Where To Buy Whole Lobster Near Me: A Complete Guide For Lobster Lovers

Lobster is one of the most delicious and luxurious seafood treats out there. The sweet, succulent meat with that iconic lobster flavor is unlike anything else. But finding whole, fresh lobster near you can be a challenge. Where exactly can you buy whole lobster locally? This complete guide will walk you through all the options so you can get your hands on some delicious whole lobster no matter where you live.

Checking Local Grocery Stores

The first place to look for whole lobster is your local grocery store Most major grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc have fresh seafood departments. Check the lobster tank to see if they have whole lobsters available for purchase. The selection may be limited, but grocery stores often carry whole lobsters in the 1 to 1.5 pound size range. Just keep in mind that grocery store lobster tends to be more expensive per pound compared to buying direct from a local fish market or fishery.

Visiting Your Local Fish Market

Local fish markets and mom-and-pop seafood shops are another great place to buy freshly cooked lobster near you. The advantage of fish markets is that they tend to have better variety and larger sizing options for lobster. It’s not uncommon to find lobsters up to 5 pounds available at a dedicated fish market. The downside is that good local fish markets can be hard to find depending on where you live. But if you have one nearby, it’s worth a visit to check their live tanks or cooked lobster selection.

Checking Asian Supermarkets

If there are any Asian supermarkets in your area, they can be an excellent source for buying whole lobster. Many Asian grocery stores sell whole cooked lobster in their seafood department. The lobsters are often imported from Canada and tend to be very affordably priced. Keep in mind that the lobsters at Asian supermarkets are already cooked, so you’ll be buying pre-cooked rather than live lobster. But for ready-to-eat whole lobster, Asian markets are one of the best options around.

Trying Online Lobster Delivery Services

One of the easiest ways to buy whole lobster right now is using online lobster delivery services Companies like LobsterAnywherecom and MaineLobsterNow.com ship live Maine lobster overnight nationwide. The benefit of online lobster delivery is that you can order lobsters up to 10 pounds or more. And premium services like Lobster Anywhere offer 100% live delivery guarantee. So you can get incredibly fresh whole lobster shipped right to your door no matter where you live. It’s more expensive than buying local, but online lobster delivery services give you access to the best quality lobsters.

Visiting The Wharf Or Docks

If you live near a coastal area with an active fishing and lobster industry, visiting the docks can be a great way to purchase freshly caught whole lobster. Buying directly from the fishing boats means you are getting the absolute freshest lobsters possible. However, keep in mind that buying directly from the boats is usually reserved for large volume purchases. Most fishermen won’t sell a couple lobsters to individual customers. But if you’re hosting a big lobster party, make some calls to the local boats and see if you can arrange a bulk purchase.

Placing A Special Order With Your Local Seafood Market

Another option is to place a special order with your local seafood market or fishmonger. Many seafood shops are willing to work with customers to source and order specific items like whole lobster. Simply talk to the seafood manager at your grocery store or fish market and ask them to place a special order for live or cooked whole lobsters. This approach takes some extra planning but allows you to buy whole lobster locally even if they aren’t normally stocked.

Buying At The Source

Finally, if you’re really serious about getting the best lobster possible, take a trip to the source and buy them straight from the lobstermen! Places like Maine, Massachusetts and Canada have thriving lobster fisheries Contact the local lobster cooperatives and fishermen’s associations to find out how to purchase freshly caught lobsters right off the boat It takes more effort but being able to handpick your lobsters straight from the trap is an unbeatable experience for any lobster lover.

Finding and buying high-quality whole lobster can take some extra searching and effort. But this guide outlines all the best options from checking your local grocery stores to ordering online to traveling to the source. The ultimate lesson: don’t settle if your local seafood counter doesn’t have suitable options. With a little creativity and effort, you can enjoy delicious fresh whole lobster no matter where you live. So follow these tips and get cracking on some juicy lobster tonight!