Red Lobster History

CategoryDetails
FoundedMarch 1968
FoundersBill Darden & Charley Woodsby
First LocationLakeland, Florida, USA
HeadquartersOrlando, Florida, USA
OwnershipOriginally Darden Restaurants, now majority-owned by Thai Union Group
Cuisine TypeSeafood-focused American casual dining
Popular ForCheddar Bay Biscuits, Lobsterfest, Endless Shrimp, Ultimate Feast
Global LocationsUSA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Middle East, and more
Signature PromotionsLobsterfest, Crabfest, Endless Shrimp, Daily Deals

Red Lobster Menu

Red Lobster is a favorite spot for seafood fans in the U.S. You’ll find fresh shrimp, tasty lobster dishes, and great appetizers on the menu. There’s a lot to pick from, and the prices are fair. Whether you’re going out with family or just craving seafood, Red Lobster is always a solid choice.

Course Shrimp Sensation – Just $19.99


One of Red Lobster’s biggest hits is back! The 3-Course Shrimp Sensation offers amazing value and flavor in one meal.
What’s Included:
Starter – Choose from:
Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
Crispy Dragon Shrimp®
Soup or Salad – Options include:
New England Clam Chowder
Lobster Bisque
Caesar Salad
House Salad
Main Course – Pick your favorite shrimp entrée from several delicious choices.
Why It’s Popular: It’s a full meal with lots of choices for just $19.99. Fans are loving the nostalgic vibe thanks to a 90s-themed ad starring Joey Fatone.

Red Lobster Happy Hour – $5 Deals!

Looking for a budget-friendly time to visit? Try the Red Lobster Happy Hour, available Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6 PM at participating locations.

$5 Happy Hour Includes:

  • Classic Margaritas
  • Top-Shelf Long Island Iced Teas
  • Lobster Flatbread (small portion)
  • Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Other rotating drink and appetizer specials

It’s a perfect mid-week treat for friends, coworkers, or a solo seafood fix.

Signature Starters

DishPriceDescription
Lobster Flatbread$15.99Topped with Maine and langostino lobster, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail$12.99Jumbo shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce.
Crispy Dragon Shrimp®$12.99Tossed in a sweet & spicy chili sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops$19.99Available in 4 or 6 pieces, wrapped in bacon with spring mix.
Crab Queso$13.99Cheesy dip with crab and pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips.
Lobster Dip$13.99Lobster, spinach, artichoke and three cheeses with chips.

Fan Favorites & New Menu Additions

Red Lobster recently made exciting updates to its menu based on customer feedback:

  • Hush Puppies – A Southern classic brought back by popular demand.
  • Popcorn Shrimp – Crunchy, bite-sized, and back on the menu!
  • 🆕 Lobster Pappardelle Pasta – A rich, creamy pasta with plenty of lobster.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops – Available in smaller or larger portions.

These updates are part of Red Lobster’s goal to bring back fan-favorites while keeping things fresh.

Lobster & Crab Dishes

  • Grilled Lobster, Shrimp & Salmon: A combination of Maine lobster tail, shrimp, and salmon, finished with a brown butter sauce.
  • Bar Harbor Lobster Bake: Split Maine lobster tails with shrimp, mussels, and fresh tomatoes over linguini in a garlic and white wine broth.
  • Surf & Turf: Maine lobster tail paired with a 7 oz. sirloin steak.
  • Maine Lobster Tail: Available as an add-on to any entrée.
  • Rock Lobster Tail: Available as an add-on to any entrée.
  • Snow Crab Legs (½ lb.): Available as an add-on to any entrée.

Shrimp Specialties

  • Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Shrimp in a garlic butter sauce.
  • Shrimp Linguini Alfredo: Shrimp served over linguini in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Grilled Shrimp: Seasoned and grilled shrimp.
  • Walt’s Favorite Shrimp: Hand-breaded and fried shrimp.
  • Crispy Dragon Shrimp®: Shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
  • Popcorn Shrimp: Bite-sized shrimp, breaded and fried.
  • Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp with a coconut breading.

Fish & Seafood Bowls

  • Sesame-Soy Salmon Bowl: Soy-glazed salmon with Brussels sprouts, edamame, orzo rice, greens, crispy onions, and sesame dressing.
  • Southwest Shrimp Bowl: Grilled shrimp over orzo rice, spring mix, pico de gallo, sour cream, and tortilla strips with jalapeño ranch.

Signature Feasts & Combos

  • Create Your Own Ultimate Feast®: Choose two premium selections (e.g., Snow Crab Legs, Grilled Sea Scallops, Maine Lobster Tail) and two classic selections (e.g., Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi).

Seafood Lunch Favorites

  • Sesame-Soy Salmon Bowl – Soy-ginger glazed Atlantic salmon with crispy Brussels sprouts, orzo rice, edamame, spring mix, and crispy onions, topped with sesame dressing.
  • Southwest Shrimp Bowl – Zesty grilled shrimp over jalapeño ranch-drizzled orzo rice, spring mix, pico de gallo, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
  • Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Shrimp in a garlic butter sauce.
  • Walt’s Favorite Shrimp – Hand-breaded, butterflied, and lightly fried shrimp.
  • Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp – Jumbo shrimp with a coconut breading, served with piña colada sauce.
  • Wild-Caught Crunch-Fried Flounder – Hand-breaded flounder, fried until golden brown.
  • Sailor’s Platter – A combination of shrimp scampi, popcorn shrimp, and crispy flounder.
  • Popcorn Shrimp – Bite-sized shrimp, breaded and fried.

Signature Seafood Entrées

  • Ultimate Feast: A combination of Maine lobster tail, snow crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi, and Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with your choice of sides.
  • Lobster Lover’s Dream: A duo of succulent lobster tails, paired with lobster-and-shrimp linguini Alfredo.
  • Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp & Salmon: A trio of wood-grilled Maine lobster tail, jumbo shrimp skewer, and Atlantic salmon, served with seasonal sides.
  • Bar Harbor Lobster Bake: Petite Maine lobster tails with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, and fresh tomatoes over linguini in a garlic and white wine broth.

Shrimp Specialties

  • Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Shrimp oven-broiled in a garlic butter sauce, served over linguini.
  • Walt’s Favorite Shrimp: Hand-breaded, butterflied shrimp fried to a golden brown, served with cocktail sauce.
  • Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp dipped in flaky coconut and fried until golden brown, served with piña colada sauce.
  • Shrimp Linguini Alfredo: Tender shrimp in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce on a bed of linguini.

Fish & Other Entrées

  • Admiral’s Feast: A platter of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, bay scallops, clam strips, and wild-caught whitefish, all fried to a golden brown.
  • Wild-Caught Crunch-Fried Flounder: Hand-breaded flounder fried until crispy, served with tartar sauce.
  • Atlantic Salmon: Fresh Atlantic salmon, prepared to your liking—grilled, blackened, or broiled.

Steaks & Combinations

  • Surf & Turf: A pairing of a tender 7 oz. sirloin steak with a broiled Maine lobster tail.
  • Sirloin & Shrimp: A 7 oz. sirloin steak served with your choice of grilled shrimp or Walt’s Favorite Shrimp.
  • Ribeye Steak: A juicy, well-marbled 12 oz. ribeye steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection.

Pasta Dishes

  • Lobster Linguini Alfredo: Sweet Maine lobster meat tossed with linguini in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Garlic shrimp sautéed and served over linguini in a creamy garlic sauce.

Sides & Add-Ons

  • Cheddar Bay Biscuits®: Warm, flaky biscuits with a cheesy, garlicky flavor—complimentary with every meal.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes blended with roasted garlic.
  • Steamed Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets steamed to perfection.
  • Baked Potato: A classic baked potato served with butter and sour cream.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Wave: A decadent chocolate cake layered with rich chocolate icing and served with vanilla ice cream.
  • Key Lime Pie: A tangy and sweet key lime pie with a graham cracker crust.

Gluten-Free Menu Options at Red Lobster

Appetizers

  • Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp served with cocktail sauce.

Soups & Salads

  • Garden Salad (without croutons): Fresh greens with your choice of gluten-free dressing.
  • Caesar Salad (without croutons): Romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing.
  • Lobster Bisque: Rich and creamy lobster soup.

Entrées

  • Wood-Grilled Salmon: Fresh Atlantic salmon grilled over an open flame.
  • Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Seasoned shrimp grilled to perfection.
  • Wood-Grilled Chicken: Tender chicken breast grilled over an open flame.
  • Wood-Grilled Tacos (with corn tortillas): Choose from grilled chicken or shrimp.

Sides

  • Baked Potato: Classic baked potato served with butter.
  • Seasoned Fresh Broccoli: Steamed broccoli seasoned with herbs.
  • Fresh Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears.
  • Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs and spices.

Desserts

  • Seasonal Fruit Cup: A selection of fresh seasonal fruits.

Why Choose Red Lobster?

ReasonWhat It Means for You
Seafood Expertise Since 1968Decades of experience delivering quality, responsibly-sourced seafood.
Signature Flavors & ClassicsIconic dishes like the Ultimate Feast and Cheddar Bay Biscuits keep guests coming back.
Fresh & Sustainable SeafoodCommitted to serving traceable, sustainable, and responsibly-sourced seafood.
Seasonal PromotionsSpecials like Lobsterfest and Endless Shrimp offer variety and value throughout the year.
Affordable LuxuryEnjoy premium seafood in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere—without breaking the bank.
Delicious Drink MenuHandcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks complement every meal perfectly.
Nationwide LocationsEasy to find, with consistent quality across all restaurants in the U.S. and beyond.
Warm HospitalityFriendly staff, cozy ambiance, and a focus on guest satisfaction.

Top Red Lobster Alternatives in the USA

Restaurant NameWhat They OfferWhy It’s a Great Alternative
Joe’s Crab ShackFun, beach-themed chain offering buckets of crab, shrimp platters, and seafood boils.Lively atmosphere and affordable seafood with a casual vibe.
Bonefish GrillUpscale casual dining with fresh seafood, steaks, and handcrafted cocktails.More refined setting with excellent service and quality seafood.
The Crab ShackSouthern-style seafood boils, often near coastal towns.Great for a laid-back, flavorful seafood experience.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.Inspired by Forrest Gump, offers shrimp dishes, seafood, and American favorites.Fun, themed dining with friendly service and diverse menu options.
Captain D’sQuick-service seafood with grilled, fried, and baked options.Budget-friendly and fast, with a focus on comfort seafood classics.
Legal Sea FoodsKnown for high-quality seafood and a more polished dining experience.Great for seafood purists who value freshness and sustainability.
Chart HouseFine-dining seafood and steak with scenic views (coastal or waterfront locations).Ideal for a special occasion with elegant hospitality.
Seafood City GrillRegional chains offering crab boils and Cajun-style seafood.Bold flavors and customizable seafood trays; great for group dining.

Final Thoughts

With affordable combo meals, tasty appetizers, fan-favorite returns, and generous happy hour specials, Red Lobster continues to lead the way for casual seafood dining in the U.S.

If you’re craving lobster, shrimp, or something hearty and new—Red Lobster’s updated 2025 menu is worth checking out.

FAQs

What are the most popular items on the Red Lobster menu?

Fan favorites include the Ultimate Feast, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and Lobster Linguini.

Does Red Lobster have a lunch menu?

Yes, Red Lobster offers a separate lunch menu with smaller portions and lower prices, available Monday to Friday until 3 PM.

Is there a special Red Lobster menu for kids?

Yes, the kids’ menu includes fish sticks, popcorn shrimp, chicken tenders, and mac & cheese, served with a side and drink.

Does Red Lobster offer gluten-free menu options?

Yes, items like wood-grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, and some salads are gluten-free. Always inform your server about any allergies.

Are there any Red Lobster vegetarian or vegan options?

Limited. Some salads and sides like rice, broccoli, and baked potatoes are vegetarian. Vegan options are minimal.

Does Red Lobster have a happy hour menu?

Yes, many locations offer Happy Hour specials Monday–Friday from 3–6 PM, featuring $5 drinks and appetizers.

What is the Ultimate Feast at Red Lobster?

It includes Maine lobster tail, snow crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi, and Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, with two sides.

Can I customize my Red Lobster meal?

Answer: Yes, many dishes allow substitutions for sides or protein options. You can also build your own feast.

Does Red Lobster have low-calorie or healthy menu items?

Answer: Yes. Options like grilled fish, shrimp skewers, salads, and fresh vegetables are available under 600 calories.

Is the Red Lobster menu the same at all locations?

Answer: Most core items are the same, but some regional specials and pricing may vary by location.