Would you drive three hours for unlimited lobster?
Tucked away in Charlestown, Rhode Island, there’s a family-owned restaurant where a $145 ticket gets you access to a massive all-you-can-eat spread featuring lobster, snow crab legs, oysters, scallops, prime rib, filet and plenty more.
The Nordic isn’t exactly your average buffet. Set on a sprawling lakeside property, the destination restaurant has been serving up its famously indulgent spread for generations, drawing diners from around the region who come hungry. The menu includes lobster, snow crab legs, oysters, shrimp, scallops, clams and other seafood, alongside dishes from the land, appetizers, sides and desserts.
Seafood lovers can load up on options like shrimp cocktail, fried scallops, bacon–wrapped scallops, stuffed shrimp, littlenecks and clam chowder, while those looking for something from the land can dig into prime rib, filet and other hearty dishes.
Yes, the lobster and crab are unlimited
The biggest draw is right there in the name: all you can enjoy. Lobster and snow crab are part of the spread, alongside oysters, shrimp, scallops and clams, meaning diners can keep going back for more throughout their allotted dining time.
That makes the experience a little different from a traditional seafood restaurant, where ordering lobster, crab and steak at the same table can quickly send the bill soaring.
What $145 actually gets you
At first glance, $145 for a buffet may sound like a lot. And, well, it is. But that price includes a pretty extensive list of food and drinks. Here’s what diners can enjoy:
- 🦞 Unlimited lobster
- 🦀 Snow crab legs
- 🦪 Oysters and clams
- 🍤 Shrimp and scallops
- 🥩 Prime rib and filet
- 🥗 Salads, appetizers and sides
- 🍰 Desserts and sweets
- ☕ Soft drinks, coffee and tea
The 2026 adult price is $145, while children ages 8–12 are $60 and children ages 3–7 are $35. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, tax and a 10% service charge are included in the price.
There is also a two-hour maximum dining time, so this isn’t exactly a place where you can set up camp for the afternoon.
The property sits alongside a lake, with a lounge and bar where guests can grab classic drinks and signature Nordic cocktails. Outside, there’s a sand volleyball court, lawn games, fire pits and hammocks, while seasonal live entertainment takes place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when weather permits.
When to visit The Nordic in 2026
The Nordic operates on a limited schedule, so you’ll want to plan ahead before making the drive. For 2026:
- Fridays: 5–7 p.m.
- Saturdays: 1–7 p.m.
- Sundays: Reservations required
- Dining time: Limited to 2 hours
- Dress code: Proper casual attire; jeans, shorts and sneakers are allowed
- Friday & Saturday: Seating ends at 7 p.m., though the buffet remains open later
- Sunday reservations: Required for all group sizes
How to get to The Nordic from NYC
- Address: 178 Nordic Trail, Charlestown, Rhode Island
- From NYC: About a 3-hour drive, making it better suited for a road trip than a quick dinner outing
- Closest airport: TF Green International Airport, about 28 miles away
- Closest train station: Kingston Station, served by Amtrak, about 5 miles away
- Getting around: Uber is not considered reliable in the restaurant’s location, so a rental car is recommended