10 Louisiana Seafood Buffets That Keep Locals Coming Back For Generations
Louisiana knows seafood like nowhere else in America. From the Gulf Coast to the bayous, generations of families have perfected the art of cooking crawfish, shrimp, oysters, and catfish in ways that make your taste buds dance.
These legendary buffets serve up mountains of fresh catches alongside Southern hospitality that keeps folks driving for hours just to fill their plates again and again.
1. House of Seafood Buffet
Grandma’s secret gumbo recipe has nothing on the spread you’ll find here. House of Seafood Buffet earned its reputation by serving the freshest catches straight from Louisiana waters, and locals swear by their boiled crawfish that’s seasoned to perfection.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a family reunion where everyone’s invited. The aroma of garlic butter and Cajun spices hits you immediately, making your stomach rumble with anticipation.
Crab legs are occasionally offered on weekends but are not guaranteed, so check ahead if that’s your favorite. Their gumbo and sides rotate depending on availability rather than changing daily.
2. Hollis Seafood Buffet
Family-owned since 1998, Hollis Seafood Buffet has built a loyal following with recipes passed down through generations rather than dating back to the 1960s. Their catfish gets hand-breaded every morning using a recipe that’s been refined over time.
What makes this place magical is how they treat strangers like old friends. Servers remember your sweet tea preference after just one visit, and the owner still walks around greeting tables personally.
Their all-you-can-eat fried shrimp disappears faster than crawfish at a boil. The hushpuppies come out golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with just enough jalapeño to give them personality without overwhelming your palate.
3. Cattleman’s Buffet
Who says you can’t have surf AND turf at a buffet? Cattleman’s breaks the mold by offering premium cuts alongside their legendary seafood selection, making it perfect for families with picky eaters.
The real showstopper arrives at dinner time when they wheel out whole roasted redfish. Locals plan their week around this spectacle, and first-timers always leave planning their return visit before they’ve even finished dessert.
4. Bon Temps Market
Bon Temps means good times in French, and this place delivers exactly that with every heaping spoonful. More market than fancy restaurant, this spot captures the authentic Cajun experience without any pretension or tourist traps.
This location, inside L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, features an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 PM to 10 PM, including snow crab legs and Gulf shrimp.
Their jambalaya packed with andouille sausage, chicken, and enough shrimp will make you wonder how they turn a profit. The rice soaks up all that spicy, smoky flavor until each bite explodes with taste.
Locals appreciate how they keep prices reasonable despite using top-quality ingredients.
5. Drago’s Seafood
Charbroiled oysters were practically invented here, and watching the kitchen staff work their magic is better than any cooking show on television. Drago’s elevated the humble oyster into something spectacular with garlic, butter, and parmesan that bubbles and browns to perfection.
While fancier than most buffets on this list, the atmosphere stays welcoming and unpretentious. Families celebrate graduations here while couples enjoy romantic dinners, all united by their love of exceptional seafood.
Their menu selection rotates seasonally, featuring whatever’s freshest from the Gulf. The staff actually explains where each fish came from and how it’s prepared, turning dinner into an educational experience that kids surprisingly enjoy.
6. Bo’s Steakhouse & Seafood Buffet
Bo’s understands that variety keeps families happy and arguments to a minimum. Half the buffet showcases ocean treasures while the other half features land-based proteins, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied regardless of their preferences.
Their crab leg section deserves its own zip code, stretching longer than some restaurant dining rooms.
Weekend brunch here has become a local tradition. Grandparents bring grandkids who eventually bring their own children, creating an unbroken chain of seafood lovers who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else for special occasions.
7. Cajun Catfish & Buffet
Sometimes simple is better, and this no-frills establishment proves that philosophy with every crispy catfish fillet. Cajun Catfish focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering fifty mediocre options.
Their crawfish étouffée could make a grown man cry tears of joy. Rich, velvety sauce blankets tender crawfish tails over rice that’s cooked perfectly fluffy, never mushy or sticky like some places serve.
The owners source their catfish from local farmers who raise them in clean ponds, resulting in sweet, mild fish without any muddy taste. Regulars claim they can taste the difference, and after one bite, skeptics become believers who join the ranks of devoted fans.
8. Ombu Buffet
Fusion isn’t just a buzzword at Ombu—it’s a delicious reality where Louisiana seafood meets global flavors. This newer addition to the buffet scene brings innovation while respecting traditional Cajun cooking methods that locals demand.
Their sushi station features crawfish rolls that sound crazy until you taste them and realize genius has no boundaries. Asian-inspired sauces complement the natural sweetness of Gulf shrimp in ways that surprise and delight adventurous eaters.
Younger generations flock here for date nights and friend gatherings, appreciating the modern vibe without sacrificing quality. Their parents and grandparents initially resisted but eventually admitted that change can be delicious when done with respect and skill.
9. Market Place Buffet
Size matters when you’re feeding hundreds of hungry locals daily, and Market Place Buffet operates on a scale that’s genuinely impressive. Their buffet line stretches farther than a football field, offering choices that could overwhelm decision-makers.
What sets them apart is consistency—visit on Tuesday or Saturday, and the quality never wavers. Their boiled shrimp stays perfectly seasoned and never overcooked, which requires serious kitchen management skills when serving this volume.
Families love the separate kids’ station featuring milder options alongside the spicy adult selections.
10. Jumbo Buffet
East meets South at Jumbo Buffet, where crawfish shares space with lo mein in perfect harmony. This unexpected combination works beautifully, giving families with diverse tastes a place where everyone finds something they genuinely want to eat.
Their seafood selection stays authentically Louisiana with perfectly seasoned boiled crawfish and shrimp. The Asian section features fresh sushi, hibachi options, and stir-fry that’s made to order while you watch.
Value hunters love the lunch prices that seem too good to be true until you realize they’re just being generous. The staff works tirelessly to keep every station fresh and full, clearing empty trays before you even notice they’re running low on your favorites.