Gulfstream Cafe
1536 S. Waccamaw Drive, Garden City. (843) 651-8808, gulfstreamcafe.com

The gorgeous setting of Gulfstream Café, overlooking both the ocean and the marsh of Murrells Inlet, offers a relaxed atmosphere, rooftop dining and spectacular sunsets, creating a picture-perfect scene for enjoying fresh seafood and classic Southern dishes. Captain Marcus and his crew on the Lady Madeline with Wicked Inlet Seafood bring the day’s catch straight to the cafe just in time for dinner. Early birds dine from 4–5:30 p.m., enjoying appetizers including firecracker prawns, she-crab soup and mussels marinara and entrees such as blackened shrimp alfredo, Southern fried seafood, mussels in garlic cream sauce and filet medallions. Gulfstream Café has been a Garden City dining tradition for more than 30 years. Open Monday–Saturday from 4–9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Preston's Seafood & Country Buffet
4530 U.S. 17 (next to Alligator Adventure), North Myrtle Beach. (843) 272-3338, prestonsrestaurant.com

Diners in the mood for a wide range of dishes including seafood and Southern-style comfort food in a family atmosphere head to Preston’s. The all-you-can-eat options include a 120-item buffet stocked with shrimp, flounder, oysters and crab cakes, as well as pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken and roast turkey and dressing. The buffet is available with or without crab legs. The carving station features ham and prime rib, while the 15-foot salad bar offers greens, vegetables, fruit, pasta salad, chicken and ham salads and crab meat salad. The ice cream bar and dessert bar round out the meal, sure to please every palate with both quality and quantity. Kids even have their own dining bar at Preston’s, where those 3 and under eat free. Preston’s is open 3–9 p.m. daily.

Chuck's Steakhouse
9695 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. (843) 449-7611, chuckssteakhousemb.com

The hunting lodge atmosphere of Chuck’s Steak House, complete with mounted busts of wild game, a fireplace, sunken dining room and brick interior, creates an inviting, warm environment perfect for enjoying a prime cut of Certified Angus Beef. Chuck’s motto, “A thick steak and a cold beer will always be a good idea,” is heartily supported by guests who have been enjoying its award-winning New York strip, sirloin and filet mignon for 40 years. Just this year, Chuck’s was awarded membership into TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame. The early-bird menu, which is offered from 4–6:30 p.m., includes prime rib, numerous cuts of steak, salmon and pork rib eye, as well as a trip to the salad bar, homemade rolls and a side item. Chuck’s happy hour is also a popular gathering, so early birds will enjoy a lively atmosphere in addition to a top-notch meal. Open 4–9:30 p.m. daily.

Miyabi Japanese Stakhouse
9732 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. (843) 449-9294, miyabi.life

The full Japanese steakhouse experience is on at Miyabi, featuring group seating, a social atmosphere and samurai chefs who entertain with fast-paced knife skills, sizzling creations, flipping utensils and an occasional surprise trick. Watch for the flame, the volcano and the flying shrimp that will delight diners every time. Sushi is a favorite here, as well as hibachi items including chicken, steak, shrimp and salmon served up with fried rice, seasoned vegetables, soup and salad. Early bird is offered (hours differ by location) and includes traditional items plus combination dishes. Everyone in the party, from seniors through adults and even young ones, will be entertained and satiated, with many leaving with a to-go box under their arm. The location opens daily at 4:30 p.m.

Angelo's Steak and Pasta
2311 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. (843) 626-2800, angelosteakandpasta.com

For 39 years, owner Angelo Antonucci has been serving up “the greatest steaks in the universe,” including rib eye, New York strip, porterhouse and filet mignon, all aged, cut and seasoned on premise and served up sizzling in a cast-iron skillet. Angelo’s all-you-can-eat signature Italian buffet is another crowd favorite. With homemade spaghetti and meatballs, sausage, tortellini alfredo, meat and cheese ravioli, stuffed shells and more, the buffet is a great deal at just $11.99 during the early-bird period of 3:30–6 p.m. The menu offers a full range of classic Italian dishes including chicken or veal, as well as favorites from the sea such as linguine with clam sauce and shrimp and scallops Fra Diavlo. To enhance the dining experience, the atmosphere at Angelo’s is fun, light and family friendly, with Michael Bairefoot performing magic on select evenings. Open Monday–Friday from 3:30–9:30 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from noon–9:30 p.m.