The McDonald’s Lobster Roll Experience
How does the McDonald’s lobster roll compare to New England seafood shack rolls? We asked our resident seafood expert Mike Urban to find out.
By Mike Urban|Jul 22 2019|
Come ‘n’ get it!
Photo Credit: Mike UrbanThe Golden Arches has recently taken to offering a McDonald’s lobster roll in New England during the height of tourist season. But how do they stack up to the real deal? In 2015, we asked Mike Urban, author of Lobster Shacks (Countryman Press, 2016), to size up the McDonald’s lobster roll in comparison to New England seafood shack rolls.
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
The McDonald’s Lobster Roll Experience
It feels easy to make fun of McDonald’s these days, with their bloated menu and sagging sales. To rekindle customer interest, the company periodically rolls out regional, seasonal specials, such as the McRib sandwich, which I used to order regularly in my younger days—until I found out what it was made from.
The McDonald’s lobster roll regularly shows up on the summertime menu and is usually derided by New England habitués (including myself), who turn up their noses at such a notion. Is this just plain snobbery on our part? Or do we inherently know that the largest fast food company in the world is simply cashing in on the lobster roll craze? I decided to visit my local McDonald’s, with an open mind, open heart, and curious palate to find out more.
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
Armed with more than 100 authentic New England lobster roll experiences, I entered the glass-and-tile McDonald’s in my adoptive New England town of 25 years and queued up at the counter. I ordered a lobster roll, paid my bill, and received my claim check. (Can you say “dine in the rough”?)
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
While waiting for my McDonald’s lobster roll, I struck up a conversation with the shift manager. He informed me with a hint of pride that the lobster roll promotion would last two weeks, and they had already sold over 200 rolls in just a couple of days. He also divulged that the lobster meat comes in frozen form from their distributor, they thaw it out, then mix it with a bit of mayo. My order was soon ready, and I stole away to a quiet corner of the dining area to have a tête-à-tête with my “McRoll.”
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
Upon opening the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of chunks of claw meat on top of some shredded lobster meat and a rather massive bed of similarly shredded iceberg lettuce. My first McDonald’s lobster roll bite would speak volumes, and I must say it was better than I expected. Keep in mind that frozen / thawed lobster meat can’t hold a candle to the fresh-picked stuff you get at quality seafood shacks, as the frozen stuff feels and tastes more limp and watery. The bun was oval-shaped and lightly toasted, the kind of roll you get with McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwiches.
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
Sadly, the roll struggled to hold its flavor through the meal, and my initial enthusiasm waned with each succeeding bite. By the time I finished (I did consume the entire thing), the McRoll simply ran out of steam and made me yearn for the real deal, hot or cold, from a true New England seafood shack.
I salute McDonald’s for having the bravery and the cunning to get in on the highly competitive New England lobster roll game. If nothing else, their low price tag helps introduce many diners (particularly families on modest budgets) to the joys of a true New England treat, one that we’re extremely fortunate to have in its finest (if more expensive) form pretty much whenever we want it between mid-May and Columbus Day.
Photo Credit : Mike Urban
Viva la Shack!
For a true New England seafood experience, I recommend checking out any of my picks for the 10 Best Lobster Rolls in New England or having lunch at one of these 12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England. They won’t let you down! Want to make your own warm lobster roll at home instead? This Brown-Butter Lobster Roll recipe from Eventide in Portland, Maine, is a Yankee favorite.
Have you tried the McDonald’s Lobster Roll? We haven’t seen it on menus in several years, but you never know.
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.
What a fun read, Mike! Thanks for taking one for the lobster roll team!
Thanks, Aimee. Another adventure on the lobster roll trail!
Thanks for taking on this task so we didn’t have to!
I’m sure it’s as good as the real thing, but as an Ipswich to Tucson transplant I would love one over the McRib.
Thanks for an informative write up on their product. Even though it’s not as good as a “real” one you can get, I live where I can’t get a real one, so if it’s available here, I’ll give it a try.
Also, the McRib is made from real boneless pork picnic and not all the “parts” we’ve been led to believe it was. So you can enjoy it again. I can get the best pork sandwiches in the world here where I live, but I still enjoy the occasional McRib.
My son and I were just talking about the McD’s Lobster Roll this morning before I read your article. Not taking anything away from McD, I have to agree with you, if you’re going to eat a “real” lobster roll, go to a “real” seafood shack. Great read, thanks for your insight.
We ate those delicious lobster rollls in New England about ten years ago, and we loved them. We now live in Florida so perhaps McDonald’s will introduce the New England lobster roll here
…..Where i live near a Westerly RI one and they sell it for $9.99……need i say its near 5 if not more beaches and is a popular tourist spot.. Guess they just really want the 2 extra bucks.
Well, we don’t have 100 lobster rolls behind us but after one at $17.99 and one at $19.99 we were disappointed in the quantity of lobster for the money and looked for something to dip it in to give it some flavor The $7.99 lobster roll at the Golden Arches fit the bill for a quick snack, a good flavor & plenty of lobster including the claw on top. Nice touch! Tonight we purchased large 2 lb lobsters, scallops and shrimp + cole slaw boiled potatoes – the price was only $87 for four of us to enjoy all of that from a local family owned corner market in Owls corner. Bet the McDonalds Lobster Roll would hold its own in a blind taste test. Kudo McDonalds.
I had one the first year they came out, and they used an untoasted hot dog style bun. I wonder why they made the switch? They really weren’t bad. A good snack, as Marlee pointed out. I have had plenty of EXPENSIVE ones that were truly horrible. HOORRRIBBLLE! I would, though, rather McDonalds sell it in other parts of the country where one cannot find lobster rolls. It isn’t just fairer to the little guy, but makes much better business sense.
Why don’t you try the 99’s. I know there are 2 in Lynnfield MA., & 1 in Stoneham, Ma. I am sure there are others around.
I haven’t had one there for a couple of years due to some surgerys, but they used used to be great.
when my mom was still on this earth , she had one thing in her mind ,eat all the lobster she could get her hands on . so i went to McD’s and got her a roll . she ate it and then said that was not lobster ! i had to bring her to another sea food place to get a real lobster in the shell . 3 years ago we had to pull the plug on my mom , the dr asked if we had any last requests ? i said if she has to have it her way stuff a lobster down her feeding tube ! !!
i got all the looks from my family ,but i think the dr’s have spent a few bucks and now have a last request of food that can be feed thru a feeding tube
Try Joe’s Loves Lobsters, Ridgeland, SC. Very good New England style lobster rolls. I am from New England and have eaten at many of the lobster shacks you mentioned.
I am a Boston native transplanted to CA and now Oklahoma. 2 years ago I was in Indianapolis an d had a lobster roll at UNO Pizzaria. Went back the next day and had another. The ballpark here in OKC had Red Sox week a few years ago and had lobster rolls That was the worst, threw most of mine in trash. Another fan was headed to buy one, told him not to waste his money!
If you are craving and not near-by, Excellent lobster rolls and other whole or tails or chowders are available from Maine companies . A bit pricey but worth it sometimes when the craving strikes!
Had my first of 2017 in Groton, CT yesterday. @$8.99, I believe. Too lazy to go to Abbotts or Captain Scotts or Fords. Seemed pretty good for the price. Perhaps better than last year.
I too tried the McDonalds lobster roll – today in my home town in ME. I was pleasantly surprised! Even if the lobster meat was frozen, it still tasted better than the expensive roll I bought last year in the National Park area for $16 that came on a hotdog roll with mostly lettuce, very little lobster, and lots of mayo. Yes, I prefer a whole cooked lobster, soft shell over a lobster roll but you can’t beat McDonalds price especially if on a budget.
“Red’s Eats” Wicasatt, Maine, best lobster roll on planet.
Agree! As well as their crab meat roll.
Completely agree! Drove from Scituate, MA just to get one.
Bruce, i suggest trying out McLoons on the Island Rd in S. Thomaston, just a short ride from Red’s, their crab meat roll is #1 and the prices are very reasonable
My Mom had a McD Lobster roll from one of the Rochester, NH locations two years ago and ended up in the hospital for a couple of days with food poisoning. I contacted the manager and because no one else reported getting sick from it, he did nothing about it. My advice – stay away!
Thanks Mike! That was both a fun and interesting article for lobster rolls. My Wife and I will be headed out to Fords Lobster Shack, just outside of Groton, CT. in a couple of weeks (we live in Western, MA.) to get their famous “lobster bomb”! This is a pumpernickle bread bowl full of a chunky lobster bisque with a warm chunks of lobster piled atop the bread bowl with more lobster bisque ladled on top of all that chunked lobster! For lobster connoisseurs, this is lobster heaven! If anyone wants to see one of these made online, do a web search for Fords lobster bomb. This thing is an impressive meal of lobster!
Not impressed with your very negative article. We applaud Mc D’s for doing their best to bring the folks a decent and healthy sandwich at an affordable price.
We agree that this is a good deal for the money. You pay twice as much, or typically even more at traditional restaurants that use frozen too.
“dine in the rough” I see what you did there, Abbott.
Born and raised in Nashua, NH and my dad was a big scuba diver so we ate tons of lobster growing up. I went to Europe with the service in 1998 and then in 2014 we relocated to South Carolina where I found the seafood extremely disappointing. In the summer of 2015 I took the family back home for a vacation and my buddy took me to the Lobster Boat in Merrimack, NH to quench my lobster roll desire. The $17.99 jumbo lobster roll was incredible and worth every penny. Went to their other location in Litchfield, NH for another one which was just as good. My last night, driving back to my mom’s house late, I was driving by a Papa Gino’s and I remembered my buddy telling me that they actually had decent rolls for only $10 and since it was my last night “home” I gave it a shot and it didn’t disappoint, for ten bucks. In three years in SC, I found one place in our area that had lobster rolls for $14.99 and it was so disgusting I never went back. You just can’t beat an authentic New England lobster roll!
I’m originally from Attleboro, Mass. and spent several years in NH and Maine thanks to AF. Moved to Summerville, SC a few years ago expecting Charleston to have great seafood. Haven’t had one good seafood meal anywhere here. They don’t even know what a clam cake is????.
When in Rome…..
I love the McD’s lobster roll. Drydocked makes me crave. I don’t understand the price differentials though. 8.99 in NH. Can we have ribs, too??????
Had McD’s lobster roll last weekend in Naugatuck, CT and was very disappointed. Dry, tasteless. Will not order their lobster roll again.
Besy lobster roll,best raw bar just the best for seafood to be found at Arnold’s in Eadtham on the Cape.
Just back from eating $20 lobster rolls and the less than $10 McD variety in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I found the McD variety good and affordable.
I applaud McDonald’s for bringing reasonably-priced lobster rolls to those who can’t afford the ‘real thing’. After a week in Maine and eating many lobster rolls, I was delighted on our drive back home to Maryland to find I could have one a lobster roll lunch at McDonald’s. Yes, it wasn’t quite as good BUT it was definitely lobster and I devoured it with glee! And I had another one to top it off. THANK YOU, McDonald’s, for making lobster rolls available to all!!!
SKIP the lobster roll at Chauncey’s Creek in Kittery Point Maine. Ordered it plain with drawn butter on the side bc they wouldn’t grill bun or toss it for me. For over $19.00 I received the saddest, smallest “burger roll” with a few bits of lobster, a couple potato chips and pickle chips. BYOB indeed, you’re gonna need it!!!!
I don’t think I will waste my money on a McDonald’s lobster roll. We have a wonderful lobster shop in North Weymouth, MA (The Lobster Stop) with the very best lobster rolls and all other kinds of fresh seafood. Joan Anderson
This summer I’ve enjoyed several McD’s lobster rolls at various locations not far from UConn and have enjoyed each one. Good quality, excellent price. I have enjoyed much outstanding seafood along the Nee England shore for some 60 years. Try a lobster roll at McD’s and you likely won’t be disappointed
as a Maine native for 65 years, my choice is easily McLoons in S. Thomaston, a small shack with picnic tables with a view of the lobster boats in the cove. The rolls are packed only with chunks of tail and claw meat, mayo and/or butter spread along the sides. at a very affordable price. the crab meat roll is awesome, packed with fresh, handpicked, sweet Maine crab
Enjoyed many lobster rolls from my home state of CT throughout New England up to Maine before developing shellfish allergy. Reading about them brings me to the brink of tears. Enjoy, you lucky lobster lovers!
To be more specific, McLoons is in the Spruce Head section of So. Thomaston on a road off Rte 73, a bit of a way east of the crib bridge just before another (restricted) bridge to Burnt Island. It’s well worth the ‘detour’!
McDs lobster roll was excellent. Had two so far this Summer. Tasty throughout. I applaud you .
“Mickey D’s” should stick to what they do best….Big Macs!!! I had 3 of their lobster rolls several years ago at 3 different MacDonalds in Maine and NH. Rolls were stale and untoasted…..blaaaaa!
I tried the McD’s lobster roll tonight after getting intrigued by the price/convenience, and getting my interest piqued after watching CBS News videos on the lobster roll craze. http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/a-taste-of-summer-lobster-rolls/ Another video they had from a couple weeks ago talks about how the demand has made prices really spike, so a McDonald’s $8.99 roll, even if it’s semi-mediocre, a welcome addition. I found it to be better than I expected, with more lobster than I expected. It looks like in the commercials that they fill it with half lettuce. Because of this I asked the girl for “lite lettuce” and of course I asked for extra lobster but then she told me the price would be an extra $8. My biggest problem with the roll was the bun and the lettuce… The bun isn’t a traditional buttered split New England roll like traditional rolls have, and the lettuce is shredded iceberg not full leaves like you see in the picture comparing to The Friendly Fisherman’s (which incidentally is our personal favorite!!). However, this McDonald’s version is definitely better than the one I got on the Cape at a convenience store advertising lobster rolls for $9.99… Theirs was a sad small roll on a small hot dog bun (not the split New England roll that it should be). I also think the McDonald’s one is better than the ones you can get at the grocery store here in Mass, Market Basket or Stop and Shop.
I tried the lobster roll @ McD’s of Swansea,MA. Route 6 GAR Highway and for$ 8.99 it was well worth it. It may have been frozen, but, hard to tell.
I was just at the Cape an I found Sagamore Inn at the begging of the Cape route 6 had the best Lobster roll. In fact we stopped on our way home to have the hot Loster roll. 2nd best Sesuit Harbor Cafe, 3rd was Friendly Family. Of course this is my opinion also my friend Peggy who traveled with me. It was nice that all use fresh lobster.
I do not think I would waste my money on a lobster roll at McDonalds. The best lobster roll can be found at the Beach Plum in North Hampton, N.H. They have other locations in Portsmouth and Epping N.H., but the lobster rolls are not quite the same there…maybe you need the salt air from the beach for the lobster roll to taste perfect?
I couldn’t agree more about the lobster roll at the Beach Plum in North Hampton. THIS IS THE BEST LOBSTER ROLL IN NEW ENGLAND. Hint: Just ask the locals.
Expert advice: Don’t bother with the lob roll at Abbots in the Rough in Noank, CT unless you prefer nothing but claw meat. No tail meat at all. Ugh!!!!!
One of the worst lobster rolls I’ve had was at McDonald’s. I will never buy one from McD’s again it was that bad!
I sum up as “Better than no lobster at all.”
Many people like to put down McDonalds for using frozen lobster, but I bet quite a few would be surprised to know how many “clam shacks” – traditional-independent seafood joints use frozen lobster, clams, scallops etc. as well. I have been to the majority of places listed to you magazine over the past few decades, and talked to many an owner and I would venture to say that the majority of them use frozen seafood especially when prices are high. There rationale is that their reputation is so good that no one ever epventures to complain and most can no5 even tell the difference. They are out to make a profit and will answer honestly if asked, but they said that no one every really asks because people “think” they are eating the best because the reviewers say so. Trust your taste-buds, not the hype!
I think the Friendly Fisherman has the best lobster rolls in Eastham.
Very nice comment in the article that it is a way for low budget families to taste lobster . Very happy for all of them . Also great for tourists . Nowhere is lobster as plentifully available as in the US of A .
Lobster is also plentiful on the East Coast of Canada,,,love it!
I thought McDonalds used Langostinos.
Kudos to McD’s for bringing the lobster roll to the less fortunate. Yes, everyone would love the top shelf more expensive lobster roll, but many cannot afford it. Of course it’s not as good as the much higher priced rolls, but for some it’s delicious!
I’m a New Hampshirite currently living in Illinois, so lobster rolls of any kind are hard to find and, when they are available, even more expensive than in New England. I have had the McDonald’s roll and, considering it’s from McDonald’s, of course they’re going to cut some corners. That said, it’s not bad. If they were available here in the Midwest, I’d get one!
Like to let you know that the Stop & Shop in North Dartmouth has tasty, with mayo, lobster rolls at 3 for $22,
As a 79 years young Cape Cod lobsta eata, I believe the McD’s lobster roll is a good value. Personally, I am reluctant to pay even $15 for other lobster rolls. They have too much lobster for one, but that is just me maybe…
McDonalds doesn’t have the lobster roll out here in Chicago. Ironically McDonald’s home base. But then Illinois does not have the rolls with the shaved sides either. They are missing a lot out here in the Midwest. I believe I would rather make my own lobster roll instead of getting it at McDonalds. There are just some things the rest of the world can’t duplicate from New England
Those are New England hot dog buns. You can Google the history on them.
Can’t get these here in Virginia. This is like comparing a Mercedes to a Ford. Quite a difference. Next time you need an inspector, please call me? FYI, the Little Red Schoolhouse in Plymouth NH, had the best lobster rolls I have had in quite a while; not all good fresh seafood, is on the coast. Next time you are in the vacinity, check them out!
I must say as a Summertime New Englander, I have had both McD’s and lobster shack rolls. Both have their virtues. Also having been to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and into Delaware on the way to Rehoboth Beach, we have found a McDonalds that has Maryland Crab cake sandwich! Tried it- not too bad either. I say kudos to McD’s for bringing iconic sandwiches to everyone!
All last summer , I thoroughly enjoyed McDonalds lobster roll. For the price you can’t beat it. I’m sure the pyres you mentioned are good but I didn’t notice you stating the price.
If you’re yearning for a lobster in Utah this place is the best. Freshies Lobster in Park City, Utah, were tapped as the winners of Down East magazine’s 2017 contest in Portland Maine— a somewhat surprising development in a competition that included many New England-based participants.
Papa Gino’s was doing some good lobster rolls last summer. Not sure if it is happening this year or not.
I had a lobster roll at DAngelos in July. It didn’t have any taste at all and it wasn’t cheap. Save your $$
A “really good” (expensive) lobster roll is indeed a treat. We all don’t drive Mercedes, but McDonald’s serves the rest of us satisfactorily. Sometimes Good
enough is good enough. Kathy D, Natick
McDonald’s roll is not bad for the money. I could eat 2 easily!!
I live in CT, but not near the shoreline. If I could easily get a lobster roll at one of the great NE seafood places, I would do so. But that isn’t really feasible on a daily basis. I tried the Mc D lobster roll last summer for the first time. I was very impressed by it. I anticipate eating one or more this summer, too. I don’t see the McD lobster roll as a threat to the lobster rolls sold at our great mom & pop, traditional seafood places. Its just gives us more opportunity to enjoy a decent lobster roll. And, I’m all for that!
Terrible!!!
Stick with the Quarter Pounder.
I hope Micky D’s lobster rolls come to NYC…. Meanwhile, I stick with Luke’s..
In Salisbury, MA/Hampton, NH now googling where to find best lobster roll near me….can’t decide but narrowed it down to two of my fav places in town …..Browns lobster pound or Markies lobster pound. I believe they tied in a competition for “best lobster roll”. Any suggestions?
I’ve had lobster rolls at both McD’s and the 99. While they weren’t coastal fresh, they certainly fulfilled the craving! I’m certainly not a connoisseur, but found both satisfying.
I would not go to a Lobster Pound for a hamburger and I would not go to McDonalds for a Lobster Roll…..period!!!!
Here at Arnolds not only is the lobster roll (hot or cold) fresh we go one step further and cut off the rubbery tip that no one wants to eat. Check that out next time you order a lobster roll.
Inexpensive and delicious! YOUNGS on Cape Cod(Eastham)on the pier that docks the boat that was used to rescue the Pendleton crew out in Chatham in 1952. You can watch the movie, The Finest Hours. Also, very tasty is D’Angelos’ lobster roll.
I wish Micky D’s had the LOBSTER ROLL here in Maryland (born in MASS. but live in MD) Can’t compare lobster to crab on their best day. Lobster is the best!
I live in Illinois but still have family in New England. I’ve had the McDonald’s lobster roll, and for what it is, it’s not bad. It doesn’t measure up to those at places that specialize in seafood, but one has to expect that. If it were available here in the landlocked Midwest, I’d buy it.
Try D’Angelo’s lobster roll which is way better than McDonald’s! Also, keep in mind that a really good, authentic lobster roll is not going to be found in other states except Maine which is known for its seafood!
I live in Upstate New York State in the Finger Lakes area. I wish I could buy a Lobster Roll in my area. I would buy one if they were offered.
Same here! Syracuse has some places and there’s a new Lobster Food Truck yet to be tried by us. Wegmans has lobster rolls sometimes at different locations, but it’s not the same, better off buying live lobstahs when they’re available.
When is New Jersey MacDonald going to get them especially central & south Jersey. Love them so much.
As the date of this article is 7/22/2019, I have to disagree with the author as to McDonald’s now offering lobster rolls on the menu. I had vacationed in Maine, Wells Beach to be exact, from 1983 until 2008 and the McDonalds on Route1, about a mile from the motel, always offered lobster rolls. So this isn’t something new.
Here in CT we can get some awesome lobster rolls year round. Some more pricey than others but it’s LOBSTER. IMHO the only true lobster roll is served hot in butter. None of that mayo and celery etc filler. I can list about a dozen places we frequent during the year but will name just a few: the 99 Restaurant lobster rolls (which are offered only seasonally) are very good and are in the $20 range, Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook – delish and Sam the Clams in Southington – offers 2 sizes and for the $30 larger size – it’s worth every penny!!!!!
I agree with Bill’s for the lobster roll. Toasted long hot dog roll and warm buttered lobster. I also get Lenny and Joe’s. Both Bill’s and Lenny and Joe’s are very crazy busy in the summer. The are many other good spots down there like Abbott’s etc.
JT, Most of the real good seafood joints in CT do get their lobsta meat from Maine or off the MA coast, caught, shipped and received the same day so it is fresh. Only go to D’Angelos if you like your roll cold and made with mayo.
a lot better than a sharp stick to the eye- as the old saying used to go- like one poster said- much better than no lobster at all-
wow complain more u fook! MCDONALDS 4EVER
I first had a McLobster in Nova Scotia 25+ years ago. It was delicious, as fresh as could be, and a generous serving. We were only sorry we hadn’t bought a roll at the deli across the street to transfer it to. 😉
I’m a New Englander stuck in Wisconsin. I’d eat a Micky D’s lobster roll here in a heartbeat, but never in New England.