Satisfy Your Craving: Where to Find Lobster Bisque Near Me

Do you ever get a craving for rich, creamy lobster bisque that makes your mouth water just thinking about it? With its sweet chunks of lobster meat soaked in a velvety broth, this decadent soup is the ultimate comfort food. Though it may seem like a restaurant-only delicacy, lobster bisque can actually be found right in your own neighborhood if you know where to look. In this article, I’ll share the best spots to get your lobster bisque fix.

What Is Lobster Bisque?

Before diving into the where, let’s briefly cover the what. Lobster bisque is a smooth, creamy soup made from lobster stock, cream or milk, and Sherry wine. It originated in France in the 1800s, with its popularity quickly spreading across Europe and then later to North America.

The broth is thickened with a roux made by cooking butter and flour together. Onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes are typically used to add depth of flavor. The luxurious texture comes from blending the lobster shells into the stock and straining out any chunks, leaving behind a velvety puree.

So what makes bisque different than chowder? The main distinction is that bisque is a refined elegant soup made with a strained broth rather than containing chunks of lobster meat or vegetables. It’s also almost always made with cream which gives it a richer more indulgent taste and mouthfeel.

Where to Find Lobster Bisque Nearby

Now that your appetite is whet, let’s find you some delicious lobster bisque close to home. Here are the top spots to get your fix:

1. Nice Restaurant Chains

Chain restaurants like Red Lobster, Legal Sea Foods, and McCormick & Schmick’s are reliable places to find lobster bisque on their menus. With locations across the country, you’re likely to have one in your area. Red Lobster’s New England-style bisque contains chunks of sweet langostino lobster meat swimming in a creamy, sherry-infused broth.

2. High-End and Seafood Restaurants

Upscale restaurants, particularly those with a focus on seafood, often offer lobster bisque. Check the menus at white tablecloth establishments or hotel restaurants in your city. You’re likely to find indulgent recipes like one incorporating cognac and truffles.

3. Grocery Store Prepared Food Sections

Don’t overlook your local supermarket’s prepared foods section. Whole Foods, Wegmans, and some Safeways have fresh seafood counters that sell lobster bisque by the cup or pint. This can make for an easy weeknight dinner solution. Trader Joe’s also carries frozen bisque for a quick reheat-and-eat option.

4. Panera Bread

With over 2,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Panera Bread is a solid bet for finding lobster bisque near you. Their version contains sweet chunks of lobster meat in a velvety sherry and cream broth. You can order it by the cup or bread bowl.

5. Online Ordering and Delivery

If you’re having a hard time tracking down lobster bisque close by, turn to delivery apps and online ordering. Many restaurants now offer delivery through services like DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, etc You can also order prepared bisque online from grocery stores or companies like Panera Bread and Goldbelly that ship nationwide

Tips for Finding the Best Lobster Bisque

Now that you have several avenues to search for lobster bisque in your area, keep these tips in mind as you hunt for the tastiest version:

• Read reviews – Check Yelp, Google Maps, and restaurant websites to see feedback on their lobster bisque. This can clue you into standout options.

• Ask about the lobster – Using real lobster meat makes a big difference. Ask if they make theirs with fresh vs frozen and what type (Maine, rock, etc).

• See if it’s homemade – Premade, mass-produced bisques won’t have as much flavor as housemade. Inquire if their recipe is prepared from scratch in-house.

• Check the price – Higher cost likely indicates higher lobster content and quality ingredients. Aim for $5-10 per cup.

• Go for add-ins – Upgrades like truffle oil, crab, or brandy can take the bisque to the next level.

• Sample first – If available, try a small cup before committing to a large order in case it’s not to your liking.

Easy Ways to Elevate Store-Bought Lobster Bisque

If your quest for the perfect lobster bisque comes up short, don’t fret. You can doctor up store-bought options with a few easy tricks:

• Stir in additional lobster meat – Fresh cooked or high-quality canned lobster makes it taste more homemade.

• Add sherry, brandy or cognac – Even a splash boosts flavor and makes it more authentic.

• Finish with cream – For a richer, more velvety consistency similar to restaurant bisque.

• Garnish with herbs – Chives, tarragon and parsley freshen up the flavor.

• Spice it up – A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika enhances the broth.

• Swap the broth – Substituting chicken broth for some of the water dilutes the canned taste.

• Toast the roux – Browning the butter and flour deepens the base’s nutty flavor.

• Splurge on toppings – Indulgent add-ons like truffle oil, crab meat or lobster roe make it next level.

With a combination of these tips, you can easily make stored-bought lobster bisque taste like you slaved for hours in the kitchen over the stove.

Satisfying Recipes to Make Lobster Bisque at Home

While going out is often easiest, whipping up lobster bisque from scratch at home lets you control the ingredients and tweak it to your tastes. When you have the time, try one of these stellar recipes:

Classic Creamy Lobster Bisque

This recipe from Epicurious stays traditional with onions, celery, carrots, tomato, cream, Sherry, and butter poached lobster meat. The homemade stock means tons of rich, fresh seafood flavor in each spoonful without unnecessary thickeners. Garnish with fresh chives.

Rachael Ray’s 15-Minute Lobster Bisque

Thanks to handy shortcuts like using canned bisque and pre-cooked lobster, Rachael Ray’s recipe cuts the prep time down drastically. Spiking it with white wine and cream at the end keeps things decadent.

Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Lobster Bisque

As seen on Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s bisque can be made up to a day ahead, leaving you time to focus on other dishes. Cognac and thyme add richness and herby depth to the lobster stock.

Tyler Florence’s Baked Lobster Bisque

Food Network star Tyler Florence bakes his bisque topped with puff pastry for the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. The hint of nutmeg spices up the velvety soup.

Satisfy Your Lobster Bisque Craving Today!

The next time lobster bisque is calling your name, don’t resign yourself to just dreaming about it. With so many spots to pick some up near you and recipes to make it at home, you can and should treat yourself to a bowl whenever the craving strikes. From upscale restaurants to grocery store prepared foods sections, track down your perfect preparation. Just be ready for the rich, indulgent flavors of tender lobster meat bathed in creamy broth to leave you smiling with satisfaction.

So what are you waiting for? Go forth and get your lobster bisque on! Your tastebuds will thank you.