How to get Red Lobster's best dishes locally — if it goes out of business

It's a bad week for Red Lobster lovers, as the nautical restaurant chain has recently filed for bankruptcy.

Following its owners (a private-equity firm called Golden Gate Capital) selling off its real estate assets, an "all-you-can-eat shrimp" promo bleeding the company dry and a rotating cycle of CEOs putting a wrench in management stability, the seafood-centric franchise declared it was officially broke.

And, although statements from the company say it will "not be going out of business," we all know what happened when Boston Market did something similar.

So, as Red Lobster closes locations left and right — auctioning off their equipment for one final shot at staying afloat — we prepare for the worst, assuming our beloved chain will one day cease to serve us cheddar bay biscuits.

Here's a local guide, therefore, to how you can continue to eat Red Lobster's best dishes if (or when) the ill-fated company cracks its final shell.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

By far the most iconic dish at Red Lobster, the Cheddar Bay Biscuits might be the easiest menu item to get outside of the restaurant — because the company sells a box-mix version in most grocery stores.

Featuring the exact same recipe as the famed in-house biscuits, the kit allows families to recreate the cheesy staple at home.

(Should the retail product leg of the company also disappear amongst the turmoil, though, we recommend trying the Lobster Biscuits at Sirenetta in Hoboken).

Go: Target, Walmart or ShopRite for the box mix. For Sirenetta's Lobster Biscuits: 1039 Washington St., Hoboken; sirenettahoboken.com.

Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp

The Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp at Red Lobster are better than most coconut shrimp, as they're exceptionally crispy and boast a flat shape that allows for a higher breading-to-shrimp ratio than competing products. Long shreds of coconut also give each piece a nice sweetness.

Bahama Breeze's coconut shrimp share all of those assets, however, so we'd argue the two are interchangeable.

Go: Bahama Breeze has multiple North Jersey locations, including Paramus and Wayne; bahamabreeze.com.

Lobster (and shrimp) Lover's Dream

Seasoned lobster tails, loads of shrimp and creamy alfredo pasta; there's nothing like the Lobster Lover's Dream — or is there?

Turns out, Neighborhood Favorites (a fast-casual comfort food restaurant in Newark) serves a nearly identical dish to the classic Red Lobster entrée.

Called the Lobster and Shrimp Alfredo, it similarly features shell-on lobster, shell-off shrimp and a rich, decadent sauce over pasta. You can even order a side of broccoli, for an exact replica.

Go: Neighborhood Favorites, 283 Clinton Ave. in Newark; 862-900-8511, neighborhoodfavorites.com.

Admiral's Feast

With fried fish, clams and more, the Admiral's Feast at Red Lobster and the Seafood Combo Platter at Chili Willie's are practically the same thing.

But, at Chili Willie's? The fish is crispier, the shrimp are greasier (in a good way) and the clams nearly melt in your mouth.

Even if Red Lobster doesn't go out of business, we still recommend getting this dish at Chili Willie's instead.

Go: 702 Main St., Boonton; 973-299-8775, chiliwilliesrestaurant.com.

Lobster Bisque

Years ago, many chain restaurants shared their recipes online so that fans could recreate their favorite dishes at home.

The web team behind Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes has a database of those recipes, including one from 2004 that details how to make Red Lobster's delicious Lobster Bisque.

So, for this one? You don't even need to leave the house.

Check out the recipe here:secretcopycatrestaurantrecipes.com/red-lobster-lobster-bisque-recipe.

Bar Harbor Lobster Bake

The Bar Harbor Lobster Bake at Red Lobster versus the Linguine in Garlic Sauce at Jack's Surf & Turf is another example of a local restaurant making the same dish as Red Lobster, but better.

Though both dishes feature shrimp, mussels and lobster over garlicky linguine, the noodles used in Jack's version are homemade, and the lobster meat is notably more tender.

Go: Two locations, Montclair and Short Hills; jacksurfturf.com.

Live Maine Lobster

For a whole Maine lobster, you don't need to go to a restaurant (and it'll be a lot cheaper if you don't).

Simply head to your local ShopRite and ask the fish department for one. They'll even steam it for you — at no additional cost.

Go: ShopRite is literally everywhere; shoprite.com.

Brownie Overboard

Move over Cheddar Bay Biscuits — if Red Lobster goes under? This is the dish we're truly going to miss.

We won't cry for long, though, because we know we can just head to The Cheesecake Factory and indulge in the Godiva Chocolate Brownie Sundae instead. Just like the Brownie Overboard, the decadent treat showcases three gooey brownie wedges under vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and melty fudge.

We'll have to remember to order it with caramel sauce, though, because it isn't included automatically.

(And, while we're at it? We're totally going to ask for some crushed Reese's cups, too).

Go: Various North Jersey locations; thecheesecakefactory.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to get the best Red Lobster dishes when it goes out of business