Red Lobster — Restaurant in Springfield

This was by far the worst dining experience I’ve ever had, and I definitely won’t return. It was last minute on Saturday at 6pm,and I knew most places I’d normally go would be busy. I checked their site and saw multiple openings, which should have been my first clue. We got there at 6:10 for a 6:15 reservation, and were seated right away. I was surprised to see this place so dead at this time, since it had always been packed on prior visits, but that had been 10+ years ago. Our server was just terrible. It took probably 15 mins to even be greeted, and by that time we were ready to order. She came to get our drink orders and left abruptly before we could even order an appetizer. She came back and said the bar was behind, so we put in our order then. In the middle of me giving my order, she just walks away! She didn’t say anything to excuse herself, and didn’t return for at least 5 mins. We didn’t get any biscuits until an hour in because she said the kitchen was behind too(despite being dead, but maybe they had a lot of to go orders, I rationalized). We finally got our salads after an hour in our seats and me having to ask, and even those were bad. They had way too much dressing and tasted like mayonnaise, despite being different dressings. I got up to use the restroom,and she took my salad (which I was done with, but she didn’t know that), and more importantly, my fork. Meanwhile, I’m seeing other tables that arrived long after us getting their food. Finally,our food comes from a different person, and I asked for a fork. I didn’t notice when she brought it, that it was a tiny lobster/crab fork, so I just ridiculously ate my meal with that, because our server was never seen again until we asked for our check. We both barely ate the food as it was horribly overcooked and just seemed off. It tasted and smelled bad, and I’ve had stomach issues for 2 days after eating it. Also, evidently they don’t de-vein the shrimp anymore, which is totally disgusting and unacceptable (see pic). 🤢 We got our check and got out of there asap. It took us over 2 hours to get our food from the time we sat down, for just 2 people at a dead restaurant! The place needs either shut down or an entirely new kitchen and wait staff. It was comically bad, but paying that kind of money, with still a generous tip for this terrible food and service, was not funny. Go elsewhere… I suggest local like Chesapeake or Vele if wanting seafood. Edit :I didn’t even notice the hair on the end of my crab leg until looking at...

Me, my wife AND my mother, visiting from LA, visited this establishment on a Mid evening Monday nite, hoping to enjoy a previously planned evening, chowing down on a few of the wonderfully advertised meals of the season. Little did we know we were about to experience the worst time EVER at a Red Lobster franchise. I'm trying my best to stay focused, short, and to the point. Our server was literally inattentive, deliberately ignoring the ONLY black family in the whole restaurant. It was very obvious why we received very little attention, while families that came in AFTER us received multiple attempts to make sure they felt cared for and they were happy. Our orders were WRONG.. COLD, and the service was simply uncharacteristic of what we've known about Red Lobster's restaurants all over the country. Personally, I was DONE before our dinner actually came.. but I mustered thru it, because we were celebrating my mom's 75th birthday, and I didn't want the evening to be totally wasted. To make a long, sad story short, when I asked for the manager, she approached out table like WHAT DO YOU WANT...not how can I help you. She allowed me to tell her some of the MANY things that were wrong about our experience. But she showed very little empathy (very early) in her response, and she was just as unconcerned and uncaring as our server. I was literally shocked at our experience at one of our favorite restaurants. However, I've decided I'll never patronize that location EVER again.. AND, I'll share my unfortunate Endless Shrimp experience every chance I get.

In short.... the manager blew it and should be called back into training. And the server, should be remanded to washing dishes. She does not deserve to serve another hard working family ever again... not until she can appreciate the fact that Red Lobster was CHOSEN as our place to spend our money that evening.

Completely...

My father was a chef; owned and operated two restaurants while I was growing up. So you can say, I know good food when I eat it, candy I also know good service when I receive but. Yes, I'm critical almost to a fault, but I grew up in my father's restaurants. He always said you can live or die in this business by your service -- not your food.

When I was in college I worked as a waitress. I've had customers tell me, " My coworker and I came by for lunch because we wanted to see you!" My father was right.

The value of good service can never be over rated. I notice good service, before I notice the food. After all, as a customer, I spend more time interacting with the waiter/waitress, water person, etc...before I even order my food. And by the time the main course is served, I've had more time with the staff. Bad service leads to customers being angry. Have you ever read a review that said" ...The service was horrible, but I'll be back because the food was good?" No. Don't get me wrong, I'll pay for good for good food, but won't go back if the service is bad.

That said, I had absolutely wonderful service my by waitress. The menu had been significantly reduced due to Covid19 and this was their 3rd day open to reduced indoor seating, per guidelines by the State. The food was good, but the service was excellent. My son's will tell you, I give very good tips for good service. Today she got a 30% tip. I enjoyed my meal and really enjoy her pleasant nature.

Just so you know, I've also left nothing if I felt service was bad, and will write it on my bill so that management is aware of the problem and I'll make it crystal clear that I won't be returning. I've never have done that at this location.

If you want good service, pleasant meal atmosphere, come here! You'll also enjoy your meal as the food is good. I didn't realize how much I missed their...