Does Red Lobster Have King Crab Legs in 2023?

Red Lobster is arguably the most popular seafood restaurant chain in America. With over 700 locations across the country, they serve up delicious crab, lobster, shrimp, and fish dishes. One of their most iconic menu items is the Crabfest® promotion that happens each year. This features spectacular snow crab leg platters, perfect for special occasions and crab leg lovers everywhere.

As we approach 2023, crab fans want to know – does Red Lobster have king crab legs for Crabfest this year? Let’s take a look at what we can expect on the Red Lobster 2023 Crabfest menu

A Look Back at Previous Red Lobster Crabfest Promotions

To predict if king crab will be featured for 2023, we need to analyze what Red Lobster has offered in past Crabfest promotions

In 2021, the Crabfest menu focused on snow crab legs, Dungeness crab, and crab-topped dishes. There was a Ultimate Snow Crab Platter with snow crab legs and lobster tails. The most premium option was the Wild Alaska King Crab & Lobster Platter which included a pound of wild king crab legs from Alaska.

For the 2022 Crabfest lineup, Red Lobster put snow crab legs front and center. The headlining dish was the Large Snow Crab Platter with one and a quarter pounds of legs and claws. Other options included Dungeness crab and several “Crab Your Way” platters with a pound of crab legs paired with different proteins. However, king crab legs were noticeably absent from the 2022 promotion.

Based on the last two years, it appears snow crab is Red Lobster’s crab of choice for Crabfest season. While we did see king crab on the menu in 2021, it skipped 2022. Let’s look at some reasons behind this shift.

Why Did King Crab Leave the Crabfest Menu?

There are a few factors that may have led Red Lobster to retire king crab legs from Crabfest:

• Supply challenges – Alaska’s king crab fisheries have faced quota cuts due to population declines. This low supply makes king crab more expensive. Snow crab is more readily available.

• Menu simplification – Red Lobster streamlined their menu during the pandemic. Removing king crab legs helps simplify operations.

• Lower costs – Snow crab legs have a better value for customers with a cheaper price point than king crab.

• Milder taste – Some customers find snow crab to be sweeter and more delicate than king crab. This appeals to a wider audience.

While many seafood fans love the hearty texture and rich flavor of king crab, the smaller snow crab legs offer an accessible option for Crabfest.

Will King Crab Legs Return for Crabfest 2023?

So that leads us to the key question – can customers hope to crack into king crab legs at Red Lobster’s 2023 Crabfest? Unfortunately, the outlook is not promising.

Based on the menu trends we’ve seen and Alaska’s continued limits on king crab fishing, it’s unlikely that king crab will come back for Crabfest 2023. Red Lobster seems committed to snow crab as the star of the Crabfest lineup.

That said, some Red Lobster locations outside of the contiguous US like Hawaii and Alaska do feature local king crab regularly on their everyday menus. So king crab is not gone for good – it’s just not expected to be a Crabfest highlight.

What to Expect on the 2023 Crabfest Menu

While king crab legs probably won’t make a triumphant return, snow crab will continue to reign supreme. Here are some predictions for what we can expect on the 2023 Crabfest menu:

• Snow crab platters – Multi-pound offerings of snow crab legs and claws will anchor the promotion. Expect indulgent platters with layers of crab.

• Crab-topped dishes – Menu items like crab-topped cod, salmon, and steaks will provide a taste of crab in other forms.

• Crab appetizers – New crab dip appetizers and crab cakes will provide even more ways to enjoy crab.

• Lobster add-ons – Look for lobster tails to be offered as a premium add-on to really make your Crabfest feast next level.

• Regional specials – Select locations will likely get unique king crab dishes to showcase local Alaskan or Hawaiian crab catch.

Even without king crab legs, the 2023 Red Lobster Crabfest menu is sure to be packed with decadent crab creations. Red Lobster’s Head Chef Dustin Hilinski shared:

“Snow crab is a guest favorite because of its outstanding sweet and delicate flavor. It’s why we are excited to really put snow crab center stage on our 2023 Crabfest menu.”

So while we’ll miss the rich crab royalty of king crab legs, snow crab still promises a delicious crab feast.

How to Get Your King Crab Fix

If you crave those meaty chunks of king crab, there are still a few options to get your fix:

• Check your local Red Lobster’s everyday menu to see if they feature king crab legs in your area.

• Visit Red Lobster locations in Hawaii or Alaska that have a regular stock of regional king crab.

• Order king crab legs for home delivery online from seafood retailers like Seattle Fish Company.

• Hit up an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet in your area that offers king crab legs.

• Plan a summer Alaskan cruise trip and try freshly-caught king crab legs.

Red Lobster’s Crabfest is the ultimate crab celebration. Even without king crab on the 2023 menu, foodies far and wide can’t wait to get cracking on some succulent snow crablegs and lobster next summer. The crab feast may look a little different, but Red Lobster will continue to deliver a lot of flavor and fun.

What about you – are you disappointed king crab legs likely aren’t coming back for Crabfest? Or are you just as excited to dig into snow crab? Share your thoughts!