Ohio might be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find fantastic fresh lobster! Whether you’re craving a classic lobster roll, a decadent lobster bisque, or a whole steamed crustacean, the Buckeye State has some gems waiting to be discovered. Here’s your guide to finding the best lobster in Ohio.
We’ve got you covered.
Ohio isn’t necessarily synonymous with the best place to buy lobster, but there are a few hidden gems lobster lovers prefer for quality ingredients.
Let’s examine some popular seafood markets and restaurants and give some tips on buying lobsters online.
Specialty Seafood Markets with Maine Lobster for Sale
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If you’re looking for fresh lobster in Ohio, these are the best spots to try out!
EST. 1961 — Small neighborhood grocery store that has grown into a beloved culinary destination. Weiland’s Market offers a premium seafood selection, including live and fresh Maine lobster. Try them if you want the best lobster in Columbus, Ohio. They’re located at 3600 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH, and are open seven days a week.
North Market Spices
Located at 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Inside the North Market). Don’t let the name fool you! This isn’t your average spice shop. While they do offer an incredible variety of spices, herbs, and teas from around the world, they also have a small deli counter with a surprisingly delicious lobster roll. They use fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed and piled high on a toasted roll. It’s a simple but flavorful take on the classic and a must-try for any lobster lover visiting the North Market. See our guide for making fresh lobster rolls at home.
The Hills Market
The Hills Market is a locally owned specialty grocer beloved for its high-quality seafood offerings. With locations across Ohio, Market District offers a surprisingly good selection of live and cooked lobsters. Their seafood counters are well-regarded for freshness and quality. They get fresh seafood daily, offering a diverse selection of great-tasting lobster. Buy lobsters that are perfect for your next at-home at this marketplace. They are located at 7860 Olentangy River Road in Columbus, Ohio, and are open 7 days a week.
The Lobstah Shack
This place is a true hidden gem, located near Mount Vernon, 10330 Amity Pike, Amity, OH 43002. They source live lobsters directly from Maine and sell them at reasonable prices. the owner, Brett Fletcher, is a licensed lobster fisherman himself and has more than 35 years of experience in the lobster business. It’s a bit of a drive from most major cities, but it’s worth it for the quality and value. (Note: It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability as they are a smaller operation.) Phone Number
Frank’s Fish and Seafood Market
This market offers fresh and frozen seafood, including live lobsters, when in season. They also have prepared foods like fried fish and po’boys. Located at 1417 Harrisburg Pike, Columbus, OH 43223.
Shaker’s Fish Market
A family-owned market located in Middleburg Heights with a wide selection of fresh and frozen seafood, including live lobsters.
BaysLobster
This local seafood market also doubles as a cafe located at 3423 Cleveland Road, Wooster, OH 4469. Bayslobster started out in 1990 as a distributor for a couple of Boston seafood companies and now offers fresh seafood dinners to go, plus live lobster. Try their lobster pizzas made with garlic butter crust, real lobster meat, house lobster sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a little parsley.
Lobsta Bakes of Maine
This Cincinnati, Ohio, seafood market and deli offers fresh, not-frozen fish, Maine lobster, and more shellfish. Located at 3533 Church Street, Newtown, Ohio. You can choose to have your lobsters cooked in-house or take them home live to prepare yourself.
Beyond just the live lobsters, they also offer fresh-picked lobster meat, making it easy to whip up a lobster roll or add to your favorite seafood dish.
Best Restaurants for Lobster Meat in Ohio
Enjoy delicious dishes made with the finest lobster meat at the following spots in Ohio.
Pickle Bill’s Lobster House
Founded in 1967, the name derives from W.C. Fields. The W stood for William, which was shortened to Bill. Open year-round and located at 101 River St, Grand River, OH 44045
Originally limited to crab legs and prime rib, Pickle Bill’s currently features walleye, shrimp, and even whole Maine lobster flown in from Rockport, Maine. 1lb. – $38.99 1 ¼ lb. – $42.99 Larger Lobsters Available
A must-see attraction is a carousel-style barge that floats on the river during the summer months. In addition to the barge and docks, a Tiki Bar was added upstairs and features actual swings instead of barstools!
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
Located in Cincinnati, OH, McCormick’s offers a delicious array of lobster meat-based dishes, such as lobster tail, lobster bisque, and various other seafood dishes. It is among the best places to dine out and enjoy a variety of fresh lobster.
Pier W
Five-star landmark seafood restaurant and bar overlooking Lake Erie. Lunch, dinner & an exquisite Sunday brunch. Pier W is located in Lakewood, OH, and serves a variety of seafood options and a gorgeous lake view. Check it out if you’re interested in dining on lobster tail in a breathtaking atmosphere.
Eddie Merlot’s
This upscale steakhouse chain with multiple locations also has a strong seafood selection, including lobster tails and other lobster dishes. They offer cold water lobster tails, broiled and served with drawn butter. You can add a lobster tail to any steak for a classic surf and turf experience. Try the decadent lobster Mac and cheese made with Cavatappi pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and chunks of succulent lobster meat. They also serve lobster rolls on their lounge and happy hour menus. Eddie Merlot’s lobster roll features fresh Atlantic cold water lobster meat tossed in lobster butter and served on a toasted roll with house-made potato chips.
The Lobster Pot Restaurant
The Original Lobster Pot was opened in 1972 in South Euclid, OH. The Lobster Pot is located in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, and offers a wide range of lobster dishes, including whole lobster dinners and lobster tails. This Cleveland institution is known for its live lobsters flown in daily. You can pick your own from the tank and have it prepared to your liking. They also provide one of the best lobster rolls in the area. Their lobster dishes are affordable yet fresh and delicious.
Remember to check websites or call ahead for availability, as lobster selections can vary seasonally.
Best Place to Order Lobster Online for Delivery in Ohio
Before you decide on the best place to order lobster online, here are a few lobster realities to consider.
Tips for Ordering Lobster Online
- Check for freshness—Make sure the retailer you’re ordering offers fresh lobster, not frozen. Fresh lobster should be delivered within one day of being caught. Always double-check the product description for the best place to order lobster online.
- Understand Shipping Policies—Speed is crucial when ordering lobster online. Since lobster is perishable, opt for overnight shipping if the retailer doesn’t offer it as a default option.
- Consider Lobster Tails or Pre-Cooked Lobster—If you’re not prepared to cook live lobster, consider ordering pre-cooked or lobster tail meat instead.
- Know the Season—The best time of year to buy fresh lobster is during the colder months, from October to April. Lobsters are more active and abundant during this time of year. Avoid the summer months if you want a fresher lobster experience.
Can Live Lobster be Shipped?
Yes, live lobster can be shipped! Many seafood suppliers specialize in shipping live lobster, like LobsterAnywhere.com.
Our specialized packaging keeps lobsters cool and secure during transit, ensuring they survive the journey to your doorstep.
What is the Best Size Lobster to Eat?
The best size lobster to eat depends on your preferences, but most people agree that 1-to-1.5-pound lobsters are the best tasting.
For a bit more lobster meat, you can increase the size to 2 pounds and still enjoy a good balance of flavor. For a sweeter, more tender lobster taste, consider a 1-1.5-pound lobster.
To break it down a bit more, here’s how we’d classify the best-size lobsters to eat:
- Best for one person—1 to 1.5 pounds.
- Best for a hearty meal or sharing—1.5 to 2 pounds.
- Best for large meals or sharing with a group—2 to 3 pounds.
- Best for special occasions or sharing in a group—3 to 5 pounds.
Keep in mind the larger the lobster, the greater the expense.
Final Thoughts-Enjoying Fresh Lobster in Ohio
Curious where you can buy lobster near you in Ohio?
LobsterAnywhere.com is the best place to buy lobsters and have them shipped directly to your doorstep.
We consider ourselves the best place to order lobster online because we keep our lobsters fresh and only order the absolute best quality of meat.
Whether you’re making lobster dip or want to order some lobster rolls, we’ve got you covered.
Enjoy free shipping on all lobster gift packs shipped to Ohio when you order from us.
