I ate at Red Lobster's "Lobsterfest" and got a $30 lobster roll

Axios

20-02-2025

Linh here. Sure, we're landlocked and the furthest thing from coastal seafood — but thanks to chain restaurants, we still have things like Red Lobster bringing its annual crustacean celebration to middle America.
Driving the news: Red Lobster announced the return of " Lobsterfest" from now through April 20, claiming this year is "back and bigger than ever."
Like every Lobsterfest, there's a gimmicky, larger-than-life "Lobsterita," as well as some lobster tail entrees.
But the new addition of a warm lobster roll ($30) served with "Chesapeake fries" on a sweet Hawaiian roll ultimately intrigued me.
Why it matters: Now that the Iowa State Fair is known for its $100 lobster rolls, I would argue we have a taste and a craving for this East Coast cuisine.
What I liked: The meat was indeed, all lobster.
Hawaiian rolls are also always a plus in my book.
💭 Thought bubble: It's what you expect from a chain restaurant — nothing that makes you go "wow," but it accomplished all the basic things you expect from a lobster roll. I give it a B.
Yes, but: The real star is the giant, yellow Lobsterita. Pretend you're drinking butter! Proudly wear the plastic lobster necklace!
The bottom line: If you're looking for a hokey date, share a Lobsterita and lobster roll and then eat as many cheddar biscuits as you can until you're full (I got to five).