Red Lobster Rolls Out New Seafood Boils, Sangria Flights, and Summer Happy Hour
Dive into Red Lobster’s reimagined Crabfest featuring brand-new seafood boils, summer cocktails, and happy hour deals.
Red Lobster’s Summer Celebration: All-New Seafood Boils & More
This summer, Red Lobster is making waves with the return of its signature Crabfest event, rolled out across locations nationwide. Featuring a reimagined menu packed with customizable seafood boils, inventive crab-centric sides, specialty cocktails, and unbeatable happy hour deals, the 2025 rollout sets a new standard for value and variety in casual seafood dining.
Crabfest runs June 23 through September 14, giving seafood lovers a full season to indulge in the brand’s latest culinary innovations.
What’s New for Crabfest 2025?
- All-New Seafood Boil Bags with customizable flavors
- Expanded crab creations: crab-stuffed mushrooms, crab-topped sides, Steak Oscar and Salmon Oscar
- Festival Summer of Sips: three exclusive summer cocktails
- $5 Happy Hour on select drinks and appetizers
Seafood Boils: The Star of the Summer Menu
For 2025, Red Lobster unveiled two unique seafood boil experiences, each served in a hot shake-and-serve bag. This delivers both big flavor and a sense of playful, hands-on dining.
Boil Options
| Name | Main Ingredients | Flavor Choices | Price (avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariner’s Boil | Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, red potatoes | Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, Old Bay | $30.99 |
| Sailor’s Boil | Two dozen shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, red potatoes | Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, Old Bay | $30.99 |
Each boil is finished with bold flavor sauces: choose between roasted garlic butter, Cajun butter, or classic Old Bay seasoning—giving diners control over their ideal flavor profile.
- Mariner’s Boil is the premium pick, including lobster tail and snow crab legs.
- Sailor’s Boil delivers more shrimp and smoked sausage for a robust, satisfying meal.
According to taste-testers, the sausage is charred for enhanced flavor, the shrimp are substantial, although can be slightly overcooked compared to local seafood spots, and the overall seasoning profiles lean towards moderate spice with Cajun options.
Customize Your Crab: Crab Your Way
Beyond boil bags, Red Lobster encourages crab lovers to crab your way:
- Choose a full pound of Snow Crab or upgrade to Bairdi Crab (+$9)
- Pick your flavor: Simply Steamed, Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, or NEW Old Bay & Parmesan
- Paired over crispy potatoes for a hearty finish
Crab-Centric Creations: Innovations Beyond the Boil
For those seeking something new, Crabfest 2025 introduces unique menu items spotlighting fresh crab:
- Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory appetizer with crab stuffing
- Crab-Topped Asparagus: A premium, vegetable-forward side
- Crab-Topped Potato: A twist on the loaded baked potato, now crowned with crab
- Steak Oscar: Sirloin topped with lump crab in decadent cream sauce
- Salmon Oscar: Atlantic salmon finished with lump crab and rich cream
Accessible Indulgence
Red Lobster’s approach keeps prices moderate (for boil bags, most locations average $30.99 per order), making these premium ingredients accessible for families and weekday diners, not just special occasions.
Festival Summer of Sips: Exclusive Seasonal Cocktails
This year’s beverage program is inspired by music festival vibes, featuring three signature cocktails crafted for Crabfest:
- Headliner: Purple Haze by Dre & Snoop
– STILL G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop, desert pear, handcrafted lemonade, sparkling gold shimmer - Opening Act: Passion Star Spritz
– Tito’s Handmade Vodka, passionfruit, Wycliff Sparkling Wine, gold-dusted dried starfruit garnish - Encore: Starry Eyed Surprise
– Patron Silver Tequila, guava, blue curacao, Starry Lemon-Lime, sugar sprinkle rim
These drinks are designed to pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the new seafood boils and crab dishes.
$5 Happy Hour: Affordable Summer Sips & Bites
Alongside full-price specialty drinks, Red Lobster is offering up a generous happy hour deal with $5 select cocktails and snack-sized appetizers.
- $5 drink specials: Rotating selection of classic and new cocktails
- Discounted appetizers: Options may include shrimp, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and more (varies by location)
This promotion makes indulging in summer sips and crab bites more accessible for those stopping by after work or before dinner.
Crabfest Timeline and Pricing
- Duration: June 23 – September 14
- Boil Bag Price: $30.99 (price may vary by location)
- Reservation: Advance booking recommended for large groups or event nights
Comparison: Red Lobster Boil vs. Local Seafood Boil
| Feature | Red Lobster | Local Seafood Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage | Charred, moderately spicy, well-seasoned | Standard, not charred, less spicy |
| Shrimp | Medium-large size, at times overcooked | Larger, typically cooked perfectly |
| Crab Legs | Smaller size, but included in boil bags | Usually larger/crab leg focused |
| Flavor Customization | Three options: Garlic butter, Cajun butter, Old Bay | Depends on restaurant; often limited |
| Price | ~$30.99 | Varies, often higher for premium seafood |
Red Lobster’s boil stands out for its charred sausage and robust flavor customization, though local spots may excel in shrimp quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long is Crabfest available at Red Lobster?
A: Crabfest runs from June 23 to September 14, 2025.
Q: What’s included in the Mariner’s Seafood Boil?
A: It features a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes—served in a hot boil bag with your choice of three flavor finishes.
Q: What flavors can I choose for my seafood boil?
A: Red Lobster offers Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, and Old Bay seasoning for their boil bags.
Q: Are there vegetarian options at Crabfest?
A: While Crabfest is crab-focused, sides such as crab-topped asparagus and potatoes could be modified upon request. However, most featured items involve seafood or crab.
Q: Can I order Crabfest specials for takeout?
A: Yes, Red Lobster’s seafood boils and other Crabfest dishes are available for dine-in and takeout at participating locations.
Tips for the Ultimate Crabfest Experience
- Order ahead during peak dinner hours to avoid wait times.
- Pair boil bags with festival cocktails for a complete taste experience.
- Try Crab Your Way for a truly customized dinner.
- Visit during happy hour to sample drinks and appetizers at an unbeatable price.
Wrap-Up: Why This Summer’s Crabfest Matters
In a competitive dining landscape, Red Lobster’s Crabfest marks a bold effort to reinvigorate its menu with innovation and value. The new seafood boils combine quality ingredients, fun presentation, and customized flavors. Add to that the crab-topped menu items, signature summer cocktails, and $5 happy hour specials, and diners find an accessible seafood celebration for a fraction of the cost of most fine dining crab boils.
For seafood fans, families, and happy hour regulars, Red Lobster’s Crabfest promises a flavorful, engaging, and festive experience all summer long.
