How Much is Lobster at a Restaurant? A Detailed Look at Lobster Menu Prices

Lobster is one of the most iconic and luxurious seafood dishes you can order at a nice restaurant. With its sweet, succulent meat and the fun experience of cracking open the shell, it’s easy to see why lobster is such a popular special occasion meal. But with the price of lobster being so high these days, many diners wonder – just how much does lobster cost at a restaurant?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into current lobster prices on restaurant menus across the country. We’ll look at how factors like location, restaurant prestige, preparation method, and market conditions impact the price you’ll pay. We’ll also provide tips on getting the best deal on lobster so you can indulge in this delicious crustacean without breaking the bank.

The Average Cost of Lobster at Restaurants

So what is the typical price range for lobster at a nice sit-down restaurant nowadays? Here’s a quick overview

• Casual dining restaurants: $15 – $40 per lobster entree
• Upscale/fine dining restaurants: $40 – $70 for a whole lobster entree
• High-end restaurants: $70 – $100+ for large lobsters and specialty preparations

Of course, there is significant variation within each restaurant category based on factors like geographic location and specific restaurant concept. But in general, lobster dishes at causal spots like Red Lobster fall on the more affordable end around $25-$40, while fancy white tablecloth restaurants can charge over $100 for elaborate lobster presentations.

Key Factors That Impact Lobster Prices on Menus

Several key factors account for the wide range of lobster prices you’ll encounter on menus across the country

Location

Not surprisingly, restaurants located closer to the coasts where lobster is caught can offer lower prices thanks to reduced transportation costs. In particular, lobster prices are most affordable in New England and the Northeast. For example, you can find lobster rolls for around $15-20 at casual spots in Maine.

On the other hand, inland locations far from fishing ports charge more – an upscale Chicago or Las Vegas restaurant may charge $70 for a basic grilled lobster tail.

Restaurant Concept and Prestige

The type of restaurant and its prestige level also impacts pricing significantly. High-end restaurants with Michelin stars or celebrity chefs can charge a premium for lobster dishes, even charging $100 or more for elaborate preparations like lobster thermidor.

Meanwhile, more middle-class chain restaurants like Red Lobster offer discounted promotional prices on basic lobster dishes to draw in customers.

Preparation Method

How the lobster is prepared and served also affects the price. Simply steamed or grilled lobster tends to be cheaper, while dishes like lobster newburg with heavy cream sauces are more labor-intensive for the kitchen and therefore pricier. Multi-course tasting menus featuring lobster preparations usually cost diners $100 or more per person.

Market Conditions

The current market price of lobster also gets passed along to restaurant customers. Due to factors like bad weather damaging catches or high demand from China, lobster wholesale prices have soared over 80% in the past two years. With restaurants forced to pay more, they’ve had to raise menu prices substantially.

Many restaurants now charge “market price” for lobster, meaning you won’t know the exact cost until you order. This allows flexibility to adjust to volatile lobster market prices.

Tips for Finding Lobster Deals at Restaurants

If your mouth is watering for lobster but your budget is limited, use these tips to find affordable options:

• Opt for lunch over dinner – many restaurants offer lobster rolls and small platters only during lunch service at lower price points.

• Order lobster during happy hour promotions when available.

• Choose preparation methods like broiled or steamed to avoid premium charges for elaborate dishes.

• At higher end restaurants, order a half or petite lobster instead of a large one.

• Go for lobster during shoulder season months like May and October when prices dip slightly.

• Visit restaurants in coastal towns during local lobster festivals when special deals abound.

• Follow restaurants’ social media for limited time lobster deals and discounts.

Sample Lobster Prices at Popular US Restaurant Chains

To give a better sense of real-world lobster menu prices, here is an overview of what some popular nationwide full-service chains are currently charging:

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is known for affordable lobster and offers various deals. Prices for a whole lobster dinner with side dishes range from $25 to $40 depending on market conditions. The Admirals Feast with lobster, shrimp and more is $30.

They also offer more premium options like the Ultimate Feast with large rock lobster tail at $48. Lobster tacos and lobster-topped burgers range $18-$25.

LongHorn Steakhouse

At this chain popular for grilled meats, you can add a cold water lobster tail to any entree for $12. A typical grilled lobster tail entree with rice pilaf and vegetables costs $28.

Bonefish Grill

This seafood-centric chain offers a cold water lobster tail entree for $29. They also have a “lobster and shrimp imperial” with lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab and spinach in a creamy sauce for $33.

Legal Sea Foods

Known for excellent quality seafood, this regional chain’s prices are a bit higher. A steamed lobster dinner runs $29-$39 depending on market rate. The stuffed baked lobster dish with crabmeat is $44.

Capital Grille

This upscale steakhouse chain charges premium prices, with a cold water lobster tail dinner costing $46 and a whole butter-poached lobster for $57.

Oceanaire Seafood Room

Expect to pay $40-$60 for whole lobster entrees at this luxury seafood chain’s locations, depending on market prices. Their “lobster and crab cakes” dish with two full lobster tails costs a hefty $85.

The Takeaway on Lobster Restaurant Prices

When it comes to indulging in the consummate luxurious seafood dish of lobster at a restaurant, the price can vary widely based on the concept, location, lobster market conditions, and preparation involved. At a nice sit-down restaurant, you can expect to spend $40-100 per person for a lobster entree in most cases.

Budget-conscious diners can find deals by visiting lobster shacks in New England, ordering at lunch, choosing simple preparations, dining during promotions, and following social media. With the price of lobster continuing to rise, enjoying this special meal may require a bit of strategy to avoid sticker shock. But for many, cracking open that perfect lobster is worth every penny.