Red Lobster

[Baron]

In the mood for live fresh steamed lobsters and some fresh oysters . Any opinions about the Red Lobster chain? Thanks,

[emu48]

I can't say anything bad about Red Lobster. When I'm driving across Kansas on the Interstate, and I get a craving for lobster. It's where I go. Just being able to eat a fresh-killed lobster at all in Kansas is a freaking miracle, right?

[Kathleen M]

It seems odd, but I've found that the Red Lobsters in Northern California have quite good food (as long as you stick to simple preparations) and excellent service. In Southern California, I've had the opposite experience. I admit that I've only been to a few RL's.

[FoodPopulist]

Red Lobster, last time I went, used Ameripure pasteurized oysters. Some people think they lack flavor, but I know some people who feel more comfortable eating raw oysters that have undergone such a process. I'm not going to fault anyone who chooses that option because of memories of a particularly bad case of food poisoning.

[beachmouse]

It all depends on how well the local outpost is managed. Some are terrible; some understand fish & seafood well enough to be surprisingly good.

[sockii]

This has really been my experience. RL is rarely my fish place of choice, but in some locations I've been to, I've been very pleasantly surprised while other outposts were dreadful. It's really worth getting a local opinion on the RL location you're considering.

[alliebear]

The only thing good about Red Lobster is their biscuits. This should be on the Chains board. If you're looking for good fresh steamed lobsters in LA and are willing to consider options besides Red Lobster, maybe some posters here could help you.

As for fresh oysters, I have great ones all over LA. Which part of town are you in? Budget?

[Baron]

Best oysters I've had were at Gulfstream in Century City. Not too hard to find ok oysters.
If you have a rec for live lobster on the westside, I'd like to know.
Thanks.

[The Chowhound Team]

Hi-

Please do continue discussing Red Lobster here. If you wish to discuss other restaurants that serve lobster in the L.A. area please post start a separate new thread on the L.A. board.

Thanks.

[chezwhitey]

I don't know if red lobster is what it used to be. In the past they had tanks of live lobsters out front from which they would pluck your dinner. Not sure if they still have it, but I suppose if you really want it, you can get it there, steaming a lobster ain't exactly rocket science. I'd rather do it myself. can't speak to the quality of the oysters. If you decide to go, say hi to shooter mcgavin for me.

[mucho gordo]

What other posters are trying to tell you, Baron, is that Red Lobster is not all that good.

[Baron]

I get the picture. Not a fan of most chains.but was wiling to give it a try. Been to the Palm and Hop Li on Pico does a good wok fried lobster. When desperate there is Quality Seafood in Redondo. We really need a good seafood house that's casual and not downtown LA like the Water Grill. Really hard to find a good fish and seafood house. west side or culver city would be nice.