How do you like your lobster roll? Cold and dressed in mayo or warm and drenched in melted butter? Maybe you don’t have a preference, as long as it comes with a waterside view. No matter which lobster roll recipe you enjoy, you have a New England summertime tradition right in the palm of your hand.
Know Your Roll: Types of Lobster Rolls
There are two primary types of lobster roll recipes: Maine- and Connecticut-style. While some variations exist in between, most eaters are loyal to one or the other.
Based on the results of our Northeast Food Fight, the cold, Maine-style lobster salad roll is a resounding favorite. Some will add celery, lettuce and other seasonings to the mix, but purists believe that nothing should come between fresh lobster meat and mayo.
If you are driving through Connecticut and stop at one of the many lobster huts along the shoreline, you are more likely to find a hot buttery Connecticut lobster roll.
If you’re lucky, you may find a spot that serves both and you can decide which option you like better – if your mind isn’t made up already.
One thing remains consistent among all bona fide lobster rolls – the roll needs to be a split-top, New England hot dog bun.
Restaurant Recipe Guide
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Download Now!Find a Lobster Roll Near You
McLoons Lobster Shack
South Thomaston, Maine
If you want to try both types of lobster rolls, take a drive up Interstate 95 to the small coastal town of South Thomaston. Head out to Spruce Head Island and you will find McLoons Lobster Shack, where you can get half mayo and half butter on one roll. This family-owned lobster shack is set near one of the area’s oldest wharfs, where you can sit out and watch the lobster fishermen pull in their catch of the day.
Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar
Eastham, Mass.
It wouldn’t be a proper Cape Cod road trip without a lobster roll. Named one of the best lobster rolls in Cape Cod, Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar offers both cold and warm lobster rolls in regular or jumbo size. Both are served with a side of famous Cape Cod potato chips made just down the street in Hyannis. After having a bite to eat, you can grab a famous Arnold’s ice cream and play a round at Arnold’s Mini Golf.
Easton’s Beach Snack Bar
Newport, R.I.
Easton’s serves all of the beach snack favorites, from burgers to fried seafood, but it’s known for its twin lobster salad rolls and buttered lobster rolls made with claw and tail meat. Take your meal out to the patio, which overlooks the beach, the Cliff Walk and the Newport mansions.
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
New London, Conn.
This quintessential lobster hut on a quiet marina gives you the chance to try both lobster roll styles while watching fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor. While you’re comparing rolls from different areas of the Northeast, why not try the New England and Rhode Island clam chowders, too, and have a full taste test.
Seven Seas Restaurant
Milford, Conn.
Seven Seas is known locally as one of the first places to serve a hot lobster roll. The hot buttered roll originated in Milford in 1929 at a restaurant called Perry’s that no longer exists, according to the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink.
North River Lobster Company
New York City
Is there a better place to eat a lobster roll than on a boat? Located on the Hudson River and 41st Street at Pier 81, you can hop aboard and sail up the Hudson while enjoying North River’s 28-inch classic lobster roll, The Shelly. At 28 inches (!), it’s oh-so sharable and very Instagrammable. The restaurant serves other varieties of the classic roll, including one with bacon, one tossed with truffle mayo, and one sprinkled with “everything” seasoning.
Lobster Roll Recipes
Want to host a lobster roll tasting party at home? All you need is enough split-top hot dog buns for everyone and a few lobsters. If you want to make it Maine-style, try this recipe from AAA Five Diamond Designated topper’s at The Wauwinet in Massachusetts.
If Connecticut-style is more up your alley, saute salted butter and lobster in a pan until it is cooked through. Toast your roll and you’re ready for a feast.
What is your go-to lobster roll spot? Tell us in the comments.
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Bob Lobster in Newbury, MA – Best Lobster Rolls on the east coast!
Any of the Beach Plum restaurants in ME or NH. Lobster roll is great with sweet potato fries!
Shain’s of Maine in Sanford, Maine! So reasonably priced and the lobster is piled high.
Cousin’s Maine Lobster Trucks are really one of the only ways ” New Jerseyians” can get true Lobster Rolls. And boy are they GOOD! You just have to get their app on your phone and they will let you know when they will be in your town or area.
Ford’s Lobster in Noank, CT. Between Mystic & Groton. Lobster Rolls & Lobster Bisque. Classic!
Good references all around. But… Anthony’s Italian Delicacies in Stoneham Center offers a lobster sub, on Fridays only, that is incomparable. Friday’s only! Get there before noon to be safe or order by phone to reserve. It is absolutely fresh, mixed prudently with mayo, and is offered on a sub roll or braided bread or a smaller one on a bulkie. No one could eat the sub alone… must be shared. That big. That good. Also the best Italian subs in the world, each custom made and very generous. Family owned and opped for two generations.
Glenwood Drive – in located in Hamden CT has a very good lobster roll for a good price.
Green Harbor Lobster pound on Marshfield, MA, is by far the best lobster roll around !! All of their seafood is spectacular!!
I agree! Best I have ever had, and they will prepare your lobster roll any way you like! Great chowder too! Onion rings are the best!
Fast Eddie’s in Brattleboro VT….generous portion, super great price.
Westfair fish & Chips in Westport, CT!!!
Seafood Shack in Sagamore along the canal. The lobster roll is so full they give you a fork because it is to full to pick up.
J P’s Restaurant Pub in Westborough, MA. The lobster roll is piled with chunks of lobster meat, not the shredded kind you may get at other places. It’s the best I’ve ever had.
Love the lobster rolls at JP’s. And their other seafood ???? dishes are also delicious. ????????
JP’s does kick it!!
JP’s is definitely the best. Lobster rolls are large and fresh.
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls in Onset, MA is the absolute best! They have other options like lobster grilled cheese, lobster BLT too! Yum with a capital Y!
The KING of Lobster Rolls is “The Clam Shack” in Kennebunkport,Maine
I agree!!!!
Nothing beats the Lobster Rolls at the Green Harbor Lobster Pound in Marshfield, MA. You can make 2 meals from one and they are unbelievable.
While I love Arnold’s in Eastham, I adore the lobster rolls and golden fries at Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis, MA. Oh my goodness, chunks of lobster! Yum!!
Red’s Lobster Shack in Wiscasset, Maine. Nothing else comes close.
Lobster landing in Clinton, CT, has awesome lobster rolls. Good size and rolls are toasted in an old fashioned toaster oven. Not sure of prices this season, but Wednesdays are “senior days” with a $2 discount per roll for everyone in your party As long as one is a senior. ????
Capt Jack’s Roadside Shack in Easthampton, MA. Mounds of lobster meat, best we’ve ever had. Onion rings to die for too.
Was just about to add that. Such a delicious lobster roll and onion rings were outstanding.
The Beach Plum in Portsmouth, NH. Great lobster rolls and great fried clams!
Wharf Tavern in Warren, R.I. Choose either New England or Connecticut. Can’t go wrong with either.