We tried Red Lobster’s ‘SpendLESS Shrimp’ deal; here’s what we got

Last year Red Lobster had a popular deal called Endless Shrimp, so popular it was considered a factor when the Florida-based restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024.

The chain now has a new shrimp promotion it calls “Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp.”

“It may not be endless, but you’ll definitely spend less,” chief executive officer Damola Adamolekun said in a news release.

Red Lobster spells it out even more plainly on its terms and conditions page of its website: “Offer includes 1 single serving meal. No refills. Limited time only.”

The meal is announced as $15.99 on the chain’s website, but if you read the fine print you’ll find it costs more in California.

I visited a restaurant in San Bernardino and paid $17.99 for the dish, the same price listed at other locations in Southern California.

For that price you get three kinds of shrimp on a pretty large plate: Garlic Shrimp Scampi, drenched in butter; Shrimp Linguini Alfredo; and my favorite, Popcorn Shrimp with a cup of tangy cocktail sauce.

The meal also included seasoned fries in a festive red-and-white-striped bag.

Just to get something green, I ordered a side of seasoned broccoli for an extra $4.49.

The total came to $22.48, not counting tax and tip.

Yes, there were Cheddar Bay Biscuits. A basket of two arrived at my table before I placed my order, and after I devoured them another basket followed.

There were dozens of shrimp on the plate. It may not be all-you-can-eat, but it was more than I could eat. I took nearly half of it home.

Red Lobster also has a trio of seasonal cocktails: Caramel Dream, made with Absolut Vodka, butterscotch, caramel and cream; Apple Harvest Punch, made with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, cranberry, lemon and apple juice;  and Gold Rush, with Maker’s Mark Bourbon and honey.