First time at Red Lobster. I love seafood but just can't bring myself to pay the high prices, especially the overpriced restaurant prices. After much pestering from my sister who loves seafood more than I do, we met for lunch. Had a margarita- ehhh, was decent. Split the stuffed mushrooms and a lobster Fest platter with the mister. Two variations of lobster tails, and a lobster/crab Alfredo. The food was good, but I've definitely had better, have cooked better. Place was busy but I can't understand what the hype is. Would prefer cooking my seafood at home from now on :)
(2)
Matthew S.
I went here for my birthday with the folks. About as good as I remembered. Had a piña colada which was very tasty. They have a pretty good selection of mixed drinks. Had the shrimp pasta with lobster mashed potatoes as a side. Both were decent. Of course, the cheddar bay biscuits are the best part of the meal. The staff was really nice and pleasant. The food is very expensive for a franchise. A solid once-in-a-while type place.
(4)
Deborah A.
Another tasty meal at our local Red Lobster. We like the make your own lunch option. I usually pick the fried clam strips for one of my two choices because I can't get them most places. They were crispy brown and a little chewy, just right. Of course, their Cheddar Bay biscuits are too good to practice restraint on. I try to ignore my knowledge of their calorie and carb count. We both set aside a good portion of our meal to take home so we would be able to do justice to the biscuits. The broiled scallops were a little bland, so I'm taking them home where I can add some herbs or hot sauce. My husband's two shrimp choices were excellent as always. I wish I wasn't allergic to shellfish. Sigh.
(5)
Gaily G.
It's only good for ordering steaks. (Literally) if you ain't white, you're sitting in a hidden area.
(5)
Shekinah S.
3 Stars for the food + 5 Stars for the service and those goddamn biscuits = 4 Stars I think I've been to a Red Lobster maybe once when I was a kid, and I haven't had any inclination to go back since. But after weeks of my boyfriend longingly mentioning that the AYCE Shrimp special was coming to an end, we went last night because we are almost out of food and I didn't feel like conjuring up some sort of dinner. Aside from those ridiculous biscuits, the best part was absolutely the service. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly in a genuine way and attentive in a not-intrusive way. He also knew the menu and the specials. What surprised/impressed me the most was when I asked what was the best preparation for the tuna, he said he wasn't sure as he had not tried it (and /or it was a new menu item, sorry I can't recall), so he went and checked with the kitchen and came back with an informed answer. He also asked me how it was -- and not in a just doing his job sort of way, and another server also asked me if it was worth trying. Red Lobster may be a big b(l)a(n)d chain serving up farmed fish for the masses, but at this particular location they seem to have some pride in what they do. Not at all what I was expecting, and almost the entire reason for me bestowing the ol RL with (an otherwise undeserved) 4 Stars. The other reason being those addictive biscuits. The caesar salads were decent. My sides of asparagus and green beans were pretty good. My tuna didn't seem cooked quite how I requested and wasn't fabulous, but it wasn't bad. Aside from salmon I mostly like my fish raw and in the form of sushi, so I may not be a good judge. My wine (Riesling) was unfortunately not good at all. My boyfriend went with repeat servings of two different flavors of shrimp -- sriracha and something else (scampi?) . He got his fill of shrimp, which was the whole point of this little adventure, so he was a happy camper. The sriracha ones were actually very good. Second best thing after those delicious biscuits. I have no hopes of returning to Red Lobster (in spite of those crazy biscuits) as I'm just not that into seafood and I mostly try to avoid chain restaurants. But next time my boyfriend is consumed by an insatiable appetite for shrimp, I suspect we'll be headed back to Ye Olde Red Lobster of Maplewood. But I may skip the seafood and inquire about the AYCE Biscuit special.
(4)
Craig P.
Way too expensive for how poor the quality of food is. Might as well be a fried, fast food drive through restaurant for what they're doing.
A chain, so what do you want? Nothing super special; run of the mill seafood place, run of the mill people line up for seafood, and the shrimp (all farm-raised) are edible.. The ONLY reason I have been there in past 6 months is when they have had some "fest." It is all quantity of over quality except for their biscuits, which are still good, and they have changed everything including the quality of their salads which used to be a LOT better. If you want special seafood, or a real seafood dining experience find somewhere in Florida or the East coast to dine at.
(2)
Amy R.
Didn't start out desiring Red Lobster, but after striking out at our intended place, we ended up here. Quite the welcoming atmosphere. Was greeted three times and were then escorted to our table by a very cheerful hostess. Decent lunch specials and decent prices for a quick lunch. All for under $22 before tip- not bad. Our server, Kathy was absolutely delightful. Some servers you can just tell that they have been doing it for awhile and that they have their own special style. She was just as nice as can be and genuinely friendly. Our cheddar bay biscuits were right out of the oven. J got quite busy with those as this is the only reason he likes coming to Red Lobster. Our entrees were fine. Not going to elaborate too much they are the typical run of the mill RL entrees. Caesar salad has a tad too much dressing, but that is really my only gripe. We typically try to find places with unique food and atmosphere and leave the chain styles for later, but sometimes the chainers end up surprising.
(4)
Rodriguez B.
We came here on our anniversary because we had a gift card. Our server Nicole was really good and took care of us. I gave it a 3 because we just realized we are not a big fan of chain restaurants. Food is just too salty. I guess because we asked for a lot of biscuits and they delivered. :) Overall, next time...I'll probably eat somewhere more healthy and less salty. I ordered the broil seafood plate.
(3)
John B.
I haven't eaten at a Red Lobster for quite some time and honestly the only reason we went was because we were given a gift card. We each had some sort of a combo meal and everything was very tasty!! The Scampi rocked and the fried shrimp was cooked perfectly crispy and not over done. Plus, Cheesy Garlic Biscuits!!!!
(4)
Phil P.
Ate there on 9/10/13 with family. Service was very good, wait staff was very good. The food, so- so at best. Started with the muffins, way to oily, but I will say they were at least ok. Cesar salad was fine. Mahi-Mahi itself was cooked well but had a very gross mango salsa poured on top of it. The mango salsa tasted like it came from a jar, not good. Came with a shrimp skewer, shrimp seemed over-salted. The worst part was the rice pilaf, it was just plain not good. I make many variations of rice pilaf at home and could do much better. The spicing in it was weird and the vegetables inside the rice pilaf seems over-cooked and tasteless. The final weird part was, the side dishes offered with rice pilaf were a baked or mashed potato, fries broccoli or green beans. So if I wanted a potato, I would have two starches on my plate.
(2)
Jeremy C.
I've had this a couple of times in the last year with the last time being a couple weeks ago with my wife and some friends. They make a nice atmosphere and provide a good menu. I had the lobster nachos though and they were not impressive. Had I made them at home, given my lack of talent, I would be pleased with myself. But that is what they tasted like, like I made them at home. The biscuits that everybody raves about I am turned off by the way I need to wash my hands after I touch them. They could make an equal or better tasting biscuit with far less fat/butter in it. I did have the clam chowder as an appetizer and I will give them props for that. It was good. Had the whole meal been at the clam chowder level it would have been a 4 star experience.
(2)
Jake S.
Would not take a reservation, refused call ahead and hung up on my girlfriend when she disagreed with this. The manager refused to help her when she called back and said it was my girlfriend's fault that the employee hung up on her.
(1)
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Address :2925 White Bear Ave.
Maplewood, MN, 55109
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Bao Y.
First time at Red Lobster. I love seafood but just can't bring myself to pay the high prices, especially the overpriced restaurant prices. After much pestering from my sister who loves seafood more than I do, we met for lunch. Had a margarita- ehhh, was decent. Split the stuffed mushrooms and a lobster Fest platter with the mister. Two variations of lobster tails, and a lobster/crab Alfredo. The food was good, but I've definitely had better, have cooked better. Place was busy but I can't understand what the hype is. Would prefer cooking my seafood at home from now on :)
(2)Matthew S.
I went here for my birthday with the folks. About as good as I remembered. Had a piña colada which was very tasty. They have a pretty good selection of mixed drinks. Had the shrimp pasta with lobster mashed potatoes as a side. Both were decent. Of course, the cheddar bay biscuits are the best part of the meal. The staff was really nice and pleasant. The food is very expensive for a franchise. A solid once-in-a-while type place.
(4)Deborah A.
Another tasty meal at our local Red Lobster. We like the make your own lunch option. I usually pick the fried clam strips for one of my two choices because I can't get them most places. They were crispy brown and a little chewy, just right. Of course, their Cheddar Bay biscuits are too good to practice restraint on. I try to ignore my knowledge of their calorie and carb count. We both set aside a good portion of our meal to take home so we would be able to do justice to the biscuits. The broiled scallops were a little bland, so I'm taking them home where I can add some herbs or hot sauce. My husband's two shrimp choices were excellent as always. I wish I wasn't allergic to shellfish. Sigh.
(5)Gaily G.
It's only good for ordering steaks. (Literally) if you ain't white, you're sitting in a hidden area.
(5)Shekinah S.
3 Stars for the food + 5 Stars for the service and those goddamn biscuits = 4 Stars I think I've been to a Red Lobster maybe once when I was a kid, and I haven't had any inclination to go back since. But after weeks of my boyfriend longingly mentioning that the AYCE Shrimp special was coming to an end, we went last night because we are almost out of food and I didn't feel like conjuring up some sort of dinner. Aside from those ridiculous biscuits, the best part was absolutely the service. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly in a genuine way and attentive in a not-intrusive way. He also knew the menu and the specials. What surprised/impressed me the most was when I asked what was the best preparation for the tuna, he said he wasn't sure as he had not tried it (and /or it was a new menu item, sorry I can't recall), so he went and checked with the kitchen and came back with an informed answer. He also asked me how it was -- and not in a just doing his job sort of way, and another server also asked me if it was worth trying. Red Lobster may be a big b(l)a(n)d chain serving up farmed fish for the masses, but at this particular location they seem to have some pride in what they do. Not at all what I was expecting, and almost the entire reason for me bestowing the ol RL with (an otherwise undeserved) 4 Stars. The other reason being those addictive biscuits. The caesar salads were decent. My sides of asparagus and green beans were pretty good. My tuna didn't seem cooked quite how I requested and wasn't fabulous, but it wasn't bad. Aside from salmon I mostly like my fish raw and in the form of sushi, so I may not be a good judge. My wine (Riesling) was unfortunately not good at all. My boyfriend went with repeat servings of two different flavors of shrimp -- sriracha and something else (scampi?) . He got his fill of shrimp, which was the whole point of this little adventure, so he was a happy camper. The sriracha ones were actually very good. Second best thing after those delicious biscuits. I have no hopes of returning to Red Lobster (in spite of those crazy biscuits) as I'm just not that into seafood and I mostly try to avoid chain restaurants. But next time my boyfriend is consumed by an insatiable appetite for shrimp, I suspect we'll be headed back to Ye Olde Red Lobster of Maplewood. But I may skip the seafood and inquire about the AYCE Biscuit special.
(4)Craig P.
Way too expensive for how poor the quality of food is. Might as well be a fried, fast food drive through restaurant for what they're doing.
(1)Ford P.
Easily the worst dining experience of my life. We had a group which warranted two waiters. They were unable to coordinate between themselves. One person did not have their order taken. Another did not get their salad. Another got the wrong entree. Yet another got no entrée at all. The wait staff tried up selling to larger portions. The food had big chunks of unmelted cheese in it, the crab pasta had a big ball of crab in the middle, even the salad seemed half assed. Requests for another napkin took three tries before a pile materialized. The waitress boxed up meals by shoveling the leftovers into a container at the table awkwardly. The sauces were nearly entirely butter. The menu was about 14 pages long. Another piss poor microwave based chain. I'll never go to red lobster again.
(1)Nicholas F.
A chain, so what do you want? Nothing super special; run of the mill seafood place, run of the mill people line up for seafood, and the shrimp (all farm-raised) are edible.. The ONLY reason I have been there in past 6 months is when they have had some "fest." It is all quantity of over quality except for their biscuits, which are still good, and they have changed everything including the quality of their salads which used to be a LOT better. If you want special seafood, or a real seafood dining experience find somewhere in Florida or the East coast to dine at.
(2)Amy R.
Didn't start out desiring Red Lobster, but after striking out at our intended place, we ended up here. Quite the welcoming atmosphere. Was greeted three times and were then escorted to our table by a very cheerful hostess. Decent lunch specials and decent prices for a quick lunch. All for under $22 before tip- not bad. Our server, Kathy was absolutely delightful. Some servers you can just tell that they have been doing it for awhile and that they have their own special style. She was just as nice as can be and genuinely friendly. Our cheddar bay biscuits were right out of the oven. J got quite busy with those as this is the only reason he likes coming to Red Lobster. Our entrees were fine. Not going to elaborate too much they are the typical run of the mill RL entrees. Caesar salad has a tad too much dressing, but that is really my only gripe. We typically try to find places with unique food and atmosphere and leave the chain styles for later, but sometimes the chainers end up surprising.
(4)Rodriguez B.
We came here on our anniversary because we had a gift card. Our server Nicole was really good and took care of us. I gave it a 3 because we just realized we are not a big fan of chain restaurants. Food is just too salty. I guess because we asked for a lot of biscuits and they delivered. :) Overall, next time...I'll probably eat somewhere more healthy and less salty. I ordered the broil seafood plate.
(3)John B.
I haven't eaten at a Red Lobster for quite some time and honestly the only reason we went was because we were given a gift card. We each had some sort of a combo meal and everything was very tasty!! The Scampi rocked and the fried shrimp was cooked perfectly crispy and not over done. Plus, Cheesy Garlic Biscuits!!!!
(4)Phil P.
Ate there on 9/10/13 with family. Service was very good, wait staff was very good. The food, so- so at best. Started with the muffins, way to oily, but I will say they were at least ok. Cesar salad was fine. Mahi-Mahi itself was cooked well but had a very gross mango salsa poured on top of it. The mango salsa tasted like it came from a jar, not good. Came with a shrimp skewer, shrimp seemed over-salted. The worst part was the rice pilaf, it was just plain not good. I make many variations of rice pilaf at home and could do much better. The spicing in it was weird and the vegetables inside the rice pilaf seems over-cooked and tasteless. The final weird part was, the side dishes offered with rice pilaf were a baked or mashed potato, fries broccoli or green beans. So if I wanted a potato, I would have two starches on my plate.
(2)Jeremy C.
I've had this a couple of times in the last year with the last time being a couple weeks ago with my wife and some friends. They make a nice atmosphere and provide a good menu. I had the lobster nachos though and they were not impressive. Had I made them at home, given my lack of talent, I would be pleased with myself. But that is what they tasted like, like I made them at home. The biscuits that everybody raves about I am turned off by the way I need to wash my hands after I touch them. They could make an equal or better tasting biscuit with far less fat/butter in it. I did have the clam chowder as an appetizer and I will give them props for that. It was good. Had the whole meal been at the clam chowder level it would have been a 4 star experience.
(2)Jake S.
Would not take a reservation, refused call ahead and hung up on my girlfriend when she disagreed with this. The manager refused to help her when she called back and said it was my girlfriend's fault that the employee hung up on her.
(1)