This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet In New York Is So Good, Locals Call It A Tradition
New Yorkers know a thing or two about good food, and when they call something a tradition, you better believe it’s worth checking out.
Tucked away in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Crab House NYC has become more than just a place to eat – it’s a culinary institution where memories are made and seafood cravings are gloriously satisfied.
I’ve been a regular for years, and there’s something magical about their all-you-can-eat concept that keeps locals coming back for more.
1. A Seafood Lover’s Paradise In Midtown Manhattan
The first time I wandered into Crab House NYC, the intoxicating aroma of garlic butter and fresh seafood nearly knocked me off my feet! Unlike typical buffets where food sits under heat lamps, everything here is prepared fresh when you order it.
Located just three blocks from Times Square, this seafood haven has been serving up oceanic delights for over 15 years. The nautical-themed interior, complete with fishing nets and buoys hanging from the ceiling, creates the perfect backdrop for seafood feasting.
What really sets this place apart is their commitment to quality. The owner, Captain Mike (as regulars affectionately call him), personally inspects every seafood delivery each morning before the doors open.
2. All-You-Can-Eat Luxury Without The Buffet Line
Gone are the days of awkwardly shuffling through buffet lines with a plate in hand! Crab House NYC reinvented the all-you-can-eat concept by bringing endless seafood directly to your table.
For $79.99 per person (worth every penny, trust me), servers continuously bring out steaming platters of king crab legs, snow crab, shrimp, mussels, and lobster tails until you wave the white flag of fullness. My personal record stands at four rounds of crab legs, though my stomach protested mightily afterward.
Fun fact: Their longest-standing customer, Old Man Jenkins, has visited every Friday night for twelve years straight and claims to have consumed over 5,000 crab legs during his tenure as a loyal patron!
3. Why Locals Call Crab House NYC A True Tradition
“See you next month!” rings out as regulars exit, already planning their return visit. The restaurant’s guest book bulges with entries spanning decades – birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and even marriage proposals.
My own family has celebrated every major milestone here since 2010. The staff remembers not just faces but preferences too – they know I like extra lemon with my crab and my brother prefers his lobster with a side of melted butter.
What transformed this eatery into a true New York tradition is its consistency. While trendy restaurants come and go in the city’s volatile dining scene, Crab House has maintained its quality and charm for years, becoming a dependable celebration spot where memories are served alongside seafood.
4. Endless Crab Legs, Lobster, And More At A Flat Rate
Cracking into my third plate of king crab legs, I realized the mathematical genius behind Crab House’s flat-rate system. Market price for these oceanic treasures would normally cost a fortune, but here they’re unlimited for a single price!
Beyond the headline attractions, they offer surprising variety: garlic butter shrimp, steamed clams, grilled calamari, and even sushi rolls appear throughout your meal. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten either – roasted vegetables, pasta primavera, and impressive salads round out the offerings.
Pro tip: Skip lunch entirely before coming. The most seasoned Crab House veterans arrive with empty stomachs and stretchy pants, ready to make the most of this maritime feast. I learned this lesson the hard way after a pre-dinner snack ruined my appetite!
5. Celebrate Birthdays With A Feast—For Free
My birthday last year turned into a seafood extravaganza I’ll never forget! Crab House NYC’s birthday policy might be the city’s best-kept secret: the birthday person eats completely FREE when accompanied by at least three paying guests.
They don’t just comp your meal either. The staff emerges singing with a sparkler-topped chocolate lava cake and a complimentary glass of champagne. The restaurant erupts in applause as nearby tables join the celebration – it’s like having 100 new friends wish you happy birthday!
Each month, nearly 200 New Yorkers choose to celebrate their special day here. The wall near the entrance, covered with birthday Polaroids dating back to 2008, tells the story of a restaurant that’s woven itself into the fabric of countless New Yorkers’ milestone moments.