whipped (don't look for butter-creme - HA!) frosting. If you get lucky, you'll get some decent fruit cobbler and can go ala mode with their vanilla soft-serve. GO EARLY, the place gets packed late and you might have to stand in a LONG line for crablegs....as in 10-15 minutes. Also very hard to navigate after 6p. Go early / use a coupon and you might eat your moneys worth! We still go back....90% for the legs!
Happy gorging! ref: 11511
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 19th, 2008 at 9:03 pm From: hillsville , VA By: tg Avg. Rating:2.8 |
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We own a place at the beach and We were just at benjamins we have eat here 3 to 4 times a year and always look forward to it. this time we were very disappointed. the service was bad.the waiters would just stand back in the corner talking and laughing and wouldnt bring us drink refills, empty our scrapbaskets or clean our table. The buffet was a disapointment as well. It wasnt a busy night but the buffet was empty on a lot of foods and we waited for them to put new food out but they never did. We were also disappointed in the dessert bar it just wasnt up to their usual standards. Everything was bland.The price has went up but we dont mind paying for good food. I probly will go back next year but not this year we went to Bennits and was very happy with the food and service ref: 11487
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 27th, 2008 at 11:33 pm From: BLUEFIELD , WV By: dc Avg. Rating:4.8 |
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My husband, three year old son, and I came from west virginia wanted seafood at myrtle beach. This is by far the best seafood place ever. The hushpuppies are great! the food is awesome! the decorations of the resturant are absoulutely amazing! price for diner was around 54 dollars. For such a great place friendly servers friendly atmosphere etc.... What does people expect? we had an an a+ experience! we will definitely be back!. ref: 11139
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Apr 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pm From: Madison, WV By: sue & rick Avg. Rating:3.8 |
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This was our first time to The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Restaurant and we are glad we made the choice. We used the coupons in one of the little books you can pick up and saved 4.00 on our meal. We were seated immediately (we went about 5:30) and were even given a little tour before being seated. The Hush puppies were the best we've ever had. We definately enjoyed our fill of the crab legs. They were cooked to perfection and were plentiful at the buffet. We also enjoyed the scallops and shrimp and some of the other seafood offered. The Key Lime pie was awesome. We would definately go back the next time we visit Myrtle Beach and we will be happy to recommend this restaurant to our friends and family ref: 10807
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Apr 20th, 2008 at 2:43 pm From: Myrtle Beach, SC By: seth Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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This restaurant is one of the most unique restaurants in Myrtle Beach. I was told it is the top grossing independent restaurant in the state of South Carolina. This is the place for seafood and Crablegs. I think this is my favorite restaurant of all time. ref: 10703
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Mar 24th, 2008 at 10:22 pm From: Valle Crucis, NC By: krc Avg. Rating:3.3 |
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Some items that you wouldn't normally get if your not from the coast but mostly fried and not really all the great food. Not a place to take kids to, for the price you will pay for the kids to eat you won't get your monies worth. But the restraunt is clean and the staff was very attentive. 3 adults and one child 140.00 before tip. The crab legs were plentyful as they promised. Lots of choices. Would consider it again. ref: 10399
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Mar 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm From: Princeton , WV By: kmk Avg. Rating:4.5 |
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We visit Myrtle Beach a couple of times a year when we can. Benjamin's is our overall favorite place to eat. The crablegs are wonderful and always available. Many other "all you can eat restaurants" put out a few crablegs out at a time and you have to wait to get the food you like. Not Benjamin's, the food is always available when you go to the bar. Everything is clean and the food is always hot. The atmosphere is very inviting with the underwater theme when you enter. Last but not least, for the previous comment, shame on those of you who do not properly tip your waiters or waitress... I know some people think they pay enough for the food and refuse to pay 15 or 18% more on the bill, but you have to remember that you are served your drinks and much more by these ladies and gentlemen and if you do not tip them properly, they are paying to serve you. GREAT PLACE TO EAT! Take the kids they will love the underwater theme and the aquarium. Wonderful bakery as well. ref: 10257
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Feb 13th, 2008 at 2:10 pm From: Trenton, NJ By: dz Avg. Rating:3.2 |
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My family loves OB. We're in Myrtle Beach at least five times a year and my family looks forward to the Crab legs, in fact, that is all we come for! ref: 10008
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Feb 06th, 2008 at 11:17 am From: Kinston, NC By: hdm Avg. Rating:2.7 |
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My wife loves the crab legs, but the price is 2 expensive. $80 for 2 people is alot. I don't eat crab legs, so I end up paying $40 for a plate of pasta ref: 9945
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Dec 14th, 2007 at 2:28 pm From: Myrtle Beach, SC By: cl Avg. Rating:3.2 |
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My husband loves this place. He ate at it on vacation every year growing up. Finally we moved here and I was able to try it. I thought most of the food was just "ok". The bill for the two of us was $72. We each had two beers. I couldnt believe it though. The food was not quality enough for the price. Oh, our server was really nice though. ref: 9493
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 07th, 2007 at 12:28 am From: Longs, SC By: rs Avg. Rating:4 |
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I love this restaurant. I have to tell you I worked there a long time from the time it was first opened. A lot of hard work has been put into this restaurant. The Staff work hard to give you good service. It is ture wait staff is taxed on your food. So keep that in mind. ref: 8667
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 06th, 2007 at 7:17 am From: Richmond, VA By: jaj Avg. Rating:2.3 |
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Walked right in and sat down. The food was old and tuff. For me wife and I we spent over $70! Maybe if I ate crab legs it would have been worth it. Save your money and go to Cap'n George or some other good place. ref: 8649
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 04th, 2007 at 4:11 pm From: north myrtle beach, SC By: jb Avg. Rating:3 |
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Steam table tasted old and the food was bad spent the next 24 hours in the bathroom. ref: 8612
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Sep 18th, 2007 at 12:07 am From: Newtown, PA By: dg Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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We usually avoid buffet restaurants on our annual week in Myrtle Beach, but decided to try Original Benjamins because of decent reviews here, and a $25 certificate for $4 at restaurant.com (get on their email list for additional discounts). We were seated immediately in a back room with a view of the intercoastal, and given a basket of hot hushpuppies. Our server, Ashley, was cheerful and attentive, always there to refresh drinks or clear plates. The assortment of non-seafood buffet items was amazing, but the few we tried were nothing special. There was a made-to-order pasta chef that my wife thought was very good. The real reason to go here is the for the crab legs. Skip most of the buffet bar items and just gorge on the legs till you start walking sideways. Had no room to try the decent assortment of deserts, but a big chocolate chip cookie we smuggled out was pretty good the next day. Btw, a good waitperson in this place makes lots of trips to your table - drink refills and clearing plates and baskets of spent crab legs - so don't tip poorly just because you're getting your own food. ref: 8332
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Sep 16th, 2007 at 6:57 pm From: catawba, VA By: sc Avg. Rating:3.3 |
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I thought the price was way to high for the food. 3 adults and a 4 a.nd 2 year old was 96 dollars. Crabby mike's is way better. I will never go back.. ref: 8310
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 22nd, 2007 at 3:50 am From: Mount Sidney, VA By: jls Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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Best calabash in Myrtle Beach! Service is great. Food is excellent. Many varieties of food to choose from. Hushpuppies are the best. Always on our agenda when we visit Myrtle Beach. ref: 7773
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 12th, 2007 at 10:30 pm From: Saltville, VA By: sd Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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This is one of our favorite places to eat each year when we go to Myrtle Beach. We usually eat there a couple of times during our week at the beach. The food is always perfect, and if you leave there hungry, it is your own fault because this plays has ANYTHING you could want. The waiters and waitresses are VERY attentive and the restaurant is super clean. Don't hesitate to try this one-it is AWESOME! ref: 7560
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 06th, 2007 at 6:23 pm From: Monroe, GA By: jr Avg. Rating:2.5 |
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As is always the case, you find a great restaurant, eat there every year on vacation, look forward with great anticipation - then they change management or ownership. How disappointed I was with my FINAL visit to Original Benjamin's. Much of the food selection had been eliminated and what was there was greasy. And they raised their prices! Insult to injury. ref: 7446
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 06th, 2007 at 8:52 am From: Bellefontaine, OH By: cs Avg. Rating:3.5 |
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Being unfamiliar with the Myrtle Beach area, we used an online restaurant-coupon site to buy discounted coupons prior to our stay. We were asked as we entered the the restaurant if we had any coupons or discounts, which we felt was an unusual question. My wife and I and our 3 children under 10 yrs. old were seated immidiately and our server asked again to see the discounted coupon. We were then told that the buffet was something like $26 per adult and the kids were half-priced. Well, my wife does not eat seafood, but the food bars were full of other kinds of dishes so we weren't too concerned about the high price per plate. After all, this is vacation and having at least one upper cost meal is expected.
The seafood was above average, mostly. The crab legs were not good, covered in green muck that slimed up the hands and stunk more than the crab should. Everything else I had was OK, I still couldn't see $26 paid for average food. My wife's food was also OK, but more dissapointing was the total lack of flavor in the deserts. How can you mess up soft serve? Rice crispy treats on a "World Class" buffet?
Then the bill came....$128 for two adults, a 9, 8 and 2 year old? Of course I brought this to my server's attention and he lightly said "Oh, sorry" and came back with a bill for $93. After my discount coupon for $25, the bill was reduced to $68 of which I reluctantly tipped on the $93 amount.
I overheard another couple who frequents this place that they felt there was a two-tier charging system in place. That would explain the urgency in asking about discounts.
My advice is to keep coupons under your hat until the bill arrives at ALL of the Grand Strand restaurants. ref: 7424
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 24th, 2007 at 9:22 pm From: Morgantown, WV By: ss Avg. Rating:3 |
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Original Benjamin's has been the highlight of our annual vacation to MB for the last 15 years or so. The food and service have always been super! This year was not as enjoyable - went today, Sunday afternoon, supposed to open at 2:30, but no one was being seated until at least 2:45. Not sure why the delay. Our waitress was the most inattentive we've had anywhere, anytime, and the place was not crowded at all. The food was very good, but the poor service put a damper on the whole experience. Six of us; bill was $160; suggested tip $25; I thought in your dreams!! ref: 6487
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 18th, 2007 at 4:49 pm From: Wilmington, NC By: dfb Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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My kids and I have made this a tradition for each of our birthdays for years (all at different seasons). We moved from Murrells Inlet to Wilmington in '93 and we still drive back for the occasion. This and Crabby Mike's are the only seafood restaurants we will frequent (this one is first, though) and we are never disappointed. Keep up the great work. However, I would like to say that the servers have been slipping on their service. I understand there are many customers but must we suffer for your success???? We need clean tables in order to enjoy our meal (smile). ref: 6388
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 17th, 2007 at 5:44 pm From: Charlotte, NC By: nl Avg. Rating:5 |
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We love the food, we drive 4 hours just to eat there, we has been driving there for over 7 years. Keep up the good food! ref: 6366
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 12th, 2007 at 10:45 am From: clark, NJ By: jm Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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We went there last August and we loved the food, especially the crab legs and the mahi mahi. My kid loved the hushpuppies. The atmosphere was great and it was very well decorated. I especially loved the train. We will go back this year and we are bringing even more people than last year. Keep up the good cooking. ref: 6298
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 05th, 2007 at 3:36 pm From: Strasburg, VA By: sah Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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My husband and I went to the Benjamin's last summer on our vacation! We ate around 6pm and for the group of people we had the wait time was amazing. The food was wonderful! My husband is a huge crab leg fan and we were there eating for ever! I have no complaints! I enjoyed everything and the price we paid was VERY FAIR! We have a vacation next week to Myrtle Beach and we are going to be enjoying the food here again! ref: 6210
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 31st, 2007 at 8:07 am From: Indianapolis, IN By: tk Avg. Rating:3 |
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If your a quantity over quality person, you'll enjoy this place. I feel like they put the money they make into the atmosphere rather than into the food. Save your money! Go somewhere else! My husband, my 4 year old daughter, and I. We spent $70 at this place. Total Waste! ref: 6120
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 16th, 2007 at 11:03 am From: Sunbury, OH By: bp Avg. Rating:4.5 |
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My family and I go to benjamin's every time we go to myrtle beach. It is a family tradition. We love it and always look forward to going!. ref: 5882
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Apr 11th, 2007 at 9:16 pm From: Rochester, NY By: dp Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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We really wanted to do a seafood buffet and as most of you are probably aware there are numerous reviews all over both bad and good for most of the restaurants we narrowed it down to three and decided on Original Benjamin's. We were very satisfied with the buffet and our main entree was snow crab legs they kept them replenished and hot the whole time. The three trips I made for crab legs had an employee stacking hot ones on my plate. Our waiter was very good and our overall experience was great. It was Easter week, the wait was about 30 minutes. The buffet with a coupon was $22.95 for adults and our kids were free because they were under three. The rate varies for older children. Drinks were reasonable. If you don't eat crab legs or are not a big eater it may not be for you. I saw people complain in other posts about the cost......I'm not sure what they expected! ref: 5380
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Apr 07th, 2007 at 9:23 am From: walterboro, SC By: p.b. Avg. Rating:5 |
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We live in walterboro s.c. It's about 2 1/2 hour drive to myrtle beach. Went to benjamin's for dinner around 5 in the evening. Place was crowded, had to wait to be seated but not too long. The people were very friendly, gave us time to look around a bit. I agree with one review, the timeshare people at the door. I do not understand why these people are permitted to do this. It is all over the beach. I think they should be at your hotel maybe asking if you might be interested in this or by giving a brochure upon check- in, then you can decide if you want to make the call, not at your place of dinner. It's like telemarketers calling you during dinner except now they are in your face! the overall experience was great. Service, food, atmosphere ect.. As far as the gratuity, I think 15% is fair, but no harm in giving a little more if you can, remember some of these folks may be trying to go to school or supporting a family.look at it this way , at least they are out earning an honest dollar .our meal was about $60.00, not bad for 2. You could go to another place and eat high priced frozen fast food, and spend 60 bucks for 2!. We will be returning there for my birthday. It is definitely worth the 2 hour trip for dinner!. ref: 5316
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Apr 07th, 2007 at 7:31 am From: Winston-Salem, NC By: gj Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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Best buffet in the Myrtle Beach area. We always go there once during each trip. Have been going to MB for 40+ years and have tried many restaurants there, but this is one of our favorites. Grab a coupon and go early to save money. Crab legs are wonderful. Wide variety of food, most is very good. Something for everyone, even non-seafood eaters. The only downside is desserts -- not a great selection, and the quality is not on par with the rest of their buffet. Also don't offer anything sugar free. ref: 5309
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Mar 25th, 2007 at 7:46 pm From: Indianapolis, IN By: taj Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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First, we got there around 4:15, so we were ushered right in. Friendly people. Waiter was great. Now for the food... I've eaten at a lot of buffet style restaurants and also eaten some legit "high end" seafood buffets (New Orleans House) so I had my doubts at first. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it's a buffet, so you won't have a lot of "elegant, chef prepared" food, but I'll say the food was good. I'm much more a shrimp fan than crableg person, but the crablegs were delicious. Several types of shrimp (LOVED the bam shrimp) to choose from as well as other sea fare. I enjoyed all of it. If you like mashed potatoes, as does my pregnant wife, these were to die for. The only selections that I didn't particularly care for were the "poor man's lobster," the mahi mahi, and the hushpuppies. The poorman's just tasted odd (I don't think it was real Lobster, hence the name). The hushpuppies DID taste GOOD, but I just like mine more crispy, other than that, they were good. I think the particular "round" of mahi mahi was just over cooked. The food was all prepared well, looked good and tasted wonderful. I would go back again if in the area again. I haven't been to any of the other seafood buffets in the area, so I don't have anything else to compare it too, but I thought Original Benjamin's was worth the $20 each (we had the $5 off coupons for the early bird). Loved the Pirate out front and we managed to avoid the "time-share" folks since we walked right in and passed them on the way out. ref: 5211
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jan 21st, 2007 at 11:26 pm From: florence, SC By: pjt Avg. Rating:3.5 |
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The food was just down right nasty! This has got to be the worst place I have eaten. We will not be going back. Way too pricey for the quality of the food. Plus how do you mess up ice cream? The ice cream was old and freezer burned. Yuck! The only good thing was the corn on the cob and the deviled crab. ref: 4715
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Dec 20th, 2006 at 4:11 am From: New York City, NY By: th Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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This restaurant is wow! they have over 170 items on the buffet including crab legs, prime rib, bbq ribs, or almost anything you can think of and is the worlds largest seafood buffet! get there early because it gets very busy and could have a wait. We were very impressed!. ref: 4498
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 18th, 2006 at 9:18 pm From: Pendleton, INDIANA By: mlb Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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I have been researching seafood restaurants in preparation for my trip to MB, and I decided on a buffet, as I want to sample as much variety as I can, and this particular one, as I heard it was one of the best in town. I didn't know what to expect, since reviews for calabash restaurants are mixed - they are either really good or really bad. Usually, when you have this, the truth is somewhere in the middle, and it turns out it was. This doesn't mean it was average; taken as a whole, I would rate it above average - a B+. I went on a Wed night in October, about 6 pm, and was seated immediately. The service was very good, and the waiter was extremely professional, clearing plates every time I went up to the buffet, so I had a clean place to eat when I went back. The atmosphere is cool - it does add to the eating experience, as there are a lot of cool-looking nautical paraphernalia. Overall, the service was fantastic. Regarding the food and the price - it is only worth the $20+ per person if you like seafood. If you don't like seafood, or are taking a person who absolutely hates seafood (like my wife, who just wanted to come to see me enjoy myself) - it is way overpriced. There were not too many good items that were non-seafood, and you could pay half the price at any other buffet. Wives, if your husbands really like seafood, and you want to give them a good night out, this is a good place, just be aware you won't get much variety. It's probably better if you are in this situation to go to a menu restaurant, which will probably be a lot cheaper bill. However, if you want to be a giving, loving, understanding, completely selfless person, then go for it! :) Anyway, for you seafood lovers, here is how I rate the food (which I enjoyed on the whole): Best foods: Fried scallops (very tasty), Fried flounder, Broiled mahi-mahi. You could tell these were fresh - they tasted like they just came out of the water. Above-average: Shrimp scampi, Pasta bar, Pulled pork (this was the best non-seafood item they have), Ribeye steak, Bam! Shrimp (basically shrimp in pepper sauce), All steamed shellfish. Average to below-average (these weren't bad, just not anymore exciting than at your average restaurant): Broiled shrimp, Fried clams, Fried shrimp. These were the items I sampled. I didn't really have anything that I absolutely hated. There were a lot of items though that wouldn't command a premium price, but, taken as a whole, it is worth the price. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. ref: 4135
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 16th, 2006 at 10:09 am From: RALEIGH, NC By: ma Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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We have eaten here a couple of times on our trips down to Myrtle Beach and the food is always very good lots of everything. The service is always good. The only complaint we have is that we are never able to sit waterfront -- they close that section first for some reason and by the time we get there usually by 8:30-9:00 it is unavailable. This should be their draw to customers I would think. Overall you cant beat the quality of food and service for the price..... ref: 4113
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Sep 13th, 2006 at 11:09 am From: Kingsport, TN By: p.d. & h.d. Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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The Original Benjamin's is by far the BEST seafood buffet on the Grand Strand. The food is top quality and always fresh. Crab legs are always cooked perfectly and the selection is unmatched. They even have calamari on the buffet! Don't go anywhere else for your seafood buffet!!!! ref: 3846
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Sep 08th, 2006 at 10:44 pm From: New Boston, OHIO By: ncb Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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A must have when we go to the beach. You can always find something that you like and you can eat as much as you want. Crablegs are constantly be replenished. Very good restaurant. ref: 3794
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 29th, 2006 at 12:32 pm From: Oakland, MD By: jd Avg. Rating:4.5 |
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My family and I have been the Original Benjamin's Calabash many times and we always enjoy and look forward to coming back each year! I know that will be one of our stops on our upcoming vacation in October! If you are a crab leg lover - this IS the place to be! ref: 3679
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 23rd, 2006 at 4:52 pm From: Powell, OH By: rich Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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What can be said that hasen't been said before; this place is THE place for Calabash seafood, buffet style. Immediate seating even during the prime dinner times, unlimited crab legs and a TON of other foods, including ribs and steaks. The crab legs are always plentiful and are freshly restocked by the staff. We always eat there twice during a week long vacation in Myrtle Beach, because it simply can't be beat as far as service and food quality is concerned. And the nautical atmosphere is really interesting, with boats, aquariums, fish and other nautical items placed in and around the place. Definitely the place for Myrtle Beach seafood - buffet style. ref: 3628
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 20th, 2006 at 4:16 am From: myrtle beach, SC By: d3 Avg. Rating:3 |
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I have to comment on some of the above. I actually work at this restaraunt and very much appreciate your valued opinions. We at OB honestly look at these types of reviews and take great pride in our service to you. I am a server at this location but mostly seasonal as I also teach school. The only problem or disagreement I have is about the gratuity. Sure, it is a serve yourself restaraunt but you have to consider how many more times we come to your table, take plates away, etc., compared to a normal restaurant, such as Outback where the server isn't even the person that brings you the food. Don't get me wrong, we make great money at OB but we also work very hard and we PAY taxes on YOUR bill, meaning that if your bill is 125.00, the IRS EXPECTS us to make 10 - 15 percent of that. Servers at all restaurants only get paid $2.13 an hour so keep that in mind on the tips. I also thought buffet would be easier instead of a fine dining or other comparable restaurant, until I thought about it. We spend many more times and trips to tables not to mention required to do more than other restaurants. Just something to keep in mind folks. Glad most of you are commenting well. We have recently added several new items. Continue checking us out. ref: 3588
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 12th, 2006 at 5:20 pm From: Raleigh, NC By: ls Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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Great place if you don't mind the buffet setup. Food was very good overall just couldn't try it all! Stephen was our waiter and a lot of waiters should take lessons from him. Will definitely go back! ref: 3502
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 07th, 2006 at 12:50 pm From: Downingtown, PA By: cjm Avg. Rating:3 |
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Well, our party was 30+ people, so apply that to length of time to be seated and service. Seems like when the tip HAS to be included (for big parties), the service level drops a lot. But I'm here to write about the food. This place specializes in crab legs, everything else is secondary. I'm a big fan of BBQ food (ribs, brisket, pulled pork, steaks, etc.), and this place was OK. Scale of 1-5, the ribs were like a 2.5, brisket was N/A, pulled pork was a 4, steaks were 3.5. Desserts were there, but nothing special. In summary, it's worth it if your looking for good crab legs and a little sample of the other food. ref: 3436
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 06th, 2006 at 2:24 pm From: NE, OH By: lc Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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I wasn't sure what to expect as I'm not a fan of all you can eats, but this was pretty good. It was in the off season and I can imagine summer would be horrendous. The Cajun Clambake was incredibly delicious. The service ample and the chef's were very polite and accommodating. We enjoyed it more than I thought we would. ref: 2919
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 01st, 2006 at 3:02 pm From: Marshall, NC By: kb Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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We went for the all you can eat buffet unfortunately we couldn't eat enough! Tons of items to choose from & all looked wonderful. We ate a lot of crab legs (which were excellent) and had shrimp, deviled crab cakes, ribs, mashed potatoes, and sampled a few different desserts. It was all excellent food! Service was excellent & was seated upon walking in right during the dinnertime rush! This was our first visit here & we will return next visit to MB. Price was average for most of the seafood buffets in the area. Noise level was average for a place of this size (loud but not too loud). Everyone was very friendly and the place was clean. It is worth the price especially if you enjoy seafood. ref: 2840
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 29th, 2006 at 6:47 am From: Tipp City, OH By: ko Avg. Rating:4.5 |
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We always stop here on our vacations. It was the only buffet we did this year, mainly to enjoy the all you can eat shrimp and crablegs. Too much variety makes it hard to pass everything over to concentrate on the seafood. Great atmosphere and it wasn't busy so we walked right in and had great service. The only negative comment is the sales woman stationed at the front door offering timeshares. She followed us all the way to the car and was annoying. Too bad, it reflects on Benjamin's that they allow her to hassle their customers and have a desk at the front of their business. ref: 2541
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 11th, 2006 at 10:46 am From: Myrtle Beach (formerly NY), SC By: cb Avg. Rating:4 |
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I have been to Benjamin's three times in the last year and it is always wonderful. There is something for everyone including an array of great deserts. The food is great especially their ribs!! As far as I am concerned it is a bargain for the money. Go early and take advantage of discounts and no wait. ref: 2405
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: May 02nd, 2006 at 5:30 pm From: Charleston, SC By: sg Avg. Rating:3.2 |
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We went back to Original Ben's over the weekend after having a not-so-exciting meal there last year. It still has not improved. Crab legs are great (watch if you are on low salt diet). But the rest - boiled and fried shrimp, fired oysters were just ok. Rest is typical and bland. Remember when their food was always piping hot, fresh, big and tender steaks, oysters on the half shell and desserts - WOW - those huge chocolate chip cookies which you could buy 1/2 dozen for $3.00. Well, no more. The desserts are tasteless cakes with too much frosting, and other unimaginative fare. Even the hush puppies are not as good. And so pricey - I think it is the highest on the strip. Even with a coupon in the middle of the evening. Too bad. A once good restaurant has fallen by the wayside. ref: 2345
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Mar 27th, 2006 at 12:55 pm From: saratoga springs, NY By: gw Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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We have 9 people with 3 adults and our children love to eat at this restaurant. We get the buffet every time. ref: 2199
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Feb 14th, 2006 at 9:28 am From: Massillon, OHIO By: sk Avg. Rating:4 |
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This is only the second seafood buffet that I have tried, but I was not overly impressed with The Original Benjamin's. The food was only about average, although my wife said that the steak was very good, she hates seafood. The crab legs were both good and plentiful, but aside from those two items, I find it hard to believe that this is one of the best seafood buffets on the beach. I think Crabby Mikes is a notch above this one. ref: 2024
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jan 29th, 2006 at 1:41 pm From: Norwalk, OH By: ts Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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I must be finding the wrong seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach. This is the second place of complete disappointment for food quality. 150 items or so on their buffet tables, but so little of it is seafood, most of which is fried. Anyway, I don't believe in complete negativity. The atmosphere is pretty cool and the place is massive enough to seat a small town. I have no problem paying a lot of money for a good meal, but this just wasn't good. You're paying for a lot of food you have no intent of eating. Who goes to a seafood restaurant and eats roast beef or prime rib? Very poor quality, folks. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 3. Tim Stang from Norwalk, OH. ref: 1961
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jan 01st, 2006 at 4:53 pm From: Columbia, SC By: jr Avg. Rating:2 |
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Worst buffet I have eaten at the beach. Prices were outrageous and the crab legs were few and far between. ref: 1818
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Dec 06th, 2005 at 2:18 pm From: Florence, SC By: tdm Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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You can't ask for a better seafood buffet or atmosphere, especially for the kids. From the real live pirate that greets you at the door, to the array of underwater trinkets, this place is truly one of a kind. The server that we had wasn't exactly worthy of working in such a place, but everything else more than covers for their lack of service. ref: 1742
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Dec 03rd, 2005 at 3:08 pm From: Raleigh, NC By: kr Avg. Rating:5 |
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This is the best buffet in the world. I have never in my life seen anything like it. My wife and I loved it so much that I am on here telling you guys about. It is a must do when in town. Make sure you go to the right one though, I think there is another one in south Myrtle! ref: 1717
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 25th, 2005 at 10:55 am From: Sistersville, WV By: hpt Avg. Rating:4.3 |
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The array of food was excellent. ref: 1537
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 21st, 2005 at 8:45 pm From: Sevierville, TN By: ds Avg. Rating:5 |
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The food is great, the service is excellent, the cost is comparable to other seafood restaurants in the area, and the atmosphere is pleasant, not fishy-smelling like some of the other seafood restaurants that we visited. It was so good, that we ate there two of the four nights in town. It is definitely on our dining list when we return to Myrtle Beach. ref: 1518
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Oct 16th, 2005 at 8:26 pm From: MAPLE HTS, OH By: n.j.l. Avg. Rating:5 |
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The food was great especially the crab legs. I will definitely go back on my next trip to Myrtle Beach. ref: 1492
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Sep 18th, 2005 at 5:53 pm From: Alloy, WV By: kf Avg. Rating:4 |
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We dine here each year on Vacation. Food is very good with a large selection. The best all-you-can-eat buffet that we have tried yet. The dessert bar is great - love the Pumpkin Cheesecake. Used a coupon saved a bundle of $$ will be back next year. ref: 1285
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 18th, 2005 at 1:37 am From: hershey, PA By: mar Avg. Rating:4.7 |
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The restaurant was great coming from Hershey Pa on vacation. I was definitely impressed. There is no other buffett like Original Benjamins. Keep up the great work guys. ref: 1109
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 09th, 2005 at 12:47 pm From: WASHINGTON, DC By: tj Avg. Rating:5 |
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We absolutely love this restaurant!! The quality of the food is supreme and I have to say that it didn't seem too expensive for my family. We have a family of six and our bill only came up to $99, I think that is pretty cheap for such great food! It is an extreme necessity to visit this restaurant when you visit Myrtle Beach! ref: 1047
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Aug 04th, 2005 at 1:06 pm From: Lancaster, SC By: haw Avg. Rating:3.7 |
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The buffet was excellent, but it was just a serve yourself meal. Beverages were served by a waitress very good.
I considered my gratuity, tip, to be for a serve yourself buffet. My bill came to $96.51 plus a $5.00 tip for a total of $101.51. My waitress may have considered this to be entirely to low because my gratuity, tip, was altered to a total of $115.51.
I am very suprised at a restaurant of this popularity / quality allowing something like this to happen. ref: 1004
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 24th, 2005 at 7:57 pm From: NY, NY By: am Avg. Rating:5 |
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This is the best place we ever ate.
Awesome, my wife nearly fainted when we walked in when she saw the amount of food, lets just say my wife is very heavy, and when she walked in the owners cringed. ref: 916
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jul 15th, 2005 at 8:12 pm From: New Bern, NC By: hd Avg. Rating:5 |
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My family and I always go to Benjamin's when we go to Mrytle Beach. The food is excellent!! I've also told several friends about it who love it too!! ref: 856
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 30th, 2005 at 6:07 pm From: North Lewisburg, OH By: slc Avg. Rating:4.2 |
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For a seafood buffet, Benjamins is the best in Myrtle Beach as far as quality. The quality of their food far surpasses the other Calabash seafood buffets offered in the area. They are a bit pricey but they accepted a competitors coupon which helped our group of 12. With the variety of food no one should ever leave hungry. We will definitely go back! ref: 733
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 14th, 2005 at 3:44 pm From: Floyds Knobs, IN By: jb Avg. Rating:5 |
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We come to Myrtle Beach every year and this restaurant is number one on our list. It is the best restaurant for seafood in Myrtle Beach. As a matter of fact, we are going to eat here twice this trip 2005 because it is so good. I think the price is very reasonable for the excellent quality of food that you receive. ref: 600
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jun 04th, 2005 at 1:59 pm From: Marion, NC By: tm Avg. Rating:3.8 |
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This is probably the best seafood buffet at Myrtle Beach - we have been traveling here for years and have tried many. The atmosphere is super, the service is wonderful - the only downside is the price - it is very expensive for a buffet. ref: 522
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Mar 19th, 2005 at 10:59 pm From: NEW YORK, NY By: ckt Avg. Rating:5 |
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I love to eat at Benjamin's every time I come to the beach!!!!! The food is good and plenty of it!!! The stuff in the restaurant and outside makes it really fun to visit and the kids love the stuff too!!!! Boats & anchors & bouys it's a museum!!!!!! ref: 292
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Jan 25th, 2005 at 4:46 pm From: warrenville, SC By: bp Avg. Rating:3.2 |
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The food wasn't nearly as good as I had hoped it would be, and it was quite expensive. ref: 161
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The Original Benjamins Calabash Seafood Posted: Dec 26th, 2004 at 1:55 am From: Myrtle Beach, SC By: pv Avg. Rating:2.3 |
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Always a good buffet but a bit expensive so look for coupons especially buy 1 get 1 free. ref: 117
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