16 Best Seafood Buffets Across The U.S.
America’s coastlines and culinary creativity have given birth to some incredible seafood buffets.
From succulent crab legs to buttery lobster tails, these all-you-can-eat paradises offer ocean treasures at fantastic values.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best places to fill my plate with maritime delicacies, and I’m thrilled to share my top finds with fellow seafood enthusiasts.
1. Rusty Pelican’s Waterfront Wonder In Miami
The Sunday brunch buffet at Miami’s Rusty Pelican isn’t just a meal – it’s a seafood spectacle with a million-dollar view! Perched on the edge of Biscayne Bay, I spent three hours here last spring, alternating between stuffing my face and staring slack-jawed at the Miami skyline.
Stone crabs (when in season) steal the spotlight, their sweet meat needing nothing more than the accompanying mustard sauce. The raw bar features oysters from both coasts, and the ceviche station showcases Florida’s citrus bounty with fresh-caught fish.
What makes this place magical is the champagne that flows like water while steel drum music plays in the background. At around $85 per person, it’s a splurge, but between the food quality and the setting, you’ll feel like you’re dining on a millionaire’s yacht.
2. Fisherman’s Buffet: Vegas-Style Seafood Extravaganza
Vegas buffets are legendary, but Fisherman’s at the Treasure Island Hotel takes seafood to high-roller status! I nearly missed my flight home because I couldn’t tear myself away from their king crab legs – the meat practically jumped out of the shell, no wrestling required.
The sushi station runs the length of a bowling lane, with chefs creating rolls to order alongside sashimi so fresh you’d think the Pacific Ocean was next door instead of hundreds of miles away. Their signature seafood gumbo, loaded with andouille sausage and plump shrimp, haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
Unlike many casino buffets that overwhelm with quantity, Fisherman’s focuses on quality. At $65 per person for dinner (cheaper for lunch), it’s actually one of the better values on the Strip when you consider the premium offerings.
3. Golden Corral’s Seasonal Seafood Sensation
Hold onto your bibs, folks! Golden Corral’s seasonal Seafood Fest transformed my understanding of budget-friendly buffets. For two glorious months each spring, this nationwide chain goes all-in on ocean fare that had me making weekly pilgrimages last year.
The bourbon-glazed salmon surprised me with its perfect execution – flaky, moist, and singing with flavor. Their butterfly shrimp achieve the impossible: staying crispy under heat lamps. The real showstopper is their seafood mac and cheese, loaded with chunks of crab and shrimp in a creamy sauce that should be illegal.
At under $15 per person in most locations, this limited-time offering delivers astonishing value. The seafood stations supplement their regular buffet items, meaning picky eaters in your group can still find plenty of non-seafood options while you focus on maritime treasures.
4. Shrimp ‘N Stuff: Gulf Coast Goodness
Tucked along the Gulf Coast in Galveston, Texas, Shrimp ‘N Stuff’s weekend buffet is the kind of place locals try to keep secret. I accidentally discovered it during a rainstorm, seeking shelter, and ended up having one of the most memorable meals of my life!
Gulf shrimp prepared five different ways form the backbone of this buffet – the coconut shrimp with mango dipping sauce made me temporarily forget my own name. Their gumbo, dark as midnight with a roux cooked to perfection, contains enough seafood to make you question how they make any profit.
The crawfish étouffée, available during season, delivers a slow-burning heat that builds with each heavenly bite. At just $24.99 per person, this unassuming spot offers better seafood than restaurants charging triple the price. Their homemade bread pudding with bourbon sauce provides the perfect sweet finale.
5. Pearl Oyster House: New Orleans’ Hidden Treasure
The French Quarter hides many secrets, but Pearl Oyster House’s lunch buffet might be the best-kept one! I stumbled upon it while seeking refuge from a sudden downpour and ended up staying for three hours, watching the rain through steamy windows while stuffing myself silly.
Their chargrilled oysters, bubbling with garlic butter and Parmesan, disappear faster than the staff can replenish them. The crawfish étouffée delivers that perfect Creole kick, while their seafood jambalaya achieves the ideal rice texture – a feat that impresses even local grandmothers.
Weekday lunch pricing ($22.95) makes this French Quarter gem an incredible value. The jazz trio playing in the corner creates the perfect New Orleans atmosphere, and their bread pudding with whiskey sauce provides a sweet counterpoint to all that savory seafood. This place captures the essence of Louisiana on a plate.
6. Dockside Buffet At Margaritaville: Smoky Mountain Seafood
Who expects amazing seafood in the Tennessee mountains? Margaritaville’s Dockside Buffet in Pigeon Forge blew my flip-flops off with seafood that tastes like it teleported straight from the coast! I planned a quick lunch stop and ended up canceling afternoon plans to extend my feast.
Their coconut shrimp achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, while the Key West-style mahi-mahi transported me straight to the tropics. The buffet’s showstopper is their legendary seafood boil – crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, corn and potatoes dumped ceremoniously onto butcher paper-covered tables every hour.
Despite being 500 miles from the ocean, they fly in fresh seafood daily. At $35 per person, it’s not the cheapest option, but the quality and atmosphere (complete with live parrothead music) create a mini-vacation feeling that justifies every penny.
7. Fish City Grill: Texas-Sized Seafood Smorgasbord
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including my appetite at Fish City Grill’s Sunday brunch buffet! This Dallas-based chain surprised me with a seafood spread that combines Gulf Coast classics with Tex-Mex flair – creating flavor combinations that had me texting photos to make my foodie friends jealous.
Their oyster bar features Gulf beauties on the half-shell alongside grilled varieties topped with chipotle butter and cilantro. The blackened redfish, a Texas specialty, flakes at the touch of a fork while delivering a perfect spice kick. Their seafood enchiladas merge worlds in the most delicious way possible – crab and shrimp rolled in corn tortillas, smothered in a tomatillo cream sauce.
At $32.99, the price feels like highway robbery (in your favor) given the quality and variety. Their bread pudding with whiskey sauce provides the perfect finale to a Tex-ified seafood adventure.
8. Flying Fish Market & Grill: Charlotte’s Catch Of The Day
Charlotte, North Carolina might be hours from the coast, but Flying Fish Market’s Friday night seafood buffet teleports the ocean inland! I discovered this gem during a business trip and extended my stay just to return for seconds the following week.
Their Carolina mountain trout, simply grilled with lemon and herbs, showcases the beauty of regional freshwater seafood. The low-country boil stations let you customize your plate with snow crab, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes – all dusted with their secret spice blend that I tried (and failed) to reverse-engineer.
What makes this buffet special is the market-fresh approach – the selection changes weekly based on what’s available and in season. At $39.95, it’s mid-range for seafood buffets, but the quality and freshness justify every penny. Their signature hummingbird cake – a southern specialty with banana, pineapple and pecans – provides the perfect sweet ending.
9. Bluewater King Crab Feast: Houston’s Royal Treatment
Houston’s Bluewater restaurant hosts a monthly King Crab Feast that’s worth planning your Texas trip around! I marked my calendar six months in advance for my last visit, and the anticipation only made those sweet, massive crab legs taste even better.
Alaskan king crab legs, the undisputed stars, arrive in continuous waves – steamed to perfection and pre-split for easy access to the sweet meat within. Their seafood gumbo, dark as Texas crude oil but infinitely more delicious, provides the perfect savory counterpoint between crab courses. The roasted corn with crab butter will ruin regular butter for you forever.
At $89 per person, this ranks among the pricier options on our list, but considering the market price of king crab, it’s actually remarkable value. Their signature blueberry bread pudding offers a surprisingly perfect complement to all that rich seafood.
10. Alaska Fish House: Seattle’s Seafood Showcase
Seattle’s Alaska Fish House created a buffet that captures the Pacific Northwest on a plate! My first visit coincided with a rare sunny Seattle day, making the waterfront dining experience so magical I almost cried into my chowder.
Their Dungeness crab sections, simply steamed and served with drawn butter, showcase why this native species deserves its legendary status. The cedar-planked salmon, a regional specialty, absorbs just the right amount of woodsy flavor while remaining moist and flaky. Their clam chowder achieves the perfect consistency – neither too thick nor too thin – loaded with tender clams and topped with house-smoked bacon.
The restaurant sources directly from Alaska and local waters, with daily deliveries ensuring peak freshness. At $48 per person for dinner, the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding. Their marionberry cobbler, featuring the Pacific Northwest’s beloved blackberry hybrid, provides the ideal sweet-tart conclusion.
11. Crabby’s Seafood Buffet: Midwestern Maritime Marvel
Branson, Missouri seems an unlikely place for seafood excellence, but Crabby’s has created an oasis for ocean lovers in the Ozarks! I discovered it during a family vacation and ended up eating there three times in five days – my relatives still tease me about it.
Snow crab legs, consistently well-cooked and never waterlogged, keep appearing as if by magic. Their catfish, sourced from local waters, gets a cornmeal crust that achieves the perfect crunch-to-flesh ratio. The real surprise is their seafood stuffed mushrooms – cream cheese, crab, and shrimp filling in perfectly roasted mushroom caps that disappear within minutes of hitting the buffet.
At just $29.99 for dinner, Crabby’s delivers coastal quality at heartland prices. Their signature gooey butter cake – a Missouri specialty – provides a sweet regional touch to end your meal. This place proves great seafood can exist hundreds of miles from any coast.
12. Boston Lobster Feast – Orlando, FL
Boston Lobster Feast in Orlando is a seafood paradise where guests indulge in all-you-can-eat lobsters, crab legs, and more. The feast is not just about quantity but quality, serving the freshest seafood available. Diners are treated to a culinary experience that reflects the rich maritime traditions of New England. With its casual yet vibrant atmosphere, this buffet is perfect for families and seafood lovers alike. The chefs pride themselves on their skill in preparing the ocean’s bounty, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting Orlando. Enjoy a slice of the sea in the heart of Florida!
13. The Buffet At Beau Rivage – Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi’s Beau Rivage presents a seafood buffet that captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast. With an array of fresh oysters, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked crab legs, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. The opulence of the casino setting adds an extra layer of luxury.
The buffet’s highlight is its commitment to local flavors, incorporating the freshest catches from nearby waters. Each dish is a testament to the culinary traditions of the South, blending richness and spice with subtle finesse.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this buffet promises a memorable dining experience, with hospitality as warm as the Mississippi sun.
14. Fisherman’s Wharf Buffet – San Francisco, CA
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s iconic wharf, Fisherman’s Wharf Buffet offers a seafood brunch unlike any other. Alioto’s Seafood Brunch is renowned for its fresh oysters, succulent crabs, and tantalizing shrimp dishes.
Patrons enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, where the aromas of the ocean blend with the city’s charm. The buffet’s variety ensures every palate is catered to, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely brunch or a hearty feast, this buffet promises an oceanic culinary journey.
15. Truluck’s – Multiple Cities
Renowned for its commitment to sustainable seafood, Truluck’s presents a buffet that is both elegant and ethically-minded. With multiple locations across the nation, diners can indulge in a variety of seafood dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients.
Picture a spread of fresh crab legs, succulent shrimp, and briny oysters, all artfully arranged to tempt your taste buds. The ambiance is refined, offering a dining experience that matches its exquisite menu.
Truluck’s dedication to freshness is evident in every bite, making it a standout choice for seafood lovers everywhere.
16. The Buffet At Wynn – Las Vegas, NV
The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas offers an extravagant seafood experience with a touch of elegance. Start with their fresh oysters and move on to the succulent king crab legs. With a selection that includes lobster ravioli and sea bass, every dish is crafted to perfection.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you dine in style, surrounded by opulent decor and attentive service. Each visit promises a new discovery with seasonal specials that keep the menu exciting.
Known for its luxury, The Buffet at Wynn is a must-visit for any seafood aficionado in Las Vegas.