Maine Lobster vs. Rock Lobster
| Maine lobster | Rock lobster | |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | American lobster | Spiny lobster |
| Water | Cold North Atlantic | Warmer waters |
| Claws | Yes, large claws with sweet meat | No claws; the meat is all in the tail |
| Texture | Tender and sweet | Firmer, slightly chewier |
| On this menu | Whole Steamed Maine Lobster (1.25 lb) | Grilled Rock Lobster Tail Dinner |
A whole Maine lobster means shell cracking and claw meat; a rock lobster tail is all tail meat and easier to eat. If you want both, the Lobster Lover's Duo puts one of each on the plate.
Snow Crab, King Crab and Bairdi
Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is the everyday crab at Red Lobster: long, thin legs with sweet, flaky meat, served steamed and pre-cracked with drawn butter. Bairdi crab is a larger cousin that appears during Crabfest at a higher price. King crab legs are thicker and meatier again, and when they are offered they are typically priced well above snow crab. The Snow Crab Leg Cluster is the standing option.
On Tuesdays, the snow crab legs daily deal is $24.99 at participating locations, which is the cheapest way to order crab. See our daily deals guide.
Why Lobster and Crab Are Lighter Than You Think
Plain steamed shellfish is lean. The whole Maine lobster is 440 calories and the snow crab cluster is 610, lower than most fried or pasta entrees. The calories come from the drawn butter: dip lightly, or ask for lemon, and these are among the lightest dinners on the menu.
Calories at a Glance
The lightest item here is the Whole Steamed Maine Lobster (1.25 lb) at 440 calories, and the heaviest is the Crab & Linguini Alfredo at 980. The average across the section is 732 calories. Sides, sauces and Cheddar Bay Biscuits (about 160 calories each) are extra. See the Red Lobster nutrition guide for allergens and lighter swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a lobster tail at Red Lobster?
The Grilled Rock Lobster Tail Dinner is $36.99. A whole 1.25 lb Maine lobster is $34.99. Prices vary by location and market price.
How much are crab legs at Red Lobster?
The Snow Crab Leg Cluster is $32.99. On Tuesdays, the snow crab daily deal is $24.99 at participating locations.
Is the lobster at Red Lobster real lobster?
Yes. The menu uses whole Maine lobster, Maine lobster tails and rock lobster tails, and the Lobster & Langostino dishes add langostino, a smaller lobster-like crustacean.
What is the difference between Maine and rock lobster?
Maine lobster has large claws and sweeter, tender meat. Rock lobster has no claws, so all the meat is in a firmer tail.
What is the cheapest lobster dish at Red Lobster?
Within this section, prices start at $21.49. For lobster flavor on a budget, the Lobster Bisque cup or the Lobster & Langostino Flatbread cost far less.
Related Guides
- Red Lobster Lobsterfest: Menu, Prices, Dates and 2027 Outlook
- Red Lobster Crabfest 2026: Menu, Prices and Boil Flavors
- What Are the $15 Specials at Red Lobster? Daily Deals 2026
More Red Lobster Menu Categories
- Starters & Appetizers
- Soups & Sides
- Shrimp Favorites
- Seafood Boils
- Signature Feasts
- Fish, Chicken & Steak
- Land & Sea
- Pasta
- Bowls & Sandwiches
- Lunch Menu
- Dinner Menu
- Hot Platters
- Family Meals & Platters
- Kids
- Biscuits & Extras
- Desserts & Beverages
Full Red Lobster menu with prices · A to Z item list
Red Lobster Menu Deals is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Red Lobster. Prices and calories are typical US figures and vary by location.