Think lobster rolls only belong on the coast? Think again.
Across all 50 states, from Maine to Montana, chefs are turning sweet, buttery lobster meat into culinary showstoppers you never expected inland. Each bite is a reminder that freshness, flavor, and flair know no geographic bounds.
Some are classic New England–style, nestled in pillowy split-top buns. Others reinvent the roll with spicy aioli, avocado, or unexpected toppings, proving creativity can rival tradition.
Whether you’re chasing a summer seaside vibe or just craving a decadent bite, these lobster rolls deliver. Landlocked or lakeside, each state offers a roll worth seeking, snapping, and savoring.
Pack your appetite, follow the trail, and discover how this iconic seafood treat has conquered the entire country.
Alabama — The Gulf, Orange Beach
Down on Perdido Beach, a lobster roll tastes even better with salt air. The Gulf serves it simply: warm buttered lobster piled into a toasted split-top roll, with lemon and crunchy chips.
You can sit by the water and let the breeze do its magic.
Expect generous meat, minimal filler, and a roll with the right toast. It feels vacation-ready yet unfussy.
If you want coastal comfort without pretense, this is your Orange Beach move.
Alaska — Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Anchorage
Anchorage might be halibut country, but Humpy’s nails a lobster roll worth braving the cold. The bun is toasted and buttery, with sweet claw and knuckle meat dressed lightly.
Grab a local ale, take a seat near the big maps, and settle in.
It is a generous, no-nonsense sandwich that leans classic. No heavy mayo, no distractions, just clean lobster flavor.
For a pub, the execution feels surprisingly coastal and confident.
Arizona — Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Scottsdale
Seafood lovers, prepare your taste buds.
At Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls – Scottsdale, lobster comes straight from Maine and hits the plate with classic New England flavor.
Warm butter, zesty mayo, and sweet lobster meat fill split-top rolls that demand a second bite.
Add clam chowder or lobster mac-and-cheese and you’ve got a feast in the desert.
Casual, flavorful, and totally worth stopping for on a Scottsdale day.
Arkansas — Blu Fish House, Bentonville
Blu Fish House treats lobster like the star, even far from shore. Their roll features chilled lobster lightly kissed with mayo, celery for crunch, and a butter-toasted bun.
Portions are generous, but the flavors stay balanced.
Grab a seat at a picnic table and watch market action nearby. It feels like a mini New England detour in Northwest Arkansas.
Freshness leads here, backed by respectful technique and a satisfying bun.
California — Hook & Anchor, Newport Beach
Hook & Anchor keeps Newport Beach buzzing with a luxe lobster roll. Expect meaty chunks, warm butter, and a perfectly crisped bun that holds together.
Each bite tastes clean, slightly sweet, and indulgent without heaviness.
They respect the lobster and stay out of the way. Add a squeeze of lemon and let the seaside air finish the experience.
It is the classic treatment California beach days deserve, simple and spot on.
Colorado — Rock N Lobster Roll, Denver
Rock N Lobster Roll turns Mile High cravings into coastal satisfaction. The roll is sturdy, buttered, and cradles warm lobster with a light drizzle of clarified butter.
Sometimes there is a touch of lemon and chive, nothing fussy.
It is street food energy with precise execution. You get big chunks, great bread, and rich aroma from hot butter.
When Denver wants seaside flavor, this rocker delivers a headliner performance.
Connecticut — Knot Norm’s, Norwalk
Connecticut owns the hot buttered style, and Knot Norm’s defends the crown. The roll arrives griddled, split-top, and shimmering with butter.
Lobster is warm, plentiful, and seasoned with restraint so the sweetness shines.
Skip heavy mayo here. You are getting pure lobster and silky fat, coastal comfort refined to essentials.
It is the kind of roll you finish too fast, then immediately consider ordering again, because the balance is just right.
Delaware — Henlopen City Oyster House, Rehoboth Beach
Henlopen City Oyster House serves a roll that is beach-day perfect. The bun is toasted to a gentle crunch, filled with sweet, chilled lobster and light mayo.
A squeeze of lemon and maybe a hint of herb keeps everything bright.
It is classic boardwalk-adjacent fare made with care. Expect clean flavors, careful knife work, and consistency.
Pair it with oysters or a crisp beer, then stroll Rehoboth with a satisfied grin.
Florida — What the Fish Rolls & More, Tavernier
In the Keys, What the Fish turns lobster into island comfort. The roll is buttery, lightly dressed, and surprisingly hearty.
You get big, clean pieces with just enough seasoning to let the sweetness pop.
Grab it to go and watch the water. It is unfancy and confident, exactly what you want after a sun-soaked day.
The kind of sandwich that disappears quickly, leaving only buttered fingertips and smiles.
Georgia — Seabear Oyster Bar, Athens
Seabear brings coastal discipline to Athens with a refined lobster roll. The bun is griddled just right, lobster lightly dressed, and herbs used sparingly.
Every bite is balanced, cool, and precise.
Order oysters, sip something crisp, and let the roll anchor the meal. It is not showy, just expertly tuned.
When you want a New England classic filtered through Georgia hospitality, Seabear quietly overdelivers.
Hawaii — Royal Lobster, Honolulu
Royal Lobster focuses on one thing and gets it right. The roll is packed with chilled, sweet meat dressed sparingly, then tucked into a warm buttery bun.
You will taste clean ocean flavor that feels decadent yet fresh.
It is grab-and-go perfection near the bustle of Waikiki. Add chips and a cold drink, then find shade.
For a focused lobster fix in paradise, this spot hits the mark consistently.
Idaho — Baxters on Cedar, Sandpoint
Sandpoint’s Baxters on Cedar delivers New England comfort with a mountain-town smile. The lobster roll arrives on a buttered split-top bun, lightly dressed for texture and shine.
The meat feels tender and sweet, not masked.
It is an unfussy plate that pairs well with a local beer. Crisp edges, soft center, clean flavors.
When lake breezes call for something special, this roll feels like vacation on a bun.
Illinois — 3 Arts Club Cafe, Chicago
Inside the stunning atrium, 3 Arts Club Cafe serves a polished lobster roll that matches the setting. The bun is delicately toasted, lobster lightly dressed, and plating is photo-ready.
You taste clarity first, richness second.
Order a glass of something sparkling and enjoy the calm. It is indulgent without heaviness, precise without stiffness.
For a Chicago roll that feels like a city treat, this elegant version truly satisfies.
Indiana — Caplinger’s Fresh Catch, Indianapolis
Caplinger’s proves a seafood market knows best. Their lobster roll brings big, sweet chunks with a whisper of mayo and lemon.
The split-top bun gets a buttery toast that stays sturdy to the last bite.
Order at the counter, find a seat, and dig in. It is straightforward, fresh, and satisfying.
For Indy seafood cravings, this market roll hits the classic notes with confidence and care.
Iowa — St. Kilda Collective, West Des Moines
St. Kilda gives the lobster roll a sunny, cafe-forward touch. Expect chilled meat, light citrus mayo, and a beautifully toasted bun.
The knife work is tidy, the flavors crisp, and the vibe relaxed.
Pair it with a flat white or spritz. It is balanced and breezy, like a coastal postcard set in Iowa.
When you want freshness without fuss, this roll delivers clean pleasure in every bite.
Kansas — Bristol Bar & Grill, Leawood
Bristol Bar & Grill treats the lobster roll with steakhouse precision. The bun is buttered and griddled, lobster gently dressed, and seasoning kept restrained.
Each bite feels rich yet focused.
Order a crisp white and lean into the classic pairing. This is a Midwestern take that respects tradition.
For a special lunch or easy dinner, Bristol’s version checks every box and leaves you planning a revisit.
Kentucky — Smithtown Seafood, Lexington
Seafood cravings find a home in unexpected places.
At Smithtown Seafood in Lexington, KY, fresh ocean flavors meet casual counter service right inside West Sixth Brewing.
Start with oysters or shrimp cocktails, then dive into fish & chips or shrimp & grits that hit hard with flavor.
Order at the counter, grab a craft beer, and enjoy laid-back vibes.
This is seafood done right—full of taste and big personality in every bite.
Louisiana — Red Lobster, Baton Rouge
Seafood cravings get serious at this Baton Rouge favorite.
At Red Lobster on Bluebonnet Blvd, fresh catches and buttery lobster tails take center stage in a casual setting that feels welcoming and familiar.
Start with crispy shrimp or grilled fish, then dive into classics like Maine lobster, crab, or seafood boils that deliver big flavor.
Pair your plate with signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits and shareable sides for a meal that hits every craving.
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or anyone who loves seafood done right in Baton Rouge
Maine — Pine Tree Seafood & Produce, Scarborough
In Maine, the bar is sky-high. Pine Tree Seafood answers with overflowing claw and knuckle meat, lightly dressed, on a warm buttered roll.
Every bite tastes like ocean sweetness and restraint.
Grab it with slaw, sit outside, and watch locals stream in. There is nothing fancy here, just excellence.
If you want a benchmark lobster roll experience in the state that defines it, this is your stop.
Maryland — Thames Street Oyster House, Baltimore
Thames Street Oyster House does classics with polish. The lobster roll is packed with sweet meat, a touch of mayo or butter as requested, and a perfectly griddled bun.
Details are meticulous, from seasoning to temperature.
Sit near the windows, order oysters, and let the harbor set the mood. It is refined but welcoming.
For a Maryland roll that respects New England heritage, this spot consistently shines.
Massachusetts — Neptune Oyster, Boston
Neptune Oyster is pilgrimage-worthy. Choose hot buttered or chilled with mayo, both brimming with pristine lobster on a bakery-fresh bun.
The ratio, seasoning, and texture are dialed perfectly, bite after bite.
Yes, there is usually a wait. It is worth it.
This roll defines the category for many, capturing Boston’s seafood obsession with precision and soul. If you are chasing the gold standard, start here.
Michigan — Fish Lads, Grand Rapids
Fish Lads proves Midwest markets can deliver coastal satisfaction. The roll is classic: lightly dressed chilled lobster in a buttered split-top bun.
You get clean flavors, good knife work, and a roll that holds up.
Grab a stool and enjoy the market energy. It is simple, fresh, and exactly what you hope for.
When Grand Rapids wants seafood comfort, this roll answers with confidence and value.
Minnesota — Coastal Seafoods, Minneapolis
Coastal Seafoods turns expert sourcing into a stellar roll. Expect sweet, chilled meat, a restrained mayo, and a buttered bun griddled just so.
The seasoning is light, letting the lobster’s natural sweetness lead.
Eat at the counter or take it to go. Either way, it feels like a seaside detour in the city.
For a no-frills, high-quality lobster roll, this market cafe nails it.
Mississippi — Saltine, Jackson
Saltine brings a Southern accent to a New England staple without losing focus. The lobster is tender, lightly dressed, and tucked into a buttered roll with snap.
You may notice a gentle herbal note and crisp sides.
It is inviting, shareable, and comfort-forward. Order a beer, add oysters, and enjoy the easy rhythm.
For Jackson seafood cravings, this lobster roll is an immediate yes.
Missouri — Peacemaker Lobster & Crab, St. Louis
Peacemaker is a lobster roll destination in the Midwest. The bun is textbook, the meat plentiful, and the dressing feather-light.
You get the satisfying snap of toast followed by rich, sweet lobster.
Grab a beer, maybe some hushpuppies, and settle into the coastal vibe. It is consistently excellent and comfortingly familiar.
St. Louis might be far from the ocean, but this roll erases distance in a bite.
Montana — PREROGATIvE Kitchen, Red Lodge
PREROGATIvE Kitchen gives the lobster roll a chefly twist while honoring fundamentals. The bun is crisp-edged, the meat tender, and the seasoning thoughtful.
Expect brightness, balance, and maybe a subtle herb pop.
It is the kind of mountain-town surprise that feels special. Pair it with something bubbly and enjoy the playful plating.
When you want creativity without compromise, this roll threads the needle beautifully.
Nebraska — Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar, Omaha
Seafood cravings find a lively home in Omaha.
Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar brings fresh ocean flavors to the Midwest with oysters shucked right at the bar and classic seafood favorites on the menu.
Dive into shrimp po’ boys, clam strips, or gumbo with a cold drink in hand.
Casual vibes make this a local go-to for lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re into peel-and-eat shrimp or daily fresh fish specials, Shucks delivers approachable seafood you’ll want to return to.
Nevada — The Legends Oyster Bar & Grill, Las Vegas
Legends Oyster Bar serves a lobster roll that sidesteps the Strip’s excess. The bun is glossy and warm, lobster sweet and abundant, with dressing kept whisper-light.
You taste ocean first, butter second.
It is a satisfying, no-gimmick plate in a town of theatrics. Add chowder or oysters and call it a win.
For Vegas locals and visitors alike, this roll is an honest standout.
New Hampshire — Sanders Fish Market, Portsmouth
Sanders Fish Market piles on pristine lobster like Portsmouth demands. The roll is buttered, lightly dressed, and generously filled with sweet meat.
It tastes like the docks nearby, fresh and unfussy.
Grab it, head outside, and watch the harbor scene. This is a local staple for good reason.
When in New Hampshire, few rolls feel more right than this market classic.
New Jersey — Atlantic Offshore Fishery, Point Pleasant Beach
Atlantic Offshore Fishery keeps it dock-fresh and straightforward. The lobster roll arrives stuffed, lightly dressed, and tucked in a buttered bun that travels well.
You taste sweetness and brine, not heavy sauce.
It is takeout-friendly perfection near the boats. Grab one for the beach or the ride home.
This roll is Shore comfort at its best, honest and satisfying without frills.
New Mexico — LURE Raw Bar, Albuquerque
Seafood isn’t just food here—it’s an experience.
At LURE Raw Bar in Nob Hill, oysters from both coasts are shucked to order, bringing ocean brine to the high desert.
Imagine chilled shellfish paired with crisp cocktails at a zinc counter that feels like an ocean hideaway.
Small plates spotlight seasonal ingredients and bold flavors that surprise with every bite.
Whether you’re gathering with friends or toasting something special, LURE offers seafood that tastes like a coastal getaway without leaving Albuquerque.
New York — Eddie F’s, Saratoga Springs
Eddie F’s serves a roll that feels straight from the coast. The bun is buttered and griddled, packed with chilled lobster kissed with mayo.
Lemon and a sprinkle of chive keep things lively.
It is generous, balanced, and easy to love. Grab one before the races or after a stroll downtown.
For Upstate New York, this is a reliable lobster fix with heart.
North Carolina — The Maine Lobster Roll Company, Wilmington
The Maine Lobster Roll Company brings authentic vibes to Wilmington. Expect hot buttered or chilled mayo styles, both loaded with sweet meat and tucked in a griddled bun.
The seasoning stays minimal and respectful.
Find the truck or shop, grab napkins, and enjoy the beach-town breeze. It is comfort in every bite.
For a taste of Maine on the Carolina coast, this is the move.
North Dakota — Beer & Fish Company, Fargo
Beer & Fish Company pairs great brews with a tidy lobster roll. The bun is buttered, the lobster chilled and lightly dressed, and the balance spot on.
Clean flavors do the heavy lifting here.
It is the kind of sandwich that disappears quickly between sips. No theatrics, just good seafood and solid technique.
For Fargo, it is a refreshing coastal detour any day of the week.
Ohio — The Governor Modern Diner, Milford
The Governor sneaks a coastal classic into diner comfort. The roll is griddled, lobster lightly dressed, and the presentation charmingly unpretentious.
You get sweetness, butter, and a tidy crunch.
Grab a booth and a milkshake or crisp soda. It feels nostalgic without being heavy.
For a suburban Cincinnati surprise, this lobster roll hits that sweet spot between classic and playful.
Oklahoma — Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, Oklahoma City
Seafood lovers, your boil destination has arrived.
At Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar in Oklahoma City, plump shrimp, crab legs, and Cajun spices steal the spotlight from the first crack of the shell.
Grab a seat, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a boil that pairs perfectly with bold flavors and good company.
Oysters, hush puppies, and po’ boys line the menu, turning casual dinners into a feast worth talking about.
Whether it’s a family night or a spirited gathering with friends, this place keeps the seafood fun flowing and the plates empty.
Oregon — Cafe Rowan, Portland
Cafe Rowan keeps things seasonal and restrained. The lobster stays front and center, with a light herb mayo and a buttered bun that crackles softly.
Each bite feels clean and thoughtfully balanced.
Pair it with greens or crispy potatoes. The vibe is easygoing, the flavors precise.
For a Portland roll that respects simplicity while feeling fresh, this cafe delivers beautifully.
Pennsylvania — Oyster House, Philadelphia
Oyster House turns out a benchmark lobster roll for Center City. The bun is buttered and griddled, lobster chilled and barely dressed, with a bright lemon finish.
It is clean, briny-sweet, and satisfying.
Grab counter seats and watch the shucking show. This roll proves restraint wins.
For a quick lunch or easy dinner, it is a dependable classic you will crave again.
Rhode Island — Matunuck Oyster Bar, South Kingstown
Matunuck serves a lobster roll that tastes like the marsh beside it. The bun is warm and buttered, the lobster sweet and plentiful, dressing minimal.
It is briny, clean, and deeply satisfying.
Sit by the water and let the breeze set the mood. Add oysters or a local beer, and you have perfection.
For Rhode Island, this roll is quintessential shoreline comfort.
South Carolina — 167 Raw Oyster Bar, Charleston
167 Raw’s lobster roll is a Charleston must. It is compact, perfectly balanced, and loaded with pristine chilled lobster.
The griddled bun holds a silky, lemon-kissed dressing that never overwhelms.
Expect a line and fast-moving service. It is worth the wait.
The roll delivers big satisfaction in a small package, the kind you remember long after the last bite.
South Dakota — Look’s Marketplace, Sioux Falls
More than a market—this place feels like a local legend.
Look’s Market has been serving Sioux Falls since 1883, started by German immigrants and still family-friendly after generations.
Step inside and you’ll find fresh bakery treats, a full butcher counter, deli favorites, and a restaurant where comfort meets crowd-pleasing flavor.
Locals stop by for coffee, groceries, or a casual meal with friends.
Whether you’re picking up produce, trying hand-crafted ice cream, or grabbing lunch at the cafe, Look’s feels like home.
Tennessee — The Optimist, Nashville
The Optimist brings precision to a beloved classic. The roll is griddled, lobster luxuriant and lightly dressed, and seasoning minimal.
It is richness without heaviness, bite after bite.
Order oysters, sip something bright, and enjoy the room’s glow. Service is polished, flavors are focused, and the result feels special.
For Nashville, this is a dependable lobster roll with quiet confidence.
Texas — Garbo’s, Austin
Garbo’s is Texas-famous for a reason. Choose Connecticut-style hot buttered or Maine-style chilled with mayo, both loaded and beautifully seasoned.
The bun is buttered, split-top, and sturdily griddled.
It is festival-friendly and date-night ready. Add tots or slaw, grab a local beer, and settle in.
For Austin, this roll brings coastal soul with Lone Star hospitality, consistently delicious and craveable.
Utah — Freshies Lobster, Park City
Freshies is a national champion for good reason. The lobster is warm, sweet, and bathed in drawn butter, tucked into a perfectly griddled bun.
Each bite sings with purity and balance.
Mountain air makes it even better. Lines move quickly, and satisfaction is near-guaranteed.
For Utah, this is the poster child of a destination-worthy lobster roll.
Vermont — Casey’s Caboose, Killington
Casey’s Caboose serves a heartwarming lobster roll in a charming setting. The bun is buttered and crisp, lobster tender and lightly dressed, with lemon nearby.
It is nostalgic, comforting, and thoroughly satisfying.
After the slopes or a summer hike, this roll hits perfectly. Grab a booth and watch the action.
For Vermont, it is classic flavor wrapped in playful, old-railroad charm.
Virginia — A Bite of Maine, Virginia Beach
A Bite of Maine delivers the real deal at the shore. You get sweet, generous lobster in a buttered, griddled bun with barely-there dressing.
The focus stays squarely on the meat.
Grab it to go and wander the boardwalk. It is simple, satisfying, and easy to crave again.
For Virginia Beach, this roll is a dependable, enthusiast-approved staple.
Washington — Skagit’s Own Fish Market, Burlington
Skagit’s Own turns market freshness into roll perfection. The bun is buttered, lobster chilled and lightly dressed, and portions generous.
You taste clarity and sweetness first.
Eat at the counter or take it on the road. It is a dependable staple for seafood lovers.
For Northwest practicality with New England soul, this roll feels just right.
West Virginia — Stoney’s Whiskey Wine & Raw Bar, Martinsburg
Stoney’s crafts a lobster roll that feels upscale yet welcoming. The bun is toasted, lobster lightly dressed, and seasoning precise.
You get richness without sludge, brightness without sharpness.
Pair it with a whiskey or crisp white. It is small-town charm with big-city execution.
For Martinsburg seafood cravings, this roll quietly steals the show.
Wisconsin — St Paul Fish Company, Milwaukee
St Paul Fish Company serves a beloved market roll that draws lines. The bun is buttered and griddled, lobster chilled and minimally dressed, with lemon ready.
It tastes like freshness and care.
Find a seat in the market and enjoy the bustle. It is reliable, generous, and priced fairly.
For Milwaukee, this is the go-to lobster fix, time and again.
Wyoming — Miazga’s, Jackson
Craving comfort food with personality?
Miazga’s in Jackson Hole serves up homemade Polish and Italian favorites that feel just like home—with pierogis, kielbasa plates, and Reuben sandwiches stealing the show.
Pastas, burgers, and hearty classics fill the menu, perfect after a day exploring the Tetons.
The patio, cozy interior, and friendly staff make every meal feel relaxed and welcoming.
Grab dessert (think éclairs or berry pie) and savor every last bite before hitting the town again.