5 North Carolina Seafood Buffets That’ll Reel You In From The First Bite
The North Carolina coast is a seafood lover’s dream, serving up some of the freshest catches you’ll find anywhere. And what better way to experience it all than at an all-you-can-eat buffet where the options seem endless?
Over the years, I’ve explored these coastal gems, piling my plate high with everything from buttery, steaming crab legs to crispy, golden fried flounder that flakes at the touch of a fork.
Whenever my family visits from out of state, these seafood havens are our go-to destination. So loosen your belt, grab a plate, and prepare to feast on the finest flavors Carolina waters have to offer.
1. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet: Outer Banks’ Crown Jewel
Walking into Jimmy’s feels like coming home – if home smelled deliciously of garlic butter and fresh seafood! Last summer, I watched my normally reserved father-in-law pile his plate with snow crab legs three times in a row.
Located in Kitty Hawk, this beachside treasure serves up over 70 items daily, including locally-caught fish prepared multiple ways. Their crab legs alone are worth the trip, but don’t miss their famous hush puppies!
Pro tip: Arrive early (before 5pm) to avoid the dinner rush and score the freshest selections. Their dessert bar, featuring homemade banana pudding, provides the perfect sweet finale to your seafood adventure.
2. Cary Crab House: Capital City’s Seafood Sensation
“You’ve got to try the garlic butter shrimp!” That’s what my neighbor insisted before practically dragging me to Cary Crab House. Boy, was she right!
This Raleigh-area gem brings coastal flavors inland with impressive style. Unlike typical buffets, they offer a unique all-you-can-eat experience where fresh seafood is delivered directly to your table on large sharing platters.
The Lowcountry boil, loaded with shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes, disappears within minutes every time. What makes this place special isn’t just the food – it’s watching strangers become friends as they crack crab legs together across communal tables.
3. Corolla Seafood Buffet: Northern OBX Treasure
Stumbled upon this place completely by accident during a rainstorm last fall, and now I plan our beach trips around it! Tucked away from the main tourist drag, Corolla Seafood Buffet serves up authentic coastal cuisine without the flashy gimmicks.
The steamed clams here taste like they jumped from ocean to plate, and their cornmeal-crusted oysters convert even the most hesitant seafood skeptics. My seven-year-old daughter, normally a chicken nuggets devotee, now asks specifically for their mild-flavored flounder.
Family-owned for three generations, the staff treats you like long-lost relatives. Come hungry and wear stretchy pants – their hushpuppies alone could fill you up!
4. Captain Jack’s Seafood Feast: Greensboro’s Hidden Harbor
“Save room for the crab dip!” That’s what Captain Jack himself shouted as I entered his nautical-themed eatery last month. This Greensboro establishment might be landlocked, but their seafood rivals anything I’ve tasted on the coast.
The restaurant’s specialty lies in their rotating seasonal catches. Summer brings soft-shell crab, while winter features hearty seafood stews that warm you from the inside out. Their made-to-order stations let you customize your seafood exactly how you like it.
What truly sets Captain Jack’s apart is their commitment to sustainable fishing. Each buffet item includes information about where and how it was caught – education served alongside indulgence!
5. Calabash Seafood Shack: World-Famous Fried Goodness
My grandmother swears the secret to their perfect fried shrimp is in the water. Whatever magic they’re working at Calabash Seafood Shack, it’s been drawing my family back for three generations!
Located in the self-proclaimed “Seafood Capital of the World,” this unassuming restaurant pioneered the light, crispy batter that made Calabash-style seafood famous nationwide. Their hushpuppies, served automatically when you sit down, disappear faster than summer lightning.
Beyond the legendary fried offerings, don’t overlook their steamed options. The deviled crab might look humble, but it delivers big, bold flavors that locals line up for. Just remember: no visit is complete without trying their tangy coleslaw!