The Cost of Lobster Rolls in Boston – From Budget Bites to Luxury Prices

The lobster roll is an iconic New England summer dish – chunks of fresh lobster meat drizzled with butter and served on a grilled, split-top bun. For visitors and locals alike, no trip to Boston is complete without indulging in this seaside classic.

But lobster rolls come in a wide range of prices across the city. From back alley food trucks to upscale seafood restaurants, you can find lobster rolls priced anywhere from $15 to over $50 in Boston.

What makes for such a huge price range for largely the same simple sandwich? As it turns out, there are a number of factors at play in determining the cost of lobster rolls in Boston:

Size and Type of Lobster Meat

• Tail meat – Most expensive, premium part of lobster
• Knuckle and claw meat – Medium price, good texture
• Body and leg meat – Cheapest, often used in budget rolls

Larger sandwiches packed with tail and claw meat cost more than smaller rolls with less desirable lobster bits.

Quality and Source of Lobster

• Fresh, local lobster – Pricier, often direct from fishermen
• Frozen lobster – Cheaper but compromises texture
• Imported lobster – Lower cost from abundant Canadian fisheries

Fresh lobster from New England waters is preferred for flavor and texture but costs restaurants more

Location Within Boston

• Downtown & Waterfront – Most expensive real estate means higher prices
• Back Bay & North End – Prime tourist spots also drive up prices
• Outer neighborhoods – Lower rents can enable lower pricing

Prepared lobster rolls in pricier, high-traffic areas generally cost more to cover overhead.

Restaurant Type

• Fine dining & hotels – Charge higher prices for ambiance and service
• Casual spots & food trucks – Offer budget options with no frills

The same lobster roll may cost double from a fancy restaurant compared to a no-frills takeout window.

While there are premium $50+ lobster rolls at upscale eateries in the heart of the city, visitors can still find tasty lobster rolls for $20 or less in Boston if you know where to look.

Here is a guide to enjoying lobster rolls in Boston at different budget levels:

Splurge-Worthy Lobster Rolls Over $40

Butter poached or fried lobster tails served in designer buns at:

• Row 34 – Seaport District
• Neptune Oyster – North End
• Eventide Fenway – Fenway Area

These indulgent lobster rolls use the highest quality tail and claw meat in creative preparations that foodies will appreciate. Worth the splurge for a special occasion!

Mid-Range Lobster Rolls $25-$35

Classic New England-style lobster rolls packed with fresh meat:

• James Hook & Co. – Waterfront
• Yankee Lobster Co. – Seaport District
• The Barking Crab – Waterfront

Well-stuffed rolls from popular local seafood restaurants in touristy areas. Fresh and tasty but easier on your wallet than the most upscale options.

Budget Lobster Rolls Under $25

No frills rolls offering solid value:

• Sullivan’s – South Boston, Castle Island
• B&G Oysters – South End
• Legal Sea Foods – Seaport District
• Pauli’s – North End

You may sacrifice some lobster tail meat, but these unfussy lobster rolls still deliver on rich flavor without breaking the bank.

Extreme Budget Lobster Rolls Under $15

Basic but delicious rolls connoisseurs approve of:

• North End Fish Market – North End
• Boston Public Market – Downtown
• Charlie’s Kitchen – Harvard Square

These old school spots serve up simple, traditional lobster rolls, no fancy fixings but everything you need. Proof you can still get a tasty lobster roll in Boston for under $15.

So while you can certainly drop $50+ on a lavish, bespoke lobster roll from a fine dining establishment in downtown Boston, that is far from your only option.

With the inside tips above, you can find impressively authentic, freshly made lobster rolls all over Boston for between $15-$35. A little research can uncover deals even during peak summertime lobster roll season.

Part of the fun is sampling this iconic New England specialty at different restaurants and comparing the offerings. From hidden gems to local favorites, lobster rolls are plentiful across the city.

The next time you visit Boston craving an authentic lobster roll experience without breaking the bank, try one of the reasonably priced suggestions above. You will walk away full and satisfied having enjoyed a classic taste of New England for under $25.