The Must-Try Louisiana Buffet Where The Dessert Table Steals The Show
You’ve landed in Louisiana, heart set on a true Cajun-Creole feast. You picture mountains of crispy fried shrimp, brimming bowls of spicy étouffée, and robust jambalaya. Your plate is already mentally loaded, ready for a savory pilgrimage.
Then you walk into the House of Seafood Buffet. Your eyes scan the abundant hot lines, your nose picks up the familiar spices. “This is it,” you think, “the real deal.” But wait. As you round the corner, a shimmering, glittering mirage appears.
It’s not just a dessert station, it’s a dessert continent. Your savory plans suddenly feel… optional. Prepare to have your taste buds hijacked before they even reach the main course.
Seafood Variety That Will Make Your Head Swim
From the moment you approach the buffet tables, your senses are overwhelmed by the bounty of the Gulf. Perfectly boiled shrimp, succulent blue crabs, and spicy crawfish are piled high, glistening with cajun seasonings.
The fried selections don’t disappoint either, with catfish, oysters, and soft-shell crab prepared in light, crispy batter that doesn’t overpower the delicate seafood flavors. For the adventurous eater, frog legs and alligator bites offer a taste of Louisiana’s wilder side.
Seafood gumbo simmers in giant pots, dark and rich with okra and filé powder, while jambalaya provides a hearty rice option loaded with andouille sausage.
The Legendary Dessert Table That Upstages The Main Course
While most seafood restaurants treat sweets as an afterthought, House of Seafood turns dessert into the grand finale. The warm bread pudding, swimming in sauce, has customers regularly breaking their “I’m too full” promises.
Homemade peach cobbler comes straight from grandma’s recipe book, with perfectly spiced fruit beneath a golden, buttery crust. The praline cheesecake combines two Southern favorites into one decadent slice.
Most surprising is the chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh strawberries, pineapple chunks, and marshmallows for dipping. Regular patrons often admit they pace their seafood consumption just to save room for these sweet treasures.
Wallet-Friendly Feast That Doesn’t Skimp On Quality
The House of Seafood Buffet delivers exceptional value that keeps families coming back. My own family made it our Friday tradition last summer, enjoying generous portions and a wide variety of dishes without the stress of budgeting.
The all-you-can-eat format allows seafood lovers to focus on their favorites and indulge to their heart’s content. Seniors are treated to special discounts on Thursdays, making it a popular spot with the retirement community.
Unlike many buffets where quality suffers, House of Seafood maintains high standards by sourcing from local fishermen and preparing dishes in small batches throughout service hours.
Southern Hospitality That Makes You Feel Like Family
The warm welcome begins the moment you step through the door. Staff members greet regulars by name and newcomers with genuine enthusiasm that reflects true Southern hospitality.
Table service remains attentive throughout your meal, with servers checking drink refills and clearing plates promptly. The owner often circles the dining room, sharing stories about the day’s catch or a new dessert recipe.
The restaurant’s casual atmosphere encourages lingering conversations. Children are welcomed with coloring books, while the layout provides enough space between tables to maintain a comfortable dining experience even when the restaurant fills to capacity during weekend rush hours.
Secret Recipes And Signature Seasonings
House of Seafood’s distinctive taste comes from closely guarded family recipes passed down through generations. Their seafood boil contains a proprietary blend of spices that locals have tried unsuccessfully to replicate for years.
I once asked the chef about the hint of sweetness in their cornbread, and he just winked and said, “That’s grandma’s touch.” The restaurant sells small bottles of their signature seasoning by the register, which sell out almost weekly.
Even their cocktail sauce has a unique kick that elevates simple boiled shrimp. Watch the cooks work their magic through the semi-open kitchen where you can glimpse the careful attention given to each dish before it reaches the buffet.
Essential Visitor Information For Your Seafood Adventure
Located at 81790 Hwy 21 in Bush, Louisiana, House of Seafood Buffet operates Thursday through Saturday with limited hours. They’re open Thursday and Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, while Saturday offers an extended time from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Reservations aren’t required but are recommended for groups larger than six, especially on weekends. The spacious parking lot accommodates even the busiest nights.
You can contact them with questions or for large party arrangements. Seasonal specials often appear during crawfish season (February to May) and local festivals, so calling ahead to check current offerings can enhance your dining experience.
The Culinary Road Trip That’s Worth Every Mile
While Bush might not be on every tourist map, food enthusiasts regularly make the journey from New Orleans (about an hour’s drive) and even Baton Rouge for this authentic seafood experience. The scenic drive through Louisiana’s countryside adds to the charm.
Regular patrons come from three different parishes, creating a diverse mix of diners. Some visitors plan their entire Louisiana trip around a meal here, marking it as a culinary landmark worth traveling for.
The combination of generous seafood portions, show-stopping desserts, and genuine hospitality creates memories that last long after the meal ends. As one repeat visitor from Texas told me, “I’ve eaten seafood all over the Gulf Coast, but nothing compares to this place.”