The 16 Absolute Best Lobster Rolls In The US

When you think of classic American foods, lobster rolls should be at the top of your list. The first documented lobster roll was served at Perry's in Milford, Connecticut in 1929. Since then, the sandwich took the East Coast by storm until it became the cultural icon that it is today. Several distinct styles emerged over time, and some lobster roll enthusiasts stay loyal to their favorite type. Connecticut lobster rolls feature warm lobster soaked in butter on a steamy bun. 

Up in Maine, lobster rolls are often served chilled meat with mayonnaise on a grilled bun. And in some parts of New England, lobster is tossed with celery, mayonnaise, and chives. No matter what your favorite type is, lobster rolls are the perfect summer sandwich. That's why we rounded up the best lobster rolls in the country to take out the guesswork next time you're craving this iconic dish. 

Lobster rolls are often limited to the warmer seasons, but this one is only available once a week! At The Ordinary in Charleston, South Carolina, Chef Mike Lata serves up a decadent lobster roll as a special every Tuesday. The restaurant serves upscale, elevated seafood dishes and their lobster roll is no exception. Locals flock to this James Beard-nominated spot for a bite of his freshly baked bread and half a pound of tender lobster. The flavor is amped up with Tabasco, celery, shallots, lemon, chives, and Old Bay to pack an even bigger punch. Lobster, however, is still the star of this sandwich. Reviewers say this sandwich is light and creamy, perfect for hot South Carolina days.

The Ordinary's lobster roll has caught the attention of Food Network, Bon Appétit, and foodies throughout the Charleston area for its noteworthy flavors and limited availability. With all of the buzz for this off-menu meal, The Ordinary's lobster roll is anything but ordinary. 

The quintessential lobster roll is often associated with New England waterfront seafood shacks. At McLoon's Lobster Shack off the coast of Maine, they embody tradition and make some of the most authentic lobster rolls you can find in the United States. Their Fresh Lobster Roll is not kidding when they say it's fresh: they pluck the lobsters fresh out of the Atlantic Ocean every morning before stuffing these sandwiches. With your choice of mayo or warm butter, the meat is served on a grilled roll complete with coleslaw, potato chips, and the necessary pickle.

The trip to Spruce Head Island may be too ambitious for some, but that doesn't mean you need to forgo their delicious lobster rolls. McLoon's Lobster Shack offers Lobster Roll Kits with all of the necessary materials that you can order through Goldbelly, so you can get a taste of Maine from anywhere in the nation.

Located in the heart of Cape Cod, Chatham Pier Fish Market is a classic outpost for fresh, locally caught fish and seafood. This shack is situated right on the water with picnic tables to enjoy the best of the sea while you watch fishermen unloading their daily catch. Founded over 50 years ago by Willard Nickerson, known locally as "The Codfather," Chatham Pier Fish Market is a landmark spot known for the Cape's freshest fish and tastiest seafood sandwiches. Most notably, their lobster rolls are some of the most popular dishes on the menu.

They offer lobster rolls served in the style of both Maine and Connecticut, and while both are delicious, the Buttered Lobster Roll is especially worth the trip. The sweet, tender locally caught lobster meat is tossed in warm butter and stuffed into a toasted brioche bun. Served alongside coleslaw and fries, this lobster roll represents everything a lobster roll should be: bright, buttery, and flavorful. 

What happens when you combine two of the greatest lobster dishes: lobster rolls and lobster bisque? At Found Oyster in Los Angeles, California, you get one of the greatest lobster rolls on Earth. Chef Ari Kolender gives you the best of both worlds with all of the classic fixings for a lobster roll with some added excitement. In this sandwich, homemade lobster bisque is reduced into a creamy flavor bomb. When it's mixed with Japanese mayonnaise and lemon juice, you get a punch of lobster flavor that only adds to the hearty chunks of fresh lobster meat. Once it's stuffed into a toasted potato roll and finished with a healthy dusting of chives, this sandwich perfectly satisfies your shellfish craving.

To top it all off, this lobster roll is served with homemade French fries and some fresh lemon to squeeze over the top. Found Oyster's lobster roll is the perfect solution if you still want to enjoy the flavors of lobster bisque in the California heat. 

The Lobster Shack in Westport, Connecticut is an outpost of Rizzuto's Oyster Bar on the Long Island Sound. Their menu is completely dedicated to lobster rolls, so their sandwich recipe has been perfected. The Lobster Shack sources lobster only from the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island so the lobster never has to travel far to make it to your plate. Each sandwich has over a quarter pound of tail and claw meat packed into a toasted brioche bun. 

While all of The Lobster Shack's offerings are impressive, the Angry Roll stands out. Rather than slathering the lobster in butter or mayonnaise, The Lobster Shack takes an unconventional approach. They coat warmed lobster meat in a spicy tomato arrabbiata sauce and serve it with Boston lettuce. The added spice departs from the classic lobster roll and transforms it into something new and exciting. Next time you're in Connecticut and want a lobster roll unlike any other, make sure to order an Angry Roll.

This seafood bar in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts highlights all things fish. Their New England location makes Saltie Girl bona fide experts on seafood. They're known for curating a wide variety of tinned fish, but the hidden gem on their menu is their Gloucester Lobster Roll. If you're craving a lobster roll, their recipe will not only meet your expectations but surpass them. 

Served either warm or chilled, Saltie Girl sticks to the classic lobster roll and does it well. Lobster meat is packed into a buttery bun and piled high with your choice of mayonnaise or warm butter. Their lobster roll is rich, sweet, and bursting with lobster flavor. Saltie Girl also takes it up a notch by serving its sandwich with its signature salt and vinegar chips. It adds a tasty tang to accompany the buttery lobster roll and makes it the perfect meal when you're in the mood for shellfish. 

Florida may not be known for its lobster rolls, but The Boardwalk Grill in Madeira Beach serves a lobster roll that transports you straight to New England. This local joint is situated right on the boardwalk so beachgoers can stop by for high-quality seafood while they spend a day in the sun. The Boardwalk Grill ensures their lobster roll is on par with the best of New England by keeping things simple and traditional. 

The foundation of the sandwich lies in the bread, which is slathered in a healthy serving of butter and griddled until it's golden brown. Then, Boardwalk Grill serves up a heaping mound of high-quality lobster meat. It's a hearty sandwich that doesn't need any bells or whistles for it to taste good: the lobster speaks for itself. For the best bang for your buck and a taste of Maine down in Florida, The Boardwalk Grill's Lobster Roll is the perfect place to visit.

Steuben's in Denver, Colorado is reinventing the American diner by serving traditional dishes with a modern flair. Their menu spans from classic Southwestern plates to Southern comfort food to New England staples. Their lobster roll is a prime example of their contemporary version of iconic American food. 

Selected by Eater Denver as one of the best lobster rolls in the city, Steuben's imports live lobsters from Seaview Farms in Kittery, Maine to ensure that their sandwiches are of the highest quality. Although they offer both Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls, their Maine Lobster Roll is especially delicious. Each sandwich is piled high with nearly a quarter pound of meat from the tail, knuckle, and claw of the lobster. They're tossed in a mayonnaise dressing and stuffed into a buttery, toasty split top roll. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without their house-made pickles and potato chips. Even if you can't travel out to New England, you can still get a top-tier Lobster Roll on the other side of the country.