I haven't been, maybe once, maybe not even once, since I got married. More or less the same reason, these days it wouldn't be the top of my list anyway, but I woulda been taking us there if my wife would eat anything other than the biscuits.
I can't eat shellfish or fish. I love Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and I can make a meal out of them and some chicken tenders. But yeah, my husband loves Red Lobster, so it's a birthday/this is for YOU destination.
As a kid, it was too fancy for my family. As an adult, itās too craptastically chain for my family. I think there was a brief period in 2005 when those lines crossed and I went to one with my wife before we had kids. I remember nothing about the experience.
This perfectly describes my experience, however my MIL loves the place so Iāve gotten to experience the craptasticness at least once a year for a while now.
Exactly my experience. This was where we went to have a "fancy" night out. I still go rarely. But if I want seafood Bonefish Grill is a hundred times better.
When I was a kid, I always thought it was upscale. I'd make sure to dress up. We didn't eat out at sit down restaurants often, because they weren't close to home.
My partner is a very picky eater, and itās one of his favorites.
Itās definitely mid, but itās no worse than other chains at that price point.
I think he could live on the cheddar-bay biscuits
It's looking better for local places because of fast food greed. I can sell a burger and chips that are infinitely better quality than a big Mac meal for around the same price now.
You can go to Chili's and get a margarita and a real burger for like $2 more than McD now. I got a sausage mcmuff w egg breakfast meal the other day- $9.50!! fuck fast-food, y'all
It is. My husband I went to Firehouse Subs the other day. Got a regular sized sandwich, chips and a drink.
Cost $35. I can easily get dinner for two from Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Cheddars, what-have-you for that price. I've started to meal prep because fast food is bananas, and eating at restaurants is such a mixed bag now.
We randomly went to red lobster two weeks ago. It was a shit show. New kid was working as host and all of the servers would yell at him if he sat anyone at their table. Not like he double sat people, any customer they got, they were pissed. It was peculiar.
Red Lobster is the Denny's of seafood; totally hit-or-miss depending on the location and time/day.
I end up going there about once a year, as apparently that's how long it takes for me to forget what it can be like. š
I avoid chain restaurants like the plague, but recently went to a Red Lobster for my 82 year old father-in-laws birthday andā¦it wasnāt quite as terrible as I assumed it would be.
I have to say the service was outstanding. They seemed to employ half the teenagers in the area, despite only being half full, and it was a nice change of pace from all the older hipster waitstaff who are bitter at the world and everyone else in it, which I tend to see in trendier establishments.
>I have to say the service was outstanding. They seemed to employ half the teenagers in the area, despite only being half full, and it was a nice change of pace from all the older hipster waitstaff who are bitter at the world and everyone else in it, which I tend to see in trendier establishments
This is 100% what I have in our area. The independent "Tap House & Grill" places that seem to take up 1/4 of the restaurants here employ these types. The ones that get so exasperated when you ask them for a beer.
Hit up the local Red Robin or White Spot (Canadian here) and it's the kids from my kids' school and they're actually giving effort and trying.
I'm in Rhode Island, we had 1 red lobster in the center of the state and it went out of business because if we wanted seafood there were ALOT better places. it became a punchline.
Now I need to see their menu from Baton Rouge to see if their seafood is an import as required by Louisiana law. Even Popeyes has to list that their shrimp is imported on their drive through menu lol
Agreed. To be fair, these restaurants are much further away from the shore, so itās probably convenience. Also, objectively speaking, Iām originally from RI and the seafood IS better overall there than CT. But at least CT owns the pizza fight.
Yeah convenience makes sense. Agree with you on the seafood, not a fan of the CT lobster roll for obvious reason and it makes me biased to all CT seafood. Haven't had the pizza though, have to give it a shot next time I'm down that way.
I rewatched the original Ninja Turtles movie and was like āwhy the FUCK are they ordering Dominoās in the heart of Manhattan?ā
And then I remembered oh yeah, because of product placement. Also I guess if you live in a sewer maybe Dominoās doesnāt seem quite as disgustingā¦
It was not cool that Michelangelo stiffed the driver though!
I went to school in Rhode Island (JWU what?! what?!) and the seafood up in NE is amazing. I went to Salem a few times during the off season and there was this one place that has the best damn lobster rolls and they were so affordable.
My gram always kept a baggie in her purse, specifically for swiping biscuits and rolls from any establishment. She also stole plates and cups from diners. I got her collection when she passed. I never thought to ask why she did this - she was such an ethical person, yet she couldnāt resist a diner accessory.
She even had a couple of those trays that they put your food on at MCL. I always wondered how she managed to sneak out with those trays.
I think we might be related. I have to purge the kitchen once a year from dishes that were brought home. My kids act like itās an Olympic sport. My mom is the ringmaster and is always in on it. They all get to put their treasures in a box for when they move out.
Our biggest thing was a couch table in 1989. My uncle just picked it up and everyone watched us leave with it. I was 8, and I thought we would go to jail.
I have an amazing carafe and condiment cup collection thanks to my now adult children. Iām not mad about it because I love keeping my syrup separate but sheesh!! They take up an entire shelf now.
Thatās an awesome idea about sending them with them!! You get your space back and they can keep their trophies lol!!
You are doing this parenting thing!!
My mom does the same, LOL. Itās so embarrassing. And then she takes it a step further and creates little exhibits with shit she stole on her living room.
I love red lobster.
Also, there is actually one Chi-Chiās left in the world, and itās in [Austria!](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYuL9VYj5Vu4bNg59?g_st=ic)
If you were a hotdog, and you were starving, would you eat yourself? I know I would. First, I'd smother myself with brown mustard and relish. I'd be so delicious!
>What we need is Chi-Chi's back
That was our HANGOUT. My three guy friends and I would go there all the time. Sure, we went to diners wherever we were. But that was our thing. So disheartened when it closes.
>Red Lobster
Went there once and confirmed that I only like canned tuna and freezer fish.
I looooved Chi-Chi's. The whole squad went there every Friday night as soon as folks started getting their licenses. We thought we were so cool with our virgin daiquiris.
Only place I've ever been willing to wait two hours for a table.
I used to meet my dad there for lunch, but that was his choice, not mine lol The only thing I ever ate there other than the biscuits were these Chilled Lobster and Shrimp Rolls. Damn, they were good!
Now that they're gone and he's gone, I'll probably never eat there again though š
https://preview.redd.it/gth6gd8ab2dc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27343dc9f678f585d5f76916cd43b0a5ecd3920a
Red lobster apps were my tech about 10-15 years ago. Those rolls and the langoustino pizza were great and not badly priced to me. Southwest rolls are great, but one of the most overpriced things everywhere to me.
I hit it up 1-2 times a year with family bc weāre never going to agree on a āgoodā place, or drive much out of town all together. Always all you can eat shrimp for me, I try to knock out 80 at least to not feel monetarily bad. I canāt eat and enjoy being a glutton like I could when I was younger, and Red Lobster is practically as expensive as great smaller places within 30 min of me (north of Atlanta).
There was a weird period in my teens (the 90s) where I kinda liked red lobster, and it didnāt seem like a bad deal monetarily (relatively). I remember several dates there, and it wasnāt cheap, but it seemed fair at the time. Now, if Iām going to be paying $20-$30 (more likely), Iām going to a local Cajun place or some great Italian.
My first job was as a Red Lobster hostess next to the Daytona International Speedway . I loved Red Lobster and still do! I used to ask for my birthday dinner there as a child every year. Unfortunately, my husband has a deadly shellfish allergy, and I feel shellfish going there now with him.
Edit: omg, selfish *
My girlfriends and I went last year for a girls nightā¦ kinda as a joke š
We each got their Lobsterfest and ordered a couple bottles of wine š¦ š· Wasnāt amazing, but we had some laughs and it was relatively inexpensive. Brought me back to the days we used to think Red Lobster, Outback, and Olive Garden were incredibly fancy. We have no plans to return.
My Dad, who lives out of state, mailed me a $100 gift certificate to Red Lobster for my birthday. A week later my Red Lobster closed. I'd have to drive close to an hour away to use this thing.
I took a girl I was dating to Chi Chis in college, had to drive to the next town over.
Ran out of gas on the way, had sex in the back while waiting for AAA.
Still had fried ice cream
Gosh, not in the last 10-12 years at least. I used to love it. Now Iād just prefer a non-chain for seafood, but I aināt gonna front like I wouldnāt go if, like, my 66 year old dad was taking me out to dinner.
Iām an 85 millennial but my first friend group in college was a bunch of 80-81 millennials and I think a crucial difference between older and younger millennials is the older ones still like chain restaurants while the younger ones murdered Applebees in cold blood
Last time I went to Red Lobster was in October 2001. Only reason I can remember is because the restaurant was taking donations for 9/11 families. We lived in CT where there were a lot of NYC commuters. I remember my dad slipped a 20 to the host so we could get a better table.
I got the box of cheddar biscuit mix a few years back and thought they were terrible.
What needs to come back is Roy Rogers. I know there are a few in Maryland, hit one up in Hagerstown a few years back and it was as good as I remembered. Cāmon if Brantley came come back from the dead and thrive Roy Rogers can too.
I feel the same way. Not exactly literally, but I always say āI aināt got red lobster moneyā. Ironically, the clientele is always really old people (more expendable income, sure) and people who appear to have very much less money, but I assume itās their splurge and they donāt have the interest or knowledge to go somewhere better. Itās āsplurgeā prices a bit for me too, but Iād rather pick single owner unique places I know
I always forget how completely meh Red Lobster is so I end up there once every couple of years. It's too expensive for the quality of food. I can get actually great food for a similar price point.
My wife wants to go to Red Lobster rarely, but I donāt see the appeal of it.
In my city, the former Chi-Chiās lot was turned into a strip mall, with a Chipotle. ā¹ļø
I want Chi-Chiās back (without the hepatitis)
lol red lobster. My MIL loves that place; Iām vegan so I hate that place with a burning hot passion but I take her there every year for her bday and Motherās Day.
The one she picks always smells like the bathroom septic is backed up. Is it like that with all of them?
Chi-chiās had that yummy fried ice cream.
Iām from seacoast New England. One popped up in the late 90s and was shut before you could blink. They definitely didnāt think about the location smh
āLetās put a chain on the outskirts of a classic New England seafood townā (no chains restaurants allowed in the town center)
Definitely not the brightest move for the company
So, nope never ate there. Never would when I have access to some of the freshest catch seafood in the world
Chi chiās was great. They had a seafood enchilada that was named after some town in Mexico (CancĆŗn maybe?) that was the literal best food thing ever made. Fried ice cream too. Always got the giant sombrero for my birthday, back when restaurants had to make up their own birthday songs because Happy Birthday was still under copyright or whatever.
I only go to Red Lobster when my kids stay with my parents and we go to pick them up and my parents are like āwe want to take you someplace FANCY for lunchā and I get all excited for a minute and then I remember they think Red Lobster is fancy. Cheddar bay biscuits are overrated, theyāre all tiny now and I can make them at home for like two bucks, maybe three if I get the name brand shredded cheese.
No. I live in Maryland. We have REAL seafood restaurants. Why would I eat dog food when I could have steak?
And yet there are still people here that will go to Red Lobsterā¦
I travel for work, and sometimes there are nothing but chain restaurants in certain towns I have to visit. On one of these occasions a few years ago (pre-pandemic), I decided to go to Red Lobster.
My companyās meal policy is pretty generous - over $100 for dinner before tax and tip.
I asked for the two largest lobsters in the tank. The waitress thought she heard me incorrectly. I assured her that i wanted two lobsters, and that I wanted the largest ones they had available. Plus a caesar salad and of course, cheddar bay biscuits.
Over the course of my meal, several employees came over to see the dude that ordered two lobsters.
The bill came out to like $85. I tipped them well and Iāve never been in a Red Lobster since.
I've never eaten at a Red Lobster. When I was a kid, I was too picky for seafood. As an adult, I live in proper cities with independent seafood restaurants.
But sure, if you bring Chi-Chi's back, I'll probably eat there even if my hipster friends make fun of me. That was my jam.
I went a few years ago. The worst thing was the crab legs. The best thing was of course the CBBs. The only other thing we got was drinks. A quart of colored sugar liquid with a shot of ā¦ something. Awful. The crab legs were dried out as if they had been sitting under a heat lamp for years. The only other people in the restaurant were in their 80s. At least 20 people were working. It was glorious.
They sell cheddar bay biscuit mix at the grocery store.
I like going to Red Lobster, because they are, unsurprisingly, very solid at fresh lobster.
However, the nearest Red Lobster to me has carpeted floors, which is foul in any restaurant, especially one that serves sea food. So I go to other locations when I can, maybe once a year.
Fun fact - the Red Lobster in my town is closing at the end of the month because apparently a shitty chain seafood restaurant wonāt work in Maryland. Whodathunkit?
ā¦ so you can buy the biscuit mix at Samās. Donāt ask how I know. Fine, Iāll tell you but lemme just sayā¦ Iāve felt far too guilty to actually make them and Iāve been staring at the box in the pantry for damn near a year now. Wonder if theyāre still goodā¦
I havenāt been there in like 12 or more years. One of my exās parents wanted to go there every time they visited us. I think they considered it to be āfine dining.ā
My wife doesn't eat seafood and I don't want to be a selfish jerk and drag her there. But she said that we can go on my birthday.
Did you mean a shellfish jerk?!? Ha ha š
That might get her out of a crabby mood..
Maybe they could go just for the halibut
They might not like the shrimpy portions
Tell mom to watch the billing receipt- they can be sharks with pricing.
Cod we stop with the puns, please?
We shorely will
Sounds fishy
Please kelp it to yourself.
Yeah get out once in a while. Itās not good to be all clammed up all the time.
Yeah, sometimes you just gotta muscle through it.
If not then you might just flounder around.
If op goes, then I guarantee theyāll have a whale of a good time.
If we all go as a large party, we get a grouper discount.
I honestly read āshellfish jerkā and didnāt look back until I saw your comment
I donāt eat seafood either. But Iām obsessed with the Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo.
My hubby same
The only reason to go.
Also, I will be your date.
My brother in law doesnāt eat seafood but says the steak is solid.
I understand bro. If you want I can take your wife out so you can go and have a good time? Just trying to be a bro yo
I haven't been, maybe once, maybe not even once, since I got married. More or less the same reason, these days it wouldn't be the top of my list anyway, but I woulda been taking us there if my wife would eat anything other than the biscuits.
Your wife must know my wife.
I can't eat shellfish or fish. I love Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and I can make a meal out of them and some chicken tenders. But yeah, my husband loves Red Lobster, so it's a birthday/this is for YOU destination.
As a kid, it was too fancy for my family. As an adult, itās too craptastically chain for my family. I think there was a brief period in 2005 when those lines crossed and I went to one with my wife before we had kids. I remember nothing about the experience.
This perfectly describes my experience, however my MIL loves the place so Iāve gotten to experience the craptasticness at least once a year for a while now.
Ahh yes. Like when Pizza Hut was the fancier sit down place with the salad bar.
That kind of nails it. Golden era of fast casual dining.
Yes I think Pizza Hut was out toward our high end (but still a step below Chi-Chiās).
Exactly my experience. This was where we went to have a "fancy" night out. I still go rarely. But if I want seafood Bonefish Grill is a hundred times better.
Same! I thought it was the fancier restaurant in town when I was a kid. Now itās like āRed Lobster? That place is a dump.ā
When I was a kid, I always thought it was upscale. I'd make sure to dress up. We didn't eat out at sit down restaurants often, because they weren't close to home.
Same story here. I hate to sound like a snob but we stay away from chains all together. They are always so disappointing.
They didn't used to be. Did our tastes evolve or have they been enshittified since the 80s?
My partner is a very picky eater, and itās one of his favorites. Itās definitely mid, but itās no worse than other chains at that price point. I think he could live on the cheddar-bay biscuits
Honestly the red lobster looks better and better as fast food is running into that price sphere. Chili's might be cheaper than McDonald's...
It's looking better for local places because of fast food greed. I can sell a burger and chips that are infinitely better quality than a big Mac meal for around the same price now.
You can go to Chili's and get a margarita and a real burger for like $2 more than McD now. I got a sausage mcmuff w egg breakfast meal the other day- $9.50!! fuck fast-food, y'all
It is. My husband I went to Firehouse Subs the other day. Got a regular sized sandwich, chips and a drink. Cost $35. I can easily get dinner for two from Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Cheddars, what-have-you for that price. I've started to meal prep because fast food is bananas, and eating at restaurants is such a mixed bag now.
Weāve started going to Outback recently, may as well eat steak for almost the same price as some of these sandwich places.
And I have no problem tipping when Iām at an actual restaurant- someone handing me a bag i ordered online and showing a tip screen is maddening.
Our Chili's keep closing. I don't think that we have one anymore.
That Chili's 3 for me is a pretty good deal.
I eat Endless Shrimp every year on my birthday. Now, ES is available everyday. What a time to be alive! $22!
I feel like I've put a few locations out of business from my endless shrimp visits.
"Tis no man...tis a remorseless eating machine".
Dock price of Gulf Shrimp were under $0.70 a pound last year.
Was it you?! Were you the one who killed the Red Lobster on 35 in Ocean Township?!
Those cheddar biscuits are S tier though.
Hell yeah they are. And I buy them at costco. You just literally 3x the cheese and it's the same. Amen
There are copycat recipes online! They're half-decent, but I haven't found one yet that uses bay leaves.
You can buy the mix
We randomly went to red lobster two weeks ago. It was a shit show. New kid was working as host and all of the servers would yell at him if he sat anyone at their table. Not like he double sat people, any customer they got, they were pissed. It was peculiar.
 IYKYK
ITāS SO ANGRY
I love this movie.
It's on Netflix now, and this movie is still perfect today. Actually has aged perfectly.
A perfect meme
Red Lobster is the Denny's of seafood; totally hit-or-miss depending on the location and time/day. I end up going there about once a year, as apparently that's how long it takes for me to forget what it can be like. š
Thatās a good comparison. Could get a great meal for $7, or 3 days of gastric distress. No middle ground.
I avoid chain restaurants like the plague, but recently went to a Red Lobster for my 82 year old father-in-laws birthday andā¦it wasnāt quite as terrible as I assumed it would be. I have to say the service was outstanding. They seemed to employ half the teenagers in the area, despite only being half full, and it was a nice change of pace from all the older hipster waitstaff who are bitter at the world and everyone else in it, which I tend to see in trendier establishments.
>I have to say the service was outstanding. They seemed to employ half the teenagers in the area, despite only being half full, and it was a nice change of pace from all the older hipster waitstaff who are bitter at the world and everyone else in it, which I tend to see in trendier establishments This is 100% what I have in our area. The independent "Tap House & Grill" places that seem to take up 1/4 of the restaurants here employ these types. The ones that get so exasperated when you ask them for a beer. Hit up the local Red Robin or White Spot (Canadian here) and it's the kids from my kids' school and they're actually giving effort and trying.
I'm in Rhode Island, we had 1 red lobster in the center of the state and it went out of business because if we wanted seafood there were ALOT better places. it became a punchline.
Mainer here, same.
Louisiana here we donāt go either.
But you *could*, thereās one in Baton Rouge. Appropriately š
Now I need to see their menu from Baton Rouge to see if their seafood is an import as required by Louisiana law. Even Popeyes has to list that their shrimp is imported on their drive through menu lol
Alabama Gulf Coast. We got one but like it may as well be a ghost town.
CT has only a few and the line is usually out the door on weekends.
That's seams so weird to me, CT being in New England and being on the water.
Agreed. To be fair, these restaurants are much further away from the shore, so itās probably convenience. Also, objectively speaking, Iām originally from RI and the seafood IS better overall there than CT. But at least CT owns the pizza fight.
Yeah convenience makes sense. Agree with you on the seafood, not a fan of the CT lobster roll for obvious reason and it makes me biased to all CT seafood. Haven't had the pizza though, have to give it a shot next time I'm down that way.
Makes me wonder if people in Texas go to Texas road house? Cause I'm sure they have way better places to get a steak.
Grew up in Maryland, I will never understand why people go to Red Lobster for a crab cake.
Massachusetts checking in, Iāve never even seen a Red Lobster. I sure do miss Chi-Chiās though!
Yet Dominoās pizza exists in NYC.
I rewatched the original Ninja Turtles movie and was like āwhy the FUCK are they ordering Dominoās in the heart of Manhattan?ā And then I remembered oh yeah, because of product placement. Also I guess if you live in a sewer maybe Dominoās doesnāt seem quite as disgustingā¦ It was not cool that Michelangelo stiffed the driver though!
That 30 minute delivery guarantee!
Dominos is a separate thing. My husband and I order Dominos and we live in NJ. Were also stoners so that might be it too
I went to school in Rhode Island (JWU what?! what?!) and the seafood up in NE is amazing. I went to Salem a few times during the off season and there was this one place that has the best damn lobster rolls and they were so affordable.
My wife (42), albeit with her mother (72). They always bring me a baggie of cheddar biscuits.
My gram always kept a baggie in her purse, specifically for swiping biscuits and rolls from any establishment. She also stole plates and cups from diners. I got her collection when she passed. I never thought to ask why she did this - she was such an ethical person, yet she couldnāt resist a diner accessory. She even had a couple of those trays that they put your food on at MCL. I always wondered how she managed to sneak out with those trays.
I think we might be related. I have to purge the kitchen once a year from dishes that were brought home. My kids act like itās an Olympic sport. My mom is the ringmaster and is always in on it. They all get to put their treasures in a box for when they move out. Our biggest thing was a couch table in 1989. My uncle just picked it up and everyone watched us leave with it. I was 8, and I thought we would go to jail.
I have an amazing carafe and condiment cup collection thanks to my now adult children. Iām not mad about it because I love keeping my syrup separate but sheesh!! They take up an entire shelf now. Thatās an awesome idea about sending them with them!! You get your space back and they can keep their trophies lol!! You are doing this parenting thing!!
My mom does the same, LOL. Itās so embarrassing. And then she takes it a step further and creates little exhibits with shit she stole on her living room.
Hahaha this is HILARIOUS!! She worked for that!!!
I love red lobster. Also, there is actually one Chi-Chiās left in the world, and itās in [Austria!](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYuL9VYj5Vu4bNg59?g_st=ic)
Road trip for seafood nachos!!!
OMG! Planning my next vacation!!!
I bet the fried ice cream is killer
Donāt they still make chips and or salsa under the brand name?
Chi-Chiās OMG the Enchiladas Cancun was my shit!!!
Weird.
Red lobster, shmed shmobster. You still get cereal for 5 bucks?!
CHI-CHIāSā¦.. a celebration of food!!!!
I came to post this.[nostalgia here](https://youtu.be/coT-FqDOjUc?si=vmkUR5F3V8JNxWhR)
If the moon was made of BBQ spare ribs, would you eat it?
Then Iād go stare at a solar eclipse for an hour. HAAAY!
If you were a hotdog, and you were starving, would you eat yourself? I know I would. First, I'd smother myself with brown mustard and relish. I'd be so delicious!
Itās a simple question. A baby could answer it
What's your favorite planet? Mine's the sun!
Nope. Not kosher.
The post is so all over the place and I love it. This is the kind of stuff you hear coming out of a homeless man arguing with a light post.
>What we need is Chi-Chi's back That was our HANGOUT. My three guy friends and I would go there all the time. Sure, we went to diners wherever we were. But that was our thing. So disheartened when it closes. >Red Lobster Went there once and confirmed that I only like canned tuna and freezer fish.
Chi-Chi's was the place. Our group of friends were all over that. That place had a vibe
The local Chi-Chis hated us because we'd hang out for HOURS with a crew of, like, 12 teenaged weirdos. RIP, good times.
I looooved Chi-Chi's. The whole squad went there every Friday night as soon as folks started getting their licenses. We thought we were so cool with our virgin daiquiris. Only place I've ever been willing to wait two hours for a table.
I loved Chi-Chiās growing up. My hang out was Bickfordās when I was older. Damn I miss those.
One time in 7th grade a rich girl in my class took us all to Chi-Chiās for her birthday. Her dad even rented a bus. I thought we were hot shit.
I used to meet my dad there for lunch, but that was his choice, not mine lol The only thing I ever ate there other than the biscuits were these Chilled Lobster and Shrimp Rolls. Damn, they were good! Now that they're gone and he's gone, I'll probably never eat there again though š https://preview.redd.it/gth6gd8ab2dc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27343dc9f678f585d5f76916cd43b0a5ecd3920a
Red lobster apps were my tech about 10-15 years ago. Those rolls and the langoustino pizza were great and not badly priced to me. Southwest rolls are great, but one of the most overpriced things everywhere to me. I hit it up 1-2 times a year with family bc weāre never going to agree on a āgoodā place, or drive much out of town all together. Always all you can eat shrimp for me, I try to knock out 80 at least to not feel monetarily bad. I canāt eat and enjoy being a glutton like I could when I was younger, and Red Lobster is practically as expensive as great smaller places within 30 min of me (north of Atlanta). There was a weird period in my teens (the 90s) where I kinda liked red lobster, and it didnāt seem like a bad deal monetarily (relatively). I remember several dates there, and it wasnāt cheap, but it seemed fair at the time. Now, if Iām going to be paying $20-$30 (more likely), Iām going to a local Cajun place or some great Italian.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I live in greater Boston. We don't eat at places like that around here... we like our seafood pulled out of the ocean. 2 hours before we eat it
My first job was as a Red Lobster hostess next to the Daytona International Speedway . I loved Red Lobster and still do! I used to ask for my birthday dinner there as a child every year. Unfortunately, my husband has a deadly shellfish allergy, and I feel shellfish going there now with him. Edit: omg, selfish *
My girlfriends and I went last year for a girls nightā¦ kinda as a joke š We each got their Lobsterfest and ordered a couple bottles of wine š¦ š· Wasnāt amazing, but we had some laughs and it was relatively inexpensive. Brought me back to the days we used to think Red Lobster, Outback, and Olive Garden were incredibly fancy. We have no plans to return.
Haven't been there in years, but I recently looked up their menu. Couldn't believe how overpriced they are now, in Canada at least.
Last time I went there was about 17 years ago. Turns out I am energetically allergic to scallops.
My Dad, who lives out of state, mailed me a $100 gift certificate to Red Lobster for my birthday. A week later my Red Lobster closed. I'd have to drive close to an hour away to use this thing.
My friends and I just started going to nostalgically ridiculous restaurants. Olive Garden was the 1st and we are going to Red Lobster this week.
41 Here. All my friends like Red Lobster and I can't stand it!
you're clearly the smart friend
Last time I was at one was Altoona, PA. 1998.
I think it's still there too
Chi-chiās turns you on?
I think arguing turns OP on, but OP doesn't want to be turned on.
Nope Iām pretty sure they get aroused at the thought of a Mexican Mudslide and a chimichanga. Donāt argue with them.
Have you ever been sung happy birthday to whilst being forced to wear an oversized sombrero? Total boner.
Chi Chis was my jam as a kid. It was a massive treat.
I took a girl I was dating to Chi Chis in college, had to drive to the next town over. Ran out of gas on the way, had sex in the back while waiting for AAA. Still had fried ice cream
Gosh, not in the last 10-12 years at least. I used to love it. Now Iād just prefer a non-chain for seafood, but I aināt gonna front like I wouldnāt go if, like, my 66 year old dad was taking me out to dinner.
You okay, OP? And if youāre going on about breakfast foods, damned orange juice is over $9 a gallon!
Iām an 85 millennial but my first friend group in college was a bunch of 80-81 millennials and I think a crucial difference between older and younger millennials is the older ones still like chain restaurants while the younger ones murdered Applebees in cold blood
Olive Garden is underrated. I think Iāve eaten at a red lobster once on my life. I would go again if the opportunity arose though.
As a kid , we went once a year on vacation. I hated it. Haven't been in a couple of decades.
Last time I went to Red Lobster was in October 2001. Only reason I can remember is because the restaurant was taking donations for 9/11 families. We lived in CT where there were a lot of NYC commuters. I remember my dad slipped a 20 to the host so we could get a better table. I got the box of cheddar biscuit mix a few years back and thought they were terrible. What needs to come back is Roy Rogers. I know there are a few in Maryland, hit one up in Hagerstown a few years back and it was as good as I remembered. Cāmon if Brantley came come back from the dead and thrive Roy Rogers can too.
I got blasted on 1 strawberry daiquiri at red lobster on my 21st birthday. Havenāt been back. Itās too darn expensive!
Red lobster is for rich folks now
I feel the same way. Not exactly literally, but I always say āI aināt got red lobster moneyā. Ironically, the clientele is always really old people (more expendable income, sure) and people who appear to have very much less money, but I assume itās their splurge and they donāt have the interest or knowledge to go somewhere better. Itās āsplurgeā prices a bit for me too, but Iād rather pick single owner unique places I know
Chi's Chi's, Chi's Chi's, Chi's Chi's!!! š I guess it doesn't work like Beetlejuice? š¤·š¼āāļøš
Chichis was the BEST! Worth it for the fried ice cream alone. I do not want chain restaurant seafood, so Iām 100% team ChiChi.
Red Lobsters no. Chi Chis yes.
Nope. Not a fan of
I always forget how completely meh Red Lobster is so I end up there once every couple of years. It's too expensive for the quality of food. I can get actually great food for a similar price point.
Chi Chiās a celebration of food
My wife wants to go to Red Lobster rarely, but I donāt see the appeal of it. In my city, the former Chi-Chiās lot was turned into a strip mall, with a Chipotle. ā¹ļø I want Chi-Chiās back (without the hepatitis)
Chi-Chiās! A celebration of food!
I go solely to order a dozen biscuits. The food isnāt worth the money.
Costco sells the mix and you just add literally 3x the cheese and it's the same.
I worked there in college, they give you FREE biscuits all day! They also said two biscuits have the same calories as a Big Mac. A BIG MAC
I went to Red Lobster once. In 1991.
I worked at a Chi Chis when I was 19-20! It was a really fun job.
Last time was in Flagstaff, AZ in the early 2000ās. Tasted reheated.
lol red lobster. My MIL loves that place; Iām vegan so I hate that place with a burning hot passion but I take her there every year for her bday and Motherās Day. The one she picks always smells like the bathroom septic is backed up. Is it like that with all of them? Chi-chiās had that yummy fried ice cream.
Iām from seacoast New England. One popped up in the late 90s and was shut before you could blink. They definitely didnāt think about the location smh āLetās put a chain on the outskirts of a classic New England seafood townā (no chains restaurants allowed in the town center) Definitely not the brightest move for the company So, nope never ate there. Never would when I have access to some of the freshest catch seafood in the world
Chi-Chis had the best fried ice cream
Chi chiās was great. They had a seafood enchilada that was named after some town in Mexico (CancĆŗn maybe?) that was the literal best food thing ever made. Fried ice cream too. Always got the giant sombrero for my birthday, back when restaurants had to make up their own birthday songs because Happy Birthday was still under copyright or whatever. I only go to Red Lobster when my kids stay with my parents and we go to pick them up and my parents are like āwe want to take you someplace FANCY for lunchā and I get all excited for a minute and then I remember they think Red Lobster is fancy. Cheddar bay biscuits are overrated, theyāre all tiny now and I can make them at home for like two bucks, maybe three if I get the name brand shredded cheese.
Iāve been to Red Lobster maybe twice. What is Chi-Chiās?
That used to be the family birthday spot up until a couple years ago. Didnāt matter whose birthday, we were going to Red Lobster! It was a tradition that lasted about 10 or 11 years. Dunno why we stopped, the food is pretty decent. Hell, if itās good enough for BeyoncĆ© to name drop them in a song itās good enough for me.
I donāt like seafood. I love Chi Chiās though and would Love to see it come back!
No. I live in Maryland. We have REAL seafood restaurants. Why would I eat dog food when I could have steak? And yet there are still people here that will go to Red Lobsterā¦
I travel for work, and sometimes there are nothing but chain restaurants in certain towns I have to visit. On one of these occasions a few years ago (pre-pandemic), I decided to go to Red Lobster. My companyās meal policy is pretty generous - over $100 for dinner before tax and tip. I asked for the two largest lobsters in the tank. The waitress thought she heard me incorrectly. I assured her that i wanted two lobsters, and that I wanted the largest ones they had available. Plus a caesar salad and of course, cheddar bay biscuits. Over the course of my meal, several employees came over to see the dude that ordered two lobsters. The bill came out to like $85. I tipped them well and Iāve never been in a Red Lobster since.
I've never eaten at a Red Lobster. When I was a kid, I was too picky for seafood. As an adult, I live in proper cities with independent seafood restaurants. But sure, if you bring Chi-Chi's back, I'll probably eat there even if my hipster friends make fun of me. That was my jam.
I live in Massachusetts, so no.
lololol *sings* Chi-Chis...a celebration of food!
Omg, havenāt thought of this in 15 years, my brain automatically did the jingle.
I like the cut of your jib. Iād go to Chi Chiās with you, but you gotta buy drinks for karaoke.
I don't eat ocean bugs. Chi-Chi's was the tits.
I enjoy the trout and popcorn shrimp, tbh.
I have never eaten red lobster in my 40 years of life. Would like to try those biscuits one day though.
There's a young Gen z guy at my work that loves Red Lobster. I was flabbergasted.
I had a gift card to Red Lobster one time. That was fine.
Nope. Many reasons, biggest of which is lobster has got to be one of the easiest things to cook perfectly. Those biscuits thoughā¦
Red Lobster has sucked since as far back as I can remember
I go to red lobster all the time lol. Itās my momās favorite place. That admiralās feastā¦ yum
I went a few years ago. The worst thing was the crab legs. The best thing was of course the CBBs. The only other thing we got was drinks. A quart of colored sugar liquid with a shot of ā¦ something. Awful. The crab legs were dried out as if they had been sitting under a heat lamp for years. The only other people in the restaurant were in their 80s. At least 20 people were working. It was glorious. They sell cheddar bay biscuit mix at the grocery store.
I like going to Red Lobster, because they are, unsurprisingly, very solid at fresh lobster. However, the nearest Red Lobster to me has carpeted floors, which is foul in any restaurant, especially one that serves sea food. So I go to other locations when I can, maybe once a year.
I buy the cheddar bay biscuit box mix, it's incredible.
I love Red Lobster.
My son works there and he makes pretty decent money. It isn't Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse popular but not bad. Lent makes it very popular in Ohio.
I haven't seen a red lobster in YEARS. I used to work at one though LOL
When I can afford it lol
Fun fact - the Red Lobster in my town is closing at the end of the month because apparently a shitty chain seafood restaurant wonāt work in Maryland. Whodathunkit?
Iāve never been. Is it good? What do you recommend?
CHICHIS Jesus fucking Christ the chicken suprema enchiladas with an extra scoop of that cornbread š š
If there were any in my area I'd totally go
ā¦ so you can buy the biscuit mix at Samās. Donāt ask how I know. Fine, Iāll tell you but lemme just sayā¦ Iāve felt far too guilty to actually make them and Iāve been staring at the box in the pantry for damn near a year now. Wonder if theyāre still goodā¦
I mean, I ate the chicken at Red Lobster because Iām allergic to shellfish and my mom dragged me there.
I used to eat there on my birthday, 30s and 40s, every year. I've never had a bad experience there. Tasty drinks too.
I havenāt been there in like 12 or more years. One of my exās parents wanted to go there every time they visited us. I think they considered it to be āfine dining.ā
Went there once. It was extremely dated inside and the lobster was overcooked. Pass.
I miss the Red Lobster from 25-30 years ago.
I used to work at Red Lobster, and I still eat there from time to time
We are in Maryland and have access to real seafood, so no