Red Lobster is bringing the heat, and the steam, this summer. The fan-favorite seafood chain has officially relaunched its annual Crabfest, and this year, they’re leveling up with a menu item that has everyone talking: seafood boil.
That’s right, for the first time ever, seafood boils have officially landed at Red Lobster. Available in two styles, the Mariner’s Boil and the Sailor’s Boil, these boils come packed with flavor and hearty portions.
The Mariner’s Boil brings the luxe with a Maine lobster tail, snow crab legs, a dozen shrimp, plus corn and red potatoes. Meanwhile, the Sailor’s Boil takes on a more Southern, Louisiana-style flair with shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and potatoes. And yes, both boils can be customized with your choice of Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, or Old Bay Seasoning.
While seafood boils are typically meant for sharing, Red Lobster is clearly tapping into the “treat yourself” energy of today’s diners.
It’s a one-bag feast built for one, and the reactions online have been split. Some fans are hyped for the convenience and flavors, while others are side-eying whether a chain restaurant can pull off the boil bag trend made popular on TikTok and in southern kitchens.
Still, Red Lobster’s new CEO Damola Adamolekun is standing ten toes down on the comeback.
“It’s a new day at Red Lobster,” he posted on LinkedIn. “Seafood boils just dropped nationwide and the energy is unreal. Flavor, fun, and good energy all in one bag. This is what a comeback tastes like.”
The new seafood boils aren’t the only thing making waves on the Crabfest menu. This year’s signature dish, Crab Your Way, lets guests choose one pound of crab legs and dress them up with flavors like the all-new Old Bay & Parmesan blend.
There’s also the Steak Oscar and Salmon Oscar, both topped with lump crab and a creamy sauce, along with crab-topped asparagus, potatoes, and those rich, savory Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms.
And because no summer menu is complete without cocktails, Red Lobster is rolling out three new drinks. There’s the vibrant blue Starry Eyed Surprise with Patrón and guava, the shimmering Purple Haze featuring Dre and Snoop’s Still G.I.N., and the fizzy Passion Star Spritz, which brings passionfruit and Tito’s together for a perfect patio sip.
Whether you’re here for the crab, the cocktails, or the conversation-starter boil bags, Crabfest is officially back — and the new menu is already live.
