Nothing says summer quite like biting into a delicious lobster roll overflowing with sweet, succulent lobster meat The iconic New England sandwich is beloved for good reason – when done right, it’s lobster heaven in every bite But with so many spots claiming to serve up the best lobster rolls, where can you find one that truly hits the spot? This guide covers all the vital tips for tracking down a stellar lobster roll near you.
What Makes a Great Lobster Roll?
Before deciding where to get your lobster roll, it helps to know what defines this sandwich at its best. The key elements of an amazing lobster roll include
- Generous amounts of lobster meat – at least 4 oz or more
- Top quality lobster – freshly cooked, not chewy or mushy
- Light seasoning that accents, doesn’t overwhelm the natural flavor
- A lightly toasted, buttered, split-top bun
- The right balance of lobster to bun ratio
- Minimal filler – just enough mayo or dressing to moisten
- Fresh, local ingredients from New England
- Simple preparation focused on quality over complexity
Places that nail these basics while putting their unique spin on the classic tend to serve up the most satisfying lobster rolls around.
Seeking Out Well-Reviewed Local Spots
One of the best ways to locate a stellar lobster roll in your area is to consult review sites like Yelp for recommendations. Look for nearby spots with consistently glowing reviews praising their lobster rolls. This helps surface local favorites you might otherwise miss.
Highly rated area restaurants, seafood markets, food trucks, shacks and other more under-the-radar lobster roll purveyors get their due praise on these sites. And you can get a feel for what makes each place stand out through customers’ photos and comments.
Trying Iconic Regional Chains
While local spots excel, some iconic restaurant chains have also perfected the lobster roll and expanded across regions, bringing their distinct flavors with them.
For example, Luke’s Lobster rolls made with Maine sea salt and crisp lettuce provide a quintessential Maine-style experience. Or hit up Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for Southern twists like Cajun rolls with Remoulade sauce.
Trying beloved regional chains can be a fun way to taste how lobster rolls reflect their origins.
Scoping Out Lobster Shacks and Seafood Markets
For the utmost in fresh, unfussy lobster rolls, you can’t beat seasonal lobster shacks and seafood markets on the coasts. These unfussy spots focus on serving up impeccably fresh lobster sourced right from the dock outside.
The no frills preparation really allows the fresh lobster flavor to sing. And the casual atmosphere completes a classic New England seafood experience.
Seeking Out Food Trucks and Pop-ups
In recent years, trendy food trucks and pop-up lobster roll vendors have become popular, bringing rolls straight from the Maine coast around the country.
These mobile spots offer access to some of the best lobster around via food events, festivals, breweries and other local gatherings. Keep an eye out for when lobster trucks roll through your area.
Trying Lobster Roll Kits at Home
For ultimate freshness and customization, you can even order lobster roll kits shipped overnight from services like LobsterAnywhere.com. These provide pre-cooked lobster meat and fixings like rolls and butter to assemble your own perfect lobster rolls right at home.
While more hands on, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and portions exactly how you like them.
Ordering Lobster Rolls for Delivery
If heading out isn’t convenient, check sites like DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats to see if any local spots in your area deliver ready-made lobster rolls.
Delivery brings the indulgence to you, letting you enjoy those buttery lobster-stuffed rolls from the comfort of home.
The key to finding that heavenly lobster roll is focusing on highly-rated local spots, quality ingredients, and simplicity in preparation. With all the options today from seafood shacks to delivery, lobster roll perfection is now easier than ever to attain right in your hometown. Just follow your cravings to buttery lobster bliss!
Lobster Rolls on a roll
I gave these to my mom for her birthday. She makes us go get her lobster rolls all the time. She said these are phenomenal. S.
We no longer go to restaurants for birthdays and other celebrations like we used to. Instead, we order from Luke’s! They have the best lobster, the fastest delivery, and the nicest people who help me fix things like a gift tag for someone. I love Luke’s lobster so much!!!!!
Lukes knows how to do lobster! They package it well. It’s delivered when they say it will. It always comes frozen. They give you recipes. What’s not to love? This summer I want to visit them in Portland, Maine, which is my home state.