Lobster claws are one of the most indulgent and delicious seafood treats around With their succulent, sweet meat and the fun of cracking open the shells, lobster claws make a fabulous appetizer or entrée But where can you find the best quality lobster claws? Here’s my guide to the top places to buy fresh, delicious lobster claws.

Online Seafood Retailers

One of the most convenient ways to buy lobster claws is from online seafood companies that ship directly to your door Ordering lobster claws online means you can get incredibly fresh seafood without leaving home. Here are some of the best online retailers for lobster claws

LobsterAnywhere

LobsterAnywhere is one of the premier online sources for lobster claws. They offer both regular sized claws and colossal claws from cold North Atlantic waters. The claws come pre-cooked so they just need a quick reheat LobsterAnywhere has very reasonable shipping rates and excellent customer service. Their claws are consistently impressive in terms of size, texture and flavor

Seattle Fish Company

For excellent quality and service, Seattle Fish Company is a top choice. Their wild caught lobster claws are nice and meaty. Seattle Fish Company has fast overnight shipping to ensure freshness. They have different claw size options including large claws that are perfect for stuffing.

Lobster Gram

Lobster Gram provides nicely packaged selections of lobster claws sourced from the waters of Maine. Their frozen claws can be purchased in different quantities to suit individual needs. Lobster Gram also offers claws as part of lobster gift baskets which make great presents.

Citarella

For premium quality claws, Citarella is a leading luxury seafood provider. Their fresh lobster claws are on the pricier side but the size and taste is outstanding. Citarella has claw options from Maine and Canada for a different flavor profile. Their overnight shipping on dry ice keeps claws incredibly fresh.

Local Seafood Shops

Another excellent option for buying lobster claws is local specialty seafood shops. Make sure to look for shops with high seafood turnover to ensure freshness. The benefit of local seafood stores is you can inspect the lobster claws in person and speak directly with seafood experts for cooking recommendations.

Here are things to look for when buying lobster claws from a local fish market:

• Claws should have a bright red shell indicating they are fresh. Avoid any dull looking shells.

• Opt for claws labeled as “hard shell” which will have a better texture and more meat.

• For the highest quality, choose claws cut individually rather than whole lobster claws.

• Inspect that the claw meat inside looks white, firm and moist not dry or discolored.

• Ask when the claws were delivered to the market to confirm they are as fresh as possible.

Buying local also means supporting small businesses in your community which is an added bonus!

Lobster Pounds in New England

For the authentic New England lobster experience, I highly recommend visiting a local lobster pound while traveling in Maine, Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Lobster pounds are restaurants located near the docks where lobster boats bring in their hauls daily. This means you can get lobster claws literally straight off the boat which is as fresh as it gets!

Lobster pounds have chilled tanks where you can personally pick out the hard shell lobsters or claws you want cooked. Then enjoy the spectacularly sweet seafood taste by the ocean. Trying lobster rolls or lobster bakes at a lobster pound is also a quintessential New England memory to make.

Some top lobster pounds I recommend checking out include:

• Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine

• Champlin’s Seafood in Narragansett, Rhode Island

• Legal Sea Foods Lobster Pound in Boston, Massachusetts

• Lobster Landing in Clinton, Connecticut

• Cape Neddick Lobster Pound in Cape Neddick, Maine

So for lobster claws that taste like they just came out of the ocean, visit a lobster pound on your next New England vacation. You won’t regret it!

Lobster Docks

Similar to lobster pounds, lobster docks are located at working lobster harbors in Maine where you can purchase fresh seafood right off the boat. Lobster docks give you your choice of lobsters or claws at various prices depending on current market rates for lobster.

Some popular lobster docks to check out include:

• Arundel Lobster Pier in Kennebunkport, Maine

• Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit, Maine

• Beals Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor, Maine

• Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. in Cape Porpoise, Maine

-Fisherman’s Catch in Winter Harbor, Maine

For the best selection, try to arrive in the morning when the lobster boats come in with the overnight haul. And bring a cooler or insulated bag if you want your lobster claws to make it home still fresh!

Directly from Lobster Fishermen

For the best quality and prices on lobster claws, you can buy directly from the source – lobster fishermen! Many lobster boats dock at local harbors and are happy to sell their catch right off the boat. You’ll get incredible claws fresh from the ocean.

Check local listings and billboards at marinas to find out when lobster boats come in. You’ll often see trucks parked by the docks with handwritten signs advertising lobster for sale. Bring some coolers and shop around for the best deals offered directly by lobstermen. It’s as authentic an experience as you can get!

Lobster Wholesalers

If you are planning a large event or have big groups to feed, purchasing from a lobster wholesaler is the way to go. Lobster wholesalers sell large quantities of freshly caught lobster and claws at wholesale prices to restaurants and markets.

See if you can find a local lobster wholesaler in your state. Or order shipped overnight from major East Coast lobster suppliers like Maine Coast, Calendar Islands, or Buy Maine Lobsters. Going through a wholesaler is perfect if you are organizing a lobster boil or cookout celebration.

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

In a pinch, claws can also be purchased at some grocery stores and supermarkets. However quality and freshness can be hit or miss from grocers. Your best bet is to go to stores with high seafood sales volume and trained fishmongers on staff.

Make sure to inspect the claws carefully for signs of freshness. And only buy them if they were very recently delivered to the store, not claws that have been sitting around. Grocery store claws are generally blanched and frozen versus fresh cooked claws from other sources. But they can work in a crunch if you need claws fast for an appetizer or recipe.

Outdoor Markets and Seafood Festivals

During summer months, you can often find local lobster fishermen and seafood purveyors selling freshly cooked lobster claws at outdoor markets and seafood festivals.

Check your local calendar for seafood festivals occurring in oceanfront towns in your area. Outdoor markets and festivals are fun ways to buy incredibly fresh lobster claws while also enjoying being outside by the water. Just be sure to keep your claws well chilled until ready to indulge.

Key Tips for Picking the Best Lobster Claws

Now that you know the best places to buy lobster claws, here are some key tips for picking the perfect claws:

• Choose hard shell claws for the highest meat content and flavor. Soft shells will be more watery.

• Opt for claws sold individually rather than whole lobster claws which are harder to eat.

• Raw claws are fine but cooked claws eliminate prep work.

• For cooked claws, make sure the meat inside looks moist and opaque, not dry or yellowed.

• Prefer claws harvested locally from northern cold waters like Maine which have the best taste.

• Buy claws that feel heavy for their size signaling they are nice and meaty inside.

• Avoid any claws with cracks or damage to the shell.

• Don’t buy claws stored on ice that are sitting in melted water which dilutes flavor.

• Judge freshness by smell. Claws shouldn’t have any fishy or ammonia odor.

• Ask questions from your fishmonger or server about when the claws came in.

Following these guidelines will ensure you get the finest, freshest lobster claws for serving!

How to Store Lobster Claws

To keep lobster claws tasting amazing until ready to eat, be sure to store them properly. Here are some storage tips:

• If cooking claws within 24 hours, store loosely wrapped in the fridge.

• For longer fridge storage up to 3 days, place claws in a container or bag.

• Avoid freezing claws in the original retail packaging which can lead to freezer burn.

• Wrap claws tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

• Layer claws with ice or freezer packs during transport to maintain optimal chill.