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Red Lobster’s Crabfest has always been a seasonal favorite, known for bringing bold flavors and hearty seafood dishes to the table. This time around, the excitement feels even bigger, with new options, upgraded sides, and a cocktail lineup that’s surprisingly impressive for a casual chain.
But as the buzz grows online and people start posting those tempting boil bowls and golden-rimmed drinks on social media, it begs the real question: Is this year’s Crabfest actually worth the hype, or is it just another clever marketing moment?
To help you decide if it’s worth your time (and your appetite), we’ve broken it down into seven delicious highlights that might just have you planning a trip to Red Lobster tonight.
Is Red Lobster’s new Crabfest menu worth the hype?
You can “Crab Your Way” – literally
The headline dish lets you choose your favourite type of crab legs and your preferred seasoning. Whether you go for the brand-new Old Bay & Parmesan or classic Roasted Garlic Butter, it feels personalised and fun. And one full pound of crab? That’s no joke.
The New Seafood Boils Feel Like a Full-On Summer Feast
The Mariner’s Boil and Sailor’s Boil bring serious value. With lobster, shrimp, crab legs, corn, and potatoes (or smoked sausage in the Sailor’s version), they offer a full, well-balanced meal that looks and feels celebratory.
The Seasoning Options Keep It Fresh
Instead of one flavor across the board, you get three bold seasoning choices. You could literally come back three different times and have a completely different experience:
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Old Bay for a classic zing
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Cajun Butter for heat
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Roasted Garlic Butter for richness
Not a Crab Fan? There’s Still Something for You
Crabfest is crab-forward, sure, but non-crab eaters aren’t left out. The menu also features Steak Oscar and Salmon Oscar, topped with lump crab and a creamy sauce, which is a smart middle ground for steak or fish lovers who still want in on the fun.
Premium Sides That Feel Extra (in a Good Way)
The Crab-Topped Asparagus and Crab-Topped Potato take basic sides to a whole new level. If you’re into loaded, flavorful extras that feel gourmet, these are worth trying.
Appetiser Game: Strong.
The Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms are small bites with big flavor. Earthy, cheesy, crabby, and baked, basically, if you’re a starter-lover, don’t skip this one.
The Summer Cocktails Are Genuinely Impressive
This year’s drink menu isn’t an afterthought. Each new cocktail is visually stunning and refreshing:
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Starry Eyed Surprise is a bright blue tequila-based drink that screams poolside vibes
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Purple Haze has gin, lemonade, and a golden shimmer (yes, it sparkles)
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Passion Star Spritz is light, fizzy, and topped with sparkling wine and gold-dusted fruit
They’re actually creative and worth sipping slowly.
If you’re someone who enjoys good seafood, flavorful meals, and seasonal menus that feel special, then yes, Red Lobster’s new Crabfest is definitely worth the hype.
This isn’t just a few new items tossed onto a menu for fun. It’s a full-on celebration of everything people love about crab and seafood dining. From the personalised seasoning choices to the hearty seafood boils and upscale-feeling sides, it’s clear that Red Lobster put real thought into making this year’s Crabfest bigger and better. And for once, the cocktails match the mood, creative, summery, and worth sipping slowly.
More than anything, what makes this menu worth trying is the experience it offers. Whether you’re going out with friends, taking your family for a summer treat, or just looking for something exciting to shake up your usual dinner plans, Crabfest feels like a little escape, without needing a fancy reservation or breaking the bank.
So if you’ve been curious, wondering if the buzz online matches up to what’s being served, it does. And you might even end up going back to try a different combo next time.