Red Lobster — Restaurant in Mankato

We showed up for early dinner, it wasn’t busy. Our server Richard D did a horrible job. He showed up, took our drink order, after awhile he brought out our drinks which he mixed up. It was 2 waters and an adult beverage. He came back took our food order and then never stopped back at our table again. My wife had ordered endless shrimp and gave her three choices for the first order. Our food was delivered by a nice lady. We sat eating our food which was pretty good, very small portions for the price though. Our drink glasses sat empty, my wife patiently waiting to put in a reorder of shrimp but Richard never returned, he walked by our table at least a dozen times. Finally I flagged him down, my wife told him she would like to order more shrimp, Richard was rather rude and awkward about it when she asked again what the choices were, he didn’t know so he grabbed the advertisement on the table and shoved it in her face saying here. She ordered and Richard started to leave, my daughter had to stop him to ask for drink refills. He disappeared for another 10 minutes and then came back and told my wife she only ordered the pick 3 which wasn’t true and that if she wanted the endless shrimp he would have to change her order. My wife was extremely embarrassed and frustrated over Richard’s behavior that she said just forget it. I don’t need anymore, everyone else is finished eating anyways. Richard also used this as his excuse for never returning to the table. He stated that you only ordered pick 3 that’s why I didn’t stop back for a reorder. I guess servers don’t feel they have to stop back to check on food quality, refill drinks or see if anything else is needed, only if they get your order right and it’s to order more shrimp. Richard acted like we were an inconvenience and that he was doing us a favor instead of treating us like valued customers. I should also add that I witnessed two neighboring tables facing the same struggles, one with never receiving drink refills and the other having to ask a second time for a kids menu. We’re extremely disappointed. I used to really enjoy Red Lobster after this occasion we will not ever...

Updated Review 4-14-23:

After Red Lobster invited us back to the Mankato location, we decided to go on Monday, which is the endless shrimp special for $23.99 (a very good deal). The food was excellent, and we were very pleased with the taste, service, and overall experience this time.

I'm still not a fan of the salads costing extra at $2.99, but with our endless shrimp, the baked potato is an option at no extra cost, and if anyone has been to Red Lobster, their baked potatoes are phenomenal!

I'm thankful Red Lobster encouraged us to give them another opportunity, and as both my brother and I stated after this experience, "They did not disappoint!"

If you go on a Monday, I suggest pairing the endless shrimp combinations of shrimp linguine Alfredo and coconut shrimp. The Pina colada dipping sauce should be a national treasure. Then rotating between Walts famous fried shrimp, the shrimp alfredo, and coconut shrimp is a 10 out of 10. I know they have other great selections for the endless shrimp, but those are my favorites!

In addition, both servers and the hostess (we had the same hostess twice) we had at the Mankato, MN location were very nice, helpful, and personable. Having a kind and gracious waiter or waitress makes any restaurant experience that much better. At this specific Mankato, MN location, we've had nothing but that with our waiters and waitresses. Also, the hostess remembered us from last time (my brother and I are 6'10" and 6'9"), and we requested a table instead of a booth. When we came back, our hostess said she remembered us and already had a table in mind! That made our day and experience at Red Lobster that much better!

Older Review: This was our first time back to Red Lobster in a few months. Their prices have skyrocketed while portions have gone down. They now charge $3 for a salad; it's no longer a side option unless you pay extra. The service was fine, and our waiter was nice. The food was just ok.... It's definitely not worth the price. The only real good deal would be Mondays when they do all you can eat shrimp. But otherwise, we probably won't go back unless it's...

Usually good. But let’s get this best Covid-era practice down shall we? I tend to prefer app purchasing with curbside pickup. Alas- the Red Lobster app doesn’t allow for using gift cards- you have to pay inside. I was expecting to go just inside and leave. Nope. I had to go to the bar, where there were two others (very small area one was eating and unmasked). I waited 20 minutes for someone to come so I could pay and bring my already prepared food, home. It just wasn’t as good having sat there that long. I was disappointed for a few reasons. I’m not a raging fear monger but I want to be careful of others and I hope they would do the same. I’m sure they were busy and didn’t mean to have it go this way. But really? Can’t you find a better way for those that need to pay inside, than waiting in the bar? I get the cash register is there- let’s be creative though. May 2021- I’m adding the rest of the stars. They are still open (and that’s important), they have social distancing and masks required (until you eat but haven’t figured out how to eat with a mask on). Everyone is very kind and helpful and the food is SO VERY FABULOUS! I’m sorry I crabbed about the difficulty earlier- it’s been very hard on...