Connecticut is known for its beautiful coastline and great food, but one dish in particular stands out: the lobster roll. In this article, we’ll dive into the best lobster rolls in Connecticut. Whether you like your lobster roll Connecticut style or Maine style, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best lobster rolls in CT.
Best Lobster Rolls in Connecticut
1. Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
For the best lobster roll in New London, head over to Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, a quintessential New England lobster shack.
Lobster rolls are a specialty at Captain Scott’s, and they offer both hot and cold variations.
A crowd favorite is the New England lobster roll Connecticut style which is warm tender lobster meat drizzled with melted butter, all served on a toasted bun.
They also serve cold lobster roll that combines lobster meat with mayo and celery, presented on a bed of lettuce and a toasted bun.
A must-order item is the steamed lobster, a classic New England favorite served with sides like corn on the cob, red potatoes, or fries.
Another standout dish is the lobster bisque, a hearty soup with a generous serving of lobster meat.
For those seeking alternatives to lobster, fish and chips are a popular choice. This dish includes crispy battered fish served with coleslaw and your choice of fries or red potatoes.
To complete your meal on a sweet note, be sure to indulge in some ice cream. It’s the perfect way to round off your seafood feast and satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you’re in the area, you should definitely stop by this iconic lobster shack for a taste of classic New England seafood.
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock at 80 Hamilton Street in New London, CT. Phone: 860-439-1741
2. Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale
The lobster roll at Lenny and Joe’s is a must-try. It’s New England lobster roll Connecticut style- hot lobster meat drizzled with melted butter on a toasted bun.
Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale is a kid friendly lobster shack located in Madison, CT. The atmosphere at Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale is perfect for families, with plenty of outdoor seating available. One standout feature that kids are sure to love is the carousel, providing entertainment for the little ones while you enjoy your meal.
Lenny and Joe’s award-winning fried seafood platter is a highlight. This combination platter includes a mouthwatering assortment of fried scallops, fried shrimp, fried cod, and fried clam strips. There’s the option to have your seafood broiled or sautéed!
One of the most popular items on the menu is the lobster dinner special which includes a 1-pound steamed lobster, accompanied by potatoes, corn on the cob, and a side of melted butter. It’s a quintessential New England lobster shack experience!
If you’re dining with non-seafood lovers or kids, there are options available from the kids’ menu, including burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.
To cap off your meal on a sweet note, be sure to visit the Outdoor Ice Cream Shack where you can get frozen treats for the perfect ending to your lobster shack experience.
Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale at 1301 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443. Phone: (203) 245-7289
3. Lobster Landing
Lobster Landing is known for having one of the best lobster roll in CT.
Lobster Landing is a quintessential New England lobster shack located in the town of Clinton, Connecticut.
Dine outdoors by the water at this charming lobster shack.
The star of the show at Lobster Landing is undoubtedly the buttery hot lobster roll. It is known for having one of the best New England lobster roll Connecticut style.
Their mouthwatering lobster roll is a generous portion of hand-picked, succulent buttery lobster meat nestled on a toasted Italian grinder roll. This is the epitome of a classic New England lobster roll- a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and foodies alike.
The dining experience at Lobster Landing is quintessential New England- dine outdoors right by the water.
Lobster Landing is BYOB policy, bring your favorite bottle of wine!
Lobster Landing at 152 Commerce Street, Clinton, CT. Phone: 860-669-2005
4. The Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack in Westport CT is a newcomer to the lobster shack scene. Located right next to Rizzuto’s, this is a take-out only lobster shack owned by Bill Rizzuto.
The star attraction at The Lobster Shack is undoubtedly the lobster rolls. They serve lobster rolls- hot or cold.
The warm Connecticut-style lobster roll features a generous quarter-pound of succulent lobster meat drizzled with butter, all served on a toasted brioche roll. For those with dietary preferences, you can opt for a gluten-free version by having it served on a bed of Boston lettuce.
Alternatively, you can choose the cold lobster roll, prepared Maine salad style. This is a refreshing and slightly lighter take on the classic lobster roll.
In addition to lobster rolls, The Lobster Shack offers steamed lobster to-go, complete with sides of corn on the cob, Yukon potatoes, slaw, and butter.
The lobster mac and cheese is a must-try. It’s a a decadent and delicious dish that’s hard to resist!
The Lobster Shack is a must-visit if you are looking for great lobster rolls in lower Fairfield County.
The Lobster Shack (next to Rizzuto’s) at 540 Riverside Ave, Westport CT
5. Knot Norm’s
Another option for a great lobster roll near Westport CT is Knot Norm’s. It is not your typical New England lobster shack. It’s a contemporary lobster shack with a nautical theme serving elevated New England lobster shack fare.
Their lobster roll is amazing. But they also have other types of rolls. Their rolls selection includes seafood and non-seafood choices like oyster roll, lobster roll, crab roll, brisket roll and pork belly roll.
There are also knot rolls like fish tacos, New England clam chowders and chicken wings.
Get the lobster roll with a refreshing craft beer. You will hooked the moment you take your first bite of the lobster roll.
Knot Norm’s at 10 First Street, Norwalk, CT 06855. Phone: 203-354-3194
6. Stowe’s Seafood
Looking for lobster roll near New Haven? Head over to Stowe’s Seafood.
Stowe’s Seafood is a lobster shack in West Haven, CT. It’s a pirate-themed lobster shack with outdoor seating across the street from the beach.
Order the lobster roll. Choose from three types of lobster rolls (sauteed, fried, or salad). There are also sandwiches such as the soft shell crab sandwich.
Stowe’s Seafood at 347 Beach Street, West Haven, CT 06516. Phone: (203) 934-1991
7. Donahue’s Clam Castle
Donahue’s Clam Castle is a New England lobster shack in Madison, CT.
Order traditional New England seafood fare such as fried clam fritters, lobster rolls, fried shrimp and fried oysters.
There are also hotdogs and burgers for the non-seafood eater. Don’t forget to try their award winning chowder.
There are plenty of outdoor seating at Donahue’s, however, it is not on the water so it lacks the charm of the other lobster shacks on this list.
Donahue’s Clam Castle at 1324 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. Phone: (203) 245-4911
8. Fred’s Shanty
Fred’s Shanty is a waterfront lobster shack in New London, CT. If you are looking for the authentic, no-frills New England lobster shack experience, then Fred’s Shanty is a must-visit.
Among their best-selling items, the clam strips and fish sandwich take center stage. The clam strips are fried to perfection, crunchy outside that gives way to tender, flavorful clam goodness.
The flounder is another favorite. The whole bellies are a must-try as well.
Don’t miss the fried calamari, perfect appetizer or snack.
And let’s not forget the classic hotdogs, a beloved staple at Fred’s Shanty. These grilled wonders are great on their own or as a satisfying accompaniment to your seafood feast.
To round off your visit, be sure to indulge in ice cream and soft serve, a perfect way to cool down on a warm coastal day.
Fred’s Shanty at 272 Pequot Avenue in New London, CT. Phone: 860-447-1301
9. Overton’s
For a no-frills, authentic lobster shack experience in Connecticut, you must try Overton’s. It’s a casual, New England fried lobster shack overlooking the water in Norwalk, CT.
One of the standout items on the menu is the fried clam strips. These crispy and flavorful strips are a favorite.
Another popular option is the fish and chips- perfectly fried fish, served with a side of crispy golden fries. The fried shrimp are also really good at Overton’s.
Place your order at the take-out counter and grab a seat at one of the picnic tables by the water. You won’t want to miss this quintessential New England clam shack in lower Fairfield County!
Overton’s at 80 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855
10. M&J Beach Grille and Seafood
M&J Beach Grille and Seafood is a beachfront, lobster shack in Madison, CT. You will feel like you are on vacation as you walk up to the beachfront take out counter with picnic tables and tiki umbrellas on the sand.
M&J Beach Grille and Seafood is a lobster shack located inside Surf Club Park, a beach in the Town of Madison with over 1200 feet of sandy beaches.
As a non-resident, you will need to buy a beach pass to get into Surf Club Park. Make it a beach day when you visit this Connecticut beachfront seafood shack.
Order New England seafood favorites like fish and chips, fried shrimp, fried clam strips and lobster rolls. For the non-seafood eater, they also have burgers and hotdogs.
Don’t forget to bring wine or cocktails to the beach, it’s BYOB!
M&J Beach Grille and Seafood at 87 Surfclub Road, Madison, CT. Phone:203-619-2549
11. The Clam Castle
The Clam Castle is a roadside clam shack with a twist in Madison, CT.
As shoreline landmark, The Clam Castle has recently been purchased by Greg Sharon, who also owns Taco Pacifico food trucks.
Aside from serving the classic clam shack menu featuring fried clam strip, fried shrimp, fish and chips, clam chowder, and other traditional summer foods like hamburgers and hot dogs, The Clam Castle will also offer tacos and other Mexican dishes from Taco Pacifico food trucks.
The fried clam strips and whole belly clam rolls are a must-try at The Clam Castle.
The restaurant has picnic tables outside where customers can enjoy their meals in an authentic roadside clam shack atmosphere. If you’re in the area and looking for some delicious seafood, The Clam Castle is definitely worth a visit.
The Clam Castle Featuring Taco Pacifico at 1324 Boston Post Road Madison, CT 06443. Phone: (203) 245-4911
12. Shank’s
Shank’s is a one-of-a-kind lobster shack in CT. Instead of the traditional lobster shack, Shank’s is in a food boat! You place your order at the counter of the food boat and you eat outdoors by the water.
Order New England lobster shack favorites such as fried seafood platters, fish and chips, and lobster rolls.
Bring your own wine and beer since Shank’s is a BYOB lobster shack. Do know there is a minimal per person corkage fee.
There is also a kids’ menu and other non-seafood options like burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Shank’s at 131 Grove Street, Clinton, CT 06413. Phone: (860) 669-4224
13. Sono Seaport Seafood
Sono Seaport Seafood is a waterfront lobster shack overlooking Norwalk Harbor in Connecticut. Enjoy fresh New England lobster shack fare at this casual eatery on the water.
Their fried seafood baskets are delicious but the must-try is their famous lobster roll. The lobster roll comes hot (butter) or cold (citrus mayo). There are also non-seafood options like burgers and chicken sandwiches and a kids menu as well.
There are plenty of outdoor seating at this waterfront lobster shack in Norwalk.
Sono Seaport Seafood at 100 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. Phone: 203-854-9483