Since summer is here, we’re seeing red—and you know what that means! It’s lobster season. Or as we say here in Boston, Lob-stah!

🦞 Massachusetts

1. Neptune Oyster – Boston
   A popular spot in the North End, renowned for its fresh oysters and lobster rolls. 

2. James Hook & Co. – Boston
   Celebrating over 100 years, offering fresh live lobsters and seafood delivered nationwide. 

3. Roy Moore Lobster Co. – Rockport
   A Cape Ann favorite, known for its fresh lobster and seafood offerings. 

4. Lobster Pot Provincetown, Mass: The Lobster Pot in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is a beloved seafood restaurant with a rich history and a special connection to the late Anthony Bourdain.

🦞 Maine

1. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights – Cape Elizabeth
   A historic spot since the 1920s, offering classic lobster dishes with breathtaking ocean and lighthouse views. 

2. Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier – Kittery Point
   Established in 1948, this colorful joint overlooks tidal Chauncey Creek, providing outdoor seating and a vibrant atmosphere. 

3. Cape Pier Chowder House – Cape Porpoise
   Situated on a pier in a traditional lobstering village, offering scenic views extending to Goat Island Lighthouse. 

4. Chronicle Pick, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery Point, Maine. BYOB, and no reservations required. 

The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is a beloved five-day summer tradition celebrating Maine’s famous seafood and coastal heritage. Held every August at Harbor Park, the festival draws thousands for fresh-cooked lobster dinners, live entertainment, a big parade, the quirky International Lobster Crate Race, local crafts, cooking contests, and family-friendly activities. Since 1947, this volunteer-run event has supported the community while offering visitors a true taste of Maine’s maritime spirit and delicious lobster. This year’s festival takes place from July 30th until August 3rd, 2025.

🦞 Rhode Island

1. Hemenway’s Restaurant – Providence
   An iconic seafood destination, offering top-of-catch seafood and a renowned raw bar. 

2. Matunuck Oyster Bar – South Kingstown
   An upscale restaurant set on the oyster-producing waters of Potter Pond, excelling in fresh seafood dishes. 

3. The Lobster Pot – Bristol
   Offering waterfront dining with live entertainment, serving New England's favorite seafood dishes. 

4. Chronicle Mention: Lobster Shack in Newport Rhode Island. Diners love it and the friendly staff and waterfront outdoor seating make it a summer must!

🦞 Vermont

1. Shanty on the Shore – Burlington
   A waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood with a commitment to quality and daily specials. 

2. Hen of the Wood – Burlington
   Known for its farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

3. Ray’s Seafood Market – Essex Junction
   Vermont's first fish market, providing a variety of fresh seafood options. 

🦞 New Hampshire

1. Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar – Rye
   A beloved spot known for its fresh seafood and oceanfront dining experience. 

2. The Beach Plum – Portsmouth, Epping, Salem, North Hampton
   An award-winning counter-service restaurant offering delectable lobster rolls and ice cream. 

3. Brown’s Lobster Pound – Seabrook
   A classic New England seafood destination, serving fresh quality seafood cooked the traditional way. 

🦞 Connecticut

1. Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough – Noank
   A Connecticut staple since 1947, famous for its lobster rolls and waterfront dining. 

2. Westbrook Lobster – Clinton & Wallingford
   Specializing in fresh lobster and seafood, offering a popular bar and lounge experience. 

3. Lobster Landing – Clinton
   Known for its quaint, rustic decor and serving lobster in soft Italian rolls. 

🦞 The Lobster Pot: A Cape Cod Landmark

Located at 321 Commercial Street, The Lobster Pot has been a staple of Provincetown's dining scene since 1943. Originally opened by Ralph and Adeline Medeiros, the restaurant was later sold to Joy McNulty in 1979. Under the McNulty family's stewardship, it has become renowned for its fresh seafood, Portuguese specialties, and waterfront dining experience. 

🍽️ Anthony Bourdain's Connection

In the 1970s, a young Anthony Bourdain worked as a dishwasher at The Lobster Pot. This experience played a pivotal role in sparking his passion for cooking, ultimately leading him to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America and embark on a celebrated culinary career. 

Bourdain revisited The Lobster Pot during the Massachusetts episode of his show Parts Unknown, reflecting on his early days in Provincetown and the restaurant's enduring presence in the community. He noted, "Many of the old places in P-town are gone. But the Lobster Pot is still going strong, all these years later." 

🎬 Upcoming Film: "Tony"

The Lobster Pot's significance in Bourdain's life is being highlighted in the upcoming film "Tony," which chronicles his early years. Filming is currently underway in Provincetown, with scenes being shot at The Lobster Pot and other local landmarks. The movie stars Dominic Sessa as young Bourdain and features Antonio Banderas in a supporting role. 

📍 Visiting The Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot remains a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts and fans of Anthony Bourdain alike. With its iconic neon sign and commitment to quality, it continues to offer a quintessential Cape Cod dining experience. The restaurant operates seasonally from April through November. 

For more information, visit their official website: 

To see Anthony Bourdain's visit to The Lobster Pot, you can watch the following video:facebook.com+1youtube.com+1

Luke's Lobster Seaport, once a popular seafood destination in Boston's Seaport District, has permanently closed as of May 2025. The restaurant, located at 53 Northern Ave, was known for its nautical-themed decor and a menu centered around fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. 

For those still craving Luke's signature lobster rolls and other seafood delights, the chain continues to operate two other locations in Boston:

Back Bay: 75 Exeter Street, Boston, MA 02116

Downtown Crossing: 290 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108

Both locations offer a variety of seafood rolls, including lobster, crab, and shrimp, served in the classic "Luke's Way" style—with chilled, wild-caught seafood in a toasted, buttered bun, topped with mayo, lemon butter, and Luke's Secret Seasoning. 

Additionally, Luke's Lobster has expanded to the Boston Harbor Islands, opening a new shack at the National and State Park Welcome Center. This seasonal location began operations on May 27, 2025, aligning its hours with the ferry schedule. A portion of the proceeds from opening day sales was donated to Boston Harbor Now, supporting efforts to maintain and improve the harbor and its islands. 

For more information on locations, menus, and nationwide shipping options, visit lukeslobster.com.lukeslobster.com

1. Alive and Kicking Lobster

Alive & Kicking Lobsters is a beloved seafood shack nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, renowned for its no-frills approach to serving some of the freshest lobster dishes in the area. 

🦞 Signature Dish: The Lobster Salad Sandwich

Unlike the traditional lobster roll, Alive & Kicking offers their famed Lobster Salad Sandwich. This delicacy features generous portions of freshly shucked lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayonnaise and a hint of black pepper, all nestled between two slices of toasted Scali bread. The sandwich is served with a side of Cape Cod potato chips, providing a satisfying crunch to complement the tender lobster. This unique take on the lobster roll has been praised for its simplicity and emphasis on the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. 

🐟 Additional Menu Highlights

Beyond the lobster sandwich, the menu offers a variety of seafood options:

• Soft Shell Crab: Crispy and flavorful, 

• Haddock: Freshly prepared 

• Cod Fish Fillets: A classic choice. 

• New England Cod Cakes

• Additionally, they offer Lobster Bisque and Clam Chowder, both rich in flavor and loaded with seafood. 

🏠 Ambiance and Setting

Housed in what appears to be a converted residential garage, Alive & Kicking exudes a rustic charm. While there is no indoor seating, patrons can enjoy their meals at outdoor picnic tables, some of which are situated under a heated tent—making it a cozy spot even during cooler months. The establishment operates primarily as a fish market, emphasizing freshness and quality in every dish. 

📍 Location and Hours

• Address: 269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

• Phone: (617) 876-0451

• Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Whether you are a local or just visiting, Alive & Kicking Lobsters offers a quintessential New England seafood experience that is both authentic and delightful.

Whether you're a local or visiting, these spots offer some of the best lobster experiences New England has to offer.