TLDR
Famous for endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits and a nostalgic, accessible seafood menu in the heart of the city. A polarizing, family-friendly staple.
Instagram Posts References
The post is a sentimental dedication to Red Lobster, specifically focusing on the imminent closure of its Times Square location. The creator reflects on the surprising emotional impact of the news, linking the restaurant to cherished childhood memories of visiting New York City with her sister. She emphasizes how Red Lobster offered an accessible sense of luxury and comfort, particularly for an immigrant family, through its offerings like endless shrimp and the complimentary cheddar bay biscuits. The restaurant served as a nostalgic symbol of Times Square's past allure, a 'bright, shiny, and exciting center' where aspirations could flourish, contrasting with the current perception of the area. It represents a timeless, comforting experience that transcends specific location or moment.
Details
Renowned for its iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits, this seafood chain has long served as a nostalgic comfort spot for many families visiting New York City [1]. While some diners fondly recall dishes like filet mignon and shrimp scampi [2], [3], the location has faced significant criticism regarding overall food quality and preparation standards [4]. Ultimately, opinions remain deeply divided between those seeking accessible comfort food and those who find the offerings underwhelming [4].
Food Overview
The menu is centered on casual seafood staples like shrimp scampi, fried shrimp, and various pasta dishes, though quality consistency is a frequent point of contention [1], [4]. The Cheddar Bay Biscuits are universally recognized as the primary draw [1], [4], while dishes such as the filet mignon and chicken salad have received isolated praise [2], [3]. Conversely, some guests have reported negative experiences with the preparation and freshness of the shrimp dishes [4].
The Cheddar Bay Biscuits are widely considered the highlight of the menu [1], [3]. Other dishes occasionally noted positively include the filet mignon and shrimp scampi [2], [3].
Customer reception is highly polarized, characterized by a mix of sentimental nostalgia for the brand's iconic biscuits and harsh criticism regarding the quality of the main courses [1], [4]. Many patrons view the experience as mediocre, with some explicitly discouraging others from choosing it for a meal [4].
Caveats
Frequent concerns have been raised regarding food preparation quality, with some diners describing the experience as disappointing or unappealing compared to typical New York City dining standards [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RED LOBSTER
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Red Lobster Times Sq Is Closing What Would Be
"Makes a cryptic comment about choosing whatever 'silwa' is having."
NeutralFrom post: Red Lobster Times Sq Is Closing What Would Be
"Suggests ordering just the biscuits via mobile order and proposes it could be a meet-up event."
NeutralFrom post: Red Lobster Times Sq Is Closing What Would Be
"Humorously states they have never even considered eating at Red Lobster, let alone for a last meal."
NegativeFrom post: Red Lobster Times Sq Is Closing What Would Be
"Echoes the sentiment that Red Lobster is essentially an all-you-can-eat biscuit experience."
NeutralFrom post: Red Lobster Times Sq Is Closing What Would Be
"Expresses sadness about the closing of this specific Red Lobster location."
Negative