Tonight my family took a trip to the neighborhood Red Lobster for dinner. We had a couple gift cards so we figured this would be a good chance to have a night out, and there aren't a ton of options in Winter Haven at the moment. The party for this trip was comprised of my wife, daughter, sister-in-law, and me. With a cook for a wife, and her sister having an interest in cooking as well, this dinner provided a chance to test their pallets and try out some different meals. I had the "Shrimp Your Way" deal mixing the standard popcorn shrimp with coconut popcorn shrimp, fries, and a Caesar salad. As usual, the salad was good with their house Caesar dressing, the fries also came out very well. Not failing to meet my expectations, the shrimp were the show stoppers for the meal. I typically get the popcorn shrimp when I go to Red Lobster as its always good, but the coconut option blew me away. First off, the scent of sweetness from the coconut shrimp was intoxicating, on top of that the spice they put on the shrimp to cut the sweetness made for a perfect marriage of flavor. My wife and her sister had two of the pasta meals offered in the restaurant. The sister-in-law had the "Crab Linguini Alfredo," taking the half portion over the full. Her opinion was that they cooked it perfectly, the flavors all mingled well together, making for a very enjoyable experience. The half portion was more than enough to fill her up in one sitting. My wife had the "Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Alfredo" and raved about how impressed she was with the chicken, pasta, sauce, everything combined. The only thing she felt was less than perfect would be the Caesar dressing as she said there was a bit too much mustard taste to it, but not enough to ruin the salad. Our server, Christine, was great and took amazing care of the four of us tonight. The Winter Haven branch of Red Lobster has been nothing short of spectacular in every visit that I have made to their restaurant. As anyone who has ever been to Red Lobster can attest, the "Cheddar Bay Biscuits" are an amazing appetizer given to the table. While we didn't buy extra tonight, my wife and I typically purchase a couple bags of these biscuits for later use due to their great taste. I would easily recommend Red Lobster if you're looking for a good walk-in chain restaurant, especially if you're in Winter Haven, whether passing through, visiting LegoLand, or as a resident. read more

I was staying at the hotel next door, so I decided to give the Red Lobster a try. It was pretty late and the place was winding down. Service was good- I was seated and got my order in very quickly. Iced Tea refills came without prompting. I was offered additional biscuits (they are very good). I ordered the full grilled salmon, which came with salad, broccoli and baked potato. The Grilled Salmon was great and I'm glad I got the 'full' order. My meal including drink came to be $23. read more

Upon recommendation of a friend to choose this location over the other Polk County location (in Lakeland) for better service, we strolled in at 11:30 on a Sunday holiday. The parking lot was already full to overflow and we were told "35 minute wait" and given a beeper. We did not wait five minutes before it went off and we were seated in the bar area in a booth. Water came swiftly. They have a complex series of three menus that take a while to figure out. Bring a sweater, the place is chilly. We delighted in being offered lunch or dinner portions and prices. The infamous buttery cheese biscuits were brought promptly and warmly. They soothe any soul. We ordered the $9 coconut shrimp appetizer. Best I've had anywhere. Large and flavorful, served with a sweet pineapple sauce and a pineapple wedge. We both ordered the grilled tilapia with pineapple sauce. It was cooked perfectly and melted in our mouths. The $10 lunch portion came with a generous salad and two sides. My company felt her salad was wilty, I felt it was "perfect" despite burying in too many croutons. My broccoli was cooked perfectly, she enjoyed her mashed taters though noted they were salty. We also got roasted veggies, which came oddly cubed but was tasty. No room for dessert but we were well-satisfied. As we left, the line wrapped around building. So my best advice is avoid the 12 to 1 weekend lunch hour. The servers were always busy and moving. Ours was not intuitive about timing for courses, refills or the bill. Including tip, we spent $37 with no beverages or desserts. It was a huge meal. I took a star because it was "definitely chain" food, consistent and tasty but not vivid or special. Five star has to leave me drooling for more. read more

Table was dirty and the food was not hot, it was warm. The bread did not come out until we were mostly done with our salads. We had Shrimp, Salmon and Lobster dish, along with the Feast that included Crab legs, lobster and fried and broiled shrimp. Our server also had the bar so we hardly saw her at all. My husband had to get up and get his own silverware. We have not been to Red Lobster in over a year, we probably won't be back. It's pricey compared to the service and food you receive. read more

The food here wasn't fresh and just didn't taste good. Didn't end up finishing anything. It's been awhile since I've been to a Red Lobster but I remember one in Tampa being a lot better. It also took 45 min to get seated at lunch time. A lot of business and other people ahead of us walked out and it still took that long with most of the tables empty. read more

This review is not for the food or service. Our server Amanda was top shelf and very much on the ball. The problem was the hostess. Several people waiting in the lobby were murmuring about their experience with her when we walked in. This hostess really should have been sent home. She made people wait while she dissapeared into the back and wouldn't talk to us about what was going on. This position evidently provides the utensils and napkins when guests are seated but she wasn't doing this. She was overheard saying she was doing the job of 5 people. We waited for some time before getting our forks and knives. We had food already but couldn't eat it. My wife overheard her in the bathroom stall facetiming a friend complaining about her employer using all kinds of curse words. Finally the manager came in looking for her. They had words. Anyway, crabfest was great and Amanda was stellar but it only takes one to drag everything down. read more

We were at Red Lobster in Winter Haven on the last night of their Crabfest. Arriving at 4:30, they told us they were out of Dungeness crab, but did put together a King and Snow entree. The legs were old, or had been cooked too long, or a combination thereof. Nutcrackers didn't work, shell was too soft. Couldn't split them, too soft. What I took home required pliers, scissors and a large nail to get to the crab. Very disappointed. Ed and Gayle Vallee read more

Exceptional service. The place was extremely busy and we didn't even realize it. Our server Josh was phenomenal. This party of six will definitely be back. If you are looking for some place to eat in Winter Haven head to Red Lobster but don't forget to ask for Josh. read more

This was by far the worst restaurant I have ever been to. To begin, my group and I waited over an hour just to be seated. On top of that, it took us over 20 minutes to finally get a waiter. Not only did we wait ages to get one but he was extremely rude. Every time we asked him for service he gave us a horrible attitude. We got our appetizers an hour after and they arrived after my main course. Our drinks never arrived and all the food was cold. If I could give this place 0 stars I would because they don't even deserve one. read more

Food is always great, but the bar staff was extremely rude. I came in for a to-go order, i had everything ready so it wouldnt be a big waiting hassle. She (Jessica) didnt even make eye contact. She didnt greet me, she simply said "what do you want...?" I know everyone has bad days, but you cant bring it to work. From someone who's worked in numerous restaurants, attitude is everything.. read more

Unfortunately my other half loves this restaurant, and I am not impressed. Went a couple of weeks ago, my Sangria was practically tasteless? Where's the fruit. Someone came,to ask if I liked the Sangria. I told her that it was just alright. The menu is very limited, emphasis on what Floridians think is lobster, those lousy teeny rock lobster tails. That's not lobster. I asked how the New England clam chowdah is, and the waitress said she loved it. I got it. Not a clam in sight. I was surprised to see fried clam strips on the menu. Those aren't fried clams. I ordered a House salad, large and seasoned shrimp to be added. There was a lot of shrimp, seasoned too spicy. The salad itself was a disaster. Tomatoes, cukes red onion, all diced up, Romaine was not. The romaine was old, black, shriveled, looked like a cook took out leaves that were disgusting, trying to make a large salad, they did not. I like their lemon vinaigrette. Too bad there was nothing good to put it on. The cheddar biscuits were old, dried and flavorless. I can't understand how they stay in business. Oh, my husband said his Admirals feast was just ok. We stopped on the way home at Dairy Queen for their always epic Blizzard. Saved our date night. read more

I'm normally not picky about small things at restaurants, but this place is horrible. I will preface the service is always good and the staff is always nice. But this time was the final straw. The food, ohh the "food". It's always been subpar, but tonight was the end. Their famous biscuits were all dough, not even cooked. Daughter got sprite, it was just soda water. Sent it back and they said they were out of syrup, so they had to use the bar's soda. New one was flat. Finally got her a coke against our better judgement. I got the chicken pasta (not huge on sea food, the wife's choice of restaurant). It was basically grease and butter. The chicken was that already cooked stuff you buy in a bag at the grocery store and microwave. That chicken never saw a grill. The fact that you pass that off as fresh grilled chicken is insulting. It was literally tasteless and terrible. Wife got fried fish with sides. Her fish was undercooked and the breading just fell off. The fries were cold and undercooked. See the theme here, undercooked. I didn't bother to send anything back food wise cause we were tired and ready to bail. I left a decent tip since the waiter was fine. Don't waste your hard earned money to eat here. Go to Outback in the same parking lot. We eat there 2-3 times a month and it's always on point, very good. Or go to Panda Express across the street. I woulda had orange chicken and rice over that meal any day! How this place is still in business with horrible food is crazy. Tear it down and put up good burger spot or something worth eating. Never again at this poor excuse of a restaurant. read more

We go here on a regular basis. Always great food. The service is normally very good, occasionally you run into someone having a bad day but overall we have wonderful experiences here. The worst part of this restaurant is the wait time for tables because let alone do you have to wait for your table but you get to sit and listen to the hostesses gossip and talk about the customers on a regular basis. read more

Over priced,over salted, mediocre food. I know that central Florida is lacking in the restaurant diversity category, but really there are much better options out there. Especially for seafood (this if Florida!). read more

Went on a Monday night. Party of 3. Waited about 15 minutes to get a table. That's fine. It was my bday. When I went to the restroom my wife asked the waiter to surprise me with a cake at the end of dinner. That never happened, he forgot. He also had to be reminded on 3 different occasions to bring us water. Food was great but waiter was not attentive . Little things like that mess up the night....attention to detail...... read more

Over priced. The only good thing they have are the biscuits. Went with some friends on Saturday the 13th and made a HUGE mistake of ordering oysters. Let's just say the next two days were rough and had to miss work on Monday. The server was very pleasant so that's why I give it a 2 star read more

I have to choose a star just to post.me and my family whas craving some red lobster. But are service whas slow and very dissatisfing I would rate this a negative but that's not possible will not be back any time soon. read more

Food is awesome! I love the chicken alfredo!! Even though The last few times before when I've been here the service has been beyond slow, and it wasn't even busy either times. It usually takes forever to get refills whether it's your drink or biscuits but this last time we had a server named Haley who was great! She kept our drinks and biscuits coming. The bartender Diane offers really grear service as well as long as you dont mind sitting in the bar area. Food is wonderful. I just wish good service was a little more consistent among the servers. read more

First of our waitress Yolanda pretty much waited on us as if she didn't want to be bothered. The slow pace which she provided us was ridiculous. Some low points: A. Took forever to get two small bowls of soup. B. While ordering our meals, we explained one meal could not have the broccoli because that person can not have greens, so we said how about mash potatoes with the rice. Yes we can do that. When the meals eventually can out (long wait) there was broccoli on their plate and we said, we ask for no broccoli and wanted mash potatoes, oh....well can't you just scape it off she said. I explained no we can't and we want it fixed. She took the plate, then brought it back with no broccoli but no mash potatoes we asked for. At this point she explained I know you said you can't have anything green, but there are small green peppers chopped up on the meal. What!?...So why would she let that happen. 2. Another meal, the baked potatoe we asked for butter and sour cream. It came out without it and it took three times of us asking for her to bring it out. 3. We finally got her to bring the mash potatoes out, but they were cold in a bowl. 4. One of the Cesar Salads was to be dressing on the side, well that didn't happen, dressing was in it. 5. The salmon meal, although the plate was hot from being under the heating element the meal not so much. 6. While one of us was still eating our meal, she brought the check...WTF... Hey management at Red Lobster Winter Haven, what kind of service are you providing? Your server Yolanda is a poor representation of what service is and or should be. read more

I have grown up in Winter Haven and been to this Red Lobster for years. I went to dinner last night and was extremely disappointed. I sat at the bar where I usually get good service but didn't last night. I ordered salad, fried shrimp and crab legs. When my salad came I asked for the biscuits and was told they were cooking. Ok, I understand. When I finished my salad 15 minutes later, I still had no biscuits. 10 mins later my meal came. No biscuits, no cracker for crab legs and no place to put them. When I was almost finished, the bartender gave me the cracker. And I was finally given two what looked like smashed up biscuits. I finished my meal. Sat and waited 10 minutes to ask for my check. Finally the bartender brings me a full basket of biscuits. I told her I didn't need them anymore. I had finished my meal and wanted my check. I was the only one at the bar the entire time. I understand being busy and I"m usually pretty patient but I was beyond disappointed with my meal last night. I"m not sure when I will go back. read more

I'm not sure where you would like for me to retrieve the form to fill out? I have also search your website. I don't mind leaving my name and number there, although there is no reason you will need my address and email and it requires for me to provide that info to leave a comment. read more

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. I was initially hung up on while placing a to go order. I called back and successfully placed a to go order. Aproximate wait time 30 minutes. One hour later, I was still waiting at restaurant bar for food. Waitstaff said it was because biscuits weren't ready. I requested food be provided without bread, and bread was miraculously ready. Restaurant was NOT full. Bar was empty, and parking lot was empty. My food was cold, as were the biscuits I had to wait for. And the customer waiting beside me had a very similar experience. When I called management to complain, it was the voice of the first person, who had "hung up" on me. It has been a long time since we have eaten here or ordered takeout. I will never eat here again. read more

I was staying in a close by hotel and craving seafood....and CrabFest was happening too! Everything was exactly as it should and service was prompt and attentive. Bairdi Crab is hands down the finest crab. Good job! read more

Used to be my favorite restaurant . We were regular customers. However prices kept going up and now there is no early bird menu or senior menu. I honestly can find a better restaurant if I want to spend $17 for a seafood dinner. Too bad, I liked the place. read more

Their Shrimp Linguini Alfredo is the best in the area. Too much to eat for one person. Makes 2 meals for me.

We were greeted and we asked for a booth. The hostess told us there were none as we walked past four clean, empty ones. It was all down hill from there. I was served room temperature draft. The linguine was tough. The fried shrimp were tasteless as if they had been lying around under a warmer for a considerable length of time. I shall never return. I eat in Rl's all over the country and this one is the worst! read more

I made the mistake of going back to Red Lobster in Winter Haven, Fl. I've had really bad service at this place before, but the main office said they were going to retrain the staff. I thought well lets see...they had a coupon in the paper for $15 for dinner for 5 days, a different type of meal on 4 of the days. This was $15 for each day, a bargain? Well that is another story...these meals were early bird dinners. That was not printed in the coupon. At 4:30 pm my guest and I arrived and were seated and discussed what to have. A server asked what we wanted to drink and we ordered a drink. When the drink was brought they were no coasters so the glasses sweated all over the table. When the dinners arrived my was COLD and I sent it back. The wait person had a total attitude and said she didn't do it. My guest ate his dinner and I just sat there waiting for my meal. Meal came and I boxed it to take home as I was not going to make my guest wait while I ate. Bill came and I was charged 30.99 for my meal. The manager came and told me it was an early bird dinner for the coupon. I showed the coupon and the paper it was in and asked where it said that. I asked what was early bird time...was told after lunch till dinner time. It is no wonder there are not many customers at this restaurant, poor servers ( who are the face of the restaurant), poor management for not checking with person at their tables, food was not that good and took too long to be brought to the table. I told the manager that I have reviewed this place before and he would not like my next review. He then gave me my dinner free and I will never cross the door step of this restaurant again. read more

Had an amazing second trip to this restaurant. Timely, server was professional, friendly and outgoing. Food was perfect, as usual.

Love this restaurant for lunch. Food is above average and prices are reasonable. Never come for dinner, too pricey and the servings are more than I can eat, so it's a waste. Wait staff is friendly. read more

Red Lobster is my absolute favorite restaurant! I love the taste of their seafood, and another thing I like is that when you are in a different city or town, you pretty much know what you are getting and that it will taste good. I love Red Lobster!!! read more

Our group of 8 had dinner at RL last nite. We arrived at about 5pm... at 6:15, hungry and with a growing crowd, we decided to sit at the bar for a drink... and then we decided we would have dinner at the bar... we convinced our group to join us... a bar for 8... we got great service at the bar... the food came quickly and the group became happy again as the food began to arrive... their seating policy is chaotic (and many other descriptive words)... we waited a long time just to try to get a table... how about the food, you ask? It was good... had shrimp... my wife had coconut shrimp with salad and brocoli... I had Walt's Shrimp with mashed potatoes and a salad... shrimp was good, mashed were dry... salad good... and the rolls - ask for them... the coconut shrimp was spicy and I did not like it but, my wife, who ordered it, enjoyed it, but did comment that it was spicy - be warned. The drinks were pretty good. We had a well supervised apprentice bartender... she was very pleasant and also slow... but the drinks were good. Not sure when to eat here is good for getting a table on a timely basis... that's a drawback... but liked the food. read more

I am staying at the Holiday Inn and could walk to this restaurant. I waited over 1.25 hours for my simple take out order. A man came long after me, got his large order and I was still waiting. I brought this to the attention of staff and my original server came back to me stating she had been asking and was only finally told they "over cooked my scallops" and said the manager would adjust it off my bill. She then abruptly left before I could tell her I had already paid the bill or to ask her why she did not keep me informed, instead of leaving me waiting, knowing nothing. I flagged the manger down 20 minutes later, who said they "over cooked your scallops and he would take care of it" then he left abruptly before I could tell him I had prepaid the bill hoping to speed up my long, long wait time. It should be noted the building was not filled to capacity, there was a wait outside and what was apparent to me, a lack of staff. Finally, he and the server came and delivered my food (without the best part..cheese biscuits) and said, in an accusatory tone of voice, that because I had prepaid the bill, he could only give me a gift card. Not once, did he hear me out or ask if I was satisfied with his resolution. This customer service needs to be addressed, as I a very disappointed and, by the way, my scallops were the only part of my order that was warm. My soup and lobster pizza was stone cold. Apparently, they had been left waiting, along with me! read more