5 Best Lobster Roll Shacks

As summer rolls in, we're all thinking about eating fresh food, enjoying it outside, and washing it down with a chilled and refreshing bottle of poppable wine.

According to an article in The Culture Trip, the lobster roll sandwich has been around since it debuted in Milford, Connecticut in 1929 at a spot called Perry’s. “The sandwich quickly became popular along the coast but never spread far beyond the state,” writes the author. “Later, in 1965, the lobster salad roll took off in Long Island, New York, at a restaurant called – you guessed it – The Lobster Roll.”

The Lobster Roll, affectionately known as LUNCH, in Amagansett, is one of our favorite spots. We’ve got it on the list for 72 hours in the Hamptons for good reason. But the fact remains that the East Coast is covered with lobster roll eateries, from elegant oyster bars to rustic picnic table shacks. We’re particularly into the latter this summer, searching out places where the kids can run around and we can BYO wine from the cooler or rental house fridge. What to pour? We’re fans of Chablis, Albariño, dry Riesling, or any crisp rosé for the win with lobster rolls.

Ready to eat and drink? Here are some of the best spots to dig in during your summer road trip or low key getaway.

The Clam Shack | Kennebunkport, Maine

“Every day, fifth generation lobsterman, Eric Emmons, pulls up traps off the coast of Kennebunkport. The only time these lobsters leave the water is the five minute drive between his boat and our lobster pound. We boil them in fresh ocean water, which enhances the innate sweetness of the lobster meat.”

Abbot’s Lobster in the Rough | Noank, Connecticut

“Abbott’s Lobster was founded in 1947! Over the decades, we’ve become as popular for our seafood as for our lobster. You’ll love our steamers, stuffed clams, clam chowder — acclaimed the best of its kind by food writers and reporters worldwide.”

Red’s Eats | Wiscasset, Maine

“It resembles little more than a red caboose hauled uphill from the railroad tracks plunked beneath a fine Siberian Elm tree. Whether it’s due to the lobster roll, or the river view, or the welcoming and hardworking family who continue the legacy of the late Al ‘Red’ Gagnon, people are extraordinarily dedicated to Red’s Eats.”

Oyster House Philly | Take Home Lobster Roll Kit | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Our Do It Yourself Lobster Roll Kit provides all of the buttery goodness you crave without the risk of a soggy bottom. Have one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or invite some friends over and share the goodness. We're not judging.”

Tommy’s Clam Shack | Warwick, Rhode Island

“Unlike other local seafood restaurants, we have a large area for outdoor dining and if you do not have the time to stay, you can always take it to go. Also, we have local boats that go out and catch the seafood that is prepared in all of our recipes.”

The lobster is ready, but don’t wait it out forever—check out the last-lobster-of-the-season countdown to be reminded that good eating is fleeting.

SHOP CHABLIS | SHOP ROSÉ