Where Can You Buy Lobster? A Guide to Buying Lobster Online and In Stores

Lobster is one of the most delicious and luxurious seafood delicacies. With its sweet, succulent meat, lobster is truly the king of seafood. But where can you actually buy lobster? For those who don’t live near the coast, buying quality, fresh lobster can be a challenge.

Never fear, there are many great options for buying lobster no matter where you live. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about where to buy lobster, whether it’s online, at your local grocery store, or straight from the source on the docks!

Buying Lobster Online

One of the easiest ways to buy lobster, especially for those who live far from the ocean, is to order it online. There are several reputable companies that overnight ship live lobster and lobster products like tails and meat right to your door.

When ordering lobster online, you’ll want to look for a company with experience shipping seafood. You’ll also want to check shipping costs delivery days, and live arrival guarantees.

Here are two of the best options for ordering lobster online:

Lobster Anywhere

Lobster Anywhere has been shipping live lobsters since 1999. They offer a variety of lobster products including live lobsters lobster tails and lobster meat packs. Live lobsters are packaged with care in medical grade coolers and gel packs to ensure safe delivery.

Lobster Anywhere has a live arrival guarantee and ships anywhere in the contiguous US for Tuesday – Saturday delivery They have a helpful live lobster buying guide on their website with tips for choosing your lobsters

The Lobster Guy

The Lobster Guy has over 20 years of experience shipping fresh seafood nationwide. They have live lobsters available in a variety of sizes from 1.25lbs up to 3lbs monsters!

The Lobster Guy also offers combo seafood packs perfect for gifting or lobster feasts. Free overnight shipping is available. Live arrival is guaranteed when you choose priority overnight delivery at checkout.

The Lobster Guy has lobster recipes, cooking tips, and instructional videos on their website to help make your lobster experience perfect.

When ordering lobster online, be sure to factor in shipping costs and delivery days. But with experienced shippers, you can get incredible fresh lobster delivered right to your door!

Buying Lobster at the Grocery Store

Many grocery stores now sell lobster, especially in landlocked areas where it is not as readily available. You can often find lobster in the fresh seafood section.

Here are some tips for buying lobster at the grocery store:

• Check the lobster tank – Make sure the tank is clean and the water is circulating. The lobsters should be active, not lethargic.

• Look for “hard shell” lobsters – Soft shell lobsters are cheaper but the meat is less flavorful. Hard shell is best.

• See if they have live or cooked – Live is best, but cooked lobster is a good option too.

• Ask when the shipment came in – You want the freshest lobster possible, so ask when they got the shipment.

• Purchase lobster on the day you plan to cook it – Don’t buy too far in advance to ensure you get peak freshness.

• Cook or freeze within a couple days – Live lobster from the store should be cooked within a day or two for best results. Frozen or cooked meat should be used within 3-6 months.

The nice thing about buying from your grocery store is you can often select and purchase the exact size lobster you want. Just keep in mind that shipping time and storage can affect freshness.

Buying Lobster at the Docks

For the true lobster aficionado, buying directly from the source is a great way to get the freshest product. Buying lobster straight off the fishing boats ensures you are getting the pick of the catch.

Here are some tips for buying lobster right off the docks:

• Look for reputable lobstermen with good reviews – Ask locals for recommendations to find the most reliable sellers.

• Arrive early in the AM – The best selection is available first thing in the morning when the boats come in.

• Tell them your preferences – Let the lobsterman know if you want hard shell lobsters of a certain size.

• Bring a cooler – You’ll want a cooler with ice to transport your lobsters home.

• Cook them same day – For true freshness, cook them the same day you purchase off the boat.

• Call ahead for availability – If you are traveling to buy at the docks, call local harbormasters to check when lobster boats come in.

Buying lobster right off the boat means you know exactly where your lobster came from and when it was caught. It’s the ultimate in freshness and quality!

Things to Look for When Buying Lobster

Whether you are buying your lobster online, at the store, or on the docks, keep these things in mind when selecting your lobsters:

• Look for lively lobsters – Avoid lobsters that seem sluggish or lethargic. Pick ones that have strong tails and claws.

• Check the shell – Pick lobsters with shiny, hard shells without spots or discoloration. Soft spots can indicate weaker shells.

• Go for heavier lobsters – Heavier lobsters tend to have more meat. Compare lobsters of similar size and choose the heaviest.

• Size matters – Larger lobsters tend to be more expensive per pound but yield more meat. Decide what size fits your needs and budget.

• Consider females – Female lobsters tend to have sweeter meat and more roe (eggs) if cooking whole.

• Inspect legs and antenna – The legs and antennae should be free of dirt and not mangled. This indicates a healthy lobster.

Following these guidelines will help you select the best lobster, whether you are buying online, at the store, or off the boat.

How to Cook and Eat Lobster

Once you’ve sourced the perfect lobster, it’s time to cook and eat! Here are some tips:

• Basic cooking – The classic method is boiling or steaming for 7-11 minutes depending on size.

• Grilling – Split lobsters or tails can be grilled either flat or in shells for great charred flavor.

• Baking/broiling – Baked or broiled lobster tails make for easy prep and clean up.

• Microwaving – Frozen lobster tails can be thawed and microwaved in just a few minutes.

• Cracking and plating – Use lobster crackers, picks, and forks to extract the meat. Serve with melted butter for dipping.

• Eating the tamale – Don’t forget the green tamale located in the head! It’s deliciously rich.

• Making a meal – Enjoy lobster rolls, tacos, pasta, lobster mac and cheese, surf and turf, lobster bisque, and more!

Follow proper handling from purchase to plate and you’re sure to have an amazing lobster experience. Don’t be intimidated to buy, cook and indulge in lobster.

Where to Buy Lobster for Any Occasion

Lobster makes for the ultimate indulgence and is perfect for any special occasion or event:

• Anniversaries – Celebrate your years together with a romantic lobster dinner.

• Birthdays – What better birthday gift than fresh lobster delivered right to your door?

• Weddings – Serve lobster rolls or bisque at your wedding rehearsal dinner.

• Holidays – Impress guests at your next Easter, 4th of July or Christmas feast.

• Special events – Order lobster party platters for your corporate events, showers or grad parties.

• Date nights – Planning a fun night in? Steam lobsters for two and enjoy with candlelight.

• Vacations – When traveling to coastal destinations, check out the local lobster scene.

Any celebration is made extra special with lobster. It’s the ultimate treat!

No matter the occasion, now you know where you can buy lobster and have it shipped or ready to prepare when needed. Enjoy this guide to finding the freshest lobster for your next culinary adventure. From online ordering to buying off the docks, you have so many great options to procure these delicious crustaceans. Happy lobster eating!