Whether chilled with mayo or warm with drawn butter, the lobster roll is the Poseidon of seafood, the king of shellfish. When done right, the summertime staple cuts as tender as the most expensive filet mignon. In search of the best lobster rolls on the Island, I turned to you. Your answers came from East and West, each making my stomach growl a little louder. These are the 10 places that pull locals and city dwellers out of their shells each summer.
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Claws Seafood Market, West Sayville
image: claws seafood market
Chemical, preservative and additive-free, the lobster meat at Claws is never subpar. Visitors can choose between five different rolls that boast an assortment of flavors. The roddy roll is all about bacon, the naked eliminates the mayo, the firehouse ignites the blaze with jalapeños and the double is just like the original except with ¾ lb of lobster meat. Phone: 631-256-5900 | Address: 20 Montauk Hwy Click to taste
Jordan Lobster Farms, Island Park
image: jordan lobster farms
More than 50 years in the business teaches people a thing or two about seafood. The Maine lobster roll, served with mayo on a toasted roll, rides with the joint’s New England vibes. The French fries and pickle ride with diners’ cheat-day vibes. Phone: 516-889-3314 | Address: 1 Pettit Pl Click to taste
Canal Café, Hampton Bays
Fresh lobster and waterfront seating go hand-in-hand. Canal Café sandwiches a lobster salad, enhanced by light lemon mayo and diced celery, between ciabatta. French fries, homemade slaw and a view of the Shinnecock Canal included. Phone: 631-723-2155 | Address: 44 Newtown Rd Click to taste
Porters on the Lane, Bellport
The atmosphere is nautical, the surf n’ turf menu inviting and the lobster rolls are lauded for being out of this world. Word to the wise: Come hungry. This roll made with poached lobster, dill mayo, lettuce and tomato is filling, but diners won’t want to leave any bit uneaten. Phone: 631-803-6067 | Address: 19 Bellport Ln Click to taste
Atlantic Seafood Market & Restaurant, Center Moriches
A meal too good to stay quiet about, Atlantic Seafood Market’s lobster roll is love at first bite. Served on a toasted split hot dog bun with a generous filling, the dough becomes extra indulgent. Phone: 631-878-8406 | Address: 117 Montauk Hwy Click to taste
Billy’s by the Bay, Greenport
Venture off Main Street in Greenport for lobster rolls that rely more on freshness than frills. Grab a spot on the outdoor deck, listen to live tunes and indulge in hot or cold variations of the unofficial sandwich of summer (or both). Phone: 631-477-8300 | Address: 2530 Manhanset Ave Click to taste
Lazy Lobster, East Rockaway
Lazy Lobster encourages patrons to “eat, drink and get lazy.” And that isn’t hard in a casual setting overlooking the water with fun lobster roll variations like the rock made with applewood smoked bacon and roma tomatoes or the Connecticut lobster roll served with tarragon butter. Phone: 516-837-8484 | Address: 10 Front St Click to taste
Marty’s Gourmet Seafood, Huntington
A Huntington gem, the super-fresh market has an incredible seafood selection and takeout menu. The laid-back spot mixes things up serving delicious lobster rolls on warm buns with cold lobster filling. Phone: 631-673-1888 | Address: 266 New York Ave Click to taste
Kingston’s Clam Bar, West Sayville
At this dockside joint, a wait for an outdoor table is well worth it, especially when generous sized lobster rolls are the prize. Phone: 631-589-0888 | Address: 130 Atlantic Ave Click to taste
PJ Lobster House, Port Jefferson
The popular seafood market and restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for more than 20 years, and for good reason. The lobster rolls are made with a 1/2 lb of lobster salad that mixes fresh celery and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. It is then served on a toasted New England style hot dog roll with French fries and coleslaw. Phone: 631-473-1143 | Address: 1 N Country Rd Click to taste