7 Best Lobster Rolls in NYC Because It’s #NationalLobsterDay

Something you should know about me:

I don’t love seafood.

I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. A pile of freshly steamed lobsters is not something that gets my heart pumping. They’re a lot of work, and the last time I tried to shell one I almost lost a thumb. Those things are sharp. I have no time for that.

On the flip side, show me a lobster roll with drawn butter, Old bay seasoning and crisp Kettle-cooked chips and I’m all over that shit. Or lobster mac n cheese? Hell yes. I know it probably ruins the lobster according to a lobster purist, but I can’t help it if I’m just another slovenly American who needs to cover things in cheese in order to enjoy them.

But I digress. I have a fun story about lobsters before I get to sharing my favorite lobster rolls. You’re welcome.

When I was a kid growing up in Astoria, we used to dine at The Neptune Diner. I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with it, but it’s a classic. When we would go in to eat, I would go and hang out with the lobsters. You know the ones in the tanks by the fish section? Yea. I used to name them, talk to them, and just shoot the shit about life. You know how kids do.

I never knew that I was actually not talking to the same lobsters each time and that they were being used for FEEDING. I just remembered that I had a slight obsession with The Little Mermaid as a child, so I wanted a little lobster friend like Sebastian. It was only until I got older that I realized Sebastian was actually a crab. Then I realized crabs and lobsters are not the same thing. I was cute but my brains weren’t fully developed yet.

Moral of the story: I felt bad eating lobsters, crabs…basically any shellfish for a long time for this reason. But I’ve since gotten over it, it’s just not something I crave often.

Speaking of crave…let’s move on to the food portion of the program. Here’s a list of my favorite places to get a Lobster Roll, in no order of preference because I’m not great with numbers. Words I can do but math is just completely lost on me. God doesn’t give with both hands.

7 Best Lobster Rolls in NYC

  1. Flex Mussels. I love this restaurant for many reasons but the main one being: consistency. It’s been around for a decade and it’s ALWAYS on point. I love their Lobster Roll and perfectly salty, skinny fries. They also have a fun DIY Lobster Roll too right now off the menu (just ask for it) with all kinds of toppings.
  2. Burger & Lobster. Despite this place being right near the seventh circle of hell aka Times Square, it’s got a pretty solid lobster roll. And the Burger & Lobster Tower of London is an ideal feast for 4. Check it out before hitting a show!
  3. The Mermaid Inn. If you can actually get in here on a nice summer day, try their lobster roll and wash it down with some rose.
  4. North River Lobster Co. So…I get very ill on boats. Like I have been known to actually turn green. But if you take your dramamine beforehand, you’ll be fine. And they have a really nice, meaty lobster roll aboard this boat.
  5. Luke’s Lobster. For a quick lobster roll on the go, this is the place to go. Truth be told, I am not one who craves it regularly enough to go this route, but I do love their shrimp roll too. Just sayin.
  6. Lure Fishbar. I actually love the burger here (just a little insider tip from me to you because no one thinks to order a burger here), but the Lobster roll was delicious too. Highly recommend for brunch with their special Bloody Mary aka the Bloody Royale topped with shrimp.
  7. Mary’s Fish Camp. Solid spot for seafood lovers – the lobster roll is great, and the fried oysters were amazing. I hate oysters typically but hey, if you fry it I’ll try it.

One Comment

  1. The original Burger and Lobster is on W. 19th between 5th and 6th, far from the madding crowd.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.