*Red Lobster’s Crabfest, running from June 23 to September 14, has set social media ablaze with its budget-friendly seafood boils, drawing a spectrum of reactions from eager fans to skeptical diners.
The Orlando, Florida-based chain introduced two new dishes: the Mariner’s Boil, packed with “a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn and red potatoes,” and the Sailor’s Boil, featuring “shrimp with smoked sausage, corn and red potatoes.” Priced between $24 and $45, these boils are a steal compared to competitors’ offerings, which can cost up to $75 per person. Diners can enhance their meal with a choice of roasted garlic butter, Cajun butter, or Old Bay seasoning, alongside other Crabfest items like Crab-Topped Asparagus and Salmon Oscar.
Nichole Robillard, Red Lobster’s Chief Marketing Officer, hailed the event as “the ultimate summer dining experience, featuring exciting and flavorful dishes like our new Seafood Boils.” The chain also launched a $5 happy hour in December, adding to the festive appeal with affordable drinks.
As Fox News reports, social media platforms like Reddit and X reveal a polarized response. One Reddit user raved, “A seafood boil and cheap sangria? Oh, I’m absolutely clocking out early for this,” while another who tried the Mariner’s Boil for $45 enthused, “I got the bag with crab and lobster for $45 with the Cajun butter AND I WAS SURPRISED,” noting generous servings of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
However, not all feedback was glowing. One diner complained, “My corn was cold, sausage burnt and the garlic butter was shrimp scampi sauce,” and another questioned affordability, asking, “Who can afford to eat at Red Lobster anymore?”
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The Red Lobster seafood boil reviews are starting to trickle in ? pic.twitter.com/MIXBIMNMMp
— South Dallas Foodie (@SouthDallasFood) June 27, 2025
On X, opinions varied widely. A satisfied customer shared, “We tried the Red Lobster seafood boils & they were so fresh,” while another rated their experience a modest “6.5,” and a third criticized, “UNPOPULAR OPINION: great marketing [and] bad taste. They need better seasoning and flavor.”
Some Reddit users expressed concerns about quality, with one noting a $3.99 charge for a small side of Cajun sauce. Despite the mixed reviews, Red Lobster’s viral boils and iconic biscuits continue to fuel lively debates online, making Crabfest a hot topic this summer.
Meanwhile, Red Lobster has officially emerged from bankruptcy, and 35-year-old CEO Damola Adamolekun is spearheading its comeback—with seafood boil bags, $5 drinks, and promises of better service, improved food, and refreshed interiors.
Common misconceptions about Seafood QUALITY addressed by Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun https://t.co/Nqsi7ThXNR pic.twitter.com/unFhIOrOPW
— South Dallas Foodie (@SouthDallasFood) June 28, 2025
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