The Best Places to Buy Live Lobster in Boston

Boston is known for its fresh seafood, especially lobster. As a major port city on the east coast Boston gets some of the best lobster straight from Maine and Canada. Locals and tourists alike flock to the many seafood markets and restaurants in Boston to get their hands on delicious freshly-caught lobster.

But where exactly can you find the best live lobster in Boston? As a seafood-loving Bostonian myself, I’ve tried many places over the years. Below I’ll share my top recommendations on where to buy live lobster in Boston, based on freshness, selection, customer service and value.

How to Choose Live Lobster

Before jumping into the where, let’s briefly cover what to look for when buying live lobster. You’ll want lobsters that are:

• Active – They should be moving their legs and claws Lively lobsters were recently caught

• Hard shell – The shell should not indent when pressed. Soft shells mean the lobster is ready to molt.

• Intact – No missing legs or claws. All rubber bands must be removed before cooking.

• Good weight – Heavier is better. 1.25-1.5 lbs is a good size. Soft shells weigh less.

When possible, check the lobster’s origin. Lobsters from Maine and Canada are considered best. Avoid lobsters from Rhode Island or Connecticut.

Now let’s get into my top picks for buying live lobster in Boston!

1. James Hook & Co.

First up is James Hook & Co., one of Boston’s most well-known and iconic seafood restaurants and markets. Family-owned since 1925, James Hook & Co. has been delivering fresh seafood and lobsters from their waterfront location for nearly 100 years.

James Hook & Co. is my personal go-to for buying live lobster in Boston for a few reasons:

• Large selection – They have lobster available year-round in a variety of sizes up to 5 pounds. You can see lobsters actively crawling in their many saltwater tanks.

• Freshness – Their lobsters are brought in daily straight from the cold Maine waters. You can’t get fresher than this!

• Great prices – For the quality, their lobster prices are very reasonable. Retail lobsters start at $8.99/lb.

• Knowledgable staff – Their staff know lobsters inside and out. They can pick out good lobsters and answer any questions.

• Convenience – Easy to park, nice retail shop with grab-and-go foods, right on the harbor.

While I recommend James Hook & Co. for buying live lobsters, their cooked and stuffed lobsters are amazing too. And don’t miss their renowned lobster rolls!

2. Legal Sea Foods

Another excellent option for buying live lobster in Boston is Legal Sea Foods. With several locations around Boston, Legal Sea Foods is a local seafood institution. They’ve been serving up quality seafood and lobster for over 70 years.

Here’s why I recommend Legal Sea Foods for purchasing live lobster:

• Wide availability – With 7 locations, you can easily find a Legal Sea Foods near you.

• Live lobster tanks – Most locations have live lobster tanks so you can pick your own.

• Specialty and seasonal – Along with typical lobsters, they also offer rarer seasonal lobsters from Maine like shedders and soft shells.

• Boil & bag – For convenience, you can have your purchased lobster steamed and bagged for free.

• Loyalty program – Earn points with their rewards program for $ off future purchases.

While on the pricier side, you are guaranteed the quality and freshness Legal Sea Foods is known for.

3. New Deal Fish Market

For a more local, old-school seafood shop vibe, head to New Deal Fish Market in Cambridge. Family owned since 1950, their fish market looks like it’s straight out of a movie set.

Reasons I love New Deal Fish Market for live lobster:

• Large tanks – You can see live lobsters actively crawling over each other in huge tanks.

• Classic service – The experienced fishmongers will hand-select your lobster, weigh it, and expertly band the claws.

• Fresh catches – Local fishermen make daily drops offs so the seafood is super fresh.

• Affordable prices – Their lobster prices are very reasonable, often under $10/lb.

• Extra perks – Get a free cooked lobster with every 10 pounds purchased!

While smaller and less convenient than other spots, the charm and amazing prices keep me coming back to New Deal for live lobster.

4. Boston Public Market

For a more upscale, market-style lobster buying experience, head to Boston Public Market. This large indoor market located in downtown Boston features dozens of local food vendors and artisans.

Inside you’ll find two great options for purchasing live lobster:

• Red’s Best – Family-owned seafood stall getting daily catches from New England fishermen. Live lobsters available.

• Maine Day Lobster Co. – Small Maine company shipping fresh lobsters to Boston daily. Great quality and customer service.

Reasons I love buying lobster at Boston Public Market:

• One-stop shop – Grab lobster along with locally-made cheese, wine, pastries, produce, flowers, etc.

• Specialty varieties – Opportunity to buy rarer varieties like knuckle, claw, and crabmeat stuffed lobsters.

• Support local – Helps small, family lobster businesses versus large national chains.

• Experience – Fun, vibrant atmosphere with food tastings and chef demos.

Prices here are on the higher end, but the unique experience and chance to interact with lobstermen is worth it to me.

5. Superior Seafood

Last but not least is Superior Seafood in the Dorchester neighborhood. This unassuming seafood market has been a local favorite for over 60 years.

What I love about Superior Seafood:

• Huge selection – Their massive wholesale market stocks every seafood you can imagine, including many types of live lobster.

• Dockside vibe – The warehouse setting right on the water makes you feel like you’re on the docks themselves!

• Seafood experts – The staff has decades of experience and really know their products.

• Low prices – As a wholesale market, their retail prices are very affordable. Lobsters under $9/lb.

• Family-run – They’ve been in the Ceruolo family for 3 generations since 1963!

While it looks a bit gritty from the outside, Superior Seafood has super fresh seafood at rock bottom prices. Don’t let the warehouse exterior fool you!

How to Prepare Live Lobster at Home

Once you’ve purchased your live lobsters from one of these great Boston spots, here are a few tips for preparing them perfectly at home:

• Store in the fridge – Place live lobsters in a shallow pan on ice or with damp newspaper. Keep up to 2 days.

• Kill quickly before cooking – Tuck the claws under and pierce the body cavity to dispatch.

• Boil in salty water – Bring a large pot of water with 2 Tbsp of salt per quart to a rolling boil.

• Cook 4-9 minutes – Boil lobsters for 4 minutes per pound plus 3 extra minutes. No need to add anything to the water.

• Serve with butter – Melted lemon butter is perfect for dipping steamed lobster meat. Provide lobster crackers.

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