I recently dined at Red Lobster in Times Square for the first time with a friend and was surprised by a few aspects of the experience.
The portion sizes were much bigger than I expected, but the prices of some menu items were also higher than I ever dreamed of when booking a table at a chain restaurant.
However, from Red Lobsters signature unlimited biscuits to the glitter-filled cocktails, the meal felt more special than those at other chain restaurants Ive been to.
Red Lobster is one of America’s most beloved casual dining restaurant chains, with over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada. As a seafood-focused establishment, Red Lobster’s menu highlights an abundance of fish, shellfish, starters, salads, soups, sides, and more. But what exactly does this popular restaurant serve up for hungry guests?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll dive into all the mouthwatering seafood, appetizers, classic dishes kid’s meals, soups, salads, sides, desserts, and specialty beverages you can order at Red Lobster.
An Ocean of Seafood Options
As you would expect, succulent seafood takes center stage on Red Lobster’s menu They source quality shrimp, lobster, crab, fish, scallops, clams, calamari, and oysters from around the world You’ll find these selections prepared in diverse styles
- Shrimp – Snow crab-stuffed, scampi, garlic grilled, crispy, and more
- Lobster – Live Maine lobster, roasted stuffed lobster tails, lobster tacos
- Crab – Crab-stuffed flounder, crab linguini, Cajun crab cakes
- Fish – Wood-grilled salmon, parmesan-crusted tilapia, shrimp and clam-stuffed cod
- Scallops – Seared sea scallops, bay scallop ceviche
- Clams – New England clam chowder, linguini with clam sauce
- Calamari – Crispy calamari fried with peppers and marinara sauce
- Oysters – Fried fresh oyster platter, oyster sliders
You can also order seafood combination platters to enjoy a taste of different varieties in one meal.
Tantalizing Starters, Soups & Salads
Before indulging in the main event, Red Lobster offers appetizing starters, salads, and soups:
- Appetizers – Mozzarella cheesesticks, parmesan shrimp scampi, lobster-artichoke dip, hush puppies
- Soups – New England clam chowder, creamy lobster bisque, broccoli and cheese soup
- Salads – Caesar salad, garden fresh salad with chicken or shrimp
Their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits also come complimentary with all entrees. You can order extra biscuits or the savory bacon mac & cheese side.
Satisfying Sides
No seafood dinner is complete without some sides to enhance the meal. Red Lobster has a nice selection of sides like:
- Coleslaw
- Rice pilaf
- Broccoli
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked potato
- Fries
- Veggie medley
- Roasted asparagus
For added indulgence, try their loaded baked potato or creamy lobster mashed potatoes.
Kid-Friendly Meals
Red Lobster welcomes families and has a dedicated kid’s menu for ages 12 and under. Fun picks include:
- Fried shrimp
- Grilled chicken
- Cheese pizza
- Mac & cheese
- Fish fillet
All kids’ meals come with sides, drinks, and desserts to keep the little ones full and happy.
Sweet Treats
Save room for something sweet at the end of your Red Lobster feast. Tasty desserts include:
- Warm apple crostada with vanilla ice cream
- Fudgy chocolate wave cake
- Strawberry cheesecake
- Key lime pie
- Brownie overload skillet
Or enjoy a hot fudge brownie, milkshake, or ice cream topped with Heath bar crumbles.
Specialty Beverages
Wash down your seafood with something refreshing. Unique drink options at Red Lobster include:
- Tropical pineapple lemonades
- Frozen margaritas and cocktails
- Sangria
- White and red wines
- Ice-cold beers
- Non-alcoholic choices
The fruity pina colada is a signature beverage made with Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice.
Daily Deals & Promotions
One of the best things about Red Lobster is their rotating daily deals and weekly specials. Offers include:
- Endless Shrimp Mondays
- Two for Tuesday mix and match entrees
- Weekend lobster and shrimp fest bundles
- Happy Hour drink specials
Sign up for their email club to get alerts on the latest promotions and menu updates.
Seafood for Every Preference
With such variety, Red Lobster can satisfy different dietary needs and restrictions:
- Keto
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Their menu identifies dishes that fit these lifestyles. You’ll find seafood, chicken, salads, and more prepared with your preferences in mind.
A Menu with Something for Everyone
As you can see, Red Lobster provides an abundance of high-quality seafood, starters, soups, salads, sides, kid-approved picks, desserts, and drinks. No matter your craving, you’ll discover delicious options for a memorable meal.
Next time you’re looking for amazing seafood in a casual atmosphere, stop by your nearest Red Lobster location. Now you know exactly what this popular restaurant chain serves up to delight hungry guests. Get ready to indulge in their mouthwatering selections from the ocean and beyond.
I was surprised by the size of the Deep Sea Lobsterita. The drink, which had flecks of gold glitter in it, seemed larger than my head.
I went to Red Lobster with a friend and we both ordered the new Deep Sea Lobsterita, which comes with Cazadores tequila blanco, Malibu coconut rum, and Finest Call blue curaçao.
When we received our drinks, we were both shocked at how large they were. We also were pleasantly surprised to find flecks of edible glitter in the drinks, making them feel even more special than a classic margarita.
There was also a surprisingly large variety of sides to choose from when picking our entrées.
Most entrées come with the choice of two sides, and we were surprised by the number of options.
The standard side options included broccoli, orzo rice, mashed potatoes, fries, coleslaw, or baked potato.
There were also a few premium sides to choose from, such as bacon mac and cheese, lobster-topped mashed potatoes, and crispy Brussels sprouts.
We both ordered the mashed potatoes, which we thought were creamy and tasted strongly of butter and herbs.
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FAQ
What is Red Lobster most known for?
The brand specializes in seafood, including crab, fish, lobster, mollusks, and shrimp. It also serves chicken, desserts, pasta, and steak.
Does Red Lobster sell anything other than seafood?
Red Lobster is for more than just the “seafood lover in you.” In what the company bills as its “most comprehensive menu transformation in brand history,” Red Lobster’s new menu launched Monday includes salads, pasta, chicken and pork. (NY Strip Steaks were already part of the menu.)
Does Red Lobster have a senior discount?
Red Lobster offers a Senior Discount to customers who are aged 55 and older, providing them with a special savings opportunity on select menu items. The discount typically varies by location and may apply during specific days of the week or times of day.
Is Red Lobster owned by Olive Garden?
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Historical Connection:Red Lobster and Olive Garden were both founded by Bill Darden and were once part of Darden Restaurants, which also owns other restaurant chains like Longhorn Steakhouse.
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Separation:Darden Restaurants sold Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital in 2014. This separation allowed Darden to focus on its other brands, including Olive Garden.
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Current Ownership:Red Lobster is now owned by a different company, with Thai Union Group being the largest shareholder.
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Olive Garden’s Current Status:Olive Garden remains a flagship brand of Darden Restaurants.
Does Red Lobster serve seafood?
Red Lobster is one of the most popular casual dining seafood restaurant chains in America. With over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada, it’s a go-to spot for delicious seafood feasts. But what exactly does Red Lobster serve on their menu?
Is Red Lobster a good place to eat?
As you can see, Red Lobster truly offers diverse menu selections with seafood, chicken, salads, pasta, and more. They accommodate various diets: The menu has icons showing which dishes fit these dietary needs. They work to meet every guest’s preferences. Red Lobster is your go-to spot for indulging in high-quality seafood any day of the week.
Why is Red Lobster so popular?
Because of the long-standing menu and somewhat stable pricing across the company, people have been able to enjoy Red Lobster since its inception in 1968. It’s also worth mentioning that the company runs deals throughout the year, with special pop-up menu items depending on the market.
What is a popular dish to try at Red Lobster?
If you’re at a loss for what to try at the chain, make the Cheddar Bay Biscuits your first pick. Red Lobster has plenty of hits and beloved classics on its menu, but not all of its dishes measure up. How exactly do they rank?
Does Red Lobster have a menu change?
Red Lobster doesn’t make major menu changes often, but they have increased prices due to higher-quality seafood. The menu varies by location. Red Lobster’s appetizers, like crispy dragon shrimp and lobster dip, are highly recommended and preferred over the entrées.
What to eat at Red Lobster?
Try a seafarer; a signature cocktail made with Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice. Red Lobster runs weekly specials and promotions for extra savings: Sign up for their email newsletter so you never miss a deal. As you can see, Red Lobster truly offers diverse menu selections with seafood, chicken, salads, pasta, and more.