Lobster Roll Spots Around New England

There are few summertime dishes as beloved in New England as the lobster roll. From Massachusetts to Maine, each state has its own top spots to score this seafood-filled sandwich. We asked our readers for their suggestions for places to grab a delectable lobster roll in New England. Here’s what you had to say, plus a few picks of our own sprinkled in. –Matt Juul/Boston.com correspondent

Red’s Eats

Widely considered to have one of the best lobster rolls in all of Maine — and possibly the world — there’s a reason why patrons wait an hour or more to snag a bite at Red’s Eats. “They are the standard for quality and quantity against which all others are measured,’’ says Boston.com reader Charlie P. of Beverly. The Wiscasset based establishment has been serving the succulent summertime sandwich for over half a century as customers keep coming back for the huge portions of freshly cooked lobster meat. Red’s take on this famed dish comes simply with a side of butter and mayo with no dressing on top. Just pure, lobster deliciousness.

41 Water St., Wiscasset, Maine, 207-882-6128

The East Boothbay General Store

A more intricate take on the traditional Maine lobster roll, the East Boothbay General Store seasonally serves up a delectable twist on the dish. An artisanal roll replaces the usual hot dog bun, which is topped off with heaping portions of lobster meat as well as hints of mayo, lemon zest, and salad greens. As if tasty lobster rolls weren’t enough, the East Boothbay General Store is also one of the few Maine lobster shacks with free wi-fi.

255 Ocean Point Road, East Boothbay, Maine, 207-633-7800, ebgs.us

Neptune Oyster House

The lobster roll is served two ways at Neptune Oyster House: Either with butter if ordered hot, or with mayonnaise if ordered cold. Regardless of your choice, you can be sure that you’ll be drooling once you see this delectable sandwich. “It’s the best,’’ says Boston.com reader Mike of Andover. You can also get it without the roll as well as with a side of fries. 63 Salem St., Boston, 617-742-3474, neptuneoyster.com

Belle Isle Seafood

A local favorite, Belle Isle Seafood has gained a lot of noteriety over the years for its tasty dishes, even being featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s former Travel Channel show, “No Reservations.’’ While the eatery doesn’t boast a fancy indoor decor, that just means all the focus goes on creating a succulent menu, including Belle Isle’s famed lobster roll. “Best lobster roll by far I found to be at Belle Isle,’’ says Boston.com reader Charlie of Lebanon, Maine.

1 S. Main St., Winthrop, 617-567-1619, belleisleseafood.com

The Beachcomber

If you’re heading to the Cape and looking for some delicious seafood fare, look no further than the Beachcomber in Wellfleet. This beach bar serves up a mean lobster roll, which you can enjoy while taking in the summer rays on the warm sand.

1120 Cahoon Hollow Road, Wellfleet, 508-349-6055, thebeachcomber.com

Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough

Just a few miles from the border of Rhode Island, this Connecticut lobster pound has quickly become one of the top seafood spots in New England. Serving up both hot and cold styles of lobster rolls, Abbott’s has won numerous accolades for its succulent crustacean dishes, including About.com’s award for The Best Place to Eat A Lobster in New England in 2012.

117 Pearl St., Groton, Conn. 860-536-7719, abbottslobster.com

The Beach Plum

Stuffed with seafood goodness, there’s a reason why the Beach Plum’s lobster roll has been voted in the state by NH Magazine five years in a row. Now with two locations the Granite State, the Beach Plum’s Portsmouth establishment also offers a catering menu featuring mini lobster rolls, although you might not consider them mini once you see how much meat is packed on them. “Serves the best lobster roll I’ve ever eaten,’’ says Boston.com reader Helen G.

17 Ocean Blvd., North Hampton, N.H. 603-964-7451; 2800 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N.H. 603-433-3339,
thebeachplum.net

Brown’s Lobster Pound

A New Hampshire favorite for over 60 years, Brown’s once just sold live or cooked lobsters and clams before opening up a full lunch bar at its current location in Seabrook in 1952. Today, this family-owned and operated lobster pound has won numerous accolades for its mouth-watering seafood fare, specifically including its delectable lobster rolls.

407 NH Highway 286, Seabrook, N.H. 603-474-3331, brownslobsterpound.com

The Anchor

Vermont may not be known for its lobster rolls, but the Anchor in Wilmington whips up a pretty good version of the sandwich. Served on the restaurant’s lunch menu, the Anchor’s lobster roll is made in a “Classic New England’’ style and comes complete with a side of fries and coleslaw.

8 South Main St., Wilmington Vt. 802-464-2112, anchorseafood.com

Matunuck Oyster Bar

This Rhode Island eatery is known for its delicious oysters, but the Matunuck Oyster Bar also serves up a solid lobster roll. Served chilled, the restaurant uses fresh meat from the lobster’s claws and knuckles and packs them on a grinder style roll, lightly dressed with mayo and chopped celery. Be sure to grab a seat at the oyster bar’s outdoor patio to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rhode Island waterfront as you munch on a tasty lobster roll.

629 Succotash Road, South Kingstown, R.I. 401-783-4202, rhodyoysters.com