The start of a new year brings excitement for food lovers as restaurants announce their latest menu offerings For fans of Red Lobster, the chain’s annual Lobsterfest promotion is always highly anticipated This limited-time event celebrates fresh lobster dishes not typically found on the regular Red Lobster menu. Naturally, one of the most common questions is does Red Lobster have lobster rolls during Lobsterfest? Let’s take a look at what lobster items they’re featuring in 2023.
Lobster Roll Availability at Red Lobster’s 2023 Lobsterfest
After reviewing the details of this year’s Lobsterfest promotion, Red Lobster unfortunately does not include lobster rolls on their special event menu. The variety of lobster dishes offered instead feature lobster in tacos, pasta or paired with steak. But the traditional lobster roll served in a toasted buttered bun is not among the selections.
While lobster rolls have become a quintessential lobster dish, especially in New England, Red Lobster takes a different approach during Lobsterfest. Their menu focuses on creative lobster recipe twists rather than classic preparations.
For lobster roll purists, this is disappointing. However, Red Lobster still incorporates lobster in fun, approachable ways for diners less familiar with preparing lobster at home. Their Lobsterfest items provide a gateway to enjoying fresh lobster without venturing too far from Red Lobster’s casual dining style.
Below is a closer look at the dishes featuring lobster that Red Lobster does offer during their 2023 Lobsterfest promotion.
Red Lobster’s 2023 Lobsterfest Menu Offerings
While lobster rolls aren’t on the menu, Red Lobster still showcases lobster in creative recipes perfect for indulging during the limited-time event. Here’s what you can expect on their special Lobsterfest menu:
Lobster and Shrimp Tacos – Crispy lobster and shrimp in three grilled tortillas with jalapeño slaw, pico de gallo, and lime crema.
Lobster Lover’s Dream – Buttery linguini topped with lobster, shrimp, and creamy lobster sauce, with roasted rock lobster tails on the side.
Lobster and Shrimp-Topped Sirloin – A grilled 7oz sirloin topped with shrimp and a Maine lobster tail in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Maine Lobster Tail Duo – A roasted and grilled Maine lobster tail served with warm drawn butter.
Live Maine Lobster – A whole lobster prepared either steamed or stuffed, available in various sizes.
Bar Harbor Lobster Bake – Roasted lobster tails, shrimp, scallops, mussels and tomatoes served over garlic linguini.
These dishes allow Red Lobster to incorporate lobster in indulgent yet approachable preparations. The flavors complement their casual dining style rather than aiming to replicate high-end lobster shack fare.
Why Lobster Rolls Don’t Fit Red Lobster’s Brand
Given the popularity of lobster rolls, it’s fair to wonder why Red Lobster resists adding this classic to their Lobsterfest roster. Here are some likely reasons:
Perishability – Lobster rolls rely on fresh lobster meat. Red Lobster’s supply chain is better suited for frozen and longer-lasting ingredients.
Preparation – Lobster meat requires diligent hand-picking and preparation, difficult to execute consistently nationwide.
Messiness – Lobster rolls tend to be messy and better suited for casual settings. Red Lobster aims for a family-friendly dining experience.
Pricing – Quality lobster rolls are expensive, yet Red Lobster focuses on keeping menu items affordable.
Authenticity – Lobster rolls have strong connections to coastal New England. Red Lobster’s landlocked locations couldn’t replicate that experience.
Overall, lobster rolls simply aren’t aligned with Red Lobster’s brand identity and operational capabilities. Their Lobsterfest promotions allow them to tap into diner demand for lobster in ways better matching their restaurant model.
Ideal Places to Enjoy Authentic Lobster Rolls
Since Red Lobster doesn’t offer lobster rolls even during their special Lobsterfest event, where should you go to truly satisfy your craving? To best enjoy this iconic New England specialty, consider these ideal lobster roll destinations:
Maine Lobster Shacks – Casual, seaside lobster shacks and food trucks in Maine offer classic rolls with fresh-off-the-boat lobster.
Cape Cod & The Islands – Local restaurants all across Cape Cod serve up authentic lobster rolls with iconic New England charm.
Boston – The city’s top seafood restaurants and food halls showcase lobster rolls done right paired with incredible views.
Specialty Seafood Markets – Many high-end grocers and seafood markets now prepare excellent fresh lobster rolls to enjoy at home.
Food Festivals – Summer food festivals in coastal regions often bring together top restaurants dishing out their lobster roll versions.
Getting your lobster roll fix satisfied generally requires venturing to New England or high-quality seafood restaurants closer to home. But the search is well worth it once your tastebuds experience the sublime flavors of a classic, butter-soaked lobster roll.
Still Enjoy Lobsterfest Without Lobster Rolls on the Menu
While lobster rolls may be absent from Red Lobster’s 2023 Lobsterfest lineup, there are still plenty of tasty lobster dishes to enjoy during the limited-time event. Beyond the traditional preparations, their menu gets creative with lobster tacos, pastas, and surf and turf concoctions.
For lobster roll purists, it undoubtedly stings to know this iconic Maine specialty won’t be available. However, Red Lobster does succeed in making lobster more approachable and fun through their Lobsterfest creations. The promotion ultimately provides a satisfying way for diners to break out of their usual menu rotations and enjoy something deliciously seasonal.
No matter what’s on Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest menu, just the celebratory spirit of the event makes it a great time to indulge. Don’t let the lack of lobster rolls prevent you from stopping by to soak in the flavors of the season and crack into some tender, sweet lobster done Red Lobster’s way!
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What Red Lobster Employees Wish You Knew
What’s new at Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest 2023?
Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest makes its return for 2023 and brings with it a bevy of lobster-centric dishes, including a few new items such as new Lobster & Shrimp Tacos and new Lobster & Shrimp-Topped Sirloin. Here are the new and returning items on the limited-time Lobsterfest menu at Red Lobster for 2023:
What to eat at Red Lobsterfest?
The menu often includes items such as lobster tails, lobster bisque or soup, lobster pasta-based dishes, Surf & Turf options, and even lobster sandwiches. It is a great way for lobster lovers to curb their cravings and try new dishes without breaking the bank. Lobsterfest is also a way for Red Lobster to celebrate one of its signature ingredients.
What to eat at Red Lobster in 2023?
But if you want a better idea of what’s on the menu in 2023, here are some of the delicious dishes you can choose from at Red Lobster during their Lobsterfest. There are a few returning favorites to choose from, including the lobster lovers dream, the live Maine lobster, and even the Maine lobster tail duo.
Does Red Lobster have lobster rolls?
Considering the obvious widespread appeal of lobsters rolls — and the fact that Red Lobster is called Red Lobster — you’d think the restaurant chain, of all places, would have the delicious crustacean-filled sandwiches on its menu. But, believe it or not, that sadly hasn’t been the case. Until now.
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- The Best Places to Eat Lobster in the U.S.
