The Best Lobster Rolls in America: From Maine to California

Lobster rolls are a quintessential New England delicacy, but the popularity of this seafood treat has spread across the country. A classic lobster roll consists of a toasted, buttered bun filled with chunks of fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo and sometimes topped with herbs or celery. Here are some of the best places to find lobster rolls in America, from coast to coast:

1. Red’s Eats – Wiscasset, ME Red’s Eats is a roadside stand that has been serving up lobster rolls since 1938. The lobster meat is piled high on a toasted bun and served with a side of melted butter. This no-frills approach allows the sweet, succulent lobster meat to shine.
2. Neptune Oyster – Boston, MA Neptune Oyster is a popular seafood restaurant in Boston’s North End. The lobster roll is made with large chunks of fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo, and served on a buttered and toasted brioche bun. The restaurant is small and often has a wait, but the lobster roll is worth it.
3. The Clam Shack – Kennebunkport, ME The Clam Shack is a Kennebunkport institution. The lobster roll is made with freshly caught Maine lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo, and served on a buttered and toasted roll. The restaurant has a picturesque location on the harbor and outdoor seating.
4. Luke’s Lobster – New York, NY Luke’s Lobster has several locations across the country, but the original location in New York City’s East Village is a must-visit. The lobster meat is sourced from sustainable Maine fisheries and served on a buttered and toasted bun with a touch of mayo and lemon butter.
5. Lobster Joint – Brooklyn, NY Lobster Joint is a Brooklyn-based seafood restaurant that offers a variety of lobster dishes, including a classic lobster roll. The lobster meat is mixed with mayo, celery, and herbs and served on a toasted bun. The restaurant also offers a Connecticut-style lobster roll, which is served warm with butter.
6. Lobster ME – Las Vegas, NV Lobster ME is a Las Vegas restaurant that specializes in lobster dishes, including a classic lobster roll. The lobster meat is sourced from Maine and served on a toasted bun with a touch of mayo and lemon. The restaurant also offers a lobster grilled cheese and lobster mac and cheese.
7. Cousins Maine Lobster – Los Angeles, CA Cousins Maine Lobster started as a food truck and now has several brick-and-mortar locations across the country. The lobster roll is made with fresh Maine lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo, and served on a buttered and toasted bun. The restaurant also offers a lobster grilled cheese and lobster tacos.
8. Eventide Oyster Co. – Portland, ME Eventide Oyster Co. is a Portland-based seafood restaurant that offers a unique take on the classic lobster roll. The lobster meat is mixed with brown butter and served on a Chinese steamed bun with pickled red onion and chives. The result is a buttery and flavorful twist on a New England classic.
9. Lobster Landing – Clinton, CT Lobster Landing is a roadside stand in Clinton, Connecticut, that offers fresh lobster rolls in a beautiful waterfront setting. The lobster meat is sourced from local fishermen and served on a buttered and toasted bun with a touch of mayo and lemon. The restaurant also offers a lobster bisque and lobster mac and cheese.
10. Fishermen’s Catch – Port Clyde, ME Fishermen’s Catch is a seafood market and restaurant in Port Clyde, Maine, that offers fresh lobster rolls made with local lobster meat. The lobster is lightly dressed with mayo and served on a buttered and