Red Lobster — Restaurant in Regina

I have been coming to Red Lobster in Regina for years. It has been a birthday tradition I have genuinely looked forward to every year. Sadly, after my most recent visit, I think this may have been my last.

A lot of reviews mention the decor feeling “dated,” but I actually think the update made things worse. I know it has been many years, but they stripped away all the charm from what it used to be. The old atmosphere with wood planks, fishing nets, and cozy nautical touches is gone. Now it just feels like any other big box restaurant, plain and boring. The so-called “modernization” robbed the place of any unique character it once had. If anything, it now feels even more dated, just in a different way. Maybe I am just forever chasing nostalgia.

The staff were very friendly. I want to be clear about that. Everyone was polite, warm, and accommodating. One staff member in particular went out of their way to spend time with the kids in our group, showing them the lobsters and explaining things about them. It was a really nice gesture and something the kids will definitely remember. However, despite how kind the staff were, the service itself left a lot to be desired.

The restaurant was not busy, yet it was unbelievable how many things were simply forgotten throughout the night. We had to repeatedly ask for basic things that never showed up or came after far too long. More biscuits were forgotten. The milk that is supposed to come with the kids’ meal was forgotten. Mushrooms that were meant to be timed to come out after our entrees were forgotten. Utensils for the crab were forgotten. Sauce for the scallops, which we asked for more than once, was forgotten. It honestly felt like everything we asked for just disappeared into a black hole. I could not believe how long it took just to get more biscuits, which should be one of the simplest and quickest things at Red Lobster.

We asked for appetizers to come out before the meals, but they did not show up until the entrees arrived, along with the biscuits we kept asking for. It made the whole meal feel rushed and poorly coordinated.

Unfortunately, the food did not save the experience either. The scallops were overcooked and did not come with the sauce we requested. We ordered six stuffed mushrooms and were served six mushroom halves. Essentially, we received three tiny mushrooms cut in half, which felt ridiculous for the $12 price tag. After complaining, we were given another order, but it should not have even gotten to that point. The Lobster Bake was flavorless and the mussels were overcooked. Some of the shrimp tasted rubbery and poorly handled.

The bacon mac and cheese was particularly disappointing. Instead of real bacon, they used the cheapest imitation bacon bits, the kind you find in bottom-shelf grocery store brands. You can tell immediately when you taste it. For the prices they are charging, using fake bacon bits feels unacceptable.

The only reason I even ended up with the mac and cheese was because I asked to swap the default rice in my meal for mashed or baked potatoes. I was told that the rice was “pre-portioned” and that they could not substitute it. However, I was told I could upgrade to a different side if I paid extra. In other words, they would not allow a simple swap unless they could charge more for it. That kind of nickel-and-diming leaves a terrible impression, especially when the food is already failing to meet expectations.

I always looked forward to coming here, but this visit left me feeling sad and disappointed. I have so many good memories here, and I genuinely wanted to believe things would get better after a shaky experience last year. Instead, it was even worse.

With everything being cut back and the food quality falling so sharply, it really does not surprise me anymore to see Red Lobster making headlines about bankruptcy. Based on what I experienced, it all makes perfect sense.

I truly cannot imagine coming back by choice again. If you have fond memories of this place, I recommend leaving them that way. Stay away and...

Went in for Supper last sunday to celebrate my husband's birthday with friends. I had called and made reservations and was asked if we were celebrating anything. I told them it was my husband's b-day. We were greeted by a sweet and pleasant hostess and seated. The food was good as always though unfortunately the service was terrible. The server we had was not at all pleasant, barely spoke to us and made zero attempt to be friendly. Despite discussing on the phone when asked at reservation time, she never mentioned anything about the bday we were celebrating. We all had assumed there'd be some thing staff did because we have witnessed other patrons being sang a cute/funny song to by staff to properly embarrass the birthday boy. I thought it would be something fun for my husband to experience which is a big reason I booked in at this establishment. When the server did come to the table, it was always only for a second or two and always very rushed. She did pop by after our meal which then our friends brought up that it was his birthday, and inquired if there's anything special done here for bdays. She just says 'we just do ice cream'. Not a smile, no oh well happy bday, nothing. They said yes please can he have that? So she grabbed that and dropped it off still without even saying happy bday. No effort made whatsoever to be friendly or personable. When clearing plates she decides to stack them up right in front of me and ended dumping crumbs all over my lap. Normally we have had excellent service here though it was very disappointing given the occasion we were out celebrating. Definitely not what we had expected for a big birthday...

The decor hasn't changed much but the booths really do not give anyone who is heavier set room to sit there.

Our server was very attentive and ensure my water glass was never empty and kept everything coming out at the right time. Warm biscuits and refills coming out just right.

Food selection for dietary restricted customers need to be looked at since they do not come here just for that meal, but they are their for their company. They should be able to eat what they want to eat at a place like this. No burger on their menu. What gives?

Edited July, 2024 Well obviously they listened as they now have a burger on their menu, since the last time I had been here from a few months back. I had it. It is ok, kind of flavourless to me but likely that is because I had already scarfed down a couple of biscuits before my burger came.

I likely would have had the salmon when I came, but I had already had salmon for the past two days prior coming here, so needed a change of entrees for my dinner.

Everyone around me had endless shrimp since it was a Monday special. Most of everyone's favorite shrimps where: garlic butter shrimp, grilled shrimp, shrimp linguine, and coconut shrimp. Some found the sweet chili too hot and others said it was just right, mixed reviews on the Walt's favorite. Most of my table guests had rice and fries for sides. One had mashed potatoes and one had...