Living in the North East can be rough with all the snow and cold weather in the colder months, but summers are delightful! One advantage is that we seem to have some of the best seafood. Lobster is affiliated with New England and the states near it, and for good reason. I’ve had lobster rolls in Massachusetts, Maryand, Maine, and the Carolinas, and I couldn’t tell you which had the best ones. New York City is known for great pizza, and even though we’re right on the coast, and Manhattan is an Island, New York Seafood is not as famous it could be. Well. As you know, I eat out quite a bit, and I can attest for some pretty good stuff. Here’s a list of lobster rolls that stole my heart and tastebuds!
Pearl Oyster Bar
Pearl Oyster Bar in the West Village is top notch. Their lobster roll is my personal favorite and comes with the most amazing shoestring fries. The ingredients are simple: mayonnaise, lemon and celery, some salt and pepper, but chef Rebecca Charles created a masterpiece of a lobster roll, I could literally eat them every day. This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so it can be tricky, but if you go during the week it’s not really a problem.
John Dory Oyster Bar
John Dory Oyster Bar is located in the Flatiron District, and is quite impressive. Their raw bar is in the middle of the restaurant, and you immediately get an idea on how fresh all their seafood is. The JDOB Lobster Roll is served with waffle fries. April Bloomfield (she is amazing!!) and Chef de Cuisine Josh Evens created this sandwich, and it is made with green lobster roe and a house made celery mayonnaise. Amazing. One tip: their Happy Hour rocks…
Lure Fishbar
Lure Fishbar is a lively and popular restaurant in Lower Manhattan. It has an energetic crowd and some of the best seafood in the city. This lobster roll is served with homemade chips and the standouts in their recipe are cucumbers and Tabasco, which makes for a delicious combo. On a sidenote, they also serve one of New York’s best burgers. Best of both worlds…
Lobster Joint
The Lobster Joint is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It’s a rustic, sunny place with wooden furniture that reminds you of seafood joints in the small towns on the Atlantic Coast. This place offers several lobster rolls, and I chose the New England version, which contains celery and fresh herb mayo. It is also served with house made chips. It’s simply scrumptious. Don’t skip the Lobster Claw Bloody Mary, it’s yummy and it really does have a lobster claw in it!
The Lobster Place
The Lobster Place is one of the many amazing places inside the Chelsea Market. It serves anything and everything that has to do with seafood, and is sort of a Mecca if you ask me. Sushi, seafood by the pound, Po’ Boys and yes, lobster rolls, you can get it here. The lobster roll is made with claw and tail meat, mayonnaise, celery and scallions. It’s super fresh and delicious!
Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster has several locations throughout New York City, and they’re all equally delicious. Their eateries are “shack-style” and even though you can find them in malls and food courts, don’t be fooled by that one bit! Their lobster roll is the real thing! It’s made with a little less mayonnaise than some of the competitors, and added oregano and thyme to stand out, which it makes for a delectable roll. Pick up a Lobster and Gruyere Grilled Cheese while you’re there, omg……
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Red Hook Lobster Pound has locations all over New York, New Jersey and Washington. Here in NYC they have a food truck and a storefront at the Vanderbilt Urban Space by Grand Central Station. This is another eatery that shouldn’t be underestimated because of its location. It is righteous! Their lobster roll is made with the traditional ingredients plus a touch of shredded lettuce and paprika. Yummy!
