Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to go get your hands on a fresh and hearty lobster roll. Fulfill your crustacean cravings with the 30 best lobster rolls across the United States!
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Best Classic Lobster Roll: Five Islands Lobster Co. (Georgetown, Maine)
It would be a sin not to start this list in the lobster capital of the world: Maine. Located on an active fishing wharf, Five Islands Lobster Co. only serves lobsters that are fresh from the sea. You eat them on a toasted bun with just a little bit of mayo, lettuce, and a side of chips. Combined with the magnificent harbor views, it’s sure to be an unforgettable lobster roll experience. F
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Best Hot Lobster Roll: James Hook & Co. (Boston, Massachusetts)
James Hook and Company was founded by the Hook family in 1925. It’s still a family-run business to this day, and they make some of the best lobster rolls New England has to offer. They’re fresh, generous, and drizzled with hot, buttery goodness — basically, as Bostonians would say, they’re wicked good.
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Best Gigantic Lobster Roll: Lunch / The Lobster Roll (Amagansett, New York)
When it comes to satisfying seafood grub, this epic spot is not to be missed. The Lobster Roll Restaurant, also known as Lunch, is a roadside shack with a nostalgic feel. Our advice: give their hot lobster roll a try. It’s a monstrous sandwich you put together yourself with the toasted split-top bun on the side, homemade coleslaw and a hefty serving of knuckle meat served in steaming butter. Add the fries for a couple extra bucks, and you’ll be on cloud nine.
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Best Innovative Lobster Roll: Hinoki And The Bird (Los Angeles, California)
Leave it to California to completely reinvent the lobster roll! Hinoki and the Bird’s rendition features citrusy lobster meat with green curry and Thai basil served on a tasty charcoal bun. It’s far from traditional, but undeniably tasty! One thing’s for sure: you won’t find a lobster roll like this anywhere else.
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Best Lobster Salad Roll: Brick Alley Pub (Newport, Rhode Island)
A huge pile of lobster salad doused with mayo and some of Brick Alley Pub‘s secret sauce, it’s no secret as to why this Newport staple made our list. But if you’re feeling really indulgent, try their Lobster Reuben — a heavenly combination of lobster meat, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
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Best Food Truck Lobster Roll: Happy Lobster Truck (Chicago, Illinois)
The Midwest might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of lobster rolls, but don’t write it off just yet. The Happy Lobster Truck has officially brought quality seafood to the Windy City. If you’re feeling daring, try their Angry Lobster Roll: it’s everything you love about the Maine tradition, topped with giardiniera and spicy mayo and served on a burger-style bun.
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Best Meat Variety Lobster Roll: Thames Street Oyster House (Baltimore, Maryland)
Baltimore may be known for its crabs, but that’s not to say you can’t find a mean lobster roll in the city! The waterfront Thames Street Oyster House serves up traditional Maryland, Mid-Atlantic and New England fare, using top-notch seafood. They serve their hot lobster sandwich of butter-poached tail, claw and knuckle meat on buttery bread with drawn butter on the side (because you can never have too much butter).
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Best Connecticut-Style Hot Lobster Roll: Abbott’s Lobster In The Rough (Noank, Connecticut)
You’ll find more buttery lobster bliss at Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough, a seafood shack located on the Mystic River in Noank, Connecticut. Their hot lobster roll comes in not one, not two but three portion sizes, including the “famous” (1/4 lb) the “OMG” (1/2 lb) and the “LOL” (1 full lb). Regardless which one you order, come hungry! Also, be aware that the original “famous hot lobster roll” size comes served on a toasted hamburger bun, while the others are served on the traditional toasted rolls.
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Best Lobster Roll Down South: Garbo’s (Austin, Texas)
Before Garbo’s food trucks hit town, affordable, quality lobster rolls were hard to find in the state of Texas. The great news is that you don’t have to choose which version you’re in the mood for! Garbo’s serves both Maine- and Connecticut-style rolls — but with an Austin twist. While their food trucks are still operating, now you can also visit their new brick-and-mortar location and enjoy one of those succulent sandwiches on the fantastic patio.
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Best Modern Lobster Rolls: Red Hook Lobster Pound (New York, New York)
Who knew that New England-style lobster rolls could be one of Brooklyn’s finest? Red Hook Lobster Pound serves up the usual suspects but with some exciting renditions like the BLT Lobster Roll (with smoked bacon and chipotle mayo), the Fried Lobster Roll (fried lobster in a lobster caramel sauce and kewpie mayo) and the Tuscan Lobster Roll (tossed in a basil vinaigrette).
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Best No-Frills Lobster Roll: Pete’s Seafood & Sandwich
If you’re craving a New England-style lobster roll in Cali, skip the overhyped chain restaurants, and head to Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich, a no-frills seafood spot in a quieter neighborhood of San Diego. The owner, Pete, is from Massachusetts and has been in the seafood business for more than 30 years and imports many of his ingredients directly from the East Coast. His Maine lobster roll is a must, piled high with juicy lobster meat and a touch of mayo.
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Best Casual Lobster Roll: The Clam Shack (Kennebunk, Maine)
Founded in 1968 right on the Kennebunk River, The Clam Shack is now world-famous. People line up for hours just to get a taste of their phenomenal lobster roll, which includes meat from a freshly cracked one-pound lobster zipped into a delicious, locally baked bun. Add to that its quaint waterfront views, and you’ve got everything you need in a Maine lobster roll experience. They only do take-away, but there are plenty of benches, picnic tables and lobster crates to grab a seat and chow down outdoors.
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Best Lobster Roll with a View: The Bayside Restaurant (Westport, Massachusetts)
The Bayside Restaurant cooks up some of freshest lobster rolls in Massachusetts! Voted by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the best in America, their Famous Lobster Roll is served on a grilled bun with your choice of butter or mayo. Our tip: try ordering them with a side of crispy eggplant fries for the full Bayside experience. With a stunning view across the Massachusetts Audubon’s Pond Sanctuary, Buzzard’s Bay and the Elizabeth Islands, it’s certainly a picturesque meal to remember.
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Best Deep South Lobster Roll: 167 Raw (Charleston, South Carolina)
The lobster roll at Charleston’s 167 Raw is seriously one of the Deep South’s hidden gems. The chunks of meat are lightly dressed in an aioli sauce, seasoned with chives, and tucked into a fluffy split-top bun. Of course, if you happen to be in Nantucket, go and pay and a visit to the 167 Raw Food Truck for the full New England lobster roll experience. It’s pricy but worth it.
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Best Circular Lobster Roll: BeetleCat (Atlanta, Georgia)
Visitors and locals alike rave about the lobster rolls, fresh seafood and excellent service at BeetleCat in Atlanta, Georgia. The generous sandwich is served on a freshly toasted buttered roll and piled high with lobster meat and a housemade aioli sauce. In 2018, it was the winner of the Down East Lobster Roll World Championship, so yes, the hype is real. Snag a table on one of the restaurant’s two patios for a great outdoor ambiance to enjoy your meal.
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Best Variety Lobster Roll: Bite Into Maine (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)
Home to one of Maine’s most famous lobster rolls, the original Bite into Maine food truck can be found parked next to the iconic Portland Head lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth. Aside from their classic (and legendary) Maine-style roll, their extensive menu offers five other types of signature rolls, including wasabi, curry, chipotle (note: it’s smoky but not too spicy), picnic-style and Connecticut-style. It’s simply a must if you’re in the area but also worth driving a distance to enjoy.
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Best Jersey Shore Lobster Roll: Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant (Point Pleasant, New Jersey)
Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant serves some of the freshest fish along the Jersey Shore. The lobster roll is made with an overflowing portion of lobster salad on top of a baked bun, accompanied by creamy coleslaw and french fries on the side. Fresh, generous and seriously satisfying, it’s made with the best of what the Atlantic has to offer.
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Best Cape Cod Lobster Roll: The Lobster Pot (Provincetown, Massachusetts)
Located in the summer capital of Cape Cod, The Lobster Pot makes sure that its seafood delivers. Here, you can enjoy the delicious Lobster Salad Roll — made from tender tail, claw, and knuckle meat — with a magnificent view of the P-Town harbor. If you’re in the mood for a hot sandwich, go for the ultra comforting lobster grilled cheese or the lobster reuben, if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Best Everyday Lobster Roll: Bar Harbor (Seattle, Washington)
At Bar Harbor in Seattle, you can get your lobster roll three ways: Maine-style (cold with mayonnaise), Connecticut-style (warmed in butter), or classic New England-style (cold with mayonnaise, celery and chives). The meat is cracked Maine knuckle and claw lobster and utterly delicious, though some customers have mentioned that the portion size could be bigger. But if that’s the case, then at least you’ll have room for a cup of New England clam chowder!
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Best “Worth the Wait” Lobster Roll: Neptune Oyster Bar (Boston, Massachusetts)
You’ll be lucky if you get a chance to eat at the insanely popular Neptune Oyster Bar, located in Beantown’s historical North End neighborhood. Its lobster roll is among the best in the city, and you can order it either hot with butter or cold with mayo. Either way, it’s filling, meaty, and served on a wonderfully toasted brioche bun. Just make sure you get there early, or be prepared to wait!
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Best Long-Distance Lobster Roll: Freshies Lobster Co. (Park City, Utah)
Utah might not be the first place you think of to get a great lobster roll, but when it’s made with fresh East Coast ingredients and 24-hours-old Maine lobster, any skepticism immediately fades away. At Freshies Lobster Co. in Park City (with other locations in Salt Lake City and Jackson, Wyoming), dig into a fluffy New England hot dog bun filled with juicy Maine lobster, smothered in hot butter and mayo and flavored with a “secret” housemade seasoning that takes things to another level.
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From its humble food truck-in-a-parking-lot origins to its multiple brick-and-mortar locations today, the Smack Shack earned nationwide attention when it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Now it’s one of the most popular coastal seafood eateries in the Midwest, thanks in large part to its signature roll, featuring chilled lobster with lemon aioli, tarragon and cucumber, served atop toasted milk bread. If you prefer your lobster hot, you can always opt for the Connecticut roll, with warm lobster dressed in butter, lemon and chives on a warm split-top bun.
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Best Fresh Lobster Roll: Champlin’s Seafood (Narragansett, Rhode Island)
One of Rhode Island’s iconic food spots, Champlin’s has been around for decades and is known for serving high-quality seafood with unparalleled views from the fishing port of Galilee. The meat comes from fresh, locally caught lobsters and includes equal parts claw and tail meat in a citrusy mayo sauce. Tucked into a buttered hot dog roll with lettuce, it’s literally a “fresh-off-the-boat” eating experience.
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Best Southeastern Lobster Roll: DJ’s Clam Shack (Key West, Florida)
As its slogan implies, northern and southern seafood meet at DJ’s Clam Shack in the breathtaking Florida Keys. The popular spot, also featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, is where you’ll find locals and tourists alike raving over its phenomenal “overstuffed” lobster rolls. Filled to the brim with mouthwatering chunks of lobster meat and served on a crunchy toasted bun, you’ll want to savor every bite—just make sure to save some room for the signature conch fritters!
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Best Sustainable Lobster Roll: Luke’s Lobster (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
At Luke’s Lobster in Philly, it’s all about serving up fresh, sustainable seafood from trusted fishermen along the Northeastern and Canadian coast. The owners even established their own seafood company, in order to provide the highest quality, traceable products to all their locations. Their lobster roll is easily one of the best in town, with no fillers and served chilled in a buttery, toasted bun with tangy lemon butter, mayonnaise and the house seasoning.
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Best Seafood Shack Lobster Roll: Lobster Landing (Clinton, Connecticut)
It’s hard to be unsatisfied when you visit this hidden gem in Clinton, Connecticut, offering a sizeable, hot, super buttery lobster roll with pleasant views of the harbor. The Lobster Landing shack is more than a hundred years old and has retained its small-town, old-school charm. Get a cup of New England clam chowder to go with your roll, and you’ll be sitting (or snoring?) blissfully the rest of the day.
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Best West Coast Lobster Roll: Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market (Truckee, California)
Morgan’s Lobster Shake and Fish Market brings East Coast specialties to Lake Tahoe — adding, of course, a West Coast twist. Order a classic lobster roll with thick hunks of butter-soaked lobster meat and a touch of mayo and a squeez of lemon, or top it off with avocado and Sriracha (the true California-style!). The owners get fresh Maine seafood flown in six days a week and keep it authentic with East coast frilled split buns. What more do you need?
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Best Nontraditional Lobster Roll: Eventide Oyster Co (Portland, Maine)
Even though Eventide Oyster Co. is a popular, can’t-miss Maine restaurant, its lobster rolls are far from traditional. They’re served on a steamed Chinese-style bun, filled with meaty lobster chunks and smothered with a delicious brown butter sauce. Unlike most of the rolls on this list, they’re on the smaller side—so if you’re really hungry, go on and order two! With picnic tables available on the patio, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy as the weather heats up.
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Best Pub-Style Lobster Roll – Growlers Pourhouse (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Craft beer and lobster rolls pair beautifully at Growlers Pourhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you get some seafood cravings while in the Southeastern US, you can find the good stuff if you know where to seek it out. Here, the Maine lobster roll is flavored with fresh tarragon and parsley mayo, then tucked into a buttered roll. It might not be totally authentic, but it will certainly hit the spot!
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Best Maine Lobster Roll: McLoons Lobster Shack (South Thomaston, Maine)
Last, but certainly not least, the best lobster roll in Maine is a little off the beaten path but totally worth the trip. The tiny red “lobstah shack” churns out rolls filled with gut-busting portions of succulent, tender tail and claw meat with your choice of butter or mayonnaise (or 50/50). As is the traditional way, it’s served on a grilled roll with coleslaw, chips and a pickle. With island views out over the wharf (where the seafood is directly delivered), it’s a Maine lobster roll experience you won’t soon forget.
