Red Lobster is known for serving up endless shrimp and other seafood dishes at reasonable prices. One of their most popular meal deals has been the Create Your Own Combinations 4-course meal for $15. This menu option allows customers to choose an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert for just $15 total. But does Red Lobster still offer this affordable 4-course meal deal in 2023?
Red Lobster 4 Course Meal History
Red Lobster first introduced the Create Your Own 4-Course Combinations menu back in 2016. This allowed guests to craft a custom 4-course meal by picking one item from each of the following categories:
- Appetizer
- Soup or Salad
- Entree
- Dessert
For $15, this gave customers quite a bit of flexibility to try different menu items. Some of the appetizer choices originally included options like mozzarella cheesesticks, parmesan garlic shrimp scampi, and lobster-artichoke-and-seafood dip. The salad selections featured Caesar and garden salads, while soups included New England clam chowder. Entrees ranged from fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and cod fillets to 6 oz sirloins. Cheesecake, fudge brownies, and warm apple crostada were some of the dessert choices.
The Create Your Own 4-Course Combinations menu was part of Red Lobster’s broader efforts to boost sales and attendance after several years of decline. By giving guests an affordable tasting option, Red Lobster hoped to get more people in the doors during typically slower times early in the week.
Does Red Lobster Still Have the $15 4 Course Special?
Red Lobster continues to offer a Create Your Own Combinations menu in 2023. However, there have been some changes to the 4-course $15 meal deal:
- The price increased to $16.99 in 2019.
- The menu is now only available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 pm.
- Some locations have opted out of the 4-course specials.
- The appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert options change periodically.
So while you can still craft a custom 4-course meal on certain days and times, the details aren’t exactly the same as the original 2016 promotion. The pricing has gone up by a few dollars. The special is now treated as more of a weekday happy hour deal rather than an everyday offering. And each restaurant has some flexibility with what gets included.
Current Red Lobster 4 Course Menu Offerings
If you visit a participating Red Lobster on a Wednesday or Thursday from 4-6 pm, here are some of the current options that may be available in the 4-course $16.99 deal as of November 2023:
Appetizers
- Mozzarella Cheesesticks
- Parmesan Shrimp Cocktail
- Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
Salads
- House Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Garden Salad
Soups
- New England Clam Chowder
- Lobster Bisque
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Entrees
- Admiral’s Feast
- Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
- Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
- Seafood-Stuffed Flounder
- Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp
- Crazy Mixed Up Shrimp
- 6 oz Sirloin
- Chicken Tenders
- Bourbon Street Chicken
Desserts
- Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
- Chocolate Wave Cake
- Brownie Overboard
- Key Lime Pie
- Raspberry Lemon Cream Cake
Again, options can vary by location. Your particular restaurant may offer different appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts for the 4-course special.
Ordering Tips
If you want to take advantage of the current 4-course deal at Red Lobster, keep the following tips in mind:
- Check availability at your local restaurant. Not all locations offer the discounted 4-course menus.
- Go during the limited hours, which are only 4-6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Stick to the designated menu selections for each course to get the full deal.
- You can mix and match selections, just be sure to order one each of appetizer, soup/salad, entree, and dessert.
- No substitutions are allowed to get the discounted pricing.
- Coupons and other offers cannot be combined with the 4-course special.
- If dining with a group, each person has to order their own 4-course meal to get the set pricing.
- Be aware that any additional drinks, sides, or extras will be charged separately.
- This deal is for dine-in only, to go orders don’t qualify.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a taste of many Red Lobster favorites for under $20 per person. Just note that options and pricing are subject to change over time.
Alternatives to the 4-Course Special
If the 4-course deal is not available at your location or time of visit, Red Lobster does have some other values worth considering:
- Endless Shrimp: For a fixed price, enjoy unlimited servings of garlic shrimp scampi, walt’s favorite shrimp, parrot isle coconut shrimp, and crispy fried shrimp (may vary by location). Offered seasonally.
- Create Your Own 2-Course Lunch: Pick an appetizer and entree for lunch starting at $9.99.
- Crabfest: For a limited time, enjoy Crab Lover’s Dream (snow crab legs, seasoned and steamed) or Ultimate Feast (snow crab legs, lobster tails, and walt’s favorite shrimp) at special prices.
- Happy Hour: Special prices on appetizers and drink specials are offered Monday – Friday from 3-6 pm and Sunday – Thursday from 9 pm to close at participating locations.
- Fresh Fish Deals: Daily lunch specials under $10 featuring fresh fish fillets and fire-grilled options.
While not as extensive as the 4-course promotion, these sales can help you save at Red Lobster without having to visit at an exact day and time. There are plenty of bargains to take advantage of if you miss out on the current weeknight deal.
Is the 4-Course Special Worth It?
The value and appeal of the Red Lobster 4-course deal often comes down to personal preference:
- Pros: Lets you sample different menu items at a reasonable fixed cost. Good for sharing and trying new things. Made-to-order flexibility. Available exclusives like Admiral’s Feast.
- Cons: Restricted availability. Higher price than the original promotion. More cost-effective to order individual entrees and appetizers during non-special times. Limiting if you just want one dish.
The Create Your Own 4-Course menu can be perfect for groups or seafood lovers looking to explore the menu. Couples and smaller parties may do just as well ordering a few select items. If you want unlimited shrimp, the Endless Shrimp offers a better all-you-can-eat experience.
No matter when you go, Red Lobster serves up plenty of indulgent seafood dishes. The 4-course promotion simply adds a discounted tasting menu a few days a week.
How Does Red Lobster 4-Course Compare to Competitors?
Many chain restaurants offer special discounted tasting menus and fixed price deals. How does Red Lobster stack up? Here’s a sampling of some top competitors’ offerings:
| Restaurant | Promotion Details |
|---|---|
| Olive Garden | Never Ending Pasta Pass – Unlimited pasta, soup, salad and breadsticks for $100/month or $300/year. |
| Outback Steakhouse | Four Course Feature – Appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert for $20. |
| Applebee’s | $12.99 All You Can Eat Deals – Riblets, chicken tenders, shrimp, salads, pasta. |
| Chili’s | 3 for Me Value Menu – Mix and match select appetizers, salads, and entrees for $22. |
| Ruby Tuesday | Ultimate Endless Garden Bar – Unlimited salad bar access from open to close for $14.99. |
Most other chain sit-down restaurants promote fixed price family style meals, unlimited appetizers or entrees, or bargain 3-4 course menus. The flexibility of Red Lobster’s 4-course deal stands out, with the ability to mix and match from broader menus. Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Pass remains unmatched in terms of sheer value for the money.
Price and Participation Vary
When comparing discounted dining deals, be aware that prices and participation can vary:
- Promotions may be limited time or seasonal offers.
- Not all menu items may qualify or be available.
- Certain locations may opt out of fixed price discounts.
- Prices are subject to change and can increase over time.
- Restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Always check ahead of visiting a restaurant to confirm if advertised deals and bargains are specifically offered at that location on your preferred dining date and time.
Conclusion
Red Lobster currently provides a 4-course meal deal for $16.99, available for limited hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. While not offered every day or at every location, it can be a flexible and affordable way to sample different menu selections. The increase in price and restriction to certain days and times reduces the appeal compared to the original 2016 promotion. However, there are always rotating dining specials worth taking advantage of at Red Lobster. Be sure to check ahead for availability and menu specifics when planning your seafood indulgence.
