New England and lobster are a truly iconic duo, and the ultimate way to experience this is at a beloved lobster shack. Whether you’re looking for a quaint waterfront establishment or something a little funky and weathered, we have you covered.
Here at LobsterAnywhere, we pride ourselves on being not just your trusted source for the best Maine lobster delivery but also being in the know on all things seafood. When it comes to planning a trip to New England, visiting one of its many seafood shacks is both a right of passage and a look into a different era. These mostly seasonal establishments, many decades old, dot the New England coast from Maine to Rhode Island.
Most shacks are “no-frills” family establishments with a simple menu and almost always have long lines in peak summer months. Some shacks have become tourist destinations, and others have become tourist traps with overpriced food. Lobster and seafood shacks are symbols of summer, and a few are beacons of the past. Many of us have nostalgic childhood memories of a trip to a favorite lobster shack.
What Defines the Best Lobster Shacks
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Lobster shacks, sometimes called lobster pounds, lobster shanties, or seafood shacks, are usually no-frills, seasonal, and often cedar-shingled restaurants with a walk-up window for ordering. Forget white linen tablecloths; instead, think picnic tables and rolls of paper towels for sopping up juicy, fresh-cooked lobster.
Most lobster shacks, such as Thurston’s Lobster Pound Bar Harbor and Brown’s Seafood New Hampshire, offer a menu of the freshest seafood prepared simply. We’re talking lobster and steamer dinners, lobster rolls, and fish sandwiches. It’s all about celebrating ingredients caught that day and allowing them to shine.
These usually family-friendly spots can be both tourist destinations and hidden gems. Some offer up a budget-friendly option to enjoy the freshest seafood New England has to offer, while others, such as Ford’s Lobster can give you a more elevated dining experience sure to be the highlight of your trip.
Don’t dress up because you will most likely be eating on a pier at a picnic table. Usually, there is no indoor seating, but the views waiting for a lobster dinner can be spectacular. It is cool in Maine, so bring a sweater and enjoy the finest lobster ever. How can you resist since the freshest lobster thrives in New England waters, where it is caught and then it is cooked in a Lobster Shack and brought to your table? When the lobster is served, be prepared to crack it open on a paper plate and dine al fresco on bare wooden tables. Many of the unassuming shacks are BYOB, so don’t forget to bring a cooler.
Exploring the Regions
This guide will take you to the best lobster pounds in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Each region has its own unique specialties, from the hot buttery Connecticut-style lobster roll to the comforting Rhode Island clear broth clam chowder. Flying into Boston? Make sure to check out our guide on the best lobster rolls in Boston.
Maine Lobster Shacks
FiveIslands Lobster Company
1447 Five Islands Rd, Georgetown, ME
207-371-2990
This is “as good as lobster gets” at a Maine lobster shack on the harbor edge overlooking rocky shores and lobster boats. With a view that can’t be beaten, Five Islands serves up the freshest lobster and locally dug steamers. Don’t miss out on their somewhat famous crab cake sandwich. Seating is open on the dock.
Perry’s Lobster Shack
1076 Newbury Neck Road
Surry, ME
207-667-1955
Perry and his wife Beverly run Perry’s, a lobster shack on the side of Newbury Neck Road with stairs leading to the town beach. Perry’s menu is simple: fresh lobster, mussels, and corn on the cob. Enjoy a lobster roll on one of the three picnic tables on the pier, and be sure to order homemade ice cream sandwiches.
129 State Route 32
New Harbor, ME
Located on one of the last working fishing harbors, Shaw’s offers picturesque views. From several varieties of haddock sandwiches to classics like lobster pie and boiled Maine lobster dinners, they will satisfy all of your seafood cravings.
Lobster Shacks in Massachusetts
Rockport, MA 01966
978-546-6696
Roy Moore Lobster Company menu is a local institution founded in 1918, located on the docks of Rockport’s Bearskin Neck. It is a good lobster bargain, with smoked salmon, fishcakes, clam chowder, and lobster on the menu. Seating is in tight quarters, with crates used as seating out back.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe
357 Sesuit Neck Rd
Dennis, MA 02638
(508) 385-6134
This is on our list of shacks because it is a real deal for a scenic seafood spot located in a boat yard and marina, with Cape Cod style. They serve up some of the best lobsters in Massachusetts. Customers sit at picnic tables on the channel between Sesuit Harbor and Cape Cod Bay and observe the boats traveling in and out of the dock. This no-frills shack is cash only and BYOB
88 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA 01929-1329
Located on the Essex River, J.T. Farnham’s is famous for its whole-belly fried clams. Its Maine-style lobster rolls are lightly dressed with mayo and piled high, making them some of the best lobster the East Coast offers. This family-style shack offers both indoor and outdoor dining. It is cash only.
290 Shore Road
Bourne, MA 02532
Founded in 1969, this landmark is known for its beautiful views and variety of seafood options. Both a market and restaurant, its expansive menu includes highlights such as surf and turf burgers with lobster salad, chorizo-stuffed quahogs, and lobster Reubens. They also have classics like lobster dinners and lobster rolls.
Lobster Shacks in New Hampshire
Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar
1323 Ocean Blvd
Rye, NH 03870
603-433-1937
Petey’s is a “seafood shack” located between Hampton and Portsmouth, NH. It is across the beach from an old shipwreck with public beach access. The second-floor deck has great views and a postage-sized parking lot. Petey’s serves lobster rolls on a bulky roll. Try the baked haddock with lobster stuffing or the seafood chowder. They serve some of the best lobsters in the Portsmouth, NH, area.
Lobster Shacks in Rhode Island
2335 Main Road
Tiverton, RI 02878
(401) 624-3100
Evelyn’s Drive In has been serving fresh, local seafood since 1969. Evelyn’s is a half clam shack, half small, sit-down restaurant. Order a bowl of Rhody chowder, a couple of stuffies, and a sumptuous lobster roll, and be sure to try the delicious Lobster Chow.
The Country Chowder Shack
101 Old Hartford Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
401-934-2044
Don’t drive all the way to the beach to get some decent seafood. This Rhode Island “hidden gem” Chowder Shack may be a last chance to taste Rhode Island-style red chowder before you drive to Connecticut. Country Chowder also has white chowder, stuffies, clam cakes, and hot wieners. The Chowder Shack is open from March 19th through October 31st. You can’t see the ocean from the Country Chowder Shack, but you can taste it.
Lobster Shacks in Connecticut
Johnny Ads Drive In
910 Boston Post Rd.
Old Saybrook, CT
860-388-4032
Step back into the 1950s at Johnny Ads, where fried seafood and hot, buttery lobster rolls never go out of style. Mainers even say they make a “damn good lobster roll.” Don’t miss the great Hummel Brothers hot dogs served on buttered “square” rolls with crinkle fries. The Rhode Island clam chowder is top-notch.
Lobster Landing
152 Commerce St
Clinton, Connecticut
(860) 669-2005
If you want a real Connecticut lobster roll, this is the spot to visit. That means a roll with no mayo—hot buttered lobster on a toasted top split bun! You can bring anything you want that is not offered on the menu, including beer and wine!
145 Pearl Street Noank, CT 06340
This no-frills seafood shack serves fresh seafood with a stunning view. Known for its fried whole clams, clam strips, and lobster rolls served on a hamburger bun, this spot has something for everyone. It’s BYOB, but unlike many clam shacks, it accepts credit cards.
15 Riverview Ave, Noank, CT 06340
Right down the road from Costello’s, Ford’s offers a slightly more upscale dining experience with a focus on sustainability. Their wide-ranging menu has something for everyone, with a variety of lobster sandwiches, from their famed lobster bomb to lobster rolls and a lobster avocado grilled cheese.
Practical Travel Tips
Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a lobster shack near me, so there are some things to plan ahead for before making the trip.
- Know when to go. Most lobster, seafood, and clam shacks are only open May through October, with each individual shack having varied dates. This is due to optimal weather.
- Call ahead. Not only should you call ahead to make sure that the establishment is open, but you should also check to see if it is cash only or accepts credit cards.
- Check the weather. Many lobster shacks only have outdoor seating.
- Love traveling and dining out with your furry friend? You’re in luck. Many lobster shacks are dog-friendly. Make sure to check with each individual location.
- Seafood shacks are naturally family-friendly environments, with kid-friendly options on the menu; however, some may not offer items like high chairs.
- Don’t be afraid to ask a local. Some clam shacks are more tourist destinations, while others are still working lobster pounds and will give you a true taste of New England. Don’t be afraid to ask a local for their favorites and recommendations.
Lobster Shacks – Experience Beyond Food
From Maine lobster shacks to the best lobster place in New Hampshire, the lobster shack experience is truly that; it’s more than just enjoying the freshest seafood New England has to offer. Almost all lobster shacks are located on the water. From the best lobster pounds in Maine to the best lobster place in Rhode Island, you can expect stunning views.
Many seafood shacks are either lobster pounds, where live lobsters are sold, or located on working marinas. Not only does this ensure the freshest of seafood and a true sea-to-table experience, but it also gives you a taste of New England life and the work that goes into bringing the best lobster on the East Coast to your plate.
Sustainability in Seafood
When you dine at lobster shacks across New England, you are not only helping to support local fishermen, but you are also supporting a sustainable resource. The lobster fishery in the US is highly regulated. Lobster traps are designed to be a specific size, allowing young, small juvenile lobsters to escape.
All lobsters with a carapace under 3 1/4″ or over 5″ are set free. A notch is put in the tail of egg-bearing female lobsters before they are returned to the sea. This helps ensure the continued life cycle of lobster. The quota of lobster fishermen is also carefully regulated. This helps maintain the number of lobsters and prevents them from being overfished.
A Lobster Shack Experience at Home
Can’t get to the best Maine lobster shack this summer? Give LobsterAnywhere a try. You do not need a GPS for directions, bug spray, or gas money for a road trip. Finding the best lobster near me is as easy as pointing and clicking. LobsterAnywhere has been shipping Maine lobster and fresh seafood gifts since 1999. Order lobster and select your delivery date at online checkout.
Whether you want to create your own lobster bake at home with live lobsters, or grill up a feast of jumbo lobster tails, we have you covered. Your hardshell, Maine Grade A lobster arrives on your doorstep within 24 hours. We even have you covered with cooking guides from how to steam lobster to how to broil lobster, and everything in between.
What’s the best lobster shack on your list? Feel free to send us a picture of your favorite Lobster Shack that you would recommend to a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit New England for seafood?
The seafood is delicious year-round. Lobster shacks, however, are usually only open May through October, and the dates vary by location. Always make sure to call ahead.
How do you choose a good lobster shack?
Different states will have different specialties. Maine and Massachusetts are heavy on lobster rolls, dinners, and dishes like lobster pie and lazy lobster. Rhode Island is famous for its clear clam chowder and calamari, so star. Ask a local. They will steer you to dependable favorites. Also, turn to trusted sources like LobsterAnywhere.
Are New England seafood shacks family-friendly?
Seafood shacks are extremely casual and laid-back, creating a family-friendly environment. Do keep in mind the weather, as many offer outdoor seating with only limited indoor seating.
What are other names for lobster shacks?
Depending on the location, a lobster shack can be called a clam shack, lobster pound, or seafood shack.