Must-Try Lobster Rolls in NJ

by Abby Montanez
lobster rolls nj

There’s no summer in the Northeast without lobster rolls. While New Jersey may not boast the same reputation as Maine or Connecticut, the state still knows its way around a sandwich. Do you take yours warm and doused in butter? How about chilled and tossed in mayo? Celery or no celery? These New Jersey restaurants cater to the less-is-more crowds, as well as those looking for something uber-indulgent. Still wondering who makes the best lobster rolls in NJ? Here are 17 spots that will transport you to New England.

1. Angry Archies – Jersey City, NJ

This popular North Jersey eatery started out as a food truck primarily known for crab cakes. However, that doesn’t mean you should overlook the lobster rolls. Now, with a brick and mortar location, Angry Archies is easily one of North Jersey’s best places to get a lobster roll. You can find two varieties at Angry Archies. A chilled Maine version that combines chunks of lobster with a spicy corn mayo. Or a Connecticut-style roll served warm with butter and lemon vinaigrette. 

2. Bahrs Landing – Highlands, NJ

A trip to Sandy Hook beach wouldn’t be complete without lunch at Bahrs Landing. This NJ staple in the Highlands has a “Jersey” lobster roll on the menu. Did we mention Bahr’s lobster rolls are also served with housemade potato chips? The fresh lobster salad is a non-traditional mix of seafood, arugula, tomatoes, celery and mayo. It is then generously piled onto a toasted brioche bun. 

3. Cape May Fish Market – Cape May, NJ

This seasonal fish market serves Cape May visitors and locals with fresh seafood day-in and day-out. The expansive menu features handmade crab cakes, blackened scallops, local fish and, of course, a crave-worthy lobster roll. Cape May Fish Market sautés large chunks of fresh lobster meat in butter and serves it up on a toasted roll. This barebones sandwich allows for the quality of the seafood to shine in all of its glory. This is a must-try for fans of lobster when passing through New Jersey’s southernmost town.

4. Cousins Maine Lobster – Multiple NJ Locations

Spotted Cousins Maine Lobster down the Jersey Shore? Or maybe you’ve seen them parked at a North Jersey food festival. Either way, this food truck has developed a cult-like following, which has a lot to do with their 2016 appearance on “Shark Tank.” Thankfully, it’s worth the hype. If you don’t mind waiting in line, both their Connecticut and Maine-style lobster rolls are top-notch and undoubtedly the truck’s best dishes.

5. Jack’s Lobster/Seafood Shack – Edgewater, Montclair and Short Hills, NJ 

This popular seafood establishment first set its roots down in Edgewater and has since expanded across  North Jersey.  At any of Jack’s locations, diners can find two iterations of lobster rolls: One served cold and with mayo, and the other served warm with butter. Want to make it a platter? You can get homemade coleslaw, salad or potato chips on the side. Or, go all out and order their double meat option. Whatever you choose, Jack’s has everything to fill your lobster needs. 

6. Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Cafe – Belmar, NJ

If you’re in Belmar, look no further than this seafood market, riverfront bar and waterside restaurant. Klein’s has been in business for almost 100 years, so you know they’re the aficionados when it comes to fresh, locally-caught fish. Here, they’re using fresh steamed lobster as the base for their lobster roll and mixing it with celery, Old Bay and a touch of mayo. Every order comes plated with a side of spicy slaw and french fries. You don’t make it to a century without good reason and Klein’s lobster roll is a part of that. 

 

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7. Mystic Lobster Roll Company – Multiple NJ Locations

Lobster rolls three ways? That’s what you’ll find a Mystic Lobster Roll Company. This NJ eatery has multiple outposts across North, South and Central Jersey—making it all too easy to satisfy that seafood craving. Whether you want it Maine, Connecticut or New England-style, you can count on biting into a third-pound of lobster meat per sandwich. 

8. Point Lobster Company – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

What happens when two Point Pleasant Beach restaurants merge? You get Point Lobster Bar & Grill. Aside from elevated versions of various seafood dishes, they’ve got not one but two lobster rolls on the menu. Get it warm on a potato roll and dripping in butter. Or order the cold version with citrus lobster salad. Point Lobster Co. remains one of New Jersey’s most popular places to grab a lobster roll and we totally get why. Keep an eye on their Instagram for daily specials. 

 

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9. Proving Ground – Highlands, NJ

Ready to dock and dine? The rolls at this waterfront restaurant are stuffed with chunks of fresh lobster meat that’s lightly dressed with mayo, lemon and fresh herbs. Diners get two rolls per order, served on toasted brioche buns. Other than one of Jersey’s best lobster rolls, diners are treated to gorgeous views of the water, rivaled by very few restaurants that the state has to offer.

10. Quincy’s Lobster Rolls – Multiple NJ Locations

With seven NJ locations, you won’t have to trek far for lobster rolls from Quincy’s. Their classic-style roll includes the tail, knuckle, and claw meat on a toasted hot dog roll. It’s a mash-up of sorts with mayo, lemon butter, Old Bay and chives to top it off.  The menu also includes several other rolls, including crab and shrimp salad. 

 

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11. Red’s Lobster Pot – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Since its days as a lobster market, Red’s Lobster Pot has become a Jersey Shore landmark known for its fresh, local seafood. Part of their daily catch includes lobsters, which ultimately end up being prepared cold with mayo or hot with butter and stuffed into a roll. Plus, coleslaw and fries come on the side.

 

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12. Stern and Bow – Closter, NJ

If the name didn’t tip you off, Stern and Bow pays homage to the sea with their American eatery. What you might not have known is that they’re treating the humble lobster roll with as much finesse as their other upscale entrées. Think Connecticut-style, with huge chunks of claw meat drizzled with clarified butter. Old Bay shoestring fries are served on the side to complete what is no-doubt an excellent version of the classic. 

 

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13. Surf City – Jersey City, NJ

At Surf City, you get two lobster rolls essentially for the price of one (as if you weren’t already running to this JC hotspot.) You can order their rolls cold with celery and herb aioli or warm with poached Maine lobsters smothered in clarified butter. The potato roll is non-negotiable, which comes stuffed to the brim with full-claw and tail meat no matter which style you choose. 

 

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14. The Bonney Read – Asbury Park, NJ

The Bonney Read in Asbury Park, NJ prides itself on sustainably procured and locally sourced seafood and that philosophy extends to their lobster rolls as well. This roll takes a classic split-top hot dog bun griddled in butter and fills it with whole lobster meat from Maine that’s tossed simply with mayo, thinly sliced celery, lemon juice and dill. All you need is a side of fries and coleslaw and you’re golden. 

 

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15. The Yacht Club – Edgewater, NJ

With terrific views of the Upper West Side, The Yacht Club is the perfect weekend or date night venture. Their “famous lobster roll” lives up to its name and appeases both mayo and butter lovers. Tucked into a brioche bun, hearty pieces of Maine lobster meat come together with your choice of herb mayo or herb butter. Old Bay fried adds the perfect punch of flavor. The menu also features a lobster BLT, which is exactly what it sounds like—fresh lobster, tomato, lettuce and bacon. 

 

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16. Tony Boloney’s – Multiple NJ Locations 

Catch the Lobsta Trap all summer long at Tony Boloney’s. This behemoth, over-the-top sandwich is unlike any other lobster roll on this list. We’re talking steamed lobster meat, garlic aioli, “bayou” butter, fresh and smoked mutz, all finished with celery salt. Purists might want to look the other way.

 

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17. The Lobster Pit – Long Branch, NJ 

The Lobster Pit has four different styles of lobster rolls for seafood lovers to indulge in. You’ve got your classics in the New England and Connecticut-style rolls, but the inventive options such as Cali Club and Angry Lobster are just as delicious. The Cali Club boasts fresh lobster meat, lettuce, tomato, mayo, bacon and avocado while the Angry Lobster brings plump lobster meat, spicy pickled giardiniera, mayo and jalapeños. You can even get a surf and turf roll with braised short ribs and lobster meat. What are you waiting for?

 

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Have a favorite spot to get lobster rolls in NJ? Let us know in the comments below!

Main photo by Sharon McCutcheon

About the Author/s

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Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.

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4 comments

Donna DeStefano July 21, 2021 - 4:35 pm

A great new place just opened up in West End, Long Branch NJ called The Lobster Pit. Best Lobster rolls! Absolute perfection! Check it out! They have a cute little outdoor space as well with a Drink Box Bar. They offer unique fun drinks and great atmosphere. Owned and run by the owners of The Mix

Reply
Joanna Amorose October 22, 2021 - 3:09 pm

I just opened up a lobster store in Freehold NJ, 31 East Main St. Suit 2 Jersey Lobster Rolls. Would love for you to come check it out.

Reply
james May 24, 2023 - 9:42 pm

James Martini Go to The Crab Shack Brigantine N.J Best Lobster roll hot and cold. Lobster from a one pound lobster in every roll.

Reply
Holly B June 30, 2023 - 8:24 pm

Scale Fish Market in Jersey City has one of the best lobsters rolls I’ve had on the east coast. Beats out it’s other Jersey City counterpart on this list. Go check it out!!

Reply

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