Does Red Lobster Actually Serve Lobster? A Look at Their Lobster Options

Red Lobster is one of the largest and most popular casual dining seafood restaurant chains in America. But with “lobster” right in the name, an obvious question is – does Red Lobster really serve lobster on their menu? Let’s dive into the details on the types of lobster dishes you can order at Red Lobster locations.

Lobster Tails

Yes, you can definitely order lobster at Red Lobster. However, they do not serve whole live lobsters. The only lobster offerings on the menu are lobster tails.

Red Lobster offers both cold water lobster tails from Maine and warm water lobster tails sourced from the Caribbean. The most common sizes are the 4 ounce and 6 ounce lobster tails.

The lobster tails can be ordered grilled or fried, They are split down the center and usually served with drawn lemon butter for dipping,

So while you can’t get a whole 1-2 pound live lobster, the lobster tails give you the tender lobster meat in an easy, no fuss preparation.

Reasons for Lobster Tail Only

There are a few reasons why Red Lobster only uses lobster tails on their menu rather than whole lobsters

• Cost – Lobster tails cost far less per pound compared to whole live lobster. This keeps menu prices more affordable.

• Labor – Preparing and cooking raw whole lobsters requires skilled kitchen staff. Tails are quicker and easier.

• Consistency – Lobster tails deliver consistent portion sizes and quality. Whole lobster size and meat yield can vary.

• Safety – Tails reduce risk of injuries or contamination from handling live lobsters.

• Supply – Tails make lobster available year-round, not just during peak seasons.

So by sticking to lobster tails only, Red Lobster can offer lobster dishes to customers at lower prices without operational challenges.

Lobster Tail Entrees

While lobster tails are sold a la carte, Red Lobster does offer some full entree selections featuring lobster tails:

• Ultimate Feast – A broiled Maine lobster tail with garlic shrimp scampi and breaded fried shrimp.

• Creamy Lobster Bake – Lobster tail baked in garlic herb butter with shrimp, scallops, mussels and rice.

• Lazy Man’s Lobster – Caribbean spiny lobster tail with butter and scampi style shrimp.

These multi-seafood entree combinations allow you to enjoy lobster tail alongside other premium seafood in one dish.

Availability and Prices

Lobster tail prices at Red Lobster typically range from $15 to $25 depending on the market price of lobster. There are sometimes seasonal specials offering discounts on lobster tail dishes.

Red Lobster currently offers the 4 ounce Maine lobster tail a la carte for $18 and the 6 ounce for $22. The bigger 6 ounce lobster tail provides more value.

Lobster tail entrees range from $21 on the low end for a Lazy Man’s Lobster up to $33 for the Ultimate Feast.

Overall the lobster tail prices at Red Lobster are quite reasonable compared to ordering lobster dishes at higher end seafood restaurants.

Other Seafood Classics

While lobster tails are featured, Red Lobster serves many other kinds of seafood that frequent customers love. Some of their other signature dishes include:

• Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Legendary cheesy garlic biscuits served with most entrees.

• Walt’s Favorite Shrimp – Hand breaded butterfly shrimp fried golden brown.

• Admiral’s Feast – Broiled or fried fish fillet, fried shrimp and clam strips.

• Clam Strips – Sweet tender North Atlantic clam strips fried crispy.

• Crabfest® – Seasonal dish with snow crab legs, butter and rice.

So if you have a hankering for something other than lobster, Red Lobster offers plenty of other seafood options to choose from.

Lobster Fest Promotion

During summer months, Red Lobster often runs their special Lobsterfest® event. This offers deals like a free upgrade from a 4 ounce to 6 ounce lobster tail or $5 off surf n turf.

Lobsterfest is the ideal time to visit Red Lobster if you want the best values on lobster tails and lobster combinations.

The Verdict

While Red Lobster may not serve whole live lobsters, you can definitely enjoy high quality Maine and Caribbean lobster tail dishes on their menu. The lobster tails provide great convenience and portion control compared to having to deal with a full lobster.

So if you are eager for some lobster, grab a bib and head to Red Lobster to indulge in a juicy lobster tail! You’ll fulfill your lobster craving without breaking the bank.