Red Lobster’s Shrimp Trio: Breaking Down the Costs of This Epic Seafood Feast

Red Lobster is known for indulgent seafood platters, but few rival the decadence of their Shrimp Trio This surf and turf combo piles on lobster, shrimp, and sides for the ultimate feast But how much will this lavish seafood platter set you back? I crunched the numbers on Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Trio to uncover everything you need to know about the cost of this menu showstopper.

Introducing the Shrimp Trio

The Shrimp Trio is one of Red Lobster’s “Signature Feasts” – special platters designed for sharing and indulging. It arrived on menus back in 2019 as part of a revamp targeting diners seeking epic group meals.

Here’s what comes piled high on this seafood platter:

• A lobster tail cooked either grilled or steamed

• Crispy breaded Walt’s Favorite shrimp

• Creamy garlic shrimp scampi

• Shrimp linguini Alfredo

• Two sides of your choice

• Warm Cheddar Bay biscuits

This generous combo delivers 3 varieties of shrimp plus lobster in one over-the-top seafood blowout. It’s designed to serve 2-3 hungry diners for sharing.

Breaking Down the Costs

Here’s a look at the key factors impacting the price tag on Red Lobster’s Shrimp Trio:

Base Price

• The baseline price is $30 for the trio entree

• This covers the shrimp, lobster tail, pasta, and 2 sides

Sides

• Premium side upgrades cost extra:

  • Add $5 for creamy lobster mashed potatoes

  • Add $2 for bacon mac and cheese or crispy brussels sprouts

Lobster Tail

• A grilled lobster tail upgrade costs $12

  • The standard steamed tail is included

Add-ons

• Extra shrimp, lobster tails, or cheddar biscuits can be tacked on:

  • Additional lobster tails are $12 each

  • Extra shrimp skewers or scampi range $6-8

  • Cheddar Bay biscuits are $1 per 2-pack

Location

• Prices vary slightly by state, from $28-32 before add-ons

Time of Year

• Specials during holidays or summer can discount the price

Taxes

• Sales tax will need to be added onto the total price

Estimating the Total Cost

With all those factors at play, what’s a realistic total price range for Red Lobster’s Shrimp Trio? Here are some sample scenarios:

Basic Trio

• $30 base price

• $3 sales tax

• Total: $33 per trio

With 1 Grilled Lobster Tail Upgrade

• $30 base price

• $12 grilled lobster tail upgrade

• $3 sales tax

• Total: $45 per trio

Deluxe

• $32 base price based on location

• $12 grilled lobster tail upgrade

• $10 for 2 extra shrimp skewers

• $5 for lobster mashed potatoes

• $4 sales tax

• Total: $63 per trio

The final cost can range quite a bit from $30 on the low end to $60+ for an upgraded, decked-out shrimp trio feast. But even at the highest prices, it can be a good value with triple the seafood for a table to share.

Getting the Best Deal on the Shrimp Trio

To maximize savings on this signature platter, keep these tips in mind:

• Go for the standard steamed lobster tail to avoid the $12 upgrade fee.

• Skip premium sides and stick to the free basics like rice or broccoli.

• Order on weekdays to take advantage of lunch prices at some locations.

• Check for seasonal summer deals or holiday discounts that may drop the base price.

• Split the trio 3 ways instead of 2 to divide the cost over more people.

• Fill up on free cheddar biscuits first before indulging in extra shrimp.

• Ask your server about any current promotions to potentially score a discount.

• Join Red Lobster’s free loyalty program for exclusive offers and bonus rewards.

Worth Splurging For a Special Occasion

While the Shrimp Trio is not an everyday budget meal, it provides solid value as a special treat for seafood fans. Considering a lobster tail alone costs $20+, piling on extra shrimp and sides for $30 more makes for a satisfying surf and turf splurge.

The generous portion size also makes it perfect for sharing. If dividing a shrimp trio between 2-3 people, the per-person cost becomes more affordable.

For seafood aficionados, indulging in this epic platter is worth the splurge on occasion, especially for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. Just come hungry and restrain yourself on those cheddar biscuits!

Alternatives to the Shrimp Trio

If cravingoptions similar to the Shrimp Trio but at a lower cost, consider these alternatives:

Seafood Bake

• $20 for shrimp, scallops, mussels and a side

• Skip the lobster for big savings

Admiral’s Feast

• $18 for fried shrimp, fish, and chicken strips

• Less seafood but same fun finger food vibe

Create Your Own Combo

• Build a custom shrimp and chicken or steak platter

• Pick 2-3 shrimp dishes and a non-seafood entree

Ultimate Feast

• $30 for ribs, chicken, shrimp and sides

• Swap lobster for ribs and chicken

Shrimp Linguini Alfredo

• $19 for jumbo shrimp over creamy pasta

• Individual portion rather than group platter

Indulge in Red Lobster’s Famous Shrimp Trio

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Trio is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. The varied flavors and textures of fried shrimp, sauteed scampi, alfredo pasta and buttery lobster make for an unbeatable surf and turf combo.

While not the most budget-friendly menu offering, splitting this generous platter can help mitigate the cost. By maximizing discounts and savvy add-on selections, you can reel in the very best deal on this famous seafood platter.

The next time a special occasion calls for a memorable Red Lobster feast, gather your fellow shrimp enthusiasts and dive into the one-of-a-kind Shrimp Trio. Trust me, it’s worth every penny!