The Ultimate Guide on Where To Get Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls – tender lobster meat drizzled with butter and served up in a grilled bun. This iconic Northeastern seafood sandwich is loved by foodies across America. While traditionally from Maine, you can now find delicious lobster rolls across the country.

As a lifelong seafood fanatic and lobster roll enthusiast, I’ve tasted my fair share of lobster rolls from coast to coast. In this guide, I’ll share the best places I’ve discovered to get unmatched lobster rolls no matter where you are in the US.

New England – The Home of Lobster Rolls

It’s no surprise that New England, especially Maine, is the ultimate destination for indulging in authentic lobster rolls dripping with buttery lobster goodness. Here are some must-try spots:

Maine

• Red’s Eats – Iconic roadside shack serving hearty lobster rolls overflowing with meat since 1938

• Eventide Oyster Co – Elegant take on lobster rolls alongside an extensive oyster bar

• The Lobster Shack – Charming casual Cape Elizabeth spot for freshly made rolls with gorgeous ocean views

Massachusetts

• Legal Sea Foods – Boston chain offering classic chilled lobster rolls with a twist

• Neptune Oyster – Trendy Boston bistro dishing up grilled lobster rolls with drawn butter

• The Lobster Trap Fish Shack – No-frills, delicious rolls in buzzing Provincetown

Connecticut

• Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale – Family-friendly restaurant chain making generous lobster rolls

• Abbot’s Lobster in the Rough – Long-running outdoor seafood shack in Noank for simple yet perfect rolls

• Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock – Renowned dockside eatery in New London serving rolls overflowing with meat

Rhode Island

• Matunuck Oyster Bar – Farm fresh oysters and hefty lobster rolls in South Kingstown

• Flo’s Clam Shack – Old school Rhode Island icon offering lightly dressed lobster rolls

• Blount Clam Shack – Humble takeout stand on Narragansett beach serving no-frills lobster goodness

New Hampshire

• Brown’s Lobster Pound – Picturesque outdoor shack across from Portsmouth harbor dishing up fresh rolls

• The Lobster Shack – Charming, tiny North Hampton spot serving butter-soaked lobster rolls with views

The Gulf South

While not native to the region, you can find some delicious lobster rolls at eateries across the Gulf South as well:

Florida

• The Lobster Shack in Panama City Beach – Straightforward rolls highlighted by juicy Florida lobster

• The Oceanaire Seafood Room with locations across Florida – Upscale chain offering lobster rolls alongside other seafood

• Safe Harbor Seafood Market in Naples – Market stand serving New England-style lobster rolls made fresh

New Orleans

• Peche Gulf Coast Grill – Trendsetting Warehouse District spot putting a Creole spin on lobster rolls

• Seaworthy – Ocean-influenced bar menu featuring lobster rolls doused in warm butter

• Joel’s Lobster Rolls – Seasonal pop-up shop bringing authentic Maine-style lobster rolls to NOLA

Mississippi/Alabama

• The Depot in Orange Beach, AL – Longstanding spot serving po’ boy-style lobster rolls

• Dockside Seafood in Gulfport, MS – Local favorite for straight-up chilled lobster rolls near the harbor

• Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina – Casual seafood eatery dishing up lobster rolls with Alabama white BBQ sauce

The West Coast

Lobster rolls are less prevalent on the West Coast, but here are some spots I discovered serving up excellent rolls:

California

• Connie & Ted’s in Los Angeles – East Coast inspired seafood joint making lobster rolls modeled after Maine

• The Marshall Store north of San Francisco – Iconic seaside restaurant overlooking Tomales Bay preparing tasty lobster rolls

• Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill in San Diego – Renowned market serving grilled lobster rolls with tons of meat

Seattle

• RockCreek Seafood & Spirits – Chic downtown spot offering artisinal lobster rolls with celery aioli

• Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar – Rustic-chic oyster bar preparing lobster rolls to pair with local oysters and wines

• The Walrus and the Carpenter – Nationally-acclaimed seafood restaurant crafting unique lobster roll creations

Las Vegas

• Estiatorio Milos at The Cosmopolitan – Upscale Greek restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired lobster rolls

• New England Lobster Co food truck – Roaming food truck dishing out authentic Maine-style lobster rolls citywide

• Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo – Sports bar menu featuring straightforward chilled lobster rolls doused in butter

Other Notable Spots Across the US

Beyond the coasts, other parts of America are also catching lobster roll fever at restaurants like:

• Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago for Maine-inspired lobster rolls

• Root Down in Denver, an unexpected spot for lobster roll perfection with avocado

• Greenhouse Tavern in Cleveland putting a playful Midwestern spin on lobster rolls

• Knife & Fork Inn in Atlantic City, a 100+ year old restaurant serving indulgent lobster rolls

• event 57 in Birmingham, Alabama crafting unique hot lobster rolls with Alabama white sauce

• Boiling Crab in Kansas City, Missouri for cajun-style seafood boils and lobster rolls

• Snappy Lobster food truck in Nashville, Tennessee bringing lobster rolls to the heartland

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of lobster rolls?

There are a few main styles of lobster rolls:

• Maine-style – Served cold with lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo and celery

• Connecticut-style – Served warm with lobster drizzled in drawn butter

• Southern style – Features crunchy coleslaw inside the lobster roll

• California style – Contain avocado and crisp vegetables alongside lobster meat

What is the best lobster for lobster rolls?

The lobster meat from Maine rock lobsters or North Atlantic lobsters is considered ideal for lobster rolls in terms of texture and flavor. Their claws contain the most tender, sweet meat.

What side dishes go well with lobster rolls?

Classic pairings include:

• Shoestring french fries
• Coleslaw
• Potato chips
• Potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• New England clam chowder

What is the white sauce often served with lobster rolls?

It’s usually either mayonnaise or drawn butter. Mayonnaise is more common in Maine-style cold rolls while drawn butter is typically drizzled over Connecticut-style hot lobster rolls.

Is it easy and affordable to make lobster rolls at home?

Yes! With pre-cooked lobster meat available at many grocers and fish markets, making lobster rolls at home is totally doable. It’s also cheaper than dining out for lobster.