In life, there are no givens. It looks like Red Lobster’s Crabfest happens every year, but it didn’t happen for four years before it came back in 2023. That year, the only new thing at the Fest was crabby cheese fries. In 2024, Red Lobster is going all out with even more food. New dishes at this year’s Crabfest include Crab-Stuffed Maine Lobster, Crab-Topped Steak, Creamy Crab Carbonara Pasta, and Crab Mac.
Since Red Lobster just filed for bankruptcy, this year’s Crabfest feels more important and maybe even necessary. Flavor Flav even recently stopped by his local Red Lobster to “help” out by ordering the entire menu. With so many delicious new options, I rushed to the Red Lobster near me to help out as well. It felt like almost a civic duty. So, were these new holiday treats totally claw-some, or did they make me feel a little crabby? The crab puns end here, but the review and chew come next. This review is based on taste, value, crabbiness, and overall lovability.
Some recommendations are based on first-hand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.
For seafood lovers, few events are more exciting than Red Lobster’s annual Crab Fest promotion. This limited-time offering delivers delicious crab dishes at tempting prices. But how much will you spend to partake in this crustacean celebration? Let’s crack open the details on Crab Fest pricing, menu options, and insider tips for indulging without breaking the bank.
The Story Behind Crab Fest
Red Lobster first launched Crab Fest in 2021 as a successor to the popular Crabfest event. This reimagined promotion was met with enthusiasm thanks to an abundance of crab-centric dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
Crab Fest gives Red Lobster guests the chance to experience coveted king snow and Dungeness crab preparations typically reserved for finer seafood establishments. Previous Crab Fests have proven so popular that supplies of fresh crab have nearly sold out before the end of the promotion.
When and How Long is Crab Fest?
Crab Fest typically runs for 5-6 weeks from late January through early March each year This coincides with peak crab season when fresh supplies are plentiful, Dates vary annually depending on crab availability
For 2023, Crab Fest is scheduled from January 16 to March 5. Red Lobster restaurants roll out festive decor and theming to enhance the experience.
Crab Fest Menu Items and Pricing
The star of Crab Fest is the “Crab Your Way” promotion. This offer includes a choice of snow crab, Dungeness crab, or king crab legs alongside two sidekicks and Cheddar Bay Biscuits, all for a starting price of $20.
Here are the current Crab Your Way starting prices:
- Snow crab – $20
- Dungeness crab – $25
- King crab – $30
Upcharges apply for premium king crab legs and larger snow crab portions. So expect to pay $25-40 depending on your crab and size selection.
Beyond Crab Your Way, the Crab Fest menu often includes 4-5 other crab focused dishes like crab-topped fish, crab cakes, crab linguini in creamy alfredo sauce, and more. Prices range from $13-25 for non-Crab Your Way entrees.
There are also crab-stuffed appetizers, crab dip bundles, and specialty beverages to indulge even further.
Tips for Saving Money at Crab Fest
While Crab Fest delivers great value for fresh crab, costs can still add up. Use these tips to indulge on a budget:
- Opt for the standard snow crab Crab Your Way to start at $20
- Split a Crab Your Way entrée between two people
- Choose crab-accented dishes over full portions of crab legs
- Take advantage of Red Lobster daily deals and lunch specials
- Use coupons and join the My Red Lobster Rewards loyalty program
Is Crab Fest Worth It?
For crab lovers, Crab Fest is definitely worth a splurge. The prices represent a notable discount versus typical king and snow crab menu costs at Red Lobster. And enjoying Dungeness crab for just $25 is a relative steal compared to most restaurants.
The abundance of crab on display and lively ambiance make Crab Fest a fun immersive experience. Just budget wisely, and you can make the most of this unlimited crab celebration while getting your money’s worth.
Crack Open Crab Fest This Year
Red Lobster’s Crab Fest is a can’t-miss opportunity for crab devotees. By better understanding the pricing, duration, menu options and savings tips, you can indulge in this crustacean tradition without cracking your wallet.
So round up your fellow crab fans and make plans to get your fill of succulent crab dishes this winter. Just come hungry – and ready to get your crab cracks on!
What does Red Lobster’s Crab Mac & Cheese taste like?
The new Crab Mac is in what looks like a tiny bowl sitting on a tiny tea saucer. The top is beautiful to look at, with chunks of crispy onion and pure white crab meat mixed together. The green herbs add a splash of color.
Dont be fooled by this dishs appearance in size or categorization of being just a side item. In its compact frame, the Crab Mac & Cheese packs a mighty amount of deliciousness. Even though the crab doesn’t taste very seasoned, the pieces are very tasty and there are a lot of them. While the crab and macaroni are soft, the crispy onions add a nice salty and crunchy flavor. There is just the right amount of savory cheese on the macaroni shells, which is what holds the whole dish together.
The crab pieces might get lost in a forkful with the other two main ingredients, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying Crabfest. This is a must order!.
What does Red Lobster’s Crab & Lobster Duo taste like?
The Crab & Lobster Duo has a simple name that doesnt really highlight this dishs true selling point. The lobster tail here is stuffed with crab and bacon bits, and then browned-up for a crispy top. This crunchy breadcrumb-like topping alone is worth the hefty price tag of admission. Its so toothsomely good, I wish a bowl of just the topping was available for solo ordering. Still, the thick lobster meat below holds its own, making the crab legs that go with it almost seem like an afterthought.
This order included the standard snow crab legs. While tools are provided to break them open, they can also be pulled apart by hand. It requires a little effort that ends up with not much to show for it. Once you get to the meat inside the legs, it kind of seems a little disappointing. The pieces are a little too wet, and not that thick or bountiful. This is how crab legs live, no matter where you buy them. That’s why I personally like and stick to the meat in a crab’s main body. Still, if you dip the pieces you get in the standard drawn butter that comes with it or the really great new Cajun butter, everything will be fine.
Red Lobster – Crabfest (HD 2015)
FAQ
How many red lobster locations are there?
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Company type
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Subsidiary
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Founders
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Bill Darden Charley Woodsby
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Headquarters
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Orlando, Florida, US
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Number of locations
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649 (2024)
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Area served
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Canada United States (including Puerto Rico and Guam) China Ecuador India Japan Malaysia Mexico Philippines Thailand Turkey United Arab Emirates
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What is Red Lobster Crabfest?
Starting this week, Red Lobster’s beloved Crabfest is back for a limited time, after four years. What is Crabfest, you ask? A celebration of all things “clawsome” and “crabtastic,” Crabfest is a limited-time event at Red Lobster wherein guests can crack into special deals and exclusive menu items that highlight the titular shellfish: crab.
How much does the Red Lobster Lobsterfest Menu cost?
Each Lobsterfest meal at Red Lobster will cost you anywhere from **$17.99 to $51.99**, depending on your order.So whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or a special someone, dive into the lobster
What’s new at Red Lobster’s Crabfest?
It’s been four years since the event, which highlights crab dishes over lobster-based ones, was last held. Red Lobster says this year’s Crabfest features some new menu items — including one alcohol-based offering that’ll be available for $5.
What’s new at Crabfest this year?
New this year is the Crabfest Creations entree, which features a pound of steamed crab legs in a choice of three different flavors (or plain) and served over potatoes. Meanwhile, Red Lobster’s new Crab and Oscar-Topped Sirloin offers a half-pound of garlic cream-covered snow crab atop a 7-ounce steak.