After clawing its way out of bankruptcy last year, Red Lobster is making a big push to win back seafood lovers with bold new dishes.
But while some diners are digging in with delight, others are complaining that the food isn’t living up to the hype.
The casual dining favorite is banking on its revamped Crabfest menu to reignite excitement—but reactions so far are a mixed bag.
Meet the Boils: Mariner’s vs. Sailor’s
To celebrate Crabfest, Red Lobster rolled out two new seafood boil options: the Mariner’s Boil and the Sailor’s Boil.
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The Mariner’s Boil comes with a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn on the cob, and red potatoes.
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The Sailor’s Boil offers a more modest combo of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and potatoes.
Both boils come with your choice of seasoning—roasted garlic butter, Cajun butter, or Old Bay seasoning—and prices vary depending on the location.
Expect to pay somewhere between $24 and $45, which is still cheaper than similar seafood boils at other restaurants that often run up to $75.
Fans Are Torn Between “So Good” and “So Disappointing”
As expected, some longtime fans are thrilled.
One Reddit user who tried the Mariner’s Boil for $45 said it was “really good & worth the price.”
They were especially impressed by the portion size—and, of course, the legendary Cheddar Bay Biscuits, which their friend devoured in baskets.
But the praise hasn’t been unanimous. Others say their experience was far from five-star.
“My corn was cold, the sausage was burnt, and the garlic butter tasted like scampi sauce,” one disappointed customer shared online.
Another diner added, “Who can even afford to eat at Red Lobster anymore?”
Not Just the Boils: More New Dishes on the Table
Red Lobster isn’t putting all its eggs—or crabs—in one basket.
Along with the seafood boils, the chain introduced other new Crabfest items like:
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Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms
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Crab-Topped Baked Potato
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Steak or Salmon Oscar topped with lump crab meat in creamy sauce
They’ve also brought back fan-favorites like Crab Your Way and Crab Carbonara, hoping to lure back regulars who drifted away.
A Shrimp Deal That Almost Sank the Ship
Red Lobster’s bankruptcy last year wasn’t just about rent and wages—it was also the result of a now-infamous “all-you-can-eat shrimp” deal.
What was meant to be a $20 customer magnet turned into a financial disaster.
People took full advantage, including one woman who proudly polished off 108 shrimp in four hours, calling it her “greatest achievement in life.”
In just seven weeks, the endless shrimp promo racked up $3.3 million in losses.
Red Lobster’s Road to Recovery
The company officially filed for bankruptcy in May 2024, shuttering over 100 locations.
Even Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri, a former stakeholder, quipped out of frustration that he’d “never eat lobster again.”
Red Lobster emerged from Chapter 11 in September 2024 and is now under new leadership with CEO Damola Adamolekun at the helm.
One of Adamolekun’s first bold moves? Publicly declaring that the all-you-can-eat shrimp deal is gone for good.
“I know how to do math,” he reportedly said with a smirk.
So… Is Red Lobster’s Comeback Boiled or Burnt?
It’s clear Red Lobster is trying to reinvent itself—offering new dishes, fresh flavors, and competitive pricing. But will the gamble pay off?
Some fans are back for more. Others say the food—and the price tag—need serious tweaking.