When you think of Red Lobster, you probably picture those addictive Cheddar Bay Biscuits and a sea of buttery seafood delights. For decades, it’s been the go-to place for casual crustacean cravings, birthday dinners with grandma, or the occasional “I just want shrimp” kind of night.
But let’s be real—not everything on the menu swims in five-star flavor. From the outside, everything might look golden-fried and promising.
Yet beneath that crispy coating or creamy sauce, some dishes leave diners more disappointed than delighted. We’re talking soggy textures, skimpy portions, or flavor combinations that just don’t work.
That’s where reviews come in. Online diners have not held back when it comes to venting their seafood sorrows. Whether it’s rubbery calamari or a lobster dish that’s more bisque than bounty, some items consistently get dragged through the butter.
And while every restaurant can have off nights, certain menu options are just duds—plain and simple. This list isn’t here to hate on Red Lobster. In fact, we love a good Endless Shrimp moment as much as the next seafood fan.
But if you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash, you deserve to know what’s worth your plate—and what’s best left to the sea.
So before you reel in your next order, check out these 15 menu items that, according to real reviews, might be better tossed overboard. Whether it’s due to flavor fails, texture troubles, or underwhelming ingredients, these picks just don’t live up to the hype.
1. Lobster Pizza
Despite its name, this appetizer rarely delivers the luxury you’d expect from anything involving lobster. Many diners complain that the crust is soggy, the cheese overpowering, and the actual lobster nearly impossible to find.
Instead of a seafood treat, it often ends up feeling like a microwaved flatbread with a seafood garnish that forgot to show up.
The blend of tomato and cheese tends to drown out any subtle lobster flavor, which defeats the entire purpose of ordering it in the first place.
For a dish that should feel special, this one leans more into cafeteria territory than coastal indulgence. Reviewers often suggest skipping it in favor of a more classic starter—something that actually lets seafood shine.
In short, this pizza is better left in the oven… or maybe just off the table entirely.
2. Admiral’s Feast
Those looking for a golden-fried extravaganza might be tempted by the Admiral’s Feast—but buyer beware. This plate is notorious for being overly greasy, overly heavy, and surprisingly bland despite all the breading.
What sounds like a dream for fried food fans often turns into a regret-filled stomach bomb. Customers have called it the “oil slick of the sea,” with soggy textures and indistinct flavors that blend together in a disappointing deep-fried blur.
Shrimp, scallops, flounder, and clam strips all lose their identity when smothered in the same batter and fried to oblivion.
If you’re craving fried seafood, reviewers say you’re better off choosing a single item done well instead of this underwhelming mix. Otherwise, you might leave the table feeling more defeated than full.
3. Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
Named after one of Red Lobster’s founders, this dish unfortunately doesn’t live up to its sentimental backstory. Reviewers consistently knock it for having too much breading and not nearly enough shrimp inside.
The outer coating is often described as thick, greasy, and lacking any real seasoning, making the shrimp itself feel more like an afterthought than the star. Some customers say it tastes more like fried flour than seafood.
And once you’ve dunked it in sauce to give it some life, it becomes clear the flavor wasn’t really there to begin with.
People who’ve ordered it once tend to avoid it on future visits, opting for something fresher or grilled instead. A signature item should stand out, but Walt’s Favorite Shrimp sadly fades into mediocrity.
4. Crab Linguini Alfredo
Creamy pasta sounds like a win, especially when it includes crab—but this dish is more miss than hit. Many reviews claim the crab tastes fake or overly fishy, and some suspect it might be imitation meat.
The Alfredo sauce is another offender, with a texture that’s too thick and a taste that borders on one-note richness. Combine that with soft pasta and questionable seafood, and you’ve got a meal that quickly becomes a chore to finish.
Several diners say it left them feeling uncomfortably full, and not in a satisfied way. Instead of highlighting the natural sweetness of crab, the sauce overwhelms it entirely. This might look fancy on the menu, but real seafood fans say it’s one of the least rewarding choices at Red Lobster.
5. Lobster Bisque
Rich, creamy, and indulgent—at least, that’s what lobster bisque should be. Unfortunately, Red Lobster’s version has drawn plenty of criticism for falling far short of those expectations.
Reviewers often describe it as overly salty, thick to the point of being pasty, and oddly lacking in actual lobster. When shellfish does make an appearance, it’s usually in tiny shreds rather than satisfying chunks. Some have even called it “seafood-flavored soup” with no real payoff.
It’s the kind of dish that sounds comforting but leaves you wishing you’d gone with a simple salad instead. For the price and promise of lobster, customers expect better. If you’re craving bisque, it’s probably best to look elsewhere—or at least lower your expectations dramatically.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
You’d expect a seafood-stuffed mushroom to be a burst of flavor in a bite-sized package—but many diners are left disappointed. According to reviews, these mushrooms are often soggy, overcooked, and loaded with too much cheese or breadcrumbs rather than quality seafood.
The stuffing tends to blur into an unidentifiable mash that leans more creamy than savory, masking any actual taste of crab or lobster. Some guests say they had to search for the seafood with a magnifying glass. Others mention a rubbery mushroom texture that doesn’t help the situation.
What should be a delicate, savory treat ends up tasting like a dense, salty appetizer that’s better left untouched. For a dish with so much promise, these come up short on both flavor and finesse.
7. Clam Chowder
Creamy clam chowder should be a warm, hearty hug in a bowl—but this version often leaves diners cold. Many reviews point out that Red Lobster’s chowder is too thick, too bland, or oddly sweet.
The clams are sometimes few and far between, and the potatoes lack the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines a good chowder. Some guests describe it as tasting like canned soup, which isn’t exactly the endorsement you want from a seafood chain.
The biggest letdown? It often lacks the rich, briny flavor that makes clam chowder so comforting in the first place. If you’re looking to start your meal off strong, customers say you’re better off skipping this one entirely.
8. Fried Calamari
Texture is everything when it comes to calamari—and unfortunately, Red Lobster’s version often falls short. Diners repeatedly call out its rubbery consistency and limp breading, making it more chore than treat.
Instead of the light, crispy bite people expect, many get a chewy, oil-soaked appetizer with minimal seasoning. The dipping sauces don’t always help, with some saying they’re just as bland or overly sugary. It’s one of those dishes where expectations are high, but reality bites—hard.
If you’re a calamari fan, this one might break your heart (or at least your appetite). It’s not just a miss on flavor—it’s a missed opportunity for one of seafood’s simplest pleasures.
9. Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
At first glance, this dish screams tropical indulgence—but a few bites in, many guests are waving the white flag. While the shrimp itself is usually fine, the sweet coconut breading can be overwhelming and artificial-tasting.
Even worse, it’s paired with a dipping sauce that some describe as cloyingly sweet, turning the whole thing into more of a dessert than an entrée. Texture-wise, reviews often note an uneven crunch and a coating that separates too easily from the shrimp.
Instead of a balanced sweet-savory flavor, diners frequently say it tastes like candied shrimp with no real depth. For something that sounds like a fan favorite, this one often misses the mark—and leaves you with a sugary aftertaste.
10. Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables
A healthy-sounding option like tilapia with veggies should feel fresh and satisfying—but many diners report the exact opposite. The fish is often dry, thin, and underseasoned, while the roasted vegetables can arrive limp and overcooked.
Instead of a light and flavorful meal, guests are served something that tastes bland and unmemorable. Some even describe the dish as looking like a frozen dinner that got microwaved too long.
It’s a classic example of “healthy” not meaning “tasty.” For a seafood restaurant, this plate lacks the freshness and flair you’d expect. Customers who’ve tried it usually don’t order it again—and suggest you don’t, either.
11. Salmon New Orleans
Serving up bold Cajun flavors sounds like a solid idea—until this dish lands at your table. According to many diners, the seasoning on the Salmon New Orleans can be wildly inconsistent, ranging from bland to burn-your-mouth spicy.
The fish itself is often overcooked, with a dry, tough texture that does no favors to its flaky potential. Even the “blackened” sear tends to come off more charred than flavorful. The accompanying shrimp and buttery sauce are meant to elevate the dish, but more often than not, they add to the salt overload without delivering real balance.
While it should be one of Red Lobster’s more exciting entrees, the execution frequently lets customers down. For a meal that promises Southern flair, it’s surprisingly forgettable.
12. Baja Shrimp Bowl
On paper, this bowl should be a flavor fiesta—shrimp, rice, black beans, and a chipotle kick. But in reality, it’s more like a sad desk lunch in disguise. Many reviewers say the portion is small, the shrimp are bland, and the ingredients don’t really come together.
Instead of a fresh, zesty combo, the bowl often arrives looking haphazard and tasting flat. The avocado is hit-or-miss, the rice can be dry, and the overall flavor leans more toward “meh” than “mouthwatering.” Diners looking for something light and flavorful frequently feel short-changed.
If you’re expecting bold flavors and generous portions, this isn’t the dish for you. Most say it’s more disappointing than daring.
13. Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo
It might be hard to believe that a seafood chain even offers Cajun chicken pasta—but here we are. Unfortunately, it’s not earning many fans. Customers complain that the Alfredo sauce is overly rich and clings like glue to limp noodles.
The chicken is often described as dry, rubbery, and severely under-seasoned—surprising for something labeled “Cajun.” Some say it lacks any real heat or flavor at all. And while it’s generously portioned, quantity doesn’t make up for the taste (or lack thereof).
Many diners feel it doesn’t belong on the menu at all, especially when Red Lobster’s supposed to shine with seafood. Bottom line: it’s a filler dish in every sense of the word.
14. Seafood-Stuffed Flounder
Stuffed seafood dishes should be rich, briny, and packed with flavor—but this one often turns out mushy and fishy in the worst way. The flounder itself is usually paper-thin, and the stuffing lacks texture and any distinct seafood taste.
Some reviewers even compare the filling to a paste, which is definitely not the texture you want in a fine fish dish. The flavor leans overly salty and artificial, rather than fresh and oceanic. It’s a letdown for anyone hoping for a fancier option on the menu.
In most cases, diners feel they’ve been served an underwhelming microwave meal disguised as a seafood entrée. If you’re craving stuffed fish, this is probably one to avoid.
15. Any Steak Option
Surf and turf may sound like the best of both worlds—but at Red Lobster, the “turf” portion often doesn’t keep up. Steaks on the menu are widely criticized for being dry, tough, and unevenly cooked.
Instead of a juicy, flavorful cut of beef, guests are often met with a chewy, overdone slab that feels like an afterthought. The seasoning is basic at best, and the presentation doesn’t do much to redeem the experience. Some customers even report that their steak arrived cold or drenched in too much sauce.
For a restaurant that specializes in seafood, this isn’t where they shine. If you’re going to Red Lobster, stick with what they (sometimes) do best—and leave the steak for a real steakhouse.
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