Tennessee’s Seafood Buffet Serving Crab The Classic Southern Way
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet in Pigeon Forge has been delighting Tennessee locals with crab and seafood served the classic Southern way for years.
From buttery crab legs to perfectly seasoned shrimp, every dish feels like a celebration of coastal flavors right in the heart of the Smokies.
Families and friends flock here to savor generous portions, hearty sides, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.
All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs Are The Main Attraction
Crab legs reign supreme at Captain Jim’s, and guests come from miles around just to crack into these oceanic beauties.
For $54.99 per person, you get unlimited access to snow crab legs that servers keep restocked throughout your meal.
Staff members cruise the dining room with fresh buckets and crab crackers, making sure nobody goes without. Reviews consistently mention the crab legs stay hot and plentiful, even during peak dinner rushes.
Smart diners grab a spot early and settle in for a serious shell-cracking session worth every penny.
Located Right On The Famous Pigeon Forge Parkway
Finding Captain Jim’s couldn’t be easier since it sits at 3985 Parkway, smack in the middle of Pigeon Forge’s tourist corridor.
You’ll spot the restaurant between all the other attractions, theaters, and shops that line this famous strip.
Large groups love this location because parking is plentiful and everything else in town is just minutes away. The spacious building accommodates crowds without feeling cramped or rushed.
Whether you’re staying nearby or just passing through, this seafood hub makes a convenient lunch or dinner stop.
Southern-Style Fried Seafood Done Right
Forget fancy preparations because Captain Jim’s keeps it classic with Southern fried seafood that hits the spot.
Crispy fried shrimp, oysters, fish, and calamari fill the buffet stations, each piece coated in that signature crunchy breading.
Guests rave about the fried oysters and butterflied shrimp, which stay hot under the warming lights. The cocktail sauce gets special mentions in reviews for adding just the right tangy kick.
Sure, some folks find certain items over-breaded, but that’s part of the down-home charm here.
Budget-Friendly Buffet Option Without Crab
Not everyone needs to splurge on crab legs, which is why Captain Jim’s offers a regular buffet for $28.99.
This option gives you access to everything except the pricey crustaceans, including fried items, soups, sides, and desserts.
Families with picky eaters appreciate having chicken tenders available alongside all the seafood choices. The gumbo and clam chowder alone make this price point worthwhile for soup lovers.
You still get the full buffet experience without breaking the bank or committing to mountains of crab.
Homemade Soups That Steal The Show
While most people obsess over the crab legs, the real hidden gems at Captain Jim’s are the homemade soups.
Creamy clam chowder and spicy gumbo consistently earn praise from diners who know good soup when they taste it.
These warming bowls pack actual flavor and substance, unlike some buffet soups that taste like watered-down regret.
Multiple reviews single out these soups as standout items worth returning for. Grab a bowl before loading up your main plate because they’re genuinely excellent.
Open Seven Days A Week For Lunch And Dinner
Captain Jim’s keeps hours that work well for tourists exploring Pigeon Forge attractions. The restaurant is typically open every day, with hours that run from midday into the evening and seasonal adjustments throughout the year.
During the main season, you can usually count on them being open daily, while in the quieter winter months they operate on more limited hours, so it is smart to check their current schedule or give them a quick call before you go.
Whether you want a late lunch after Dollywood or an early dinner before a show, they’ve usually got you covered.
Just call ahead at 865-453-0003 if you’re bringing a massive group that needs special accommodations.
Key Lime Pie Saves The Day For Dessert
After stuffing yourself with seafood, you’ll want to save a tiny bit of room for the key lime pie. This tangy, creamy dessert appears repeatedly in positive reviews as the perfect palate cleanser.
The bright citrus flavor cuts through all that rich, buttery crab and fried goodness beautifully. Some guests specifically mention the key lime pie and strawberry shortcake as dessert highlights worth trying.
Even diners who weren’t thrilled with everything else admitted the desserts delivered sweet satisfaction at meal’s end.