This Minnesota Seafood Buffet Serves Crab Just Like Lake Country Diners Perfected
Tavern at Green Haven in Anoka brings the flavors of Minnesota’s lake country straight to the buffet table.
I visited to see why locals rave about it, and every dish showcased fresh, perfectly prepared seafood.
From tender crab to savory sides, the buffet feels like a celebration of regional taste and tradition.
It is the kind of place where hearty portions, familiar flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere make every meal feel like a special outing.
Friday Night Is Crab Night, No Exceptions
Every single Friday, Tavern at Green Haven transforms into crab leg headquarters. Forget your usual burger joint routine because this is where seafood dreams come true in the middle of Minnesota.
For around $60 to $70 per person, you get endless crab clusters, plus soup or salad, sides like garlic mashed potatoes or hash browns, and all the melted butter your heart desires.
Regulars have been showing up all year long, proving this isn’t just a one-time gimmick. Call ahead to confirm because this deal is so popular it sometimes sells out faster than concert tickets.
Lake Country Charm Meets Golf Course Views
Sitting at 2800 Greenhaven Road in Anoka, this restaurant offers something most seafood joints lack: a stunning view.
Picture rolling greens, peaceful surroundings, and that classic Minnesota lake country vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re just grabbing dinner.
The exposed beams and cozy interior design give off serious rustic elegance. Whether you’re dining inside or chilling on the patio, the atmosphere screams relaxation.
It’s the kind of place where you can wear your golf shoes or your nicest flannel and fit right in.
Clusters Come Fast, But Sometimes Kitchen Struggles
Here’s the deal: when the kitchen is firing on all cylinders, your crab clusters arrive hot, fresh, and ready to devour. But on busy nights, things can slow down to a crawl.
Some diners have reported waiting seven to fifteen minutes between plates, which feels like an eternity when you’re in full seafood mode.
A few unlucky folks even got scraps like broken claws instead of full clusters.
Pro tip: ask your server to fire up the next order while you’re still eating so you’re not stuck twiddling your thumbs waiting for round two.
Butter Is Your Best Friend Here
Nobody wants lukewarm butter with their crab legs. That’s like eating popcorn without salt or pizza without cheese.
At Tavern at Green Haven, you’ll want to request fresh, hot butter with every single plate because it doesn’t always come automatically.
The butter situation can make or break your crab experience, so don’t be shy about asking. Regulars know the secret: order extra butter right from the start and keep it coming.
Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll avoid that sad moment of cracking open a perfect crab leg only to dip it into cold, congealed butter.
Chef-Prepared Dinners Beyond the Crab
While crab legs steal the spotlight, don’t sleep on the other menu items. Diners rave about the ribeye steak, creamy chicken and wild rice soup, and those addictive stuffed mushrooms that’ll haunt your dreams.
The chef clearly knows their way around a kitchen, with perfectly seasoned dishes and fresh ingredients that elevate this spot above typical golf course fare.
Even the garlic mashed potatoes have earned a loyal following. If you’re not a seafood fanatic or dining with picky eaters, there’s plenty to choose from that won’t disappoint.
Ratings Sit at a Solid 4.3 Stars
With a strong four-plus-star rating across major review sites and hundreds of reviews, Tavern at Green Haven has built a decent reputation.
Most folks praise the fresh food, friendly service, and of course, those Friday crab legs.
However, some reviews mention inconsistencies like overcooked bacon, soggy fries, or watered-down crab that didn’t hit the mark.
The kitchen clearly has good days and rough days, which is pretty normal for any restaurant.
Overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negative ones, especially from crab leg enthusiasts who keep coming back week after week for their seafood fix.
Open Tuesday Through Sunday, Closed Mondays
Planning your visit? Mark your calendar because Tavern at Green Haven operates on a limited schedule.
They’re open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, staying closed on Mondays.
This means you can’t just roll up any day of the week craving crab. Friday and Saturday are your best bets for the full experience, especially if you’re gunning for that all-you-can-eat special.
Call ahead at 763-576-2964 to double-check hours and confirm crab availability before making the trek to Anoka.