11 Illinois Seafood Buffets Where You Can Eat All You Want And Still Want More
You might wonder how it’s possible to eat “all you want” and still crave more. The answer lies in the unforgettable sensory journey these buffets provide.
It’s the impeccable freshness that leaves a lasting impression, the expertly seasoned dishes that dance on your palate, and the sheer joy of limitless indulgence without compromise. It’s not about hunger, but about the lingering desire for that exquisite taste, that perfect texture, that next moment of pure culinary bliss.
These Illinois seafood buffets don’t just fill your stomach; they ignite a passion for seafood that ensures “still wanting more” becomes a delightful promise for your next return.
1. King Crab House
Snow crab legs for days at King Crab House, where seafood dreams come true without the coastal price tag. The star attraction here isn’t just the mountains of crab legs but also their impressive oyster bar featuring varieties from both coasts.
Weekends see this Chicago favorite packed with families and friends cracking shells together. Smart diners make reservations to avoid the inevitable wait times that build up, especially during dinner hours.
The restaurant’s nautical decor creates the perfect backdrop for seafood feasting, with wooden accents and maritime memorabilia adorning the walls. Their drawn butter is legendary among regulars who return monthly for their crab fix.
2. Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar
Cajun seasonings and seafood create magic at Skokie’s beloved Crab King. Their all-you-can-eat specials transform dining into an event, with steaming bags of seafood delivered straight to your table.
Plastic bibs become fashion statements as patrons dive into snow crab legs, plump shrimp, and tender mussels. The seasoning levels range from mild to ‘proceed with caution,’ allowing everyone to find their perfect spice match.
Crawfish lovers particularly appreciate the authentic Louisiana-style preparation rarely found this far north. The casual, energetic atmosphere encourages messy eating and lively conversation, making it perfect for group gatherings where sharing seafood stories becomes part of the experience.
3. Royal Buffet
Walking into Royal Buffet feels like entering seafood wonderland, where Asian cuisine meets oceanic delights. The sushi station alone deserves its own zip code, with chefs continuously preparing fresh rolls that disappear almost as quickly as they’re made.
I remember my first visit when I planned to sample ‘just a little of everything’ and ended up making four trips to the seafood section alone! Their crab rangoon remains the best I’ve ever tasted.
Beyond seafood, the restaurant offers hundreds of traditional Chinese dishes, making it ideal for groups with varied tastes. The clean, spacious layout prevents the crowded feeling common at many buffets, allowing guests to browse comfortably before selecting their next plate of treasures.
4. UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet
UMI brilliantly combines two beloved dining styles: hotpot cooking and traditional buffet selections. Diners become chefs at their tables, simmering fresh seafood in flavorful broths while also making trips to the extensive buffet stations.
The seafood selection impresses with its freshness and variety. From delicate scallops to meaty crab legs, everything maintains restaurant-quality standards despite the all-you-can-eat format.
The modern interior with blue lighting creates an underwater atmosphere that enhances the seafood experience. First-timers should ask servers for recommendations on broth flavors and cooking times, as the staff genuinely enjoys helping guests maximize their hotpot adventure.
5. Best Buffet & Grill
Don’t let the humble exterior fool you-Best Buffet & Grill serves seafood that rivals fancier establishments. Located in Wood River, this unassuming spot has developed a cult following among seafood enthusiasts throughout the region.
Their snow crab legs vanish quickly, so timing your visit strategically pays off. Weeknight visits often yield the freshest selection, with staff constantly replenishing popular items.
I still remember my aunt’s shock when she visited from Boston and declared their clam chowder ‘actually decent for the Midwest!’ The friendly, family-run atmosphere adds to the charm, with owners often checking on diners to ensure everything meets expectations. Their seafood pasta salad, a unique buffet offering, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier hot dishes.
6. Anchor Grill
Sesser might seem an unlikely location for outstanding seafood, but Anchor Grill defies expectations. This local treasure draws visitors from hours away for their legendary all-you-can-eat crab leg nights, which have developed an almost mythical status in Southern Illinois.
The seafood pasta, swimming with shrimp and scallops in a creamy sauce, consistently earns rave reviews from first-time visitors. Beyond seafood, their homemade hushpuppies provide the perfect accompaniment to any ocean-inspired dish.
The nautical-themed dining room feels cozy rather than kitschy, with genuine fishing artifacts donated by local families. Servers know many customers by name, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes even out-of-towners feel like part of the community.
7. Calumet Fisheries
Calumet Fisheries stands as a testament to Chicago’s rich food history. Since 1928, this South Side landmark has been smoking fish the old-fashioned way-over oak logs in small batches that preserve incredible flavor.
While not a traditional buffet, their generous portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The smoked shrimp alone justifies the journey, with a smoky-sweet flavor profile impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Featured in Anthony Bourdain’s shows, this cash-only establishment maintains its no-frills approach to seafood excellence. The tiny building offers no seating, so locals know to grab their bounty and enjoy it picnic-style with views of the nearby bridges and waterways that once brought fresh fish to the city.
8. Greek Islands
Greektown’s beloved Greek Islands transforms seafood dining through a Mediterranean lens. Their buffet-style offerings showcase how Greek cuisine elevates seafood beyond the typical American preparations.
Whole grilled fish, prepared simply with lemon, olive oil, and herbs, demonstrates why Mediterranean seafood enjoys worldwide acclaim. The octopus, tender enough to cut with a fork, converts even skeptical diners into enthusiasts.
I’ll never forget watching my seafood-averse brother-in-law reluctantly try their calamari only to immediately return for seconds! The bright blue and white decor transports diners straight to Santorini, while the lively atmosphere creates an authentic Greek experience. Their seafood-forward meze platters allow sampling multiple specialties in one visit.
9. Shaw’s Crab House
Shaw’s Crab House elevates the buffet concept to fine dining territory. Their legendary Sunday brunch transforms the traditional buffet into a sophisticated culinary journey through the ocean’s finest offerings.
The oyster bar alone features up to a dozen varieties, each labeled with origin information that educates as it delights. King crab legs, perfectly steamed and pre-cracked for easy enjoyment, eliminate the usual buffet struggle while maintaining premium quality.
The 1940s-inspired interior, with dark wood and leather booths, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Live jazz music on weekends adds to the upscale experience, making Shaw’s perfect for special occasions when only the finest seafood will suffice.
10. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Stone crab claws reign supreme at Joe’s, where Florida’s prized delicacy becomes the centerpiece of an unforgettable seafood experience. Their all-you-can-eat stone crab option represents the pinnacle of indulgence for serious seafood enthusiasts.
The restaurant’s classic atmosphere, with attentive tuxedo-clad servers and white tablecloths, harkens back to a more glamorous dining era. Beyond stone crab, their seafood buffet features jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs that maintain impeccable quality despite the all-you-can-eat format.
The famous key lime pie provides the perfect finale to a seafood feast, with the tart citrus cutting through the richness of preceding courses. Reservations are essential, especially during stone crab season when seafood connoisseurs flock to experience this Florida-Chicago tradition.
11. Oceanique
Oceanique redefines the seafood experience through French culinary artistry. While not a traditional buffet, their seven-course tasting menu provides a guided tour through seafood’s finest expressions, with each plate more stunning than the last.
The intimate Evanston setting creates the perfect backdrop for Chef Mark Grosz’s sustainable seafood creations. Seasonal ingredients dictate the ever-changing menu, ensuring each visit offers new discoveries.
Drinks are expertly selected to complement each seafood preparation, elevate the experience beyond typical restaurant dining. The chef’s commitment to sustainability means diners enjoy not only exceptional flavor but also the satisfaction of supporting responsible fishing practices. Their signature Maine lobster preparation has remained on the menu for decades by popular demand.