The Best Lobster Rolls in Boston: Lobster Roll Tour on Deck

Hey everyone,

It has certainly been a while since my last blog post, but I am so excited to share with you all where you can get the best lobster rolls in Boston. Here’s the lowdown…. I went to college in Maine (Bates College) so I know a good lobster, lobster mac and cheese, and certainly a good lobster roll when I taste one.

When I moved to Boston last year, I was glad to be back in New England. In part, because I would once again be near fresh seafood. Yum! I decided to go on a lobster roll tour to determine where my go-to spot while living in Boston would be. Who knew the decision would be so incredibly difficult to make – they were all good. So, whether you like your lobster roll “Maine Style” – where the lobster roll is generally served cold, and the meat is tossed in mayo and celery or you prefer “New England Style” where the meat is served warm and tossed in butter – here are some of the best places to get lobster rolls in Boston.

My personal preference: I like both, but I gravitate towards New England Style. Most of the time when I visited the places on the list it was for dinner. I generally prefer a hot meal for dinner and that may have also contributed to why I leaned towards the warm butter route. In any event, I rarely turn down a toasted bun. A toasted bun provides a nice texture to the roll, and who doesn’t like a nice piece of toast?

Let’s dive into it:

1.     Yankee Lobster: 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 / Telephone: (617) 345-9799

Website: https://yankeelobster.co/

While visiting Yankee Lobster, I had the lobster roll and fries. I also had an order of fried clams to go. The portion sizes were good, but the roll was not toasted :( There is however, a fresh seafood market where you can buy whole lobsters and other fresh seafood.

Lobster roll and fries to go

Fried clams from Yankee Lobster

2.     The Barking Crab: 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210 / Telephone: (617) 426-2722 / Website: http://barkingcrab.com/

The Barking Crab does not take reservations, but don’t be discouraged by the line - it moves pretty fast. This is one of my favorite places on this list to dine in at. Located in the seaport, the restaurant is right on the water. I enjoyed eating under the tent, with its beachy-marine décor and festive music. I had the lobster roll (of course, but also the crab dip to start.

Lobster roll, fries, cole slaw and pickle from The Barking Crab.

Crab dip and chips from The Barking Crab

3.     Luke’s Lobster: Downtown Crossing 290 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108/ Telephone: 857-317-4843 / Website: https://lukeslobster.com/

I was first introduced to Luke’s Lobster while living in New York. It’s a chain – so if you are not in Boston and are looking for a place to get lobster roll, there may be one in your area!

Lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster

4.     B & G Oysters:  550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 / Telephone: (617) 423-0550 / Website: http://bandgoysters.com/

At this cozy restaurant, I had a Maine Style Lobster roll with all the fixings. It came with fries, coleslaw and pickles. Though indoor and patio seating is available, I highly recommend making a reservation.

Lobster roll, fries and pickles from B & G Oysters

5.     Lobstah on a Roll: 537 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118 / Telephone: (617) 424-7067 / Website: https://www.lobstahonaroll.com/

If you ever needed an excuse to say “lobstah” instead of the more commonly used “lobster” visiting Lobstah on a Roll is your chance. Earlier in the day, I had taken a tour of Fenway Park. Picking up a lobster roll on my way home was a great way to end a day exploring Boston.

Lobster roll and fries from Lobstah on a Roll

6.     Reel House East Boston: 6 New St, Boston, MA 02128 / Telephone: (617) 895-4075 / Website: https://www.reelhouseboston.com/

This waterfront restaurant serves up more than just a great view of the harbor and the greater Boston area. The bun of this lobster roll was lined with lettuce (a first for me) and came with salad and chips.

Lobster roll, chips and salad from Reel House

7.     Neptune Oyster: 63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113 / Telephone: 617) 742-3474 / Website: https://www.neptuneoyster.com/

There’s a reason why Neptune Lobster appears on almost all the lists for the best lobster rolls in Boston. Don’t let those lines deter you. The lobster roll from Neptune Oyster is worth the wait! The large portion of succulent lobster on a toasted bun paired with fries is what you would imagine when you think of “the best”.

Lobster roll and fries from Neptune Lobster

So there you have it! A list of great places to get lobster rolls all around Boston. I am interested in knowing what your favorites are and if there are some additional places I should check out. Comment below, I’ll be glad to hear any suggestions.

Be safe out there,

Marissa from Yes to Dessert!