If you’ve driven down the Scranton-Carbondale Highway lately, you probably noticed the familiar red neon glowing against the NEPA sky. It’s still there. Despite the headlines about bankruptcy filings, liquidations, and those "Endless Shrimp" disasters that almost sank the entire ship, the Red Lobster in Dickson City remains standing.
Honestly, for a while there, it felt like we were watching the end of an era. Everyone in Lackawanna County has a story about this place. Whether it’s a high school prom dinner, a weirdly formal birthday for a seven-year-old, or just that specific craving for those biscuits that you can't quite replicate at home. Seeing it on the "safe" list after the 2024 restructuring was a relief for local seafood fans.
What’s Actually Different at the Dickson City Location?
Walking into the Dickson City spot today feels a bit like stepping back into 2019, but with a few modern tweaks that suggest the new management is trying. Hard. The new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, who used to run P.F. Chang’s, has been vocal about "fixing" the vibe. You’ll notice the lighting is a bit more intentional, and the menu isn't just a laminated book of regrets anymore.
One thing most people get wrong is thinking the quality dropped because of the financial drama. In reality, the Red Lobster in Dickson City has maintained a surprisingly high local rating compared to some of the Philly or Jersey locations. The staff here—many of whom have been around for years—seem to have a "we survived" chip on their shoulder. It makes for better service.
The Biscuit Situation
Let's be real. You aren't here for the kale. You are here for the Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
🔗 Read more: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
They are still free. They are still bottomless. And they are still the best thing on the table. There was a rumor floating around Facebook that they were going to start charging for them to recoup bankruptcy losses. Total myth. The day Red Lobster charges for biscuits is the day the world actually ends.
Navigating the Menu Without Breaking the Bank
Look, eating out in 2026 isn't cheap. A "Ultimate Feast" will set you back more than it did a few years ago. But if you're smart about the Red Lobster in Dickson City menu, you can still get out of there without a second mortgage.
- Daily Deals are the secret weapon. Mondays offer the Lobster and Shrimp Scampi for under $20. It's the best value on the board.
- The "Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp" is a newer addition. It basically bundles Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, and Popcorn Shrimp. It’s a carb-heavy gut punch, but it’s effective.
- Hush Puppies are back. They vanished for a bit, but they’ve returned to the side dish lineup.
The Salmon New Orleans is a sleeper hit. Most people go for the fried platters, but the blackened salmon topped with shrimp in a Cajun butter sauce is actually... surprisingly sophisticated? It’s not "five-star bistro" sophisticated, but for a chain in a shopping center, it hits.
The Reality of the "Endless Shrimp" Hangover
We have to talk about the shrimp. The 2023-2024 Endless Shrimp debacle is legendary in the business world. It was a "permanent" fixture that lost the company millions because, well, people can eat a terrifying amount of shrimp when challenged.
💡 You might also like: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
At the Red Lobster in Dickson City, they still offer shrimp deals, but they’ve tightened the belt. You might see "Shrimp Your Way" where you pick three different styles. It’s plenty of food. You don't need to eat 40 scampis to feel like you won.
Logistics: Getting a Table at 1502 Scranton Carbondale Hwy
The address is technically 1502 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508, but we all know it’s Dickson City. It’s tucked right into that busy commercial vein near the Viewmont Mall.
Pro tip: Don’t just show up at 6:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to walk in. Use the "Check-In" feature on their website. It’s not exactly a reservation, but it puts your name on the list before you even leave your house in Dunmore or Throop.
The hours are pretty standard:
📖 Related: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
- Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
If you go during the weekday "Power Lunch" window, it’s actually a great spot for a business meeting. It’s quiet, the Wi-Fi usually works, and nobody is going to judge you for having a lobster roll at 1:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Why This Specific Spot Still Matters
There’s a lot of competition in the Scranton area. You’ve got local staples and newer upscale spots. But Red Lobster in Dickson City occupies a very specific niche. It’s the "safe" choice.
You know exactly what the interior smells like before you open the door. You know the butter is going to be salty. You know the water in the lobster tank is going to look a little murky (that’s just how it is). There is a comfort in that consistency. In a world where everything is changing, there’s something nice about a place where you can still get a Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp that tastes exactly like it did in 2005.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head over, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Download the My Red Lobster Rewards app. Seriously. They give you free points just for signing up, and they send "mystery" coupons that actually save you a few bucks.
- Check the "Today's Catch" board. Even though it’s a chain, the Dickson City location often has a rotating fresh fish option that isn't on the main glossy menu.
- Skip the cocktails. They’ve tried to revamp the bar, but the prices are steep for what you get. Stick to the iced tea and save that money for an extra side of creamy lobster mashed potatoes.
- Ask for "Light Butter" on the scampi. Unless you want to drink a cup of garlic oil. Your heart will thank you.
The Red Lobster in Dickson City isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It survived the financial storm, and as long as people in NEPA still love melted butter and biscuits, it’ll probably be there for another twenty years.