For a seafood restaurant the good isn't that great
(2)
Brad G.
A mom lunch led me to here over the weekend. It wasn't my first choice & I don't think it was my mom's first choice either. Her hubs is not exactly picky, but at least 90% of the time he wants steak or a chain restaurant. Outside of that I'm not entirely sure if there are any other seafood options in Lexington. I wasn't entirely opposed because I've been wanting to try lobster forever. I've tried lobster ravioli, but I've never had a full on lobster experience... until this weekend. The best thing about this location was our waiter! His name was John & you SHOULD ask for him if he's working! He gave me the 101 on how-to eat a lobster. The food: Appetizer was a simple sampler including stuffed mushrooms, shrimp, & coconut shrimp. All was good except for the shrimp(Not a huge shrimp fan here). My mom & her hubs ordered some type of pasta seafood dish. Each of them had more than enough to take home afterwards. My lady ordered flounder & she easily finished it off. I ordered lobster with broccoli & potatoes for my sides. I'm glad I got to try lobster. Now it's time to seek out other seafood places to compare. The tail was good. I can see why people usually order the tail. The body... eh! Not really a lot of meat to try there. The claws/arms? were my favorite part of the little creature. It honestly was weird to me to receive a plate with a little lobster on it. I like seafood. I love fish & catfish! Shrimp is usually tough for me to eat because it looks so much like the animal from which it came. Obviously when this plate showed up I didn't even know where to begin! With John showing me how to break the lobster into sections, I quickly warmed up to handling the little guy. To add one thing, I had the lobster cleaned before they brought it out. John told me that when having it prepped that way that it wouldn't come out with any green parts. While picking through part of the tail... I did see a few green parts, but I was able to eat around them. Overall, if you need a lobster fix while in Lexington then you're safe to go here.
(3)
Heather P.
I know it's against my usual "buy local" mentality, but there's not many local seafood places. I'll listen to recommendations though... shoot them my way. Say what you want, but I like this place. I've had better, but Kentucky is a landlocked state, so there aren't many seafood options around here. I prefer this Nicholasville Road location over the Hamburg location. It's older and it smells when you walk in, but I've never gotten bad service or anything unacceptable. The last time that I was here, was during crab fest and because I heard about it on a commercial, I started craving some crab legs. The waiter said that they will never do the unlimited crab legs again. He said that they lost 2 million dollars and the CEO got fired. Dang, people must've crushed some serious crab legs. I went with the Crab Lover's Dream. It came with a house salad and my choice of a side. I chose and recommend the mashed potatoes. I've had better crab legs, but those hit the spot. The crab fettuccini that came with it was phenomenal. I was surprised that it was such a big portion. That was the only thing I had left, but only because I couldn't eat another bite, so it was good heated up, for lunch the next day. The cheese biscuits are addictive, be careful not to have too many, or else you won't be able to finish your meal.
(4)
Jamie M.
Red Lobster has long been a favorite of mine since I was a kid which was many years ago! Lol. However, I feel like it's gone down over the years . This is the original location to Lexington. The prices continually increase while shrimp size decrease. I love shrimp and crab legs. My daughter wanted crab legs for her birthday and this location was closest. I was really disappointed in my food. I got crab legs and king crab broil. The potatoes that came with it were some of the smallest I've seen. No bigger than the white potatoes you get in a can. Actually they were smaller. The King crab was so dry and over cooked. I know the price of seafood is gone up but I at least expect the quality to match the price. I hope they can improve, but it's been down hill for awhile.
(3)
Craig U.
Visited on a Sunday afternoon with a hankering for cheddar biscuits and a gift card in my pocket. Our waiter David was very fast and friendly, although I think he may normally be a bartender there (he seemed confused when we ordered Coke and water). No matter, his service was courteous and quick. Cheddar biscuits were on the table within 5 minutes of sitting down. The menu had been expanded a lot from when I had previously visited, with both expensive and affordable options. I opted for the Wood Grilled Chicken served on a bed of Wild Rice with Garlic Shrimp Scampi. All food was served quickly, still warm, and well seasoned. The scampi was actually a good choice because I had a small bowl of garlic butter to use with my other entrees (not that they needed it, but how can I say no to garlic butter?). My wife got the shrimp tacos which, frankly, looked amazing. Both affordable choice, both filling. Caesar salads were both tasty but of moderate size- it was a side salad, so that just makes sense. I may just have to start visiting here more than once a year, if only Lexington would slow it's roll on introducing more new interesting places to try!
(4)
Barbara C.
This was my very first time at Red Lobster. Why did I wait so long? Walking in, we were greeted by a frigid blast of air, most welcome during a Kentucky July day. Our server was Jose, and he was absolutely a delight! He seemed thrilled to be introducing me to the menu, and made several good suggestions. But it was the cheddar biscuits that grabbed my taste buds. I ate six of them. Yes, that's right. Six. Don't judge me. They are awesome. And when I dipped them in the sauce on my seafood stuffed mushrooms, I swooned a little. So thanks Jose, for being a terrific, friendly, and very attentive server and for bringing me biscuits.
(4)
Brian R.
After yest another horrid experience at the Red Lobster across town, we came right back to where we are treated like real people. We even had to remark to the manager just how much better her location was. Our server from our previous trip saw us and was just as friendly as if we were in his section, heck we even tipped him just for being a pleasant positive in our day. Lets just say, if you like Red Lobster, its the Nich rd location you should be going to.
(5)
Alan M.
Never been a favorite but family wanted to eat here, and I had hopes of a good meal, well wrong I ordered linguini Alfredo with shrimp along with another member of our party, overly salty and not edible , but salad and garlic biscuits were good, others in our party had all you can eat shrimp and enjoyed their meals. For fresh seafood in lexington you cannot beat Asuka Japanese steakhouse their shrimp and scallops are fresh, sweet, delicious and expertly prepared by a professional chef, here looks like, tastes like a frozen dinner not in the same hemisphere. I will not willingly return to any red lobster.
(1)
Matthew B.
Cannot complain about the Endless Shrimp. Plenty of it, prepared as asked for, although sometimes a little slow due to busyness. Have to commend our waitress for doing her job well while being high as a kite!
(3)
Sid W.
The ad says "Red Lobster--42 years and counting". Well they can stop counting as far as I'm concerned. We had a family gathering there with about 15 people attending. The music was so loud we couldn't have a conversation. I asked three times to turn the volume down. I hadn't noticed any change the first two times. The third time I was told they have little control of the volume, "music selections and volume are controlled from headquarters." Maybe so. I won't be back. I think loud music is used in restaurants to cause customers to flee as soon after eating was possible so they will have more available tables. Food was so, so.
(1)
Jenny H.
This is not the place to go for fresh seafood. But I do like to come here for their 4 course meal for $16. You get a salad, soup, entree, and dessert. The salad is swimming in dressing, but the veggies taste decently fresh. Soup - there was clam chowder, potato cheddar, and a mexican fajita soup. I've had the clam chowder - tasted a lot like Progresso to me. Potato cheddar is very thick - almost like eating a nacho cheese soup. Never had the mexican one. The entree - I like to get the shrimp and scallop pasta. You get a ton of food. Pasta is chewy and creamy. Of course the shrimp and scallops tastes fishy, but nothing beyond what I would expect. My boyfriend got the flounder - which wasn't very good. I hate to complain that fish is fishy...but it was really fishy, not fresh tasting. Desert was brownie a la mode, which we both enjoyed. Nothing to write home about though. They also give you cheddar biscuits, which are very tasty. Like bisquick with cheese in it.
(2)
Lee P.
I have only been to one Red Lobster in my entire life, and may I say that it is the worst seafood restaurant I have ever been to. None of the food tasted fresh to me. I never got a sense that I would enjoy the food. Everything I had either tasted too oily, or too cheesy. Who says you have to put cheese on everything. The service was fine; nice waiters who are trying to earn money. All I am saying is that stepping it up and bringing some fresh flavors would be better, and a larger variety of vegetable would be recommended.
(1)
Jason N.
I love seafood and have been to good red lobsters, having said that I have tried this location twice and both times the service was horrid. The food was sub par. I would gladly go to the ones in Florida but I will never set foot in this one again.
(1)
Joe H.
First time trying the crab cakes. They are very tasty though a nothing out of the ordinary. I ordered the ultimate feast. I've experienced this one before and been disappointed with the crab legs. But this time I was very satisfied. The lobster tail was excellent. After the first taste I don't remember finishing it. So good. Our waitress, Heather, was very polite and knowledgeable about the menu. She didn't miss a refill and always made sure we were satisfied with the service and meal. If you come here ask for her.
(4)
J D.
"Lunch.! Fried Fish.. Instant Potatoes!!!" First of all the cheese biscuits are always good.. On the other hand the salad is straight iceburg and as can be expected lacks flavor.. Went for lunch and had fried fish and scallops.. Man they were tiny and greesy and the fish tasted like it was frozen and pre battered.. Very Greasy.. and the Instant mashed potatoes were downright a insult.. Please dont insult any customers with instant!! come on.. Thats total lack of integrity.. WHOa Maybe dinner is better or if you get there expensive wood grilled fish.. i dont know.. But if you go for fried items you would be better served going to Long John Silvers or Captain D's. They know how to get it right..
(1)
Kate A.
I agree that this Red Lobster does not use the freshest ingredients, but I think that's mostly due to the fact that it is located in central Kentucky, far away from any ocean. I have had better food from other coastal locations. Still, the shrimp linguine alfredo is very good, and the cheese biscuits are always delicious!
(4)
Jeff B.
Really people? It's red lobster. The food is as good as it should be for this type of restaurant. If you want good seafood go downtown lex and pay twice as much.
(5)
Madeline R.
I'm not impressed. My first time in this restaurant and it was the worst sea food restaurant I have ever tasted. I love sea food, I can eat it all day if allowed. The food in this restaurant is/was terrible! It was a horrible experience to taste left a negative taste in my mouth. The vegetables were overly cooked, and the seafood was overloaded with salt and butter. The Talipia was not cooked had a raw oily salty taste to it. The food was not fresh at all. The service was nice, the young lady that attended us was amicable. However, it was not worth 60 dollars for 2 individuals. It needs a new Menu with fresh foods and less salt used if possible allow the foods natural flavors to be tasted with a pinch of salt.
(1)
Steve B.
Sucks! I ordered steak and lobster combo - one of the most expensive meals on the menu. The lobster was about 3 bites and arrived 10 minutes after the rest of my meal. My baked potato was the size of a lemon and the asparagus was barely warm. I won't be going back.
(1)
Derek S.
First off, if you review a restaurant with 1 star because the music isn't to your personal taste, without considering service, food quality, value, or decor, you probably should find a better way to waste your time than Yelp. Maybe, for example, you should try an online bridge club. Now, to the review, I'm not sure what is not to like. I've eaten here on numerous occasions. I've never had a bad experience. The service is top-notch. Most recently, Tabitha was my server and she was very, very good. My food has always been fresh and well prepared. From Bar harbor bake to mussels to shrimp scampi to crab legs, etc.
(5)
Kathryn K.
Much better service!! Excellent hostess. The food I thought was very good succulent shrimp and lobster. Nice crisp Caesar salad and a perfectly baked potato that was salt crusted. Plus a new decor and remodeling look great!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tammy F.
For a seafood restaurant the good isn't that great
(2)Brad G.
A mom lunch led me to here over the weekend. It wasn't my first choice & I don't think it was my mom's first choice either. Her hubs is not exactly picky, but at least 90% of the time he wants steak or a chain restaurant. Outside of that I'm not entirely sure if there are any other seafood options in Lexington. I wasn't entirely opposed because I've been wanting to try lobster forever. I've tried lobster ravioli, but I've never had a full on lobster experience... until this weekend. The best thing about this location was our waiter! His name was John & you SHOULD ask for him if he's working! He gave me the 101 on how-to eat a lobster. The food: Appetizer was a simple sampler including stuffed mushrooms, shrimp, & coconut shrimp. All was good except for the shrimp(Not a huge shrimp fan here). My mom & her hubs ordered some type of pasta seafood dish. Each of them had more than enough to take home afterwards. My lady ordered flounder & she easily finished it off. I ordered lobster with broccoli & potatoes for my sides. I'm glad I got to try lobster. Now it's time to seek out other seafood places to compare. The tail was good. I can see why people usually order the tail. The body... eh! Not really a lot of meat to try there. The claws/arms? were my favorite part of the little creature. It honestly was weird to me to receive a plate with a little lobster on it. I like seafood. I love fish & catfish! Shrimp is usually tough for me to eat because it looks so much like the animal from which it came. Obviously when this plate showed up I didn't even know where to begin! With John showing me how to break the lobster into sections, I quickly warmed up to handling the little guy. To add one thing, I had the lobster cleaned before they brought it out. John told me that when having it prepped that way that it wouldn't come out with any green parts. While picking through part of the tail... I did see a few green parts, but I was able to eat around them. Overall, if you need a lobster fix while in Lexington then you're safe to go here.
(3)Heather P.
I know it's against my usual "buy local" mentality, but there's not many local seafood places. I'll listen to recommendations though... shoot them my way. Say what you want, but I like this place. I've had better, but Kentucky is a landlocked state, so there aren't many seafood options around here. I prefer this Nicholasville Road location over the Hamburg location. It's older and it smells when you walk in, but I've never gotten bad service or anything unacceptable. The last time that I was here, was during crab fest and because I heard about it on a commercial, I started craving some crab legs. The waiter said that they will never do the unlimited crab legs again. He said that they lost 2 million dollars and the CEO got fired. Dang, people must've crushed some serious crab legs. I went with the Crab Lover's Dream. It came with a house salad and my choice of a side. I chose and recommend the mashed potatoes. I've had better crab legs, but those hit the spot. The crab fettuccini that came with it was phenomenal. I was surprised that it was such a big portion. That was the only thing I had left, but only because I couldn't eat another bite, so it was good heated up, for lunch the next day. The cheese biscuits are addictive, be careful not to have too many, or else you won't be able to finish your meal.
(4)Jamie M.
Red Lobster has long been a favorite of mine since I was a kid which was many years ago! Lol. However, I feel like it's gone down over the years . This is the original location to Lexington. The prices continually increase while shrimp size decrease. I love shrimp and crab legs. My daughter wanted crab legs for her birthday and this location was closest. I was really disappointed in my food. I got crab legs and king crab broil. The potatoes that came with it were some of the smallest I've seen. No bigger than the white potatoes you get in a can. Actually they were smaller. The King crab was so dry and over cooked. I know the price of seafood is gone up but I at least expect the quality to match the price. I hope they can improve, but it's been down hill for awhile.
(3)Craig U.
Visited on a Sunday afternoon with a hankering for cheddar biscuits and a gift card in my pocket. Our waiter David was very fast and friendly, although I think he may normally be a bartender there (he seemed confused when we ordered Coke and water). No matter, his service was courteous and quick. Cheddar biscuits were on the table within 5 minutes of sitting down. The menu had been expanded a lot from when I had previously visited, with both expensive and affordable options. I opted for the Wood Grilled Chicken served on a bed of Wild Rice with Garlic Shrimp Scampi. All food was served quickly, still warm, and well seasoned. The scampi was actually a good choice because I had a small bowl of garlic butter to use with my other entrees (not that they needed it, but how can I say no to garlic butter?). My wife got the shrimp tacos which, frankly, looked amazing. Both affordable choice, both filling. Caesar salads were both tasty but of moderate size- it was a side salad, so that just makes sense. I may just have to start visiting here more than once a year, if only Lexington would slow it's roll on introducing more new interesting places to try!
(4)Barbara C.
This was my very first time at Red Lobster. Why did I wait so long? Walking in, we were greeted by a frigid blast of air, most welcome during a Kentucky July day. Our server was Jose, and he was absolutely a delight! He seemed thrilled to be introducing me to the menu, and made several good suggestions. But it was the cheddar biscuits that grabbed my taste buds. I ate six of them. Yes, that's right. Six. Don't judge me. They are awesome. And when I dipped them in the sauce on my seafood stuffed mushrooms, I swooned a little. So thanks Jose, for being a terrific, friendly, and very attentive server and for bringing me biscuits.
(4)Brian R.
After yest another horrid experience at the Red Lobster across town, we came right back to where we are treated like real people. We even had to remark to the manager just how much better her location was. Our server from our previous trip saw us and was just as friendly as if we were in his section, heck we even tipped him just for being a pleasant positive in our day. Lets just say, if you like Red Lobster, its the Nich rd location you should be going to.
(5)Alan M.
Never been a favorite but family wanted to eat here, and I had hopes of a good meal, well wrong I ordered linguini Alfredo with shrimp along with another member of our party, overly salty and not edible , but salad and garlic biscuits were good, others in our party had all you can eat shrimp and enjoyed their meals. For fresh seafood in lexington you cannot beat Asuka Japanese steakhouse their shrimp and scallops are fresh, sweet, delicious and expertly prepared by a professional chef, here looks like, tastes like a frozen dinner not in the same hemisphere. I will not willingly return to any red lobster.
(1)Matthew B.
Cannot complain about the Endless Shrimp. Plenty of it, prepared as asked for, although sometimes a little slow due to busyness. Have to commend our waitress for doing her job well while being high as a kite!
(3)Sid W.
The ad says "Red Lobster--42 years and counting". Well they can stop counting as far as I'm concerned. We had a family gathering there with about 15 people attending. The music was so loud we couldn't have a conversation. I asked three times to turn the volume down. I hadn't noticed any change the first two times. The third time I was told they have little control of the volume, "music selections and volume are controlled from headquarters." Maybe so. I won't be back. I think loud music is used in restaurants to cause customers to flee as soon after eating was possible so they will have more available tables. Food was so, so.
(1)Jenny H.
This is not the place to go for fresh seafood. But I do like to come here for their 4 course meal for $16. You get a salad, soup, entree, and dessert. The salad is swimming in dressing, but the veggies taste decently fresh. Soup - there was clam chowder, potato cheddar, and a mexican fajita soup. I've had the clam chowder - tasted a lot like Progresso to me. Potato cheddar is very thick - almost like eating a nacho cheese soup. Never had the mexican one. The entree - I like to get the shrimp and scallop pasta. You get a ton of food. Pasta is chewy and creamy. Of course the shrimp and scallops tastes fishy, but nothing beyond what I would expect. My boyfriend got the flounder - which wasn't very good. I hate to complain that fish is fishy...but it was really fishy, not fresh tasting. Desert was brownie a la mode, which we both enjoyed. Nothing to write home about though. They also give you cheddar biscuits, which are very tasty. Like bisquick with cheese in it.
(2)Lee P.
I have only been to one Red Lobster in my entire life, and may I say that it is the worst seafood restaurant I have ever been to. None of the food tasted fresh to me. I never got a sense that I would enjoy the food. Everything I had either tasted too oily, or too cheesy. Who says you have to put cheese on everything. The service was fine; nice waiters who are trying to earn money. All I am saying is that stepping it up and bringing some fresh flavors would be better, and a larger variety of vegetable would be recommended.
(1)Jason N.
I love seafood and have been to good red lobsters, having said that I have tried this location twice and both times the service was horrid. The food was sub par. I would gladly go to the ones in Florida but I will never set foot in this one again.
(1)Joe H.
First time trying the crab cakes. They are very tasty though a nothing out of the ordinary. I ordered the ultimate feast. I've experienced this one before and been disappointed with the crab legs. But this time I was very satisfied. The lobster tail was excellent. After the first taste I don't remember finishing it. So good. Our waitress, Heather, was very polite and knowledgeable about the menu. She didn't miss a refill and always made sure we were satisfied with the service and meal. If you come here ask for her.
(4)J D.
"Lunch.! Fried Fish.. Instant Potatoes!!!" First of all the cheese biscuits are always good.. On the other hand the salad is straight iceburg and as can be expected lacks flavor.. Went for lunch and had fried fish and scallops.. Man they were tiny and greesy and the fish tasted like it was frozen and pre battered.. Very Greasy.. and the Instant mashed potatoes were downright a insult.. Please dont insult any customers with instant!! come on.. Thats total lack of integrity.. WHOa Maybe dinner is better or if you get there expensive wood grilled fish.. i dont know.. But if you go for fried items you would be better served going to Long John Silvers or Captain D's. They know how to get it right..
(1)Kate A.
I agree that this Red Lobster does not use the freshest ingredients, but I think that's mostly due to the fact that it is located in central Kentucky, far away from any ocean. I have had better food from other coastal locations. Still, the shrimp linguine alfredo is very good, and the cheese biscuits are always delicious!
(4)Jeff B.
Really people? It's red lobster. The food is as good as it should be for this type of restaurant. If you want good seafood go downtown lex and pay twice as much.
(5)Madeline R.
I'm not impressed. My first time in this restaurant and it was the worst sea food restaurant I have ever tasted. I love sea food, I can eat it all day if allowed. The food in this restaurant is/was terrible! It was a horrible experience to taste left a negative taste in my mouth. The vegetables were overly cooked, and the seafood was overloaded with salt and butter. The Talipia was not cooked had a raw oily salty taste to it. The food was not fresh at all. The service was nice, the young lady that attended us was amicable. However, it was not worth 60 dollars for 2 individuals. It needs a new Menu with fresh foods and less salt used if possible allow the foods natural flavors to be tasted with a pinch of salt.
(1)Steve B.
Sucks! I ordered steak and lobster combo - one of the most expensive meals on the menu. The lobster was about 3 bites and arrived 10 minutes after the rest of my meal. My baked potato was the size of a lemon and the asparagus was barely warm. I won't be going back.
(1)Derek S.
First off, if you review a restaurant with 1 star because the music isn't to your personal taste, without considering service, food quality, value, or decor, you probably should find a better way to waste your time than Yelp. Maybe, for example, you should try an online bridge club. Now, to the review, I'm not sure what is not to like. I've eaten here on numerous occasions. I've never had a bad experience. The service is top-notch. Most recently, Tabitha was my server and she was very, very good. My food has always been fresh and well prepared. From Bar harbor bake to mussels to shrimp scampi to crab legs, etc.
(5)Kathryn K.
Much better service!! Excellent hostess. The food I thought was very good succulent shrimp and lobster. Nice crisp Caesar salad and a perfectly baked potato that was salt crusted. Plus a new decor and remodeling look great!
(5)