Seafood buffets promise mountains of shrimp, endless crab legs, and oceans of flavor—but not all deliver on that dream.
Some go heavy on the steam tables and light on freshness, leaving diners with soggy breading, rubbery textures, and regret.
This list rounds up 10 seafood buffets that fall short, plus 5 that plunge even deeper. Think twice before grabbing a plate.
1. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet (Orlando, FL)
Right off the tourist strip, this buffet looks like a seafood lover’s dream—but the reality is lukewarm crab legs and bland sides. Despite the premium price, much of the food sits too long under heat lamps.
Fried shrimp loses its crunch before it hits your plate. Even the cocktail sauce feels uninspired.
2. Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet (Islamorada, FL)
Set against a gorgeous marina, this buffet wins on view alone. But inside, the food rarely matches the coastal charm.
Sushi rice feels sticky in all the wrong ways, and the oysters lack brine and brightness. A sunset can’t save a sad plate.
3. Joe’s Crab Shack Buffet Nights (Various Locations)
When Joe’s rolls out buffet nights, it’s more hype than help. The crab is sparse, and the options feel hastily arranged.
Frozen shrimp cocktails and breaded fish triangles dominate the spread. It’s quantity without the satisfaction.
4. Ocean King Buffet (Charlotte, NC)
This buffet is massive, but bigger doesn’t mean better. Dishes cycle fast, but many taste like they came from the freezer aisle.
Fried items go limp quickly, and sushi rolls fall apart before reaching your plate. A sea of mediocrity.
5. Boston Lobster Feast (Kissimmee, FL)
All-you-can-eat lobster sounds irresistible—but these tails are dry and rubbery, needing a pool of butter just to swallow.
The rest of the buffet leans heavily on starches and underseasoned sides. Not even nostalgia makes it worthwhile.
6. Crazy Buffet (Tampa, FL)
With its neon lighting and sprawling layout, Crazy Buffet overwhelms before you even grab a plate. The seafood, sadly, doesn’t hold up.
Grilled items taste oddly sweet, and shrimp dishes lack texture. It’s a wild ride with no satisfying end.
7. The Buffet At Excalibur (Las Vegas, NV)
In a city full of culinary hits, this one feels phoned in. The seafood section is forgettable, tucked behind better stations.
Pale crab legs and flavorless mussels leave you wishing you’d spent the extra $10 elsewhere. It doesn’t feel royal.
8. Empire Buffet (Birmingham, AL)
Empire Buffet offers variety, but few wins. Seafood dishes come out greasy or bland, often both.
The tempura is soggy, and the shrimp tastes days old. Dessert may be your best bet here.
9. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (Houston, TX)
This massive buffet offers something for everyone—but seafood fans should temper expectations. Many offerings are underseasoned or just plain overcooked.
Fish filets fall apart on the fork, and sushi has that pre-packed feel. A miss in a city that knows food.
10. Pacific Seafood Buffet (Phoenix, AZ)
Despite its name, the seafood here barely rises above frozen fare. Cold crab legs and rubbery scallops disappoint more than surprise.
Even the sushi feels like it’s going through the motions. A misstep for a buffet promising Pacific flair.
11. Royal Buffet (Rochester, NY)
This buffet trades flavor for filler. The seafood is limp, the sauces runny, and the steam trays uninspired.
Nothing feels fresh, and the lobster dishes have the texture of boiled leather. Your stomach—and wallet—deserve better.
12. China Buffet (Des Moines, IA)
There’s no excuse for overcooked seafood swimming in gelatinous sauces. The oysters don’t smell right, and the shrimp lack snap.
Even basic fried options come out soggy. A hard pass unless you like playing digestive roulette.
13. King Buffet (Boise, ID)
If there’s a crown here, it belongs to sogginess. Seafood offerings suffer from poor rotation and questionable seasoning.
Sauces are syrupy and indistinct, making every dish taste the same. Dethrone this one from your list.
14. Golden Palace Buffet (Daytona Beach, FL)
Golden in name only, this buffet delivers dull, barely warm seafood. The crab legs are dry, and sauces lean cloyingly sweet.
Even the salads are wilted. You’ll be planning your exit before dessert.
15. Jumbo Seafood Buffet (Memphis, TN)
Everything looks generous, but nothing satisfies. Breaded fish falls apart, sauces overpower, and shellfish lack seasoning.
Even rice feels underdone or gummy. It’s a jumbo disappointment from start to finish.