Red Lobster is a well-known seafood restaurant chain famous for its fresh seafood offerings, including lobster, shrimp, crab, and more.
With over 700 locations worldwide, it has become a popular dining destination for seafood lovers.
While the menu and culinary experience are often the focus of attention, knowing the hours of operation is equally important for anyone planning a visit.
This article explores the typical Red Lobster hours, including variations by location, special hours for holidays, online ordering availability, and what you need to know before heading to this popular seafood chain.
Standard Red Lobster Hours
Red Lobster typically operates on a standardized schedule that reflects common restaurant hours in the United States.
While these hours can vary slightly by location, the general range of operating hours is fairly consistent. Typically, Red Lobster opens in the late morning and closes in the evening.
Here’s a breakdown of typical Red Lobster hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
These hours allow for lunch, dinner, and evening dining, making Red Lobster an excellent option whether you’re looking for a midday meal or a late-night seafood feast.
Some locations may open slightly earlier or close later, depending on local demand and specific business circumstances.
Lunch and Dinner Hours at Red Lobster
Red Lobster serves both lunch and dinner, and their menu is tailored to suit these meal times.
Lunch hours typically begin shortly after the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, while dinner service begins in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 3:00 PM – Close
During lunch hours, Red Lobster often features special lunch menus or deals, offering smaller portions of some of their signature dishes at a lower price.
As the day transitions into dinner, the full menu becomes available, including premium dishes such as lobster tails, seafood platters, and more indulgent options.
Red Lobster Happy Hour
Many Red Lobster locations offer a happy hour, which usually takes place during the late afternoon or early evening, often between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
During happy hour, customers can enjoy discounted drinks, appetizers, and other selected menu items.
The exact timing of happy hour can vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local Red Lobster for specific details.
Happy Hour Specials
- Discounted beer, wine, and cocktails
- Reduced-price appetizers such as shrimp, calamari, or stuffed mushrooms
- Seasonal or location-specific food specials
Happy Hour Times
- Monday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday & Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Happy hour is a great time to visit Red Lobster for a more affordable and relaxed dining experience, whether you’re meeting friends for drinks or simply want to enjoy a lighter snack before dinner.
Weekend Hours and Special Promotions
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
On Fridays and Saturdays, many Red Lobster locations extend their hours until 11:00 PM.
These later hours accommodate diners who may want to enjoy a leisurely evening meal or those celebrating special occasions.
Additionally, Red Lobster often runs special weekend promotions, such as endless shrimp, where customers can enjoy unlimited servings of shrimp prepared in a variety of styles.
Holiday Hours at Red Lobster
Like many restaurants, Red Lobster adjusts its hours during major holidays. It’s common for Red Lobster to close or modify hours on certain holidays, particularly during Christmas and Thanksgiving.
However, some locations may remain open, especially on holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or Independence Day, as these are popular dining occasions for families and couples.
| Holiday | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Regular Hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 15 | Regular Hours |
| Presidents’ Day | February 19 | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | March 31 | Regular Hours |
| Memorial Day | May 27 | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Regular Hours |
| Labor Day | September 2 | Regular Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 28 | Closed |
| Black Friday | November 29 | Regular Hours |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Reduced Hours (typically closes early) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Regular Hours |
It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check Red Lobster’s website for specific holiday hours for your local restaurant.
Some locations may offer special holiday menus, particularly on New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, so it’s worth inquiring ahead of time to enhance your dining experience.
Online Ordering and Takeout Hours
Red Lobster has adapted to the growing demand for takeout and delivery services by offering a robust online ordering platform.
Whether you prefer to dine at home or are hosting an event, you can order your favorite Red Lobster dishes for pickup or delivery.
Most Red Lobster locations allow online orders during regular business hours, so you can place a takeout or delivery order anytime the restaurant is open.
However, it’s important to note that some delivery services, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash, may have specific operating hours that could differ slightly from Red Lobster’s.
Make sure to check both the restaurant and the delivery platform for the most accurate information.
Online ordering is available through the Red Lobster website or their mobile app. The app often features exclusive deals and rewards for frequent customers, which can be a great way to save money while enjoying your favorite seafood dishes.
Red Lobster Locations and Regional Variations
Red Lobster operates in various regions across the United States and around the world, and it’s important to note that hours of operation can vary depending on the location.
Urban areas with higher foot traffic may keep later hours to accommodate evening diners, while locations in smaller towns or suburban areas may close earlier.
For example, a Red Lobster in a bustling city like New York or Las Vegas may stay open later to cater to tourists or late-night diners, while a location in a quieter suburban area might close earlier.
Regional differences can also affect business hours during holidays, as some locations may choose to remain open while others close.
To find the most accurate and up-to-date hours for your local Red Lobster, it’s best to use the restaurant’s “Find a Location” feature on their website.
This tool allows you to search for Red Lobster restaurants by zip code or city, and it provides detailed information about each location, including their hours of operation, menu options, and available services such as curbside pickup or delivery.
Factors Affecting Red Lobster Hours
Several factors can influence the hours of operation at Red Lobster locations, including local regulations, customer demand, and staffing considerations.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants, including Red Lobster, were required to adjust their hours due to local health regulations and safety concerns.
This resulted in earlier closing times, reduced seating capacity, and even temporary closures in some areas.
While most locations have returned to normal operating hours, it’s still possible for individual Red Lobster restaurants to adjust their hours based on these factors.
For example, some locations may open later or close earlier on certain days of the week if there is less customer traffic.
Additionally, weather conditions, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes, snowstorms, or other severe weather events, can affect Red Lobster’s operating hours.
In these cases, restaurants may close early or delay opening to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Red Lobster
If you’re planning a visit to Red Lobster, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience:
- Check Local Hours: Always check the hours of your local Red Lobster before heading out, especially if you’re dining on a holiday or during a special event.
- Make Reservations: While Red Lobster does not require reservations, some locations offer the option, especially on busy nights like weekends or holidays.
- Use Online Ordering: If you prefer takeout, use Red Lobster’s online ordering system for a seamless experience, and consider scheduling your order in advance to avoid long wait times during peak hours.
- Take Advantage of Happy Hour: If you’re looking for a more affordable meal or want to enjoy a few drinks with friends, visit during happy hour for discounts on drinks and appetizers.
Conclusion
Red Lobster’s operating hours are designed to accommodate a wide range of dining preferences, from lunch and dinner to late-night meals on weekends.
While the standard hours are relatively consistent across locations, it’s always a good idea to check with your local restaurant for any variations, particularly on holidays or during special promotions.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of online ordering and happy hour specials, you can make the most of your dining experience at Red Lobster.