12 Kentucky Seafood Buffets Where You Can Eat All You Want And Be Pleasantly Surprised
Kentucky might be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy amazing seafood. Crab legs, shrimp, and oysters are served in buffets across the state, offering ocean favorites that transport you miles from the coast.
In cities like Louisville or in charming small towns, these dining spots showcase fresh catches and endless portions, delighting even the pickiest eaters.
Curious about how these places manage to keep their seafood fresh and delicious?
1. Harbor Lights Restaurant, Gilbertsville
Sitting right on Kentucky Lake, this spot offers more than just food. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially at sunset when the water sparkles like someone tossed glitter everywhere.
Their buffet includes catfish, shrimp, and hush puppies that locals rave about. Families come here for the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to eat until they need a nap.
You’ll find plenty of non-seafood options too, so picky eaters won’t feel left out.
2. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar, Louisville
Raw bars aren’t something you expect in Kentucky, but this place changes that perception fast. Oysters on the half shell sit on ice next to peel-and-eat shrimp, making you feel fancy without trying too hard.
The buffet rotates with seasonal catches, so repeat visits never feel boring. Crab legs disappear quickly here, so grab them early if you want the good stuff.
Staff members keep trays full and answer questions about preparations without making you feel silly.
3. Yoki Buffet, Louisville
Asian fusion meets seafood heaven at this Louisville favorite. Sushi rolls share space with crab rangoon and salt-and-pepper shrimp, creating a menu that feels like a world tour.
I once watched someone pile their plate so high with mussels that physics seemed optional. The variety means everyone finds something they love, from adventurous eaters to those who stick with familiar favorites.
Weekend crowds get heavy, so weekday visits offer shorter lines and fresher batches straight from the kitchen.
4. Hibachi Buffet (Dixie Hwy), Louisville
Watching chefs flip shrimp on the hibachi grill never gets old, no matter your age. This spot combines entertainment with endless eating, which explains why parking lots stay packed on weekends.
Snow crab legs appear regularly, and the seafood salad offers a lighter option between heavier plates. Kids love the dessert section, giving parents time to enjoy another round of clams.
Prices stay reasonable considering the quality and quantity available throughout your meal.
5. Jumbo Buffet, Louisville
Nothing subtle happens at Jumbo Buffet. The name tells you exactly what to expect, and they deliver on that promise with trays stretching as far as you can see.
Crawfish shows up during certain seasons, turning dinner into a messy, delicious adventure. Bring napkins and your appetite because portion control doesn’t exist here.
Regulars know which nights feature special seafood additions, so ask staff for insider tips on timing your visit for maximum variety and freshness.
6. Golden Buffet Chinese Restaurant, Lexington
Chinese restaurants sometimes surprise you with their seafood game, and Golden Buffet proves that rule. Coconut shrimp pairs beautifully with lo mein, creating combinations you didn’t know you needed.
Steamed fish sits alongside fried options, giving health-conscious diners choices without sacrificing flavor. The buffet stays well-stocked even during busy lunch rushes.
Fortune cookies at the end might predict your next visit because once isn’t enough to try everything on display here.
7. Supreme Hibachi & Sushi Buffet, Lexington
Sushi lovers find their happy place here among endless rolls and sashimi options. Fresh tuna and salmon get cut throughout service, ensuring quality doesn’t drop as hours pass.
Beyond raw fish, the cooked seafood section offers teriyaki salmon and garlic butter shrimp that compete for attention. Hibachi chefs add flair to your dining experience without extra charges.
Cleanliness stands out immediately, with staff constantly wiping surfaces and replacing serving utensils to maintain high standards throughout your meal.
8. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Bowling Green
Bowling Green doesn’t mess around when it comes to buffets. This spot combines hibachi entertainment with serious seafood selections that rival coastal restaurants.
Grilled scallops appear frequently, offering something different from the usual fried fare. College students and families mix here, creating a lively atmosphere that makes solo dining feel less awkward.
Lunch specials provide budget-friendly options while maintaining the same quality and variety as dinner service, making midday visits smart choices for wallet-watchers.
9. New China Buffet, Owensboro
Small towns sometimes hide the best buffets, and Owensboro’s New China proves that theory correct. Fried catfish meets General Tso’s chicken in a collision of Southern and Asian flavors.
My cousin once declared their crab rangoon life-changing, which seemed dramatic until I tried them myself. Cream cheese and crab shouldn’t work that well together, but somehow they do.
Staff remembers regular customers by name, creating a welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel like coming home for dinner.
10. King Buffet, Middlesboro
Middlesboro residents don’t have to drive far for quality seafood anymore. King Buffet brings ocean favorites to Appalachia with surprising authenticity and freshness.
Popcorn shrimp and butterfly shrimp compete for plate space alongside egg rolls and fried rice. Portions stay generous, and staff keeps hot items hot and cold items properly chilled.
Locals appreciate having this option close to home, especially when cravings hit and driving to bigger cities feels like too much effort for dinner.
11. King Buffet, Corbin
Corbin’s King Buffet shares a name with its Middlesboro cousin but stands on its own merits. Coconut shrimp gets requested so often that management keeps it stocked all day.
The salad bar offers lighter options between seafood rounds, helping you pace yourself for maximum eating efficiency. Dessert selections include soft-serve machines that kids mob like it’s free candy day.
Reasonable prices make family outings affordable, which explains why birthday parties and celebrations happen here regularly throughout the year.
12. Empire Buffet, Fort Mitchell
Fort Mitchell sits near Cincinnati, giving Empire Buffet competition from Ohio restaurants. They rise to the challenge with mussels, clams, and crab legs that justify crossing state lines.
Weekday lunch crowds stay manageable, making it perfect for quick meals without sacrificing variety or quality. Sushi appears fresh throughout service, with chefs preparing rolls behind glass partitions.
Parking can get tight during dinner rushes, but the food makes circling the lot worthwhile once you finally sit down and start eating.