Does Red Lobster Have Lobster Bisque?

Red Lobster is one of the most popular seafood restaurant chains in America With a menu full of delicious fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster dishes, it’s a go-to spot for seafood lovers. One item that frequently appears on Red Lobster’s menus is lobster bisque – a creamy, rich soup made from lobster stock and pieces of lobster meat But does every Red Lobster location actually offer this decadent soup? Let’s find out!

An Overview of Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is a classic French soup that originated in the Brittany region of France. It’s made by simmering lobster shells and tails in broth to extract flavor. Heavy cream and cognac or sherry are then added to the strained broth along with cooked lobster meat to create a smooth, velvety texture and complex taste. The bisque is finished with a garnish of fresh lobster meat or lobster roe.

This luxurious soup highlights the natural sweetness of lobster. It’s an elegant starter for a fancy meal or can even be enjoyed as an entrée. Lobster bisque has a rich flavor that seafood fans crave.

Red Lobster’s History with Lobster Bisque

Red Lobster’s very first location opened in Lakeland, Florida in 1968. Founder Bill Darden had a vision of bringing delicious, affordable seafood to Middle America. Lobster bisque was one of the initial items on the menu.

Over the decades, it has remained a signature dish at Red Lobster. The recipe has been tweaked but still uses real cream and lobster meat. In recent years Red Lobster has focused on making the soup even richer and more indulgent to satisfy customer cravings.

Availability at Red Lobster Locations

So does every Red Lobster still serve this iconic soup today? The availability can vary depending on the specific restaurant location. Here are some guidelines:

• Most corporate-owned Red Lobster locations feature lobster bisque on the regular menu. It’s typically available year-round.

• Some franchised Red Lobster restaurants may offer lobster bisque seasonally rather than year-round.

• Limited time offerings and promotions may affect availability. For special events like Lobsterfest, lobster bisque is usually highlighted.

• International Red Lobster restaurants may have more variation in soup offerings tailored to local tastes.

• The online menu tool on RedLobster.com provides real-time info about item availability at your nearest location.

Ordering Lobster Bisque at Red Lobster

You can enjoy lobster bisque as either an appetizer or a main course at Red Lobster. Pricing is generally $6-7 for a cup and $9-10 for a bowl. Be aware that availability and prices can fluctuate.

For the best experience, check ahead with your local restaurant if lobster bisque is currently offered. You can also ask your server for preparation details – such as whether cooked fresh lobster meat is included versus just using lobster flavoring.

Other Bisques on the Menu

If your local Red Lobster doesn’t have lobster bisque or you want to try something new, there are a few other bisque options:

• Langostino Lobster Bisque – langostinos are smaller lobster-like crustaceans with a similar sweet flavor

• Seafood Bisque – made with a blend of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish stock

• Corn & Roasted Red Pepper Bisque – a creamy, seasonal vegetable bisque

Reasons Why Some Locations Don’t Offer It

Why might lobster bisque be unavailable at some Red Lobster restaurants? Here are a few potential reasons:

• High ingredient costs – lobster is expensive, so profits are lower on lobster bisque compared to other soups.

• Lower customer demand – some markets may prefer alternatives like clam chowder.

• Limited kitchen production capacity – soups typically need to be made in larger batches.

• Inability to source fresh lobster – restaurants far from coasts rely on frozen lobster meat.

• Seasonal constraints – fluctuations in lobster supply and prices impact availability.

Consumer Opinions on Red Lobster’s Lobster Bisque

Reviews of Red Lobster’s lobster bisque are generally positive. Customers who have tried it praise the rich, creamy flavor and chunks of lobster meat. Many love dipping the Cheddar Bay biscuits into the soup.

However, some feel the soup lacks depth of flavor compared to restaurant recipes using fresh, homemade stock. A few complaints cite finding only tiny bits of lobster rather than large chunks. Reviews indicate quality and lobster content can vary between different Red Lobster locations.

How Does It Compare to Other Chains?

Among top seafood chains, Red Lobster and Legal Sea Foods are known for serving quality lobster bisque. Red Lobster’s version tends to be thicker and heavier compared to Legal’s recipe.

At Landry’s chains like McCormick & Schmick’s and Morton’s Steakhouse, the lobster bisque also draws rave reviews from patrons.guests. Capital Grille also highlights their bisque.

Olive Garden offers a very affordable lobster bisque with a lighter, tomato-based broth. Overall, Red Lobster remains a popular and convenient place for lobster bisque fans to get their fix.

Final Thoughts on Availability

Availability varies, but many Red Lobster locations do still serve this classic soup. The chain has a long history with lobster bisque, so you can typically rely on finding it at restaurants near major metro areas or along the coasts. Be sure to call ahead or check online menus if getting your lobster bisque fix is a priority for your Red Lobster visit.

Key Takeaways:

• Lobster bisque is a creamy, decadent soup originally from France made with lobster stock and pieces of lobster meat.

• It’s been on the menu at Red Lobster since the first restaurant opened in 1968.

• Availability varies by location – most corporate restaurants offer it, but franchises may only have it seasonally.

• Check individual restaurant menus before visiting to confirm if lobster bisque is currently offered.

• Many customers praise the bisque’s indulgent flavor and lobster chunks when available.

• It remains a signature dish and key part of the Red Lobster menu legacy.