Yes, People Really Drive Across Florida For This Iconic All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Restaurant

Along the glitzy stretch of International Drive in Orlando sits a restaurant that’s become something of a pilgrimage site for seafood lovers throughout the Sunshine State. Boston Lobster Feast isn’t just another tourist trap buffet, it’s a full-blown destination where unlimited lobster, mountains of snow crab legs, and an impressive seafood spread justify long drives from Tampa, Miami, and beyond.

With a 4.3-star rating from nearly 12,000 reviews, this all-you-can-eat haven has earned its reputation as a place worth the mileage.

Boston Lobster Feast: Florida’s Iconic Seafood Buffet

Few restaurants inspire the kind of devotion that compels families to pile into minivans and drive two hours for dinner, but Boston Lobster Feast has managed exactly that feat. Perched along Orlando’s bustling International Drive corridor, this establishment has transformed the conventional buffet model into something closer to a seafood enthusiast’s fever dream.

What started as a straightforward concept—unlimited lobster and crab in a casual setting—has evolved into a Florida dining institution. The restaurant’s reputation extends far beyond Central Florida, drawing visitors from coastal cities who ironically bypass their own ocean access to experience what Boston Lobster Feast offers.

Operating since the late 1980s, the restaurant occupies a spacious location at 8731 International Dr, strategically positioned amid Orlando’s tourism corridor. The exterior doesn’t scream elegance, but regulars know that’s never been the point.

Inside, the atmosphere leans comfortably casual, with tables arranged to accommodate everyone from couples on date night to extended family reunions celebrating milestones.

People Drive Hours For Endless Lobster And Crab

Driving forty minutes for dinner might sound excessive until you consider what awaits at journey’s end. Multiple reviewers mention making that exact trek, and they’re quick to add they’d gladly do it again.

One visitor from out of town noted the experience justified every mile traveled, praising not just the food quality but the entire atmosphere. Another guest calculated their drive time and declared it absolutely worthwhile, even factoring in Orlando traffic.

These aren’t isolated testimonials—the pattern repeats throughout thousands of reviews.

The pilgrimage phenomenon speaks to something deeper than convenience. In an era when most seafood buffets have disappeared or diminished their offerings, Boston Lobster Feast maintains standards that keep people returning despite geographical inconvenience.

Families from Tampa’s western coast and tourists staying in Kissimmee regularly make the drive, treating it as part of the evening’s entertainment rather than an obstacle. The restaurant’s location near major highways makes it accessible, though finding parking during peak weekend hours requires patience and perhaps a bit of strategic circling.

Unlimited Lobster Is The Main Attraction

Steamed Maine lobster arrives at your table in waves, each crustacean ranging from small to medium size, split and ready for extraction. Servers bring fresh rounds every five to ten minutes, maintaining a steady supply that prevents the dreaded buffet scarcity anxiety.

One particularly enthusiastic group of four managed to consume fifty lobsters in a single sitting—a feat their server Fredy handled with remarkable composure and efficiency. That’s not typical, of course, but it illustrates the restaurant’s commitment to the “unlimited” promise.

Most diners settle into a comfortable rhythm of three to six lobsters, savoring each one with drawn butter stationed conveniently near the seafood section.

The lobster quality receives consistent praise, with reviewers noting the meat tastes fresh and arrives properly cooked more often than not. Servers often demonstrate proper dismantling techniques for first-timers, showing how to extract every morsel from tail, claws, and the often-overlooked knuckles.

Occasional pieces arrive slightly overcooked—an inevitable reality of volume seafood service—but the rapid turnover means requesting another takes mere minutes.

Snow Crab Legs Are A Big Draw

Alongside the lobster, snow crab legs command serious attention from the buffet crowd. Piled high in steaming trays, these sweet-fleshed delicacies represent the other half of Boston Lobster Feast’s one-two punch.

Reviewers mention the crab legs frequently, often in the same breath as the lobster. One visitor focused exclusively on lobster and crab, declaring both absolutely amazing and worth the visit alone.

The crab legs arrive pre-steamed, requiring only a quick crack to access the tender meat inside.

Quality consistency matters with crab, and most feedback suggests Boston Lobster Feast maintains solid standards. A few reviewers noted occasional overcooking—shells softer than expected or meat slightly dry—but these complaints appear less frequently than the praise.

The restaurant provides proper crackers and picks, though some diners mention needing to request these tools rather than finding them automatically at the table. Smart strategy involves hitting the crab section early when freshness peaks, then returning for additional rounds as new batches emerge from the kitchen throughout the evening.

More Than Just Lobster — A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Beyond the headlining crustaceans, Boston Lobster Feast spreads out an impressive array that could anchor any respectable seafood restaurant. Cajun boiled shrimp, crawfish, steamed clams, oysters Rockefeller, clam strips, and several varieties of fresh fish populate the buffet line.

Ahi tuna with a sweet teriyaki-style glaze earns specific mentions from reviewers who ventured beyond the lobster-and-crab tunnel vision. The sushi section offers basic rolls for those seeking raw options.

A robust salad bar features multiple seafood salads that several visitors regretted being too full to sample properly.

The variety ensures that even non-seafood enthusiasts find satisfaction. Prime rib appears as a land-based option, earning praise for tenderness and flavor, particularly when paired with au jus.

Ribs also make an appearance, with one reviewer declaring them surprisingly good. Corn on the cob receives enthusiastic recognition as unexpectedly excellent—sweet, perfectly cooked, and a welcome palate cleanser between seafood rounds.

This diversity makes Boston Lobster Feast genuinely accommodating for mixed groups where not everyone shares equal enthusiasm for oceanic cuisine.

Located On Orlando’s Busy International Drive

International Drive functions as Orlando’s tourism artery, lined with attractions, hotels, and dining establishments competing for attention. Boston Lobster Feast holds its ground amid this commercial chaos at 8731 International Dr, positioned between theme parks and convention centers.

The location proves both blessing and challenge. Accessibility ranks high—major highways connect easily, and countless hotels sit within a ten-minute radius.

Tourists staying anywhere in the International Drive corridor can reach the restaurant without navigating Orlando’s more confusing residential areas.

However, International Drive traffic tests patience, especially during peak tourist seasons when rental cars clog every lane. Weekend evenings see the heaviest congestion, so timing your arrival matters.

The restaurant opens at 4 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends, and savvy diners often aim for early arrival to beat both traffic and dinner rush crowds. Parking exists on-site, though finding a spot during Saturday evening prime time requires either luck or willingness to circle.

The surrounding area offers little in terms of scenic charm, but functionality trumps aesthetics when unlimited lobster awaits inside.

All-You-Can-Eat Format Equals Serious Value

Pricing hovers around seventy dollars per adult—not insignificant, but context matters when evaluating value. Consider that a single lobster dinner at most casual seafood restaurants runs thirty to forty dollars, and suddenly the unlimited format’s economics become clearer.

Guests who pace themselves and focus on higher-ticket items (lobster, crab, prime rib) easily surpass the entry cost in pure food value. One reviewer calculated the experience worthwhile even at that price point, noting the unlimited lobster alone justified the expense.

Children ages four to eleven pay roughly twenty-six dollars, making family visits more manageable though still representing a meaningful investment.

The restaurant occasionally offers military discounts, a gesture appreciated by service members visiting the area. Some guests feel the price edges toward excessive, particularly if their party includes children who eat minimally or if they don’t focus heavily on the premium seafood offerings.

Realistically, Boston Lobster Feast rewards hearty appetites and seafood enthusiasm. Arriving genuinely hungry maximizes value—several reviewers stress this point emphatically, suggesting light eating earlier in the day to fully capitalize on the unlimited format.

Perfect For Families And Large Groups

Boston Lobster Feast’s spacious layout and buffet format naturally accommodate larger parties that might struggle with traditional restaurant service. Tables can be arranged to seat extended families, and the self-service model eliminates the coordination challenges of ordering for eight or ten people.

Several reviewers mention visiting with family groups, noting how the variety ensures everyone finds something appealing. The complimentary group photo adds a nice touch—management offers to snap a picture of your party, providing a souvenir beyond the food memories.

This small gesture elevates the experience from mere meal to documented occasion.

Children receive attention from staff, with servers demonstrating patience even when younger diners create messes. One reviewer praised a busboy who immediately replaced a toddler’s dropped fork without being asked—the kind of attentive service that parents notice and appreciate.

The casual atmosphere means families needn’t worry about maintaining formal dining behavior, and the visual spectacle of endless lobster and crab keeps kids engaged. Large groups celebrating birthdays, reunions, or other milestones find the format particularly suitable since everyone can eat at their own pace without waiting for course timing.

A Rare Spot With Endless Seafood Options

All-you-can-eat seafood restaurants have become increasingly scarce across America, victims of rising seafood costs and operational challenges. Boston Lobster Feast represents a surviving specimen of a nearly extinct dining category, which partially explains its devoted following.

Buffet restaurants in general face criticism for quality concerns, but seafood buffets carry additional complications. Shellfish requires careful handling and quick turnover to maintain freshness and safety.

Many establishments that once offered unlimited seafood have either closed or pivoted to limited menu formats where sustainability proves easier to manage.

Boston Lobster Feast’s persistence in maintaining the unlimited model, particularly with premium items like lobster and crab, deserves recognition. The operational complexity of sourcing, preparing, and continuously replenishing these items at scale while maintaining acceptable quality standards shouldn’t be underestimated.

One reviewer noted that buffets rarely receive good reviews but called this establishment the exception proving the rule. That assessment captures the rarity of finding an all-you-can-eat seafood operation that actually delivers on its promises without cutting corners that compromise the entire experience.

Boston Lobster Feast: A Must-Visit Destination

With nearly twelve thousand Google reviews averaging 4.3 stars, Boston Lobster Feast has accumulated enough feedback to establish clear patterns. The consensus leans positive, with enthusiasm particularly concentrated among those who arrive with appropriate expectations and appetites.

First-time visitors should understand what they’re getting: high-volume seafood service in a casual buffet environment, not fine dining. The atmosphere buzzes with activity—families chatting, servers clearing mountains of shells, the general controlled chaos of a popular buffet.

Ambiance takes a backseat to abundance, and anyone seeking romantic intimacy or quiet conversation might find the environment overwhelming.

Reservations can be made through their website at bostonlobsterfeast.com or by calling 407-248-8606, and making them proves wise for weekend visits. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Friday from 4 PM to 10 PM, with extended weekend hours starting at 2 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Arriving early in the service window often yields fresher food and more attentive service before the dinner rush peaks. Despite occasional inconsistencies and the inevitable challenges of buffet dining, Boston Lobster Feast delivers an experience memorable enough to justify its cross-state reputation.

Service That Elevates The Experience

Outstanding service transforms good meals into memorable experiences, and Boston Lobster Feast employs servers who understand this principle. Names like Fredy, Patrick, Danielle, Adrianna, Mario, and Sanna appear repeatedly in glowing reviews, each praised for attentiveness and professionalism.

Fredy earned particular recognition for managing a table that consumed fifty lobsters without ever making the guests feel rushed or burdensome. His timing and awareness—checking in between bites rather than interrupting mid-chew—demonstrated the kind of subtle skill that distinguishes competent service from exceptional hospitality.

Patrick received multiple mentions for personable, professional demeanor that made him rank among diners’ top three servers worldwide.

The service model at buffet restaurants can feel hands-off, but Boston Lobster Feast maintains active table attendance. Servers continuously clear shell debris, refill drinks, provide fresh napkins, and offer assistance with lobster dismantling techniques.

One guest appreciated receiving a lemon-scented hand bowl for cleaning fingers after particularly messy eating. These small gestures accumulate into an experience that feels attended rather than abandoned, justifying the service charge that accompanies buffet dining.