Red Lobster is known for its “-fests. ” During Lobsterfest, Red Lobster releases a collection of new and returning lobster entrées. Now, Crabfest is washing up at Red Lobsters across the country.
Much like Lobsterfest, Crabfest is a time for guests to come in and indulge in crab-centric entrées. A press release from June 5 says that guests can pick from a full pound of Bairdi or snow crab legs and can also choose how they want the crab served. The new flavors are roasted garlic butter, honey sriracha, and lemon pepper. Guests can also choose to have the crab legs steamed only. The crab legs are then served over crispy potatoes and a choice of side dish. People who want something heartier can order the “Crab In summary, thats a whole lot of crab.
But Red Lobster isnt just giving guests sirloin and some crab legs and calling it a day. This Crabfest, Red Lobster is adding brand-new snacks and sweets to their surf and turf. And believe it or not, one of the new appetizers is loaded with crab.
Seafood lovers, rejoice! After a 4-year hiatus, Red Lobster’s insanely popular event, Crabfest, has finally made its return for summer 2023. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the comeback of this claw-some celebration ever since it went on hiatus in 2019. Keep reading to find out all the details on when Crabfest is happening and what exciting new menu items you can expect.
A Quick Refresher – What is Crabfest?
For the uninitiated, Crabfest is a limited-time summer event at Red Lobster that spotlights crabs. The restaurant rolls out special crab dishes and deals so guests can really go all-in on crab without breaking the bank. Past Crabfests have featured offerings like $15 Unlimited Crab Legs, Crab Lover’s Dream (a steel bucket filled with snow crab and Dungeness crab), and Crabtastic Appetizers like Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp.
The most popular item is usually the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast, which lets you customize a surf and turf meal with different steak crab, and lobster tail options. Crabfest is peak crab season at Red Lobster and a great excuse to indulge in buttery, succulent crab to your heart’s content.
When is Crabfest 2023 Happening?
I’m thrilled to share that Crabfest began on June 5, 2023 at participating Red Lobster locations across the United States and Canada. There is no end date announced yet, but these limited-time events usually run for 4-6 weeks. So I recommend getting your crab fix in sooner rather than later!
Red Lobster likely timed the return of Crabfest to coincide with peak crab supply. Previously, the event ran from late winter through early summer. The timing in June suggests we’re right in the heart of crab season.
What New Crabfest Menu Items Can You Expect?
While classics like Cheddar Bay Biscuits and the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast will surely remain, Red Lobster has enticed me with some exciting new crab-centric menu additions:
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Steamed Snow & Bairdi Crab Legs – The headliner is a full pound of steamed snow or Bairdi crab legs. You can customize with 3 new flavors: Roasted Garlic Butter, Honey Sriracha, or Lemon Pepper.
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Crab & Oscar-Topped Sirloin – This surf and turf pairs tender snow crab with a 7 oz sirloin topped with crab in garlic cream sauce.
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Crabby Cheese Fries – Seasoned fries loaded with cheese sauce and lump crab in garlic cream.
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Strawberry Cheesecake – A sweet finish of vanilla bean cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries.
These new offerings have me drooling and ready to get my crab legs on! The ability to pick your own crab leg flavor is a genius move. I’ll definitely be trying the Honey Sriracha…spicy crab? Yes please!
How Long Will Crabfest Last?
While Red Lobster hasn’t specified an end date, my guess is Crabfest 2023 will run for 4-6 weeks, taking us into mid-July. In the past, the event has never lasted more than 6 weeks.
I recommend getting to Red Lobster ASAP if you want to experience Crabfest. Weekend waits can get long once word spreads that it’s back. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the Instagram-worthy crab tower or delicious new menu items!
Pro Tips to Make the Most of Crabfest
As a Crabfest veteran, let me impart some wisdom to make the most of this epic event:
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Go early in the event before crowds get crazy. Late June/early July is safest.
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Book a reservation in advance or get on the waitlist through the app.
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Wear bibs, get messy, and don’t be shy about using your crab mallet!
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Come hungry and pace yourself. Don’t fill up on biscuits and apps.
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Order one of the Create Your Own combos to sample different crab preparations.
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Ask about off-menu specials your server recommends. Sometimes they have unadvertised crab dishes!
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Save room for a irresistible new dessert like Strawberry Cheesecake.
Is Crabfest Worth the Hype?
In my opinion, Crabfest is 100% worth the hype. Even as a regular Red Lobster patron, it’s so exciting to see crowd-pleasing crab dishes take center stage. The atmosphere is festive, the food is spectacular, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
If you’re afraid of making a mess, being seen in a bib, or getting your hands dirty to crack open crab legs, then maybe Crabfest isn’t for you. But if you love seafood and dive into crab with reckless abandon, this event is pretty much paradise.
Don’t miss out on the return of this legendary Red Lobster tradition. Trust me, you’ll regret it! Crabfest is back, baby. Now let’s get cracking!
