When it comes to a comprehensive list of the best lobster rolls in Boston, we at LobsterAnywhere have you covered. Some cities are synonymous with a specific dish, and nothing is more Bostonian than lobster rolls. Discovering where to find Boston’s best lobster rolls is a delicious way to learn about the city and experience all that it has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for an iconic destination serving up a Maine-style cold lobster roll or a hidden gem offering a unique take on a classic, we have you covered. From the North End to the Back Bay and all the local haunts in between, this guide will help you seek out the best that Boston has to offer.
Page Contents
Boston Icons
We have left no shell unturned when it comes to sharing the best lobster rolls in Boston. Starting with the classics, these restaurants have been serving up succulent lobster stuffed and piled into buns and rolls. Looking for where the locals go? These are always at the top of the list.
Neptune Oyster
This North End favorite serves up both hot butter lobster rolls and classic Maine-style lobster rolls that are mayo-based on Iggy’s brioche buns. With a focus on the freshest local seafood, this small but charming gem is always busy but worth the wait.
Row 34
This stylish eatery, located in Boston’s historic Fort Point neighborhood, has been garnering rave reviews since it opened in 2013. Row 34 offers a Connecticut-style lobster roll with warm butter and Ethel’s creamy lobster roll. Come for the lobster rolls and stay for their extensive oyster list.
James Hook and Co.
This waterfront institution has been serving up fresh lobster since 1925. Not only do they offer both cold Maine-style lobster rolls and hot, buttered lobster rolls, but they also come in two sizes. Don’t forget to add a cup of lobsta bisque for dipping!
- Address: 40 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210
- Website: James Hook & Co.
The Bank’s Seafood and Steak
The Banks Seafood and Steak is a newcomer to the Back Bay. They bring sophisticated elegance to their lobster roll. Both hot and cold preparations are offered, but what sets these rolls apart are the brown butter buns, making these extra rich and indulgent. The Old Bay chips are the perfect accompaniment.
Eventide Fenway
Eventide—Fenway is an upscale counter-service seafood restaurant offshoot of the acclaimed Portland restaurant. Their menu changes daily, but the brown butter lobster roll is nutty, decadent, and beloved for a reason. Make sure to start with some oysters on the half-shell!
Hidden Gems for Lobster Rolls in Boston
From up-and-coming restaurants to tucked-away classics, Boston is alive with hidden gems that will satiate any lobster roll craving. This is where locals and seafood aficionados alike will send you.
Saltie Girl
With locations in both Boston and Los Angeles, Saltie Girl is renowned for their warm butter lobster roll with hints of Old Bay. They also serve a Maine-style cold roll. And if you stop by for lunch, you can also enjoy their lobster eggs Benedict.
Bell Isle Seafood
This family-owned market in the North End serves classics like lobster pie and does them right. They offer two varieties of lobster rolls: one with lobster meat, including the claws and knuckles, and one with all lobster tail meat.
Sullivan’s Castle Island
Enjoy your lobster roll with stunning harbor views from Sullivan’s. This casual spot is a South Boston institution known for its no-frills seafood and laid-back atmosphere.
- Address: 2080 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127
- Website: Sullivan’s
B & G Oysters
This South End favorite offers a sophisticated take on the classic lobster roll with a toasted brioche bun and a choice of hot buttered or cold with mayo. Feeling extra indulgent? B & G Oysters also offers a lobster BLT. The only thing better than lobster is lobster with bacon!
Alive & Kicking Lobsters
Located in the heart of Cambridge, this no-frills spot serves up monster lobster sandwiches piled high with fresh, lightly dressed sweet lobster meat. Unlike a more traditional lobster roll, Alive & Kicking Lobsters serves their lobster sandwich on toasted white bread. We highly recommend adding a side of their lobster bisque or clam chowder for dipping.
Lobstah on a Roll
Open in 2017, this Back Bay restaurant on Newbury Street has expanded to two locations, with the second in St. Augustine, FL. Lobstah on a Roll offers two sizes of lobster rolls, the 4-ounce Bostonian and the 6-ounce New Englander. You can get either a cold mayo New England style or a hot butter lobster roll.
Classic Boston Lobster Roll
If you are looking for a classic Boston lobster roll, it doesn’t get any more iconic than Sullivan’s Castle Island. This South Boston landmark was first opened in 1951 and has been serving up the iconic lobster roll to locals and tourists alike. Their no-frills lobster roll is all about the sweet lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo and served on a toasted hotdog bun.
Tips for Ordering Lobster Rolls
- Hot or cold? Most restaurants serving up lobster rolls in Boston will offer two options: New England style, which is cold and dressed with mayo, and Connecticut style, which is enveloped in warm, rich butter. Both styles are equally delicious, so don’t be afraid to try both!
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re unsure of hot or cold or whether you should get a larger size, your server is there to guide you.
- Enjoy the experience! From the quintessential seafood shacks to the upscale up-and-comers, enjoying a lobster roll in Boston is a full sensory experience. Savor every moment, relax, and relish each bite.
- Seek out lobster shacks! While Boston is home to many high-end, Michelin-starred restaurants, New England is also known for its rustic lobster shacks. Don’t be afraid to get out of the city and enjoy a true dock-to-table experience.
The Best Lobster Rolls at Home
LobsterAnywhere makes it easy and convenient to relish the best lobster rolls from the comfort of your own home. Not only do we offer three different size options in our lobster roll kits, but we also include everything you need to recreate this New England favorite. From artisan sea salt butter and rich brioche buns to a sweet treat of saltwater taffy at the end of your lobster roll feast, we have you covered. Make sure to check out our easy recipe guide.
From Maine Grade A live lobsters to the ultimate surf and turf feast, LobsterAnywhere has you covered for all of your fresh seafood needs, perfect for any special occasion, big or small.
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!