It’s summertime and in New England that means lobster rolls. Whether you are a local or will be visiting, be sure to have a lobster roll or two (or seven!). Here are a few places in Massachusetts that are worth checking out.
Sully’s Castle Island
2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127
https://www.sullivanscastleisland.com
If you will be making your first visit to New England this summer, Sully’s is a great place for first-time exposure to the lobster roll. A value at $14.95, the roll goes back to the basics, in the best way, it’s piled high with fresh lobster meat on a toasted hot dog bun. Sully’s is located on Castle Island in South Boston. There is ample parking, however, expect to circle around a few times during the peak hours (lunchtime and weekends). But once you find a space, step on inside the building, place your order and then shuffle off to the side to wait. And when you have your lobster rolls, head outside to find a shady spot to enjoy them alfresco. Castle Island is actually a peninsula, which still means lots of water views.
Row 34
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
https://row34.com
Closer to downtown, Row 34 in the Seaport District is a spot where you’ll find not one, but two great iterations on the lobster roll. Row 34 offers a hot and cold option. While the cold option is the classic Maine-style lobster roll, the hot buttered version is just as satisfying. Both priced at $34, they come with a side of slaw and chips. But if you’re still hungry order a dozen oysters, they are some of the best in town.
Summer Shack
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
https://summershackrestaurant.com/boston
Jasper White’s Summer Shack is one of the most quintessential New England seafood restaurants in Boston. The locations in Boston’s Back Bay and in Cambridge serve up a variety of Yankee staples, including: fried clams, lobster rolls, whole lobsters and more. The lobster roll is available in both cold mayo and hot buttered options, both are $26. And while you’re at it, why not order something from the raw bar as well, their oyster shuckers are known as some of the fastest in the country.
Boston Chops
52 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
https://www.bostonchops.com/locations/downtowncrossing/
In downtown Boston, Boston Chops serves up a $28 Lobster Roll BLT. This sandwich comes with mayo and house made bacon lining the butter-toasted roll. The lobster is topped with kumato tomato and romaine lettuce.
Mare Oyster Bar
223 Hanover St, 3 Mechanic St, Boston, MA 02113
https://mareoysterbar.com
At Mare Oyster Bar in the North End, you’ll find both a hot buttered and chilled mayo version of the lobster roll as well. With both priced at $24.99, they come with hand-cut fries. Located just off the famous Hanover Street, Mare has an outdoor patio that overlooks the city and even a few fire pits where you can savor your summer lobster roll.
Chatham Bars Inn
297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
https://www.chathambarsinn.com
The Chatham Bars Inn is one of the toniest Cape Cod escapes, so it is no surprise that they do a solid rendition of the summer staple. Fresh lobster meat is tossed in a mayo and herb mixture and then served on a piece of lettuce inside a substantial toasted bun. Their lobster roll served on the Veranda restaurant is currently priced at $34 and comes with a side salad or fries as well as coleslaw.
Lobster Trap
290 Shore Rd, Bourne, MA 02532
http://www.lobstertrap.net
The Lobster Trap in Bourne on the Upper Cape Cod is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Not only do they serve classic rolls, their Lobster Reuben is also popular. The sandwich is: lobster, sauerkraut, swiss and Thousand Island dressing, all served on toasted marble rye. According to the owner, Dave Delancey, “We wanted to put a spin on the lobster roll and since my favorite sandwich has always been a Rueben, we went that route.” Their lobster rolls are $25 and the Lobster Reuben is $24.
