Man Says He Still Finished His Orlando’s Red Lobster Plate Despite Everything. Then Explains Why He Had To Use a 20% off Coupon
“I do not recommend.”
A TikTok food reviewer just called out an Orlando Red Lobster for serving what he claims is the worst seafood boil he’s ever had, and the internet is eating it up. The video, posted by @thesamplekingeats, has already racked up hundreds of thousands of views and tens of thousands of likes. It’s a brutal takedown of the International Drive location, complete with soggy corn, rubbery lobster, and a side of rude service. But here’s the kicker, he still finished the whole plate.
Then he explained why he had to use a 20% off coupon to justify the $47 price tag. The review starts with a warning. “This was the worst seafood boil that I have ever had,” he says, holding up his phone to show the Red Lobster sign. “I do not recommend.” Right off the bat, you can tell this isn’t going to be a glowing endorsement.
Things take a turn before he even gets to the food. A staff member approaches him while he’s filming and says, “Is that a video you’re doing? Yes, ma’am. I don’t wanna be a part of it, so please.” The reviewer brushes it off. But the damage is done. The vibe is already off, and it only gets worse from there.
Customer service, or the lack of it, is a recurring theme throughout the video
The reviewer notes that the staff member who asked him to stop filming was rude, and that’s not the only issue. “On top of her being rude, she only gave us three pieces of bread,” he says. “Luckily that was the only thing good.” He then spotted pieces of food on his glass of water and immediately asked for a plastic cup instead. “I promise I’m not here to look for any problems or any issues,” he says. “We came here with good vibes, good energy, and were hoping to get the same thing back.”
The seafood boil itself was a disaster. “For the price of this seafood bowl, I was expecting more for the portion,” he says. The crab legs were dry and barely had any meat inside, earning a 4.3 out of 10. The corn was soggy, like it was sitting in water for too long, and got a 1.2 out of 10. The shrimp was the only bright spot, but even that had a “funny look” to it and scored a 5.1.
“Some parts of the potato were hard and soft, like it was half cooked,” he explains. But the real crime was the lobster tail. “Don’t let me get started with the lobster tail,” he warns. “It was chewy and rubbery. Zero out of 10.” He holds it up to the camera, and it’s clear this is not the buttery, tender lobster you’d expect from a seafood chain.
Despite all this, he finished the entire plate
“Surprisingly, I finished the plate,” he says. But here’s where the coupon comes in. “Had to use 20% off cause who’s paying that? Oh, it’s you.” The implication is clear, no one should be paying full price for a bad meal. He even points out the lack of customers in the restaurant, suggesting that word might already be out about this location.
“I could see why it didn’t have that many customers, but it has so much potential to do better, man,” he says. “I don’t recommend anyone to try this location. Red Lobster, let’s fix this ASAP.”
The video is a masterclass in no-nonsense food reviewing. @thesamplekingeats doesn’t sugarcoat his opinions, but he also doesn’t come across as overly dramatic. His tone is calm, almost resigned, like he’s disappointed but not surprised. It’s this delivery that seems to resonate with viewers.
The comments are flooded with people agreeing with his assessment. “Red Lobster has gone downhill,” one user writes. Others share their own horror stories about the chain, turning the video into a broader conversation about declining quality at casual dining spots.
But not everyone agreed
Some commenters defended Red Lobster, arguing that this is just one bad location. Others accuse the reviewer of being too harsh or even seeking clout. It’s a mixed bag, but the engagement is undeniable. The video taps into a larger frustration among diners. With inflation driving up prices and labor issues affecting service, people are more critical than ever of their dining experiences.
Red Lobster, for its part, has had a rough go of it lately. The chain filed for bankruptcy in 2024, partly blaming its viral “Endless Shrimp” promotion for hurting profitability. It’s been a tough road, but the company has been working to rebound with new menu items and promotions like Crabfest. Still, reviews remain mixed, especially at tourist-heavy locations like the one on International Drive. This video is just the latest in a string of critiques, but it’s one that’s resonating with a lot of people.
Interestingly, Red Lobster didn’t just ignore the criticism
The chain responded by sending @thesamplekingeats a $50 gift card and inviting him for another meal. In a follow-up video, he details a much better experience, though at a different location. The food was hot and fresh, and the staff even gave him a bag for the bread. It’s a stark contrast to his first visit, and it shows that not all Red Lobster locations are created equal.
The whole saga highlights the challenges facing casual dining chains right now. Red Lobster was once a seafood staple, but it’s fighting to stay relevant in a world where diners demand better value and quality. Social media has amplified every bad meal, making it harder for chains to hide their missteps.
For @thesamplekingeats, this video is just another day at the office. He’s known for his honest, straightforward evaluations of chain restaurants and fast food. His no-nonsense style has built a loyal following among diners who appreciate real opinions over polished marketing.
(Featured images: @thesamplekingeats on TikTok)
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