Lobster Roll
 

Visiting Providence, Newport Beach, and Boston next week. i'd like to sample a lobster roll in each place and would like to have your recommendation where the locals go.

Thanks.

You mean Newport?

Yes--Newport. My bad.

you can check chowhound.com and do a search on lobster roll. This is a popular topic. Sorry, but I can only do recommendations for Maine.

Easton's Beach (First Beach to locals) had an awesome deal this summer - 2 lobster rolls for $12.95 I think. Not sure if the concession stand is still open as I go to second beach. Flo's Clam Shack is right passed 1st beach on the Newport/Middletown line and are they are well known for their seafood in a casual environment. For a more upscale dinning experience Atlantic Beach Club is right across the street from Flo's. Tickets Sports Bar is at the same intersection and KJ's Pub, Atlantic Grill & Easton's Point are on Atlantic Avenue. Good Eating!

The people I know in Boston make their own lobster rolls. Lucky devils.((6))

I actually finally had one in Portland, Me. A friend I was visiting told me this one place was THE place to have them (a combo ice cream and something else walk-up).

You, hopefully, already know what they consist of. I like lobster and if you like it cold with mayo then great...would I travel all the way up there for another one? No.

If you look up the lobster roll threads on Chowhound, you'll see there are many opinions. You can check this woman's blog about her efforts to eat and rate lobster rolls all over New England: http://lobstergal.com/

In Boston, Neptune Oyster in the North End has highly rated lobster rolls. You can either order a cold roll with mayonnaise or one with warm butter. It is a small restaurant, and doesn't take reservations, so either go at an off-hour or put your name in and they will call you--you can stroll around the North End.

For a basic roll that you'll eat outside, you can go to James Hook on the harbor. Yankee Lobster in the Seaport area is a basic, no frills, but tasty option as well.

It's true, as a New Englander, most of us shuck our own lobster at home. And at 5.99 a lb, the lobstermen have had a tough season of making a living. You could always go up the street and have Shaw's grocer steam you up a few and have a picnic in your room on hotel towels! I once made lobster rolls for a fodor's couple who did just that! They sat in their room eating lobster with towels as their table cloth!

The one thing we won't do is go to McDonalds for a lobster roll, or any other fast food restaurant. There was a poster who insisted everyone go to McDonalds. But really what's the point? Unless you live in Siberia, and maybe not even, eating canned frozen lobster is easily attainable. So why would anyone go to McDonalds or other chains?

What makes a good lobster roll is freshness, and a lively lobster that hasn't been imprisoned in a tank for long. When I purchase lobsters, they must get all active and unhappy being pulled out of the tank. If they're not squriming like a toddler, and flapping their tail in protest, they won't be sweet.


I've never had one in Newport. Been to Flo's. It's a nice lobster/clam shack. I have found it to be fantastic and mediocre. So I always suggest people order small. And if it's excellent you can always order more.

In Boston area I have a few suggestions.

James Hook. When a fire burned them down, they could have easily cashed in and relocated or retire. But they didn't. http://jameshooklobster.com/index.php?main_page=index

Alive and Kicking is another local favorite. They do a lobster sandwich on buttered scalli bread. Haven't been in awhile, but it is always fresh and always sweet. http://www.aliveandkickinglobsters.com

Another favorite is Belle Isle. I've never been. But they seem to do a nice mix of tail and knuckle - do not dismiss the sweet tenderness of the knuckle and claw. Just avoid that rubbery end of the claw - even my dog wouldn't eat it and would bark at it! People like the new location. So if you have a car, it may be worth your while. http://www.yelp.com/biz/belle-isle-l...seafood-boston

For an easy fix I'd suggest Legal Harborside - it will be fresh and it will be legal.

NOW It's not a lobster roll, but it does include lobster and dough. For something remarkable, I suggest you head over to The Liberty Hotel. The hotel was completely gutted inside while retaining it's exterior bones. At Scampo, a culinary gem of a chef, Lydia brought her infamous lobster pizza with her, where ever she goes, this is her dish. It is a great treat in a great room in a great hotel. http://scampoboston.com

Well hope that helps, but again, please whatever you do, don't listen to posters that tell you McDonalds is a good hit.

Cheers!

Good call on Yankee Lobster as well.

In Boston, Island Creek Oyster Bar. Happy Trvlr loves it, too. You can thank us later.
Horton's Seafood Shack in East Providence or the Blount Clam Shack in Providence.
The snack bar at Eastons Beach in Newport, or the Lobster Bar on Bowen's Wharf for a hot lobster roll (Connecticut style...the meat is served warm with butter instead of cold dressed with mayo).

Can't wait to try all your suggestions. thanks everyone.

Would I travel all the way up there for one? Yes!! But I eat mine on the Cape so I have no suggestions. Sorry.

I do love Island Creek but not for their Lobster Roll.