Few things say summer in the city like a proper lobster roll — but the good news is New York’s lobster spots deliver year-round. From old-school seafood counters to white-tablecloth dining rooms, here are ten favorites in and around the five boroughs.
The roll call
Red Hook Lobster Pound in Red Hook is the classic pilgrimage — worth the trip alone. Greenpoint doubles down with Sailor & Siren and Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. Chelsea has three contenders: Cull & Pistol, the Lobster Place, and The Mermaid Inn.
Downtown, Mary’s Fish Camp in the West Village and Lure Fishbar in SoHo both do the thing properly, while Luke’s Lobster covers both the Upper East Side and DUMBO — handy no matter which side of the river you’re on.
Hot and buttery vs. cold and creamy
The great debate: Connecticut-style (warm lobster tossed in butter) or Maine-style (chilled lobster with mayo)? New York serves both with conviction. If you’ve never had an opinion, order one of each and settle it yourself — that’s what a seafood crawl is for.
Make a day of it with 20 fun things to do in NYC today, from waterfront hangs to evening jazz. And for a lighter evening plan, DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island is the feel-good film of the moment.
