History of the Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are a special summer sandwich. Native to New England clam shacks and roadside stands, it’s the coastal brother of the popular hot dog. The history of the lobster roll and its origins reveal how a simple fisherman’s meal became New England’s most iconic sandwich. Fresh lobster meat on buttered bread evolved from practical coastal fare into a New England cultural symbol that sparks fierce regional pride.

Discover the surprising origins of New England’s most iconic sandwich. Learn more about the history and who invented the lobster roll.

Traditionally, the best Lobster Rolls have been found in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and in seaside hotspots like the Cape Cod peninsula. But did you know you can make this sandwich at home with a little know-how and a few simple ingredients?

How to make lobster rolls, you ask? It’s easier than you think. Check out our Maine lobster roll kits containing classic split top rolls and pounds of sweet tail, knuckle, and claw meat. Lobster rolls taste better when they are made at home.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur cook or a professional chef; anyone can construct a good roll. See our tips for making both hot buttered and traditional lobster rolls at home. Read on to find out why America loves this succulent seafood sandwich, from fast food joints to swanky restaurants.

The History of the Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are native to New England’s six states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). They can also be traced to the Canadian Maritimes, specifically New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Today, lobster rolls are served from the hatches of food trucks, in award-winning restaurants, and out of seafood shacks along the oceanfront. America may have claimed this crustacean sandwich, but the lobster roll is proudly an East Coast dish.

A Lobster Roll Timeline: From Shore Staple to National Icon

Here’s a look at how the humble lobster became a culinary icon, evolving into the beloved lobster roll we know today:

• 17th-18th Centuries: In New England, lobsters were so abundant that they were often considered food for the poor, used as fertilizer, or fed to servants and prisoners.
• 1829: The very first cold lobster salad recipe was published, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the Maine-style lobster roll.
• Mid-19th Century: Thanks to improvements in railway transportation, lobster began to gain popularity beyond coastal areas. Cold lobster salad recipes spread further afield.
• Late 19th Century: As outdoor clambakes grew in popularity, so did the demand for portable lobster sandwiches.
• Early 20th Century: Lobster meat found its way into buns, becoming a convenient and satisfying meal for fishermen.
• 1929: The hot lobster roll made its debut, with Perry’s Restaurant in Milford, Connecticut, widely credited for its creation.
• 1950s: During the post-war tourism boom, the cold, mayonnaise-based Maine-style roll truly hit its stride and grew in popularity.
• 1970s: Lobster rolls officially entered mainstream food culture. Roadside stands, such as the famous Red’s Eats, significantly enhanced their appeal.
• 1996-1997: Pearl Oyster Bar brought the Maine-style roll to New York City, igniting a national phenomenon dubbed the “lobster roll gold rush.”
• 2006: The lobster roll received a significant nod from the culinary world when Bon Appétit named it “dish of the year.“
• Present Day: Today, lobster rolls are ubiquitous across the U.S., with fans enjoying both the hot, buttered Connecticut style and the cold, mayonnaise-dressed Maine style.

Who Invented the Lobster Roll?

It’s a seriously succulent saga. The mighty lobster roll boasts a rich and colorful history with roots deep in New England and the Canadian Maritimes. It’s gone from a small-town sandwich with humble beginnings to a North American icon in just a short span of time.

Before the roll went gourmet, lobster sandwiches were made by the very people who did the fishing—the lobstermen. It was a simple, inexpensive sandwich made with two slices of white bread and cooked lobster meat from less-than-perfect lobsters or the day’s unsold catch. 

Where are Lobster Rolls From?

While there are plenty of rumors about its original birthplace, the lobster roll can be traced back to the Roaring Twenties to a restaurant called Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut. The story goes that Harry, the proprietor, invented the portable sandwich after a traveling liquor salesman swung by his eatery. The salesman was hankering after a “hot grilled lobster sandwich” to take with him on the road. Harry, being quick-thinking and nimble-fingered, created one on the spot.

Harry began perfecting his sandwich and noted that sliced white bread was a bit of a letdown. It was flimsy, soggy, and kind of tasteless…and it didn’t hold the lobster well. He enlisted French’s Bakery in nearby Bridgeport, CT, to make a special bun just for Perry’s. But unlike our top-split bun of today, this was more of a submarine sandwich roll. Harry cut a V-notch wedge in the top for loading up the meat. The bread top was put back on, and the sandwich was grilled and ready for takeout!

America is on a Roll with Lobster Rolls

The Perry’s trend caught fire, and folks were soon enjoying this old-school grilled submarine sandwich up and down the Connecticut coast. In the 1950s, lobster shacks were springing up all along the eastern seaboard, delighting out-of-towners and local folk. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that the lobster roll made major inroads in foodie culture. Red Eats, a famous food stand on Maine’s Route 1, helped boost the sandwich’s popularity.

Best Lobster Rolls

For good reason I never eat lobster outside of Maine. I however lost a bet and owed a friend in Oregon some lobster. While it was not quite as good as sitting on the dock, it was damn close. I was very pleasantly surprised how good the lobster was after being frozen and thawed for some lobster rolls. Would definitely buy again

D. Smythe. Eugene Oregon

Buy a Lobster Roll Kit

Jasper White, a legendary Boston chef, is credited with the rise of lobster rolls in the 1980s. His dressed-up versions were enjoyed at his landmark waterfront restaurant, Jasper’s, and at his Summer Shack seafood eateries.

Lobster rolls really started to gain traction in 1996 when native New Yorker Rebecca Charles served her Maine-style rolls at Greenwich Village’s Pearl Oyster Bar. The fresh, steamed meat was piled into butter-grilled Pepperidge Farm buns before being lightly coated with Hellmann’s mayonnaise and garnished with chives.

Ever since, the sandwich has solidified itself as a true American classic, alongside apple pie, buffalo wings, hamburgers, and corn dogs. It has single-handedly put New England on the culinary map, not just in the USA but also the world.

Lobster Food Trucks are Rollin’ 

It’s full steam ahead for the lobster rolls craze. Seafood shacks are dropping anchor all across the country, some with waterfront views and others with views of the mall food court. Lobster roll trucks are rolling in cities like Cape May, Maine, Chicago, Illinois, Austin, Texas, and even Park City, Utah. As of this writing, there are five different lobster truck companies “clawing” it out in California alone.

Everyone is getting in on the action, including McDonald’s. Even Subway, the largest fast-food chain by store count, is also selling crustacean sandwiches. The famed French restaurant, Balthazar, located in the swanky SoHo section of Manhattan, makes rolls with their own in-house baked bread.

Best Lobster Restaurants USA: A State-by-State Guide

Do you live in a landlocked state, or are you traveling to the East Coast for seafood at a local lobster shack? We’ve listed our top spots for the best lobster in the United States. Plus, we have some fun information on the history of lobster rolls and recipes for more than just hot and cold Lobster rolls.

• Texas: Pinpoints top Texas locations for Maine lobster, from bustling cities like Houston and Dallas to coastal areas, for sourcing and savoring lobster.
• California: Find the best places in California to enjoy Maine lobster. While finding quality lobster at a reasonable price can be tricky, there are options in both Northern and Southern California. Some restaurants and markets include Old Port Lobster Shack, Yankee Pier, King’s Fish House, and The Lobster in Santa Monica. For guaranteed Maine lobster, LobsterAnywhere.com delivers fresh lobster anywhere in the USA.
• Ohio: Find quality lobster in landlocked Ohio by highlighting specialty seafood markets that ensure freshness through rapid delivery, live tanks, and restaurants with expert seafood preparation.
• Minnesota: Despite being a landlocked state, Minnesota offers delicious lobster dishes and fresh Maine lobster. The article highlights restaurants like 801Fish, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Smack Shack in Minneapolis, as well as markets such as American Fish and Seafood and Kowalski’s, where you can find high-quality lobster.
• Virginia: This guide on where to find the best lobster in Virginia highlights top restaurants in cities like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Arlington. Don’t forget that LobsterAnywhere is a convenient option for fresh lobster delivery.
• Georgia: Find the best places in Georgia to enjoy lobster, including restaurants in Atlanta, Savannah, and St. Simons Island, as well as markets for buying live lobster.
• North Carolina: Find the best lobster in North Carolina, highlighting restaurants and seafood markets in major cities like Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh. Order top-notch lobster meat online and ship it to your home.
• Pennsylvania: Find the best places to enjoy lobster in Pennsylvania, highlighting restaurants and markets in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. You can also order fresh lobster to be shipped directly to your home LobsterAnywhere.
• New Jersey: Find the best lobster in New Jersey, covering restaurants and markets from the shore to inland cities.
• Illinois: Despite Illinois’ landlocked location, you can find fresh Maine lobster in Illinois through reputable seafood markets that prioritize quick delivery and live tanks or by dining at restaurants known for their expertly prepared seafood dishes.
• Florida: While Florida has its own lobster, many restaurants across the state, from the Panhandle to South Florida, serve Maine lobster. Check out some Florida restaurants that serve Maine lobster.
• Boston, Massachusetts: This article highlights the best spots in Boston for lobster rolls, from well-known restaurants to hidden gems. They offer both classic cold and hot buttered versions. Don’t forget LobsterAnywhere’s lobster roll kits for at-home enjoyment.
• Connecticut: Showcases top-notch lobster rolls across Connecticut, emphasizing the popular Nutmeg State preparation featuring warm, buttered lobster in a grilled split-top bun, typically skipping the mayo. Several restaurants renowned for their delicious Connecticut-style rolls are mentioned.
• New England Lobster Shacks: Experience the quintessential New England tradition by exploring seasonal lobster shacks across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont, where you can savor fresh catches such as lobster, shrimp, scallops, haddock, clams, mussels, and crab in a relaxed atmosphere. This article highlights notable shacks throughout these states, emphasizing their unique offerings and the pleasure of dining on seafood with waterfront views.
• History of Lobster Rolls: Did you know the humble lobster roll started as a simple sandwich in Connecticut back in the 1920s? This iconic New England dish journeyed up the coast and evolved into a gourmet favorite enjoyed nationwide. Want to dive deeper into the delicious lobster roll history?
• Recipes for Lobster Rolls: Dreaming of the perfect lobster roll? This page offers more than just one way to enjoy this coastal delight, guiding you through a classic preparation and even suggesting variations for warm and cold options. Ready to explore all the delicious possibilities and learn how to make your own incredible lobster rolls? Discover the different lobster roll recipes!