Lobster rolls have become a classic New York City summertime staple. From food carts to fine dining, the Big Apple offers up some of the best lobster rolls in the country. There’s something for everyone—whether you prefer a Connecticut-style lobster roll with just butter and lemon or a Maine-style with mayo, celery and herbs. With so many delicious spots throughout NYC, it can be hard to narrow down your search. Read on to find out where you can snag the very best lobster rolls in the city.
The Original Lobster Roll at Pearl Oyster Bar
No list of the best lobster rolls in NYC would be complete without mentioning Pearl Oyster Bar. Located in the West Village neighborhood, Pearl is legendary for its Original Lobster Roll. This simple and elegant sandwich packs a whole Maine lobster (around a half-pound) onto a toasted, buttered New England-style roll. The lobster meat is lightly dressed with a light mayo and shucked oysters, adding an extra dimension of briny sweetness. Be sure to get there early because the lines form quickly!
Luke’s Lobster Roll at Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster is a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic Maine-style lobster roll. Unlike the Original Lobster Roll at Pearl Oyster Bar, Liz’s Lobster Roll at Luke’s Lobster is made with mayo and a mix of spring onions, celery and herbs. Luke’s is also known for its freshness—each lobster roll is made with wild-caught, sustainably sourced Maine lobster. You can find Luke’s Lobster at multiple locations throughout the city, and they also offer a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as non-seafood options.
Crab and Lobster Roll at Red Hook Lobster Pound
Red Hook Lobster Pound is always packed with lobster-lovers, and for good reason. Their signature sandwich, the Crab and Lobster Roll, is one of the best the city has to offer. The sandwich features a generous portion of wild Maine lobster and jumbo lump crab meat mixed with a creamy mayo-based dressing. The roll is served up warm and toasty, wrapped in paper and ready to go. Red Hook Lobster Pound is located in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood and they offer dine-in and take-out options.
Empire State Lobster Roll at The Lobster Joint
The Lobster Joint is a seafood joint located in the heart of NYC’s East Village. This spot is great for seafood lovers and meat-eaters alike, as they offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and plates. The menu’s standout is The Empire State Lobster Roll—a generous helping of Maine lobster is lightly tossed with diced celery, red onion, chives and, of course, drawn butter. The Lobster Joint serves up a variety of salads and side dishes, as well as a selection of local craft beers.
The Original Lobster Salad Roll at The Lobster Place
Chelsea Market favorite The Lobster Place has been providing New Yorkers with some of the best seafood in the city since 1974. The Original Lobster Salad Roll is their signature dish. This sandwich is made with their own special recipe of freshly cooked lobster tossed in mayo, celery and onions, topped with crunchy lettuce and served on a toasted and buttered New England-style roll. The Lobster Place is a true seafood spot; they also offer a variety of raw and cooked fish, shellfish, and sushi grade seafood.
East Coast Roll at Brooklyn Crab
Brooklyn Crab offers up some of the freshest seafood in the city. The East Coast Roll is a stellar example of their menu—fresh lobster is served up with crisp bacon and just enough mayo, served on a toasted brioche bun. Pair your sandwich with an order of their famous Old Bay fries and wash it down with one of the many locally made craft beers on offer. Brooklyn Crab is located in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn and offers outdoor dining, live music and various events throughout the year.
New Jersey Style Lobster Roll at The catering Truck UES
The Catering Truck UES is a relative newcomer to the NYC seafood scene and they are already making a name for themselves with their New Jersey-style lobster roll. Lobster chunks, celery and scallions are mixed with a light mayo-based dressing and served with lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun. They also offer a wide selection of wrapped sandwiches and sides, perfect for a light and affordable lunch. The Catering Truck UES is located on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan and also offers online ordering for delivery or pick-up.
Whether you’re an out-of-towner or a city native, it’s easy to find the best lobster roll in NYC. From classic Maine-style rolls to creative new takes, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. With this list in hand, it’s time to head out and enjoy some of the very best lobster rolls in the city.
