A lobster roll is pretty much synonymous with a Cape summer. Most Cape Codders have an opinion, sometimes a strong one, about which is the best. The truth is there are many delicious options. I’m sharing all my local favorites in their respective superlative categories, leading up to best overall. Definitely add savoring at least one of these lobster rolls to your summer to-do list.
Biggest: The Raw Bar at Popponesset Market Place, Mashpee
If size is your top priority, this one is for you. The Popponesset Raw Bar roll is STACKED with lobster and requires a fork to eat. Enjoy seasonal outdoor dining at the raw bar on the patio or in one of the heated tents.
Best to Share: Brax Landing, Harwich Port
Overlooking Saquatucket Harbor, Brax Landing is a year-round option for a scenic meal. Their lobster roll is a good size and perfect to split for lunch. My husband and I usually share a big salad and Wellfleet oysters alongside it. The lobster roll is beautifully seasoned, slightly herbaceous, and comes with a generous helping of fries that they graciously divide between two plates.
Best Pop-up: The Kitchen Cafe, Brewster
The Kitchen Cafe is a breakfast and lunch restaurant located on Route 6A in the heart of Brewster. While the lobster roll is not on the daily menu, it’s offered as a pop-up option, and it’s super popular. Check their social media or call ahead to check if it’s available.
Freshest: The Chatham Fish Pier, Chatham
Try New England fare picnic table-style at the Chatham Fish Pier. While you enjoy your lobster roll, watch the fishermen unload the day’s catch. The pier is also a prime place for seal-watching, and you’re almost guaranteed to see one.
Best Bread: The Chart Room, Cataumet and The Black Cat Tavern, Hyannis
This one is a TIE! Open June through Labor Day and during spring and fall weekends, The Chart Room has the most delicious Portuguese bread roll. Located right across from Hyannis Harbor and serving year-round, the Black Cat Tavern also has standout bread. Their roll is slightly sweet and cloud-like soft. It is served with Cape Cod potato chips, which are a great local complement.
Best Takeaway: Cape Roots Market & Cafe, Harwich Port
Cape Roots Market & Cafe offers a lobster roll on their sandwich board menu. While you can enjoy the roll in the cafe, they do a great job packing it to go. This roll is ideal for a beach picnic or sunset dinner. Be sure to check out their selection of dessert bars and cookies for a post-lobster roll treat.
Best View: The Lobster Pot, Provincetown
The Lobster Pot, with its iconic neon sign, is a famous Provincetown destination for fresh seafood. While the front of the restaurant sits on Commercial Street, the expansive dining room boasts an incredible view of the ocean and Provincetown Harbor.
Best Family Atmosphere: Spanky’s Clam Shack, Hyannis
Walking into Spanky’s, I always feel so relaxed. While the food is top-notch, it has a casual, family vibe. It’s the type of place where you can enjoy a drink while the staff brings over extra oyster crackers and crayons for your hungry kids. Their lobster roll is flavorful and consistently one of the best around.
Best Overall: Sesuit Harbor Cafe, Dennis
I love everything about Sesuit Harbor Cafe, from the rustic cottage-like appearance to the colorful buoy-lined clapboard wall. After standing in what may be a sizable line, find a picnic table and enjoy a drink (BYOB) while you await your roll. To experience less of a crowd, go midweek between traditional lunch and dinner times. You can also enjoy a lobster roll on one of their cruises through Cape Cod Bay. The Sesuit lobster roll is perfection! It’s just the right size, with a generous portion of lobster on a buttery roll and accompanied by crispy fries and homemade coleslaw. Catch the sunset over the harbor and if you have room left, head to the nearby Ice Cream Smuggler for dessert. Note: Sesuit Harbor is cash only.
Enjoy this classic Cape Cod meal and let us know which lobster roll is your favorite! @CapeCodMoms and @leahmrockwell
