The 7 Best Cape Cod Lobster Rolls
Looking for the best lobster rolls on Cape Cod? New England seafood expert Mike Urban shares which Cape Cod lobster rolls are worth the trip.
By Mike Urban|Jun 21 2022|
With all the great options for Cape Cod lobster rolls, picking the right place to go for one can be a daunting task. Yankee contributor and seafood expert Mike Urban, the author of Lobster Shacks (Countryman Press, 2016), takes some of the guesswork out of the selection process with his top seven picks. Where are the best Cape Cod lobster rolls? Read on to find out!
Where to Find the Best Cape Cod Lobster Rolls
Credit: Mike Urban
The Friendly Fisherman | North Eastham
This is the best, most honest lobster roll on the Cape. Made from fresh-daily, picked-on-the-premises lobster meat, the Fisherman’s roll never disappoints. You’ll almost always find one or two gorgeous chunks of whole claw meat on top, always a good sign when seeking out a top-notch lobster roll. The rest is made up of generous pieces of tail and knuckle meat, lightly tossed with mayo and served on a leaf of lettuce tucked into a split-top bun.
Credit: Mike Urban
The Raw Bar | Mashpee
More lobster bowl than lobster roll, this immense sandwich is more than enough lobster for two hungry people. The lobster is likely fresh-picked and is lightly bathed in mayo and not much else, making a feast for those who seek both quantity and quality. It can be tough to find, so pay close attention to your GPS as you navigate the winding country club roads that lead to its hidden spot.
Credit: Arnold's Lobster and Clam Bar
Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar | Eastham
This super-busy, touristy shack with a miniature golf course and crowded ice cream stand shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when it comes to its lobster rolls. One of the few places on the Cape to serve both hot and cold rolls, Arnold’s fresh-picks its lobster meat throughout the day and serves up five-ounce rolls. Arnold’s is one of those rare places that leverages its large, high-volume size to the customer’s advantage in preparing high-quality seafood quickly.
Credit: Mike Urban
Sesuit Harbor Café | Dennis
Hidden deep within the boat racks and repair shops of Sesuit Harbor, this gem of a seafood shack with a hefty lobster roll and a waterside location near Cape Cod Bay is well worth seeking out. The roll, which usually weighs in with five to six ounces of lobster meat, comes with fries and coleslaw. There’s also a very nice raw bar inside the low-slung, shingled shack.
Credit: Mike Urban
Chatham Pier Fish Market | Chatham
Equal parts seafood market, shack, and working fish pier, this place, located at the “elbow” of the Cape has legions of fans, primarily due to its legendary lobster roll. Made with fresh-picked meat from the seafood market, this roll is prettied up with a generous dash of paprika over the top, giving it a distinctive reddish hue. Served atop a broad leaf of lettuce and nestled into a toasted, split-top bun, this is the roll of choice in the mid-Cape region.
Credit: Mike Urban
Mac’s Seafood | Wellfleet
This bustling seafood shack and market on the town dock in Wellfleet serves up a very nice lobster roll in a very scenic setting. Owner Mac Hay has personal relationships with all his lobstermen and fishermen, so you’re guaranteed a quality, hand-picked, super-fresh product every time. Get your lobster roll hot and buttery or chilled with mayo and celery in your choice of four or six ounces.
Credit: Mike Urban
Seafood Shanty | Bournedale
Located on Route 6 on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal, this roadside stand serves up an immense lobster roll for the truly famished. Made from tail, claw, and knuckle meat, there’s plenty to enjoy in this sandwich, especially if you find yourself stuck in traffic on your way to or from the Cape.
Which spot tops your list for the best Cape Cod lobster rolls? Let us know in the comments!
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
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We recently “experienced” the giant lobster rolls at the Raw Bar in Mashpee! We should have shared just one, but ended up each taking half home!! Amazing!
Raw bar Hyannis is awesome
Do any of these places do shipping of lobster meat?
Bobby Weeks’ Raw Bar in Mashpee has ALWAYS served the biggest and best lobster rolls. The owner’s personality is great and makes the food even better!
Great review! We know and love three of these and will definitely try the others if we’re in those areas of the Cape. For the uninitiated, it might be helpful to indicate which payment methods are accepted at each venue – especially since lobster rolls get pricey and many folks don’t carry that much cash anymore. From experience, I know that neither Sesuit Harbor Cafe nor Arnold’s takes credit cards, although the latter will take a personal check. Thanks!
Never forget the lobster salad sandwich at the chart room in Cataumet. Uniquely served on sliced portuguese bread it has the largest chunks of lobster amongst all entries. And the side of potato salad deserves a review of it’s own!
The Raw Bar in Mashpee is awesome and in my opinion the biggest and best. My wife and I split one.
I love my lobster rolls hot and Arnold’s doesn’t disappoint. Plenty of lobster for two meals along with drawn butter to dip. Delicious!
The Canteen, Provincetown
ogunquit, Maine. Anywhere here!!
I’m a Sesuit Harbor fan. Even the long line can’t dissuade me! (The BYO feature is an added bonus.)
Quoddy Bay Lobster, Eastport, ME!
Relatives of Chart Room have the Pilot House at Sandwich Canal Marina and serve the same Lobster sandwich there! Yum!
Anywhere in Maine!!!!
We tried the lobster roll at Mac’s in Wellfleet. We shouldn’t have. It was a meager amount of dry meat on two leaves of lettuce on a dry, burnt, cold bun. We were shocked. Mac’s has always been great before, but this was terrible.
From all these comments, it sounds like it’s hard to make a bad lobster roll!
(I hope that’s true. In a touring band, one rule was to never eat at a restaurant unless it was recommended by a local. Especially pizza! Anyone can hang out a sign, but few can make a superb pizza. And you can’t tell by looking.
I just made lobster rolls last weekend. Sigh – I do miss living on Cape Cod!
Ok..this will shake the lobster experts to their roots for sure. I grew up and live in Mass..not far from Plymouth area..I am 82 years old..had my first taste of lobster when I was about 10 years old at a birthday party..did not like the consistency of the lobster in the much acclaimed lobster roll. I also heard stories about lobster and ice cream do not mix etc..in my late 70’s I discovered that some of the MACDONALDS fast food chain make a pretty good lobster roll. We have definitely tried many Macdondalds..and found our favorites. Macdonalds has a lobster roll for $8.99..(summer 2016)..and we have gone to one particular one 4 times..all very good..(made fresh..with lettuce & warm roll) and felt we had the best we could find anywhere..after years of ordering in resort areas, different states etc.so..my vote is for Macdonalds..price is good and lobster is a very very good. Now I will duck and hide..but thats who gets my vote for price, lobster itself, roll, convenience etc.
I’ve enjoyed wonderful cold lobster rolls at Arnold’s and Friendly Fisherman and hope to try a few more mentioned in this great article. My only negative response is with sprinkling paprika over the lobster. I had a lobster roll with paprika on it once and it sort of ruined it for me. I would definitely ask them to “hold the paprika” at Chatham Pier Fish Market. I usually stop at Captain Frosty’s in Dennis on Rte. 6A for my first lobster roll of our vacation. It’s a little small, but the lobster tastes fresh and is tender, and I always get some claw meat. The lobster roll plate comes with fires, cole slaw and a few clam fritters. (I’m drooling as I type…)
I guess you haven’t eaten at The Barnacle on Craigville beach in Centerville. Beat around during the summer.
Nunan’s in Kennebunkport
The Wooden Shoe Dennisport, MA. The best lobster roll.
Spankys Clam Shack in Hyannis Marina Cape Cod, BEST I’ve had and you won’t leave hungry!! It’s huge!
Brax Landing in Harwich has a stupendous lobster roll and it’s huge
I agree – I’v eaten scores of rolls, but the very best is here! Amen.
Brax is my go to place for the best lobster roll! Huge and delicious. Just a little mayo and lots of yummy lobster.
Brax is the best in my opinion, I have summered on the cape for over 45 years and Mac’s in wellfleet was always our go to place , Brax is now our spot ! No hot dog rolls , a real brioche bun. One lobster roll is enough for 2 people and for the daughter of a wholesale food purveyor that’s HUGE!
Rock Harbor Grill in Orleans Ma. Is far superior , then any I have had, pricey , it is actually to big to eat in one seating. Took half home for the next day
Try Yummies food truck in Uxbridge (Sat) only and Ron’s on route 20 Auburn not bad lobster rolls both good prices
I had a wonderful lobster roll at The Lobster Trap in Bourne this past weekend. It was served on a buttered, split top brioche bun, was a generous portion and had some tail meat as well as knuckle and claw.
The Friendly Fisherman can keep their lettuce! For my money, the Raw Bar, with its HUGE roll of nothing but lobster, is the best there is! Thanks, Bob and the Raw Bar crew.
The lobster roll at the raw bar in mashpee is for those that want a large quantity of tasteless mashed up lobster…truly second rate and overpriced!
RAW BAR is the best !!!
in my opinion sesuit harbor café is the best..the fries are also to die for….can’t beat the setting..worth the wait anytime…I go every week from may to oct!
Just came back from a Cape Cod visit. Went to the Friendly Fisherman on your recommendation and was underwhelmed. It was okay but nowhere near best of class. Had to remove the lettuce bed to keep it in one piece. Two recommendations: The Sagamore Inn. Huge and delish!! The bun was a buttery top sliced wedge of brioche, the huge serving cold salad had just enough mayo to hold it together. Perfect cole slaw as well. Also, not a roll per se but when you want a more grown up lunch serving of the good stuff, The Lobster Pot in P’town has a lobster/mango/avocado appetizer that is more than sandwich sized. It’s an original and perfect combo of summer tastes. Add a cup of chowder or share a side and you’ll be happily stuffed.
Check out the Quahog Republic in Falmouth. The Best! This is our yearly stop after riding in the Pan Mass Challenge every August! HUGE amounts of lobstah! No dressing, just sweet lobstah on a delicious brioche roll. Born and bred New England girl here…this is by far the best!
Arnold’s lobster roll was terrible…soggy bread. Mac’s in ptown was sooo much better
I’m amazed that Captain Cass’s on Rock Harbor Rd in Orleans is not listed. To me theirs is by far and away the very best lobster roll on all of the Cape.
Abbots inNuank on. The water. Great place. Watch the boats go by.
Captain Carlo’s in Gloucester,Ma… makes the BEST Lobster BLT….full of lobster meat,with the added extra taste of bacon, lettuce and tomato… on a huge roll…DELICIOUS?
Quahog Republic’s Whaler’s Tavern in New Bedford has the ablsolute best Lobster Roll served with hot butter. So good. Definitely worth it! Also worth a mention is the lobster sandwich at Margaret’s in Fairhaven, although this one does have an addictive garlic Aoli.
The Lobsta Pot in Wareham serves a nice lobsta roll. Meat is fresh and hand picked daily and at the Lobsta Trap in Bourne the lobsata roll is also fresh and the roll is fantastic, but a bit pricey @$26.
I prefer my lobster rolls the traditional way – just lobster mean and Hellman’s or/ hot lobster meat with drawn butter, served in a buttered, toasted split-top hotdog roll ..no lettuce or veg., ever! Any they must be decently portioned and decently priced. The super-sizing Of lobster rolls in recent decades is over-the-top & gluttonous! Growing up in the 1960s the harbour shacks on the cape would put two tablespoons of the meat on a hot dog bun and people were satisfied. The ones served now and pictured below look like they would feed a family of four; I do hope that individuals are not indulging by themselves!
I love that you tell them no lettuce ????
Since we live a ways from the Cape, we have found that Stop & Shop has lobster rolls with a lot of mayo priced at about three for $21 — and they are delicious and full of meat. We get them every week when we shop. They also sell them individually for between $7-8 each.
Stew Leonard’s also, if you have any by you !
Too many rolls with mayo for my taste. I want lots of lobster in drawn butter. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
I’m headed from Cape Cod to Bar Harbor in September. I’d love to try a lobster too but I am the on,y one that will eat it and really don’t want left overs. Where is a GREAT place to get a smaller lobster roll?
We just got to the Cape last nite & tried Spankies in Hyannis for a lobster roll. It sure was a lot of very good lobster, but I would have preferred that it be smaller because the bun was completely covered by the lobster meat and it got soggy. Just to much lobster for one sandwich. Cut down on the amount of lobster & toast the bun. My husband had the clams, to many for one person. Very good though. Not sure why they feel they must serve so much food?
I second Spanky’s in Hyannis, my #1 for a really great classic lobster roll. I will never complain about the roll being too generous with the lobster!
I second that response !! ,Lol 😉
You have to try Cape Cod Lobster Rolls in Onset Mass, it is amazing!
Stayed in mid-Cape.
Tried 4 different places for a lobster roll then>>>>>YOUNGS FISH MARKET!!!
Wonderful, Delicious, INCREDIBLY PRICED! Ended up coming back three times! Lobster roll. Simple delicious. I ended up going to a local little bakery and bought fresh mini french rolls and moved the lobster to the french rolls(I’m not a fan of hot dog rolls) It’s like sitting a king on a bench! It is a small shack on Rock Harbor Pier. PLEASE go! Wonderful people!! At the same time and unbeknownst to us…..the famous boat that made the rescue off Chatham in 1952 is docked right there!! I have always wanted to see this incredible boat and there it was parked right beside us at the pier and we didn’t even know it until on our way home we stopped in Chatham and read about the rescue. It is in the movie, “The Finest Hour”. Also an excellent movie. So, Young’s is the place for lobster rolls!
D
American Lobster Mart in Bourne has the greatest lobster roll I’ve ever had. I highly recommend them!
Maps app reports permantly closed!
The Chart Room in Cataumet is my # 1 choice!
Ummm
I love the Black Cat huge pieces of claw
Not to much mayo at all
Fantastic
We r locals
Also their chowder won best chowder last year it’s phenomenal
Raw bar is right down the street but theirs was too much mayo and not as much lobster
Seafood Shanty,have one on the way over to the Cape , and then grab one or two to take the 3 hr trip back home in the cooler !
Raw Bar in Falmouth Heights has a great (huge) lobster roll with a great view too
JT’s in Brewster Massachusetts has a lobster roll that is a spiritual experience! Their scallops were the sweetest I’ve ever eaten. Truly the best thing I ever ate!
Brand new Basco’s Grill in Eastham (formerly Box Lunch) makes a top notch lobster roll, now our favorite place for that. Full of perfectly buttered lobster meat on a buttered grilled roll. It’ll become one your favorites, too!
Seconding Basco! I was shocked at how good the hot lobster roll from this small takeout place was. Large pieces of meat tossed in plenty of butter, great toasted bread, and a side of drawn butter that looked like it maybe also had some lobster in it? It was almost bisque-like, definitely not just butter. Sides and other options are delicious and high quality as well. Definitely the place to go when you just want an awesome roll and don’t care about atmosphere.
NEPTUNES OYSTER in North End, Boston is my favorite!!!
How could you forget Brax landing in harwich?
The Barking Claw in Falmouth has them all beat – great portion , drawn butter, grilled roll
Lobsta Roll Heaven
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls
Onset Ave. Onset, MA
Best EVAAH. Awesome, hard working couple owns it. New England style buttered grilled hot dog roll STUFFED with lobster CHUNKS w/very little mayo. Drizzled butter if you want (which I always do) on top. 2 sizes. Only been in business 4 or 5 years and already in the top 12 lobster rolls in the country. Definitely worth the trip and the Onset exit is 8 miles before the Bourne Bridge. Traffic almost never backs up more than a couple of miles. They also have a larger menu with soups, fried foods and a 100% fresh fruit and veggie juice bar. Can you say ” yum”? Tell Missy or Larry I sent you. Lol
Great comments ! As a local on the Cape – generally make my own – always with split roll – nothing but a smidge of mayo – and i always bring friends to Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis or Chatham Fish Pier. Would never go to Arnolds as owner part of group who invaded Capital.
But there are so many great sources forseafood on cape .. explore & enjoy !
Thanks for telling us about Arnolds…off my list.
Arnold’s is way better than the Chatham Fish Pier! And if you want to be truthful the owner was not involved in the “invasion” of the capital. All reporting says he was at an event in a different location and did not have any involvement the controversy.
The owner was clearly involved in the insurrection at the Capitol. He was inside the Capitol and called a Boston radio station to boast about his actions until he realized it could hurt his business at which time he walked it back. I would not patronize this establishment if he was giving away his lobster rolls.
That’s your decision and I won’t fault you, or anyone, for it but one thing to consider is that by boycotting them you are potentially harming all the people that he employs as well. Many of whom are students just trying to make some money over the Summer. I think people lose sight of that. It was stupid what those people did. I truly don’t understand what those idiots thought they were going to accomplish but personally, I can separate my seafood from my politics just like I can separate my entertainment from my politics. Buying a lobster roll from Arnolds doesn’t make you some kind of traitor to the U.S.
” It was just stupid” you say? How about a major assault on our Democracy…something we have never seen the likes of. Please do not even put it in the category of “oh it’s just politics”…Good God!!
The Quarterdeck (minus the late, great Tommy Leonard) on main st. Falmouth is another great choice.
The Yardarm in Orleans had a surprisingly great portioned cold lobster roll for about $25. I had to eat the meat with a fork for a few minutes before I could even attempt to pick up the roll. The light combination of celery and lettuce and mayo was just enough to make it perfect. Great atmosphere, reasonable price for the Cape, and a great Lobster Roll.
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls in Onset, I have to agree with the other people who mentioned this place. Me and my wife stay at mid cape but always make our way to Onset to have the best lobster roll on the cape at the lobster roll. Lots of meat with a hint of mayo which I think they add something else to it to give it a perfect flavor.
How could you omit Brax Landing??
Breakwater Fish and Lobster in Brewster has the best buttered lobster roll I have had on the Cape. They also have a wide range of other seafoods.
Wonderful comments galore of my favorite lobster rolls from Cape Cod. I would explore.
The Skipper in Yarmouth has the best lobsta has roll on the Cape ….in my opinion
OMG lobster meat not salad
OMGLobster meat not a lobster salad on the roll. So so goood
Maine lobster rolls rule!
Sir Crickets im Orleans has a great lobster roll for $16 and sweet potato fries are great too.
When I spoke on the radio I had NO IDEA THERE WAS A RIOT GOING ON. I was invited by a friend to to go see the President speak. I had nothing else to do so I agreed to meet him there. I never ever entered the Capital nor would I. What happened that day was reprehensible. I enjoyed my time in DC UNTIL I LEARNED ABOUUT THE RIOT. I am a Patriot and I love my country. I’m not affiliated with any group that would try to overthrow this great country. When I explain to folks who ask me about that terrible day and where I happened to be at the time they fall back with “Well you were there!” So I am guilty by association along with the 300,000 other Patriots who were flying the American flag and who love this country. There were two groups there that day. About 300,000 Patriots attending a rally and on the other side of the the Insurrectionist that stormed inside the Capital. I was among the 300,000.00. I’ve never done anything wrong not so much as a traffic ticket in my 70 years on this planet. To destroy an innocent person’s reputation and business is as reprehensible as those creeps that stormed the Capital. If I was inside the Capital don’t you wonder why I have not been arrested??? I’m not walking back anything. I think people who like to vilify others must do it to make themselves feel superior.
Sounds “fishy” to me.
What does this have to do with the Best Lobster Rolls around the Cape ??? Stop smoking that medical mamajuana, and stick to the real think, like Coke Cola !!
Brax landing in Harwich….. hands down the best lobster rolls anywhere. they are HUGE and their prices are perfectly reasonable
My oldest “bestie” has invited me to her vacation home for some forty-odd years in Eastham ( I grew up in CT, live in NYC ) On Rt 6 somewhat across from Wellfleet Drive-in is a small “deli” near Maurice’s Campground ( maybe it’s called Maurice’s? )
We stop in every summer for fresh made lobster rolls, a tiny bit of mayo, a tad of diced celery, buttered split roll and a healthy amount of lobster meat. Delish!! Not cheap but really good. You can sit outside at picnic tables with umbrellas rain or shine and enjoy. There’s also a bike trail if you don’t want to brave the Rt 6 traffic. Last time my husband and I got them “to go” and drove up to the P-Town dunes and ate them at the lovely location. Thanks to Andrea, we will always have the memories and future destination.
Folks, the best lobster rolls include tail meat from freshly steamed and hand picked lobster, done on location. So many of these places that are mentioned buy
cryo~vacked meat from who knows where. Know the source of the lobster meat and ask if it has tail meat. This makes for a higher priced roll of course. If you don’t care about having tail meat in your roll, then at least make sure the lobster it is fresh and local. Please help support your local fishermen, they need us!
Agree ! Also cryo vac frozen lobstah meat .. which you pay the same high price for as fresh steamed on premises. I would guess most are using frozen.. many were 10 years ago I am sure majority are today.
You wouldn’t expect it and hate the name, but Spanky’s in Hyannis right on the water has a truly great classic (mayo, celery) and generous lobster roll.
Orleans Waterfront Inn – Orleans Inn Deck
We had a great lobster roll at the Bluewater Grill — good meat, and the waitress pointed out that sharing the 12-ounce roll was cheaper than having a 6-ounce roll for each of us. Not easy to get to by car as it’s right opposite the ferry terminal in Hyannis, but a nice break if you’ve parked elsewhere to visit downtown Hyannis on foot.