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