The 8 best lobster rolls on the East Coast

Nothing says summer is here quite like biting into a sweet, buttery lobster roll. For East Coasters especially, it’s one of the most anticipated highlights of the season, right behind the higher temps. Some prefer their lobstah hot, simply tossed in butter, and spooned into the buttery roll, while others opt for a heaping dose of creamy mayo lobster served cold in the toasted bun with  flavorful spices on top. Whatever your jam is, there’s no denying lobster rolls are one of the best food treats of the season. This summer, should you find yourself looking to quell the craving, hit any of these 8 spots along the East Coast for one insanely mouth-watering lobster roll.

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1. Mary’s Fish Camp in NYC

Certain food items can generate endless debate on who does it best in New York City. Pizza, burgers, ramen…the claims of superiority never end. But we’ll put one battle to rest for you. The best lobster roll in NYC goes to Mary’s Fish Camp in the West Village. The toasted bun, the fresh lobster, the sauce and spices—they all come together to create something pretty darn fantastic. As lobster rolls go, we appreciate when the meat has been tossed in a healthy amount of mayo, and Mary gets us. She’s not stingy with the serving size, either. The sandwich is overflowing with huge chunks of sweet lobster meat, a pretty little sprinkle of chives, a squirt of lemon to finish. Welcome, to lobster roll heaven.  It’s been a neighborhood staple for years, delivering consistently fresh and tasty seafood.

2.  Lobster Shack CT in Branford, CT

For the real go-getters out there, head to the Lobster Shack CT in Branford, Connecticut and order the “Whaler” Lobster Roll. You’ll find yourself tackling an entire 1/2 pound of fresh-picked lobster meat with lemon and butter on top a toasted hoagie. This beloved lobster truck (not shack) in the Berbarie Marina serves up their famous rolls in true Connecticut-style: warm lobster with butter, not mayo. Saddle up to one of their picnic tables by the marina waterfront, BYOB, and enjoy one of the best lobster rolls on the East Coast.

3. Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport, ME

Open since the 1950s, Mabel’s Lobster Claw is a staple for locals and visitors alike in Kennebunkport, Maine. Known for serving some of the tastiest Maine lobsters, the meat is tossed lightly in mayo and the rolls are served cold. Finish with a slice of homemade pie and you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to heaven.

4. James Hook & Co in Boston, MA

A good lobster roll can cost you upwards of $20, a big hit to the wallet for a simple lunchtime treat. James Hook & Co is famous first for its appearance (located in a shanty-shack right on the water in downtown Boston) and second for being a good bargain (a small roll runs $17 while a large costs $20). Served in an untoasted hotdog bun, it’s a good mix of knuckle and claw meat tossed into the tasty mayo.

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5. Larsen’s Fish Market in Martha’s Vineyard, MA

The long-adored fish market in Menemsha is a must-do in Martha’s Vineyard, especially if you’re a lobster roll lover like us. The low-key, fisherman’s outpost has both an indoor and outdoor counter to order fresh fish, lobster rolls, shucked oysters, littlenecks and seafood dips. Order your dinner, BYOB your own bottle of vino, and sit out on the back dock to catch a killer sunset over the marina. Despite recent fanfare, Larsen’s Fish Market remains a true local’s spot with some of the freshest lobster on the island. This straightforward, no frills market is all about quality seafood.

6. Clam Bar in Amagansett, NY

The price tag on this baby might leave a sour taste in your mouth but the lobster is as sweet as ever. Piled so high you’ll have to eat it first with a fork. This $26 “lobster salad roll” is sure to fill you up. The meat is perfectly flacked so each bite is the same texture. The bright red shack has plenty of outdoor seating at their fun roadside location off Montauk Highway. Whether your headed out to either Montauk or the Hamptons this summer, be sure to make a pit-stop here.

7. The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, ME

Right on the Kennebunk River, this little shack in Kennebunk is pumping out tons of lobster each year. Get there early, because the line gets long early in the day. The goal here is to the let sweet Maine lobster shine, so very little is done to it before it’s piled onto a mayo-smeared bakery yeast roll. The lobsters are salt boiled then shucked, tossed in butter and served with a wedge of lemon. Two-time winner of the Tasting Table Lobster Rumble, this sammy is a cult favorite.

8. Red Hook Lobster Pound, Brooklyn NY

If you’re in or around NYC, you’re bound to have come across the Red Hook Lobster Pound name at some point. Their outpost in Red Hook, Brooklyn is where it all began, but their artisanal food truck really put them on the map, capturing hearts as it roamed around town serving their famous Maine-caught lobster rolls. Now you can find these tasty sandwiches in some of NYC’s best food markets, like Smorgasburg or Vanderbilt food hall, as well. One of our favorite things about the original Red Hook location, though, is that they offer all types of lobster roll styles for those with strong and varying opinions! Order Maine-style, Connecticut-style, Tuscan-style (tossed in basil vinaigrette) or the the fan-favorite: BLT Lobster Roll.

Tagged: New England