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A Food Editor’s Review of Every Appetizer on Red Lobster’s New Happy Hour Menu

Hope you’re into cheese

red lobster happy hour review: seafood stuffed mushrooms, red lobster happy hour appetizers and drinks on a table, and crab queso, side by side
Taryn Pire/Red Lobster

Psst: Did you know Red Lobster just launched a new happy hour menu? Every Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at participating locations nationwide, you can save $2 on select starters and treat yourself to $5 drinks, including a top-shelf Long Island iced tea and a classic margarita. I visited the Springfield, Pennsylvania location to taste all five discounted appetizers on the menu. The options range from shellfish-loaded dips to umami-packed mushrooms to some pretty flawless mozzarella sticks. Read on for my honest reviews and overall ranking. And be warned: Things are about to get cheesy.

(Note: Prices may vary by location.)

4 New Olive Garden Menu Items, Ranked by a Cheese-Loving Food Editor


5. Lobster Flatbread

  • What It Is: Maine and langostino lobster with mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh tomatoes and sweet basil
  • Happy Hour Price: $14.49

I feel like this one sat under the heat lamp a bit too long before reaching the table. The crust was slightly limp, the cheese was a bit hard and the lobster’s texture was sort of stringy. The flatbread should be eaten as soon as it’s ready for the ideal texture. (I thought a cheese spread or white sauce on the bottom would help it taste less dry.) That said, I felt it was well salted and that the shellfish was plentiful. To be honest, though, the basil does a lot of the heavy lifting in the flavor department, too.

4. Mozzarella Cheesesticks

  • What It Is: fried mozzarella sticks, served with marinara sauce
  • Happy Hour Price: $8

There was nothing wrong with these mozz sticks. The milky, creamy cheese withstood an impressively long pull, the inside was soft and melty while the outside stayed crunchy, and the marinara was sweet with the tiniest touch of earthy bitterness. The only reason I made it number four on my list is because it’s an app you can get anywhere. When at Red Lobster, you know?

3. Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms

  • What It Is: mushrooms topped with Red Lobster’s signature seafood topping and Monterey Jack cheese
  • Happy Hour Price: $10.49

I was most excited about this happy hour starter. The button mushrooms had a meaty, firm texture, a tasty foil for the luxuriously tender, creamy seafood filling. I also loved the garlicky sauce they were in. However, I wished the breadcrumbs were crunchier (not soggy), and I could have done with some fresh lemon on top. I’d love to try these mushrooms with pasta.

2. Lobster Dip

  • What It Is: Maine and langostino lobster, spinach and artichoke in a three-cheese blend, served with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
  • Happy Hour Price: $12

The dip was thinner than expected, but that ended up working in its favor. I quite enjoyed its lighter consistency, reminiscent of a cross between Mexican crema and Alfredo sauce. I also loved how crisp the tortilla chips were (seriously—you can just keep eating them). But I wished there was more acidity and salt. This was easy to fix, since it came with a lemon wedge and there was salt on the table, but alternatively, it would have been nice if there was more briny artichoke throughout to do the work for me.

1. Crab Queso

  • What It Is: cheesy crab dip, served with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
  • Happy Hour Price: $12

One thing about me? I love queso. This crab-packed version was bright, peppery and thoroughly seasoned, especially once it’s mixed. Stirring in the pico made for a consistently balanced bite. While I wouldn’t have been mad at more meat, I thought the spice level was delightful. Its gentle heat built as I ate, making it a crowd-pleaser for even the spice-averse members of your happy hour crew.


taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Spearheads PureWow's food vertical
  • Manages PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College