If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.
Lobster is one of the most iconic foods associated with Boston and greater New England. These tasty crustaceans have been fished from the chilly Atlantic waters off the Massachusetts coast for centuries. For any seafood lover visiting or living in Boston, indulging in fresh lobster is a must. But to experience lobster at its absolute best it’s crucial to know the prime lobster season in Boston.
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about lobster season in Boston including
- A brief history of lobstering in Boston
- The timeline of when lobster season peaks
- Where to enjoy lobster in Boston
- Insider tips for getting the best lobster deals
- How lobster season is changing
A Brief History of Lobster Fishing in Boston
The rich fishing grounds off Massachusetts have supplied lobsters since pre-colonial times. Native American tribes like the Wampanoag and Narragansett developed methods for trapping lobsters along the shoreline. Colonists continued these traditional fishing techniques, soon exporting lobsters from Boston Harbor to Europe.
By the mid-1800s, railroads expanded across America allowing live lobsters to be shipped from East Coast hubs like Boston to inland cities. Lobster gained mass popularity across the country as a luxury food item. Elegant seafood restaurants opened in downtown Boston to satisfy demand from wealthy diners.
Today, the lobster fishery continues to thrive in Massachusetts. Local lobstermen carry on centuries-old fishing traditions, hoisting traps abundant with lobsters from the sea each season. The sweet succulent meat hidden within the hard shells of these crustaceans is beloved by Bostonians and visitors alike.
When Does Lobster Season Peak in Boston?
The lobster fishing season off Massachusetts runs from early spring through late fall. However, peak lobster season in Boston is typically mid-May through mid-November. During these warmer months, lobsters are most active and plentiful in the waters.
Here’s a breakdown of the seasonality:
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Early Season – April to mid-May – The very start of the commercial lobster season with limited availability. Prices are higher.
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Peak Season – Mid-May to mid-November – Lobsters are abundant, shells are soft, and meat is sweetest. Best prices.
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Late Season – Mid-November to December – Colder waters mean fewer lobsters caught. Mostly hard-shell lobsters. Moderate prices.
While you can find lobster year-round in Boston, visiting during peak lobster season guarantees you’ll get the pick of the catch at the best value. Keep the mid-May through November timeframe in mind when planning a lobster feast!
The Best Spots for Lobster in Boston
From casual lobster shacks to upscale seafood spots, there are endless options for indulging in lobsters when visiting Boston. Here are some top spots to crack into fresh lobsters:
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Yankee Lobster Co. – Harborside seafood restaurant with hearty lobster rolls steps from the pier where their lobster boats dock.
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Neptune Oyster – Trendy North End oyster bar also serving expertly prepared lobster rolls and baked stuffed lobsters.
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Legal Sea Foods – Boston institution known for their Signature Legal Lobsters baked with buttery cracker stuffing.
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Row 34 – Stylish hotspot offering lobster dishes like buttery lobster risotto and Chinese-style wok fried lobster.
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Summer Shack – Festive, casual spots celebrating seasonal New England seafood including lobsters, clambakes, and more.
Don’t miss the chance to crack open fresh lobster while visiting one of Boston’s celebrated seafood dining rooms or take-out joints.
Insider Tips for Getting the Best Lobster Deals
To take advantage of the finest lobster flavors at the best prices during your visit, keep these tips in mind:
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Aim for summer – Target a Boston visit in mid-summer (July/August) when soft shell lobsters are abundant. You’ll often find special deals.
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Order lobster rolls – A lobster roll packs sweet meat into a toasted bun at a more budget-friendly price point than whole lobster.
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Go for lunch – Many restaurants offer lower lobster roll prices earlier in the day or at lunch.
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Check markets – Gourmet markets like Legal Sea Foods often sell fresh cooked lobster meat at wholesale prices.
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Inquire about soft shells – Ask if any soft shells are available for a sweeter meat taste; they’re typically cheaper.
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Watch the weather – After bad storms, lobster supply dips leading to temporary price hikes at restaurants.
How Lobster Season is Changing in Boston
Lobster season in the Northeast is shifting due to warming ocean waters associated with climate change. Lobsters are moving further north and the peak harvesting season is starting earlier. While abundance remains high for now, projected declines in lobster stocks may impact future seasons.
For the time being, visitors to Boston can take advantage of plentiful lobsters during the summer season. Looking ahead, the lobster fishing traditions in New England that have spanned centuries may need to adapt to preserve this cherished local seafood.
The next time you’re visiting Boston, be sure to indulge in the area’s famed lobsters during peak season for the optimal fresh taste and value. Keep the summertime lobster feasting window in mind and check out some of the city’s top spots for enjoying these delicious crustaceans straight from the Atlantic.
What is Surf and Turf?
Surf and turf is a style of menu that offers the best of both the land and the sea. This means customers don’t have to choose between the steak and the lobster and just get them both. This is a classic offering at steakhouses and seafood restaurants.
Surf and turf plates are often show-stopping displays of vibrant, fresh seafood and juicy seared steak. Alongside the main course, you’ll often find vegetable side dishes like crisp green asparagus, creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, or other sides to balance out all the protein.
Ultimately, surf and turf is a delightful culinary experience of texture, flavor, and aroma in one unique meal.
Soft Shell or Hard Shell? That Is the Question!
A lobster’s shell does not enlarge, so in order to grow, a lobster needs to shed its shell — a process otherwise known as molting that typically happens several times a year, especially between July and September.
When a lobster sheds its shell, it’s considered a “soft shell” until the new shell takes a few months to harden — at which point it will be called a “hard shell.” (Fun fact: It takes about 20 molts over the span of five to seven years for lobsters to become adults, and each molt takes approximately 30 minutes.)
Most lobsters caught between the months of July and late September are typically characterized by a soft shell. These soft shell lobsters are not as strong and are more difficult to transport live. Also, soft shell lobsters tend to have less meat per pound than hard shell lobsters. As such, soft shell lobsters are typically cheaper but most will argue that the meat is deliciously sweet!
Hard shell lobsters tend to be more abundant between mid-September and late November. Their shells are hard because they have yet to molt, and as a result are packed full of delicious meat. Because of this, hard shell lobsters tend to be more expensive.
Weathervane Seafood Restaurants prides itself on offering the very best lobster to our guests — no matter the season! Our menu includes delicious lobster dishes such as:
- Lazy Man Lobster
- Lobster Rolls
- Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
- Lobster Pie
- Fresh Fried Lobster Tails
- Single and Twin Lobster Dinners
For those feeling hungry, we even offer a meal featuring some of the largest lobsters we have in the tank. We call them “Sea Monsters”.
Technically, Maine lobster season is celebrated year-round with the peak in late summer. But according to the University of Maine, “fall is increasingly becoming the peak season” with many of the lobsters caught in summer and fall “processed or placed in enclosed ‘pounds’ located in many of Maine’s bays, which allows for a winter supply of live lobster.”
When Is Maine Lobster Fishing Season and When is the Best Time to Catch Lobsters?
FAQ
What month is best for lobster in Boston?
October, November, and December
Next to late spring, fall is one of the best times of year to buy good, hard-shell lobsters. After Labor Day, all the tourists have gone home, and the lobster landings are at their highest. Lobster prices stay reasonable, rising a bit at Christmas time.
What month is lobster cheapest?
During the summer and fall, when lobsters molt and shed their shells, the catch increases, leading to a drop in prices. In contrast, winter months see fewer catches, causing prices to rise. The summer season typically runs from late June to early November, with the best prices found in this period.
What are the best months to eat Maine lobster?
However, in general, the peak season for lobster tails, especially for the popular Maine lobster (Homarus americanus), is from late spring to early fall, roughly from May to October. During these months, lobsters are more abundant, and the meat tends to be sweeter and more flavorful.
Why is Whole Foods boycotting Maine lobster?
The bill essentially singles out Whole Foods – owned by Amazon – which suspended purchasing Gulf of Maine lobster due to concerns about North Atlantic right whales getting entangled in lobster ropes.
When is lobster season in Boston?
In Boston, this period falls between mid-May and mid-November. Lobsters used to be a dish for the poor soldiers and sailors and were on the menu for prisoners. But when Rockefellers started serving it at their parties, it became legendary. Now Boston lobsters are a highly praised seafood specialty popular with locals and tourists alike.
When are lobsters harvested?
Lobsters are harvested year-round, mostly in Maine and New Hampshire. The main fishing season runs between late June and late December when the lobsters are active. Lobsters are also caught in winter and early spring but in smaller numbers. We recommend ordering them during the high season.
How much does lobster cost in Boston?
Lobster is a popular seafood in Boston, and the prices can vary depending on the season and the size of the lobster. On average, a 1-1/4 pound hard shell lobster can cost around $20 to $30, while a 2-pound lobster can cost up to $50. However, prices can be higher or lower depending on where you buy the lobster from.
When is the best time to buy lobster in Maine?
While you can buy lobster any time of the year, you’ll find they are often less expensive in the summer and fall. But lobster prices will fluctuate based on weather and supply and demand. When is Maine lobster season?
What is Boston lobster?
Boston Lobster is a cold-water lobster that is known for its sweet, succulent meat. Exploring Boston’s Lobster Scene is an exciting adventure that should not be missed. The Flavours of Boston Lobster are unique and unmatched, making it a healthy and delicious meal option. If you’re a seafood lover, Boston is the place to be.
Is fall a peak season for Maine lobster?
But according to the University of Maine, “fall is increasingly becoming the peak season” with many of the lobsters caught in summer and fall “processed or placed in enclosed ‘pounds’ located in many of Maine’s bays, which allows for a winter supply of live lobster.”