Boston Area’s Best Lobster Shacks

June 15th is National Lobster Day. And what better way to celebrate? When people think of New England food, lobster and other seafoods usually top the list. Fresh fish and shellfish come into the docks each day, and make their way to local restaurants. For the seafood fans among you, we rounded up some of the area’s favorite lobster shacks.

Woodman’s

Route 133/Main Street
Essex
978-768-6057; 800/649-1773
Website

In 1914 “Chubby” and Bessie Woodman opened a roadside clam shack in Essex. The restaurant claims to have invented the fried clam in 1916. Since then it has grown, and five generations later it’s known to people throughout the region as a go-to for lobsters and fried seafood. Woodman’s is open year-round.

Lobster Pool

329 Granite Street/Route 127
Rockport
978-546-7808
Website

The Lobster Pool was founded in 1954, and in 1997 the Tedesco family bought it and still runs it. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining and is a self-service dining room with no tipping. The Lobster Pool is on the shore in Folly Cove.

Lobster Claw

42 Cranberry Highway (Route 6A)
Orleans
508-255-1800
website

The Lobster Claw has been around for more than 40 years, and has been voted the Best Family Restaurant by Cape Cod Life for several years. There’s a 30-foot boat that serves as the bar, and the restaurant is open seven days a week.

Sandy’s on Plymouth Beach

132 Warren Ave
Plymouth
508-747-5911
Sandy’s On Facebook

Sandy’s name doesn’t lie; it is in fact, right on the beach. Customers say they continue to go back year after year and everything served is always fresh. It’s a seasonal place with an open air dining room. It’s suggested that you call ahead to make sure they’re open.

Reviews & Website

Other places spend time and money on atmosphere, this no-frills takeout joint focuses on making the biggest and best lobster roll you could dream up. To call Bell Isle a “shack” may be overstating the décor, but it’s hard not to understate just how delicious this food is.

Reviews & Website

For nearly a century, the James Hook family has built up a stellar reputation. There’s a reason this landmark has been able to survive the Great Depression, this decade’s recession, the Big Dig, and a devastating 2008 fire.

Summer Shack

Many locations (Dedham, Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Mohegan Sun)
Website

Jasper White opened his first Summer Shack location in 2000 after having worked for years in fine dining. The move surprised many, but his place became instantly popular and he continued to open more locations. The Boston location has become popular to Red Sox fans headed to Fenway for a game – or even on non-game days.