Summer isn’t summer without a lobster roll. While New Jersey may not boast the same reputation as Maine or Connecticut, the state still knows its way around a sandwich. Warm and doused in butter, chilled and tossed in mayo, or a secret third thing—these spots have you covered.
Cape May Fish Market – Cape May
Large chunks of fresh lobster sautéed in butter, served on a toasted roll. No frills—just quality seafood doing the talking. A must when passing through New Jersey’s southernmost town.
Cousins Maine Lobster – Multiple NJ Locations
The food truck with a cult following—and a “Shark Tank” co-sign. Both the Connecticut and Maine-style rolls are worth the line.
Jack’s Surf & Turf – Montclair and Short Hills
Two iterations: cold with mayo or warm with butter. Add homemade coleslaw, salad or potato chips, or go all out with the double meat option.
Angry Archies – Jersey City
This North Jersey staple started as a food truck known for crab cakes, but don’t overlook the lobster rolls. Two varieties: a chilled Maine version with chunks of lobster and spicy corn mayo, or a Connecticut-style roll served warm with butter and lemon vinaigrette.
Bahrs Landing – Highlands
A Shore institution. Bahrs does a “Jersey” lobster roll—AKA fresh lobster salad with arugula, tomatoes, celery, and mayo piled onto a toasted brioche bun, served with housemade potato chips.
Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Cafe – Belmar
Nearly 100 years in business. Fresh steamed lobster mixed with celery, Old Bay and a touch of mayo, plated with spicy slaw and fries. Or, try a hot lobster roll tossed in butter—Connecticut-style.
Mystic Lobster Roll Company – Multiple NJ Locations
Three styles—Maine, Connecticut and New England—each packed with a third-pound of lobster meat per sandwich. Multiple locations across North, South and Central Jersey.
Point Lobster Company – Point Pleasant Beach
Two options: warm on a potato roll with butter, or cold with citrus lobster salad. One of the Shore’s most popular stops for a reason.
Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls – Multiple NJ Locations
Tail, knuckle, and claw meat on a toasted hot dog roll, finished with mayo, lemon butter, Old Bay and chives. Seasonal—check locations before you go.
Surf City – Jersey City
Hot or cold—your call. Either way, it comes on a potato roll stuffed with full claw and tail meat, served cold with celery and herb aioli or warm with clarified butter.
Tony Boloney’s – Atlantic City
Not for purists. The Lobsta Trap is steamed lobster meat, garlic aioli, bayou butter, fresh and smoked mutz, finished with celery salt. Over the top. That’s the point.
The Lobster Pit – Long Branch
Four styles: New England, Connecticut, Cali Club (lobster, lettuce, tomato, mayo, bacon, avocado) and Angry Lobster (spicy pickled giardiniera, mayo, jalapeños). There’s even a roll with braised short rib, which you can add a scoop of lobster salad to. Surf and turf, anyone?
Scale Fish Market – Jersey City
A fish market with a killer food menu. Fresh, succulent lobster meat packed into a buttery roll. Check their Instagram for daily offerings.
Red’s Lobster Pot – Point Pleasant Beach
A Jersey Shore landmark. Cold with mayo or hot with butter, served with coleslaw and fries. Seasonal.
Stern and Bow – Closter
This version comes loaded with lobster meat, crab, and shrimp—tossed in dill mayo with celery, and fries on the side. One of the better upscale takes on the classic in North Jersey.
Lobster Garage – Jersey City
Two options: hot with butter, cold with mayo. Plus: a lively bar atmosphere with wide-open garage doors during the warmer months. What’s not to like?
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
