Red Lobster — Restaurant in Federal Way

While what little food we could get to the table after being blatantly ignored for 45 minutes was fantastic, none of the refills, sides or sauces came with it. We had to ask for over an hour just to get a small cup of marinara (even though we asked for extra when we first ordered the appetizers, so two orders of calamari was a total waste of money, it isn't any good reheated at home unfortunately.) Our server finally provided the sauce with the boxes when we decided to just leave so we could grab some fast food. She had a huffy attitude about it even though we were trying to inquire very politely the entire visit while we watched her bring the same items to other tables and apologize only to them for being "behind" in the kitchen.They weren't busy tonight (I can see why after the experience we had.)

The things we kept having to ask for weren't things the kitchen puts together, other than the biscuits, which every table but ours was getting when asked for. Entire entrees were forgotten and apparently sauce from a bottle takes 1.5 hours to get when the plastic cup could have just maybe been filled a little more so we could at least enjoy one part of the meal while it was still hot?

I think the worst part was she would only speak to the man at the table and refused to approach when he went to the restroom when I tried to ask politely for the sauce and biscuits again to try to enjoy our appetizers since we know to expect the entrees to take a while. Entrees were completely forgotten once some finally trickled our without sides. People who arrived after us and had a different server were having an entirely different dining experience.

I decided to just tell our server to forget the drinks I'd ordered when we first sat down, and then to forget the entree/side for myself since I saw everyone else's food come out without sides, sauces, or utensils The manager was nowhere to be found and 4-5 young employees were just hanging out in the lobby having a blast. None of them knew the restaurant number to try to make contact with anyone about the service. We used to come here a couple times a week, not a single familiar face left at this location unfortunately, because the previous manager would have been at our table and had things sorted before our appetizers even got cold. Red Lobster used to be a favorite for our family but we definitely won't be coming back.

Also, apparently they apologized to the man I was with but completely ignored me when asking to speak to someone on the way out. Way to assume the guy was paying the bill and make your female customers feel unseen and unheard. The bad attitude and blatant disrespect were too much for me. The second time being ignored at the table our server even loudly said to herself coming around the corner "oh he's not even here right now" turned, and walked away without even attempting to provide good customer service or acknowledge my son or myself she just skipped checking on our table completely while we sat there looking for someone else to ask for help or to get boxes to just leave.

It's a bummer that our favorite family dining spot is no longer an option and it was too late to leave or make it anywhere else for dinner. When planning on spending $300 give or take for a meal we expect common courtesy or at least something as simple as a tiny cup of sauce without having to wait until the food is cold and we're walking out the door. It's a shame this place has changed so much. Had we known we would have just stayed home or gone somewhere with the kind of service this place used to have. With only a few people in the building on a Friday night I don't understand the disrespect or lack of courtesy shown. There were plenty of employees hanging out doing nothing but chatting and laughing for 20-30 minutes that could have possibly helped if our server was just having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed? We understand sometimes things take a while in the kitchen, no big deal, but taking her frustrations out on us while we remained polite was too much for me,...

I made plans with a friend for dinner at 6:30. I showed up at 6 and there was a 20 to 30 minute wait. Which was expected so no issue. I decided to wait in the bar. I decided to sit at the bar and waited 10 minutes in I texted this to my friend. This place has went down hill. "No bartender or they are hiding. We could have a seat right away but the tables here in the bar are still dirty and need a busser" so after 10 minutes with not so much as a hi, I went to the front to ask if they even had a bartender. I was told yes and she was busy with a big top in the restaurant. I went back to bar to wait for my friend. The bartender finally came out and asked if I'd like something to drink, at this time I had a little bit of an attitude. I replied with why do you think I'm sitting at the bar. Told her what I wanted she went to get it I realized I was rude, so when she brought me my drink I said I'm sorry let me try this again I apologize how are you. To which she replied quite rude I'm fine. I said well it seems to me like you might have a little bit of an attitude which she did, and she replied right back at you. I tried to start over she didn't want none of that. She left, then my friend showed up, we sat there for another 10 minutes waiting for our table the bartender walked by three separate times never once acknowledging my friend to see if they wanted a drink. Two other employees also were behind the bar at one point or another and never acknowledged anyone. Finally our table was ready we went and had our seat I talked to the manager on duty who said she was the general manager. She said she was very sorry for what happened. Continue to apologize and said she hoped I enjoyed my dinner. We ordered our food, very slow to get it although the waitress that was helping me in the restaurant part was very nice doing the best she can do with the short staff that they had. We were halfway through our dinner and they seated at least a 20 topper in our section with only one server our server. So at that point because I had ordered the all you can eat shrimp they asked me if I wanted to order more. Which I did put the order in. 20 minutes later I got two of the shrimp things that I ordered but not the other one. 20 minutes later our server finally came back around our table which I'm not complaining about because she was busy with the 20 topper with basically no help. I asked about my other shrimp she said she'd have to put the order in again and it would take another 20 to 30 minutes, I said forget it give me my bill, and I walked out after paying. I don't believe the manager helped me in any way other than she said I'm sorry but nothing behind it it didn't mean anything to her. I think it's just something there used to saying because she wasn't the only one that kept saying I'm sorry. Oh and When I when I ordered my beer with my dinner they were out on the tap. Mind you this is one of their specials that they have all day for a special price for that particular beer. Guess the bartender was to busy for that too. This restaurant was kinda dirty. I understand being short staffed. I am a manager in a retail store and we are short staffed, but customer service or shall I say lack thereof cannot be blamed on being short staffed . A simple we're a little behind I'll be right with you goes along way. Cleanliness also no excuse if my store is a mess and we are short staffed I would be the one cleaning. I didn't see either one of the managers cleaning or putting things away or doing anything. I will never go there again and you can believe that I will tell everybody about...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Memorable Evening at Red Lobster, Elevated by Exceptional Service 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My partner and I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Red Lobster last evening, and while the food was largely satisfying, it was the warmth of the staff and the outstanding service from our server, Sierra, that truly made this experience shine.

First Impressions: Upon arrival at 5:05 PM, we were greeted by the restaurant’s lively ambiance, anchored by the iconic live lobster tank at the entrance—a charming touch that never fails to set the tone for a seafood-centric meal. The young lady at the host stand welcomed us with a smile and seated us promptly, ensuring our evening started on a gracious note.

Service That Exceeds Expectations: Sierra, our server, deserves the highest praise. From the moment she approached our table, her kindness, patience, and professionalism were evident. When I hesitated over menu details, she noticed my uncertainty and took the time to explain options thoroughly, even offering visual aids to clarify preparations. Her attentiveness was unwavering—she anticipated needs without intrusion, balanced humor with poise, and embodied the kind of genuine hospitality that transforms a meal into a memory. At the close of our dinner, she warmly mentioned an upcoming menu refresh, inviting us to return. Sierra is a true asset to the team; her dedication and interpersonal grace are rare qualities in any industry.

The Culinary Journey: Cheddar Bay Biscuits (5:05 PM): A timeless favorite—warm, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy, just as we remembered. Calamari (5:20 PM): Arrived piping hot with a golden, crispy batter and tender texture, paired with a zesty dipping sauce. A strong start! The Ultimate Feast® (5:33 PM): A hearty platter featuring snow crab legs (succulent and sweet), a fully loaded baked potato (perfectly creamy), and garlic shrimp scampi (cooked well but slightly over-salted for our taste). The lobster tail was decent, though not the most remarkable we’ve had. Broccoli was steamed to a soft finish, which we appreciated. Chocolate Lava Cake (5:56 PM): A decadent finale! The cake oozed rich molten chocolate, complemented by smooth, velvety ice cream free of freezer burn—a flawless dessert.

A Note on Leadership: While Sierra’s service was impeccable, it would have been a thoughtful touch for management to engage with diners during the meal. That said, the team’s evident competence suggests confidence in their staff’s ability to deliver without micromanagement.

Final Moments & Reflections: We settled the tab at 6:02 PM, departing with full hearts (and stomachs!). Sierra’s parting words—hoping to welcome us back—left us feeling valued. This visit reinforced why we’ve returned over the years: consistently good food, but more importantly, servers like Sierra (and Jacob from a prior visit two years ago, whose promptness and charm we still recall fondly) who elevate the experience.

In Summary: Service: 5/5—Sierra is a star. Food: 4/5—Minor tweaks (salt levels, lobster refinement) could perfect an already solid offering. Ambiance: Inviting and lively.

We’ll undoubtedly return, eager to explore the new menu and hopefully reunite with Jacob or another wonderful server like Sierra. Thank you, Red Lobster, for another pleasant evening—and thank you, Sierra, for your heartfelt professionalism. The world needs more people like you.

P.S. To management: Cherish Sierra. Talent like hers is your greatest recipe for...