The Boston area has great food for lobster rolls. If you’re looking for the best lobster roll, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some great places to try: James Hook & Co., Yankee Lobster, Pauli’s, Saltie Girl, Boston Sail Loft, Row 34, Wicked Lobsta, Luke’s Lobster Back Bay, Neptune Oyster, Boston Chowda Co, The Barking Crab, Summer Shack, and Union Oyster House.
The lobster roll – chunks of fresh lobster meat drizzled with butter and served on a toasted, split-top bun – is one of the most iconic dishes associated with summertime in New England. No trip to Boston in the warmer months feels complete without indulging in one of these savory seafood sandwiches.
But lobster roll prices vary widely across restaurants in Boston. From modest take-out spots to upscale eateries, you’ll find lobster rolls ranging anywhere from $15 to over $50. So what accounts for such a broad spectrum of pricing for what is largely the same simple sandwich?
There are several key factors that impact the cost of lobster rolls in Boston
Type and Quality of Lobster Meat
Not all lobster meat is created equal when it comes to taste, texture and price. The prized tail meat is the most tender part of the lobster with a delicate, sweet flavor. Unsurprisingly, it is also the most expensive. Next are the claw and knuckle meat, which offer good texture and solid flavor. On the budget end, rolls packed with cheaper body and leg meat keep costs down but compromise on texture.
So larger lobster rolls brimming with tail and claw pieces will garner higher prices, while smaller rolls with mostly leg and body meat allow for lower pricing
Source and Freshness of the Lobster
Lobster freshly caught off the Massachusetts coast and delivered straight to restaurants commands a premium price. Frozen lobster shipped from further away offers savings, but can sacrifice flavor and the right texture when thawed. Some lower priced rolls rely on imported lobster from Canada, where supply is more plentiful.
For the authentic New England experience, there is no substitute for a freshly shucked, local lobster roll. But it comes at a cost
Location Within Boston
Real estate in downtown Boston and tourist areas like the North End and Seaport District is among the most expensive in the country. Restaurants in prime, high-traffic locations that attract both visitors and locals will factor these overhead costs into menu prices.
So that mouthwatering lobster roll in the heart of the city will generally cost you more than the same sandwich from a spot in a less central residential neighborhood.
Type of Restaurant
Upscale, fine dining establishments and hotels charge higher prices across the board for food, ambiance and service. These lavish lobster rolls approach $50, while more casual restaurants and take-out spots offer budget versions for under $20.
You’re paying for the overall experience when springing for a lobster roll at a high-end eatery, not just the sandwich itself.
While there are premium $50+ lobster rolls to be found, budget-minded visitors can still score tasty ones for under $25 in Boston. Here’s a breakdown of price tiers for lobster rolls across the city:
Splurge-Worthy Lobster Rolls: $40+
Buttery lobster tail served in upscale surroundings at:
- Row 34 – Seaport District
- Neptune Oyster – North End
- Eventide Fenway – Fenway
These indulgent lobster rolls highlight the finest meat in creative presentations fit for a special occasion. Worth the splurge for foodies.
Mid-Range Lobster Rolls: $25 – $35
Hearty, classic rolls packed with fresh lobster meat:
- James Hook & Co. – Waterfront
- Yankee Lobster Co. – Seaport District
- The Barking Crab – Waterfront
Well-stuffed sandwiches from popular local spots in tourist centers. Fresh and delicious without breaking the bank.
Budget Lobster Rolls: Under $25
No frills but tasty deals:
- Sullivan’s – South Boston
- B&G Oysters – South End
- Legal Sea Foods – Seaport District
- Pauli’s – North End
You may lose out on some premium lobster chunks, but these casual rolls still deliver on rich seafood flavor for less than $25.
Extreme Budget: Under $15
Simple, old school rolls approved by locals:
- North End Fish Market – North End
- Boston Public Market – Downtown
- Charlie’s Kitchen – Harvard Square
These unfussy lobster rolls provide everything you need – fresh meat, buttered bun, done – for a price that’s hard to beat.
So while dropping $50+ on a designer lobster roll from a trendy downtown spot is certainly an option, you can also find authentic, delicious ones across Boston for under $25 if you know where to look.
Part of the fun is sampling this iconic New England specialty from various restaurants around the city, from mom-and-pop shops to local favorites. There are plenty of surprisingly reasonable options for enjoying a lobster roll in Boston.
Next time you’re visiting and craving this seaside delicacy without maxing out your budget, consult this guide for finding tasty lobster rolls for under $25. You’ll walk away satisfied having savored a classic Northeast experience without breaking the bank.
How much does each person’s Lobster roll-in cost in Boston?
| Person | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $10 to 20 |
| 2 | $20 to 30 |
| 3 | $30 to 50 |
| 4 | $50 to 100 |
Boston Chowda Co
| WEBSITE | http://www.bostonchowda.com/contact.html |
| ADDRESS | 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston, MA 02109, United States |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 617-742-4441 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Thursday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM |
Boston Chowda Co is the best lobster roll in Boston. It’s a local chain known for its chowders and sandwiches. It’s in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Tourists and locals love it.
Boston Chowda Co, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston, MA 02109, is the place to go for New England seafood. This lively market adds to the atmosphere, making your dining experience even more memorable.
The lobster roll is the best thing on the menu at Boston Chowda Co. This warm, buttery lobster roll is packed with succulent, chewy lobster. Philip Chan loves the clam and lobster chowder. Tano Gentile says the hot lobster roll is “incredible.” Seafood lovers love this dish.
Boston Chowda Co. doesn’t take reservations, but you won’t have to wait long. The market can get busy, especially downstairs, but there is seating upstairs and in the nearby rotunda.
The price is $50 to $100 per person, but many find the food and atmosphere worth it.
For the best lobster roll in Boston, try Boston Chowda Co. at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This eatery is a must-visit when in the city. It’s fast, warm, and has great reviews.
Customer Reviews
Where to Find the BEST Lobster Roll in the Boston Area
FAQ
How much is a lobster roll in Boston?
Whereas most Maine lobster shacks, with their comparatively low overhead, aim to keep prices below $20 per roll, the best spots in Boston will top off at about $36. The price is elevated, in part, because the price of lobster is up.
Why are lobster rolls so expensive in Boston?
Lobster rolls have never been a cheap eat, but why the higher-than-usual price tag? Local lobstermen say the lobster haul is lower than usual due to climate change and restrictions on where they can catch them. The costs of other ingredients (inflation!) and labor are also up.
How much lobster is usually in a lobster roll?
lobster, for example, will yield around 6-8 oz. of meat. Since I like to pile my lobster rolls sky high with meat, I usually plan to buy 1.5 lobsters per person (or roll), though you could definitely get away with the ‘1 Lobster per person’ rule- especially if you take the care to dig out the leg & knuckle meat.
Why is seafood so expensive in Boston?
Marine fuel is very expensive- this is a big factor in the cost of seafood. Boats go out for weeks at a time with a crew that has to be paid.
Why are lobster prices so high in New England?
A combination of the lobster life cycle, over-harvesting, and food-safe technology have led to an uptick in lobster prices over the past few decades. What was once a “poor man’s food” is now a delicacy that can take a lot out of your pocket just for one meal.