When it comes to satisfying seafood cravings in the Lone Star State, nothing beats an all-you-can-eat buffet loaded with fresh ocean delights. Texas may be known for its barbecue and Tex-Mex, but its seafood scene is equally impressive, especially along the Gulf Coast. From succulent crab legs to perfectly prepared shrimp and sushi, these nine seafood buffets have earned stellar reputations among Texas locals who know where to find the best underwater treasures.
1. Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet – Houston’s Ocean Treasure
Tucked in the heart of Houston, UMI has become legendary for its impressive selection of ocean delicacies. The snow crab legs disappear almost as quickly as they’re put out, testament to their popularity among regular patrons.
Sushi lovers rejoice at the chef’s station where rolls are crafted before your eyes, using only the freshest ingredients. The lobster dishes, particularly the buttery lobster tails, have customers returning weekend after weekend.
What sets UMI apart is their commitment to frequent rotation – the buffet changes throughout the day, ensuring everything remains fresh and exciting no matter when you visit.
2. King Buffet – Plano and Dallas’ Asian Seafood Paradise
Family gatherings at King Buffet have become a tradition for many Dallas-area residents seeking quality seafood without breaking the bank. Their signature crab legs, available daily rather than just weekends like many competitors, keep seafood enthusiasts coming back regularly.
The sushi station features surprisingly creative rolls alongside traditional favorites, all prepared with artistic flair. Children particularly enjoy the hibachi station where chefs cook shrimp and scallops to order with theatrical flair.
A hidden gem among their offerings: the salt and pepper shrimp, perfectly seasoned and consistently mentioned in local reviews as a must-try item.
3. Feast Buffet – Katy’s International Seafood Experience
With over 250 dishes representing cuisines from around the world, Feast Buffet has earned its name. The seafood section alone takes up nearly a quarter of this massive eatery, featuring everything from Cajun crawfish to delicate sushi rolls.
Weekend brunches bring out special seafood offerings including garlic butter crab legs that locals plan their schedules around. The made-to-order hibachi station allows you to customize your seafood stir-fry with fresh shrimp, scallops, and calamari.
A unique touch: their seafood soup bar offers four different varieties daily, including a Texas-inspired seafood gumbo that perfectly blends Gulf traditions with Asian cooking techniques.
4. Ocean King Buffet – Duncanville’s Fresh Catch Haven
Small town charm meets big city selection at Ocean King Buffet. Unlike many buffets that rely on frozen seafood, locals whisper that Ocean King receives fresh deliveries three times weekly, explaining the remarkable quality of their offerings.
The clam station features both raw and steamed options, a rarity even among dedicated seafood establishments. Their house specialty, coconut shrimp, strikes the perfect balance between crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Families appreciate the thoughtful layout – a dedicated kids’ seafood section features milder options like popcorn shrimp and fish sticks, introducing younger palates to seafood flavors without overwhelming them.
5. Texas Buffet – Houston’s Weekend Crab Leg Destination
Don’t let the simple name fool you – Texas Buffet transforms into seafood central every Friday through Sunday. Locals strategically arrive early to secure tables, knowing the snow crab legs create lines that stretch through the dining room.
Beyond crab, their seafood offerings blend Asian and American preparations. The cold seafood bar features fresh oysters on the half shell alongside seaweed salad and ceviche, creating unique fusion opportunities on a single plate.
A Houston food blogger recently crowned their seafood curry as “the most underrated dish in the city” – chunks of white fish, shrimp and mussels swimming in a coconut broth that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.
6. White Oak Buffet – Sulphur Springs’ Cajun Seafood Treasure
Rural East Texas might seem an unlikely location for outstanding seafood, but White Oak Buffet has been changing minds for over 15 years. The family-owned establishment brings Louisiana influence to their seafood offerings, with crawfish étouffée that rivals anything found in New Orleans.
Saturday nights feature all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp seasoned with their secret spice blend – a recipe the owners refuse to share despite countless requests. The catfish station offers both blackened and fried options, using fish sourced from local lakes rather than imports.
Regulars know to save room for their signature seafood bread pudding, an unusual sweet-savory creation featuring crab meat and shrimp.
7. Miller’s Seawall Grill – Galveston’s Seafood Abundance
Though technically not a traditional buffet, Miller’s earns its place through their “Bottomless Seafood Platter” – a continuously refilled feast that keeps coming until you surrender. Situated directly on Galveston’s seawall, diners enjoy panoramic Gulf views while servers bring endless platters of fried shrimp, oysters, and flounder.
The restaurant’s proximity to fishing boats ensures remarkable freshness. Their catch-of-the-day option changes based on what local fishermen bring in that morning.
A charming tradition: servers ring a bell whenever someone finishes their third round of the bottomless platter, earning good-natured applause from fellow diners and a place on the restaurant’s “Wall of Fame.”
8. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Texas’ Beloved Seafood Chain
While not a traditional buffet, Pappadeaux earns inclusion through their legendary “Grand Seafood Platter” – a mountain of food that easily feeds 3-4 people and showcases nearly every seafood item on their menu. These massive shareable feasts create a buffet-like experience at your table.
Founded in Houston but now with locations throughout Texas, each restaurant maintains its own smoker for preparing their famous smoked oysters. The crawfish season brings special all-you-can-eat events that have patrons marking calendars months in advance.
A thoughtful touch: servers provide illustrated guides for first-timers on how to properly crack crab legs and extract maximum meat from their shellfish selections.
9. The Kickin’ Crab – Cajun Seafood by the Pound
The Kickin’ Crab brings the communal seafood experience to a whole new level. Though not a traditional buffet, their “Seafood Boil” concept – where pounds of crab, shrimp, crawfish and more are dumped directly onto your table – creates an unlimited feeling feast that’s captured the hearts of Texas seafood lovers.
Their signature KC sauces range from mild to “Call The Fire Department” spicy, with the garlic butter blend being the runaway favorite among regulars. No plates needed here – tables are covered in paper, and patrons don plastic bibs for the deliciously messy experience.
First-timers often become devoted fans after trying their seafood corn – cobs soaked in the same flavorful broth as the shellfish.
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