If you’ve been to Red Lobster lately, the signs are all there:
They’re stepping up their game.
Because, let’s face it – while Red Lobster has long been the premiere seafood place in the USA…
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Lots of competitors are coming after them now.
Many with legions of fans who would claim that they have absolutely, positively, lapped Red Lobster.
And marshal good arguments to make that point, too.
But here’s the thing…
Are the Cheddar Bay biscuits enough to save them?
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Are they right?
Has Red Lobster been dethroned?
Or are the Cheddar Bay biscuits enough to save them?
You decide, starting with:
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Where you’ll find them: Bonefish Grill is in 27 states, with just a handful everywhere aside from Florida (where it has almost 50), North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey (where it has 10+ locations).
All about the seafood: Bonefish is perhaps best known for their Bang Bang shrimp, and for good reason – it’s great. Also try the tempura crunch sashimi tuna, the crab cakes, mussels Josephine…and that’s just the appetizers!
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Where you’ll find them: 10 states, with no more than five locations in any one state (they’ve got the most in Texas and California, no surprise).
All about the seafood: Joe’s classic steampot is a classic for a reason – it’s everything you love – two kinds of crab, corn, shrimp, potatoes, and sausage. Just like a crab boil at home! And if that’s too much for you, try their shrimp po’boy, blackened fish tacos, or coconut shrimp (with a delicious pineapple plum sauce).
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Where you’ll find them: 10 states 9mostly in California and Florida), with more options internationally.
All about the seafood: I have two words for you: Crab. Stuffing. Bubba Gump’s menu is full of delicious and filling dishes, with fun twists like Maker’s Mark bourbon sauce with their salmon. Try the jambalaya if you haven’t.
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Where you’ll find them: Chart House is in 14 states, and no surprise that they’re mostly on the coasts. But you can still get their delicious food in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada (not just in Vegas), and Kentucky as well.
All about the seafood: Come for the king crab and herb-crusted salmon, stay for the black cod and the sea bass! Chart House is on the pricier end, but it offers unparalleled quality and is worth the splurge for a special occasion.
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Where you’ll find them: They’re in a little more than a dozen states – up and down the West Coast, and they have a big enclave in the Mid-Atlantic. (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey.)
All about the seafood: Their salmon steak is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve got a special weakness for their surf and turf (filet mignon and a West Australian lobster tail) and their duck fat fries. It’s the priciest place on this list, but it’s just that good.
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Where you’ll find them: Captain D’s is in 22 states, with most locations in the South and Midwest.
All about the seafood: Captain D’s isn’t the fanciest place on earth – but they deliver good, hearty meals at great prices. Try the dozen fried oysters or the deluxe seafood platter, and you’ll see what I mean.
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Where you’ll find them: A distinctly East Coast chain, Crab Du Jour is in nine states – Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
All about the seafood: From the appetizers (get the hush puppies, coconut shrimp, or fried calamari) to the baskets (catfish, flounder, oyster), to the po’boys (get the catfish, shrimp, or crabmeat), Crab Du Jour offers great food for great prices. It’s an excellent option any time you’re looking for somewhere to go.
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Where you’ll find them: Just six states right now – the vast majority of locations are in their home state of Massachusetts (which knows its seafood), then a handful of outposts in places like Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Virginia.
All about the seafood: It’s not cheap, but their lake whitefish is fantastic, and I’m personally a big fan of their cioppino (clams, mussels, shrimp, whitefish, lobster tail, and calamari – all in a tomato broth. One of the most warming dishes you can get). And if you saved room, their Boston cream pie is decadent.
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Where you’ll find them: Eddie V’s is in 14 states, mostly big, coastal, or both. (Makes sense – fresh seafood!)
All about the seafood: Honestly, everything at Eddie V’s is good…and priced like it! You’ll spend a couple hundred dollars, but you’ll get the best lobster, amazing jumbo shrimp, and beautiful scallops.
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I couldn’t leave without giving Red Lobster its due. After all, it’s the biggest seafood chain in the United States for a reason!
Where you’ll find them: Red Lobster is in 44 states – so it’s just about anywhere you need it to be.
All about the seafood: If it’s good, it’s at Red Lobster! Their popcorn shrimp, crunch-fried flounder, rainbow trout, salmon New Orleans…and don’t forget those delicious Cheddar Bay biscuits!
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So there you have it – eight seafood restaurants coming after Red Lobster’s crown.
Each of them has an argument for why they’re the best, and plenty of fans to back them up.
But here’s the REAL question:
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Is Red Lobster still #1?
Or has one of these competitors snatched the crown?
Let us know in the comments!
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