For the non-traditionalists among us, this is your go-to lobster roll list.
This is not the definitive guide to lobster rolls on Long Island. That’s an entirely separate story. But for the lobster roll lover looking for something beyond the traditional, here is a round-up of 9 rolls that are absolutely killing the crazy lobster roll game. These are rolls with an interesting bent, rolls that do more than just deliver crustacean to your belly. For the non-traditionalists among us, this is your go-to list. So get there now!
Il Forno at Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina
Photo by Meghan Harlow
Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it isn’t also epic. Thank Jeremy Blutstein for Il Forno’s impressive cuisine, which includes pizzas (more on that elsewhere), as well as a friendly all-day menu. The lobster roll, served with a warm spicy sriracha mayonnaise, is a cut above. I challenge the person who says that sriracha cannot make every single good thing in life even better.
Il Forno at Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, 32 Star Island Road, Montauk, (631) 668.3100, open daily in season.
Silver’s
Photo courtesy of Silver’s
A lobster roll on a baguette? Blasphemy! No, but seriously, this is a very delicious roll, where full textured lobster is complemented by crackly, chewy bread. Before we start talking about the price tag (somewhere around $50), just remember that lobster roll season comes around but once a year. This is the Hamptons, after all!
Silver’s, 15 Main Street, Southampton, (631) 283.6443, open Thursday through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Louie’s Grille & Liquors
Photo courtesy of Louie’s
Are you all about that lobster roll but not all about that carb overload? In Port Washington, Louie’s has you covered. Their warm lobster roll, which is dressed in warm tarragon mayo, comes on Bibb lettuce, so you can embrace your inner keto without giving up the good stuff. Thank you for thinking about our summer bodies, Louie’s.
Louie’s Grille & Liquors, 395 Main Street, Port Washington, (516) 883.4242, open daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Dock Bar & Grill
Photo courtesy of The Dock
Observe the rules at Montauk’s The Dock and owner George Watson will spare you the embarrassment of the bullhorn. Plus, you’ll get to spend more time admiring the lobster BLT, always offered as a special, which features a split lobster tail on brioche, along with, well, bacon, of course.
The Dock Bar & Grill, 482 W. Lake Drive, Montauk, (631) 668.9778, call for hours.
The Brixton
Photo courtesy of The Brixton
In Babylon, a tarragon aioli is the name of the game. It’s lobster salad with a very herbaceous twist. Served on brioche, these are lobster rolls taken to the next level.
The Brixton, 111 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, (631) 587.2000, call for hours.
American Beech
Photo courtesy of American Beech
Mayo we’re used to. But lemon crème fraiche? This Greenport hot spot subs out ordinary mayonnaise for this tangy, rich cream, which elevates an already impossibly delicious thing. Served with potato chips, it’s a dinner fit for a sea-faring king.
American Beech, 300 Main Street, Greenport, (631) 477.5939, call for hours.
South Edison
Photo courtesy of South Edison
If one lobster roll is insufficient—as it so often is—Montauk’s South Edison has the solution. Lobster sliders are served in sets of three: brioche buns brushed with drawn butter and topped with giant pieces of lobster. Are these meant to be shared? I guess that’s a matter of personal preference.
South Edison, 17 S. Edison Street, Montauk, (631) 668.4200, call for seasonal hours.
Shipwreck Tavern
Photo courtesy of Shipwreck Tavern
At this waterside tavern, you can have yours spicy. The Shipwreck lobster roll is made with a lobster salad that has been enhanced with chili. It’s served on a grilled potato bun that is also hit with warm butter, so this is kind of all of the great elements of lobster roll amazingness wrapped up in one.
Shipwreck Tavern, 10 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, (516) 628.2628, open daily, 12 to 10 p.m.
L&W Market
Photo courtesy of East End Taste
You might be wondering why this (delicious but) by-the-book lobster roll appears on this list. Because it’s $14, that’s why. Do you know of any other lobster rolls east of the Canal that are this financially accessible? I didn’t think so. Served, appealingly, on a potato bun, your wallet won’t mind too much if you grab an extra guy for the road.
L&W Market, 2493 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, (631) 537.1123, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Claw’s Seafood Market
Photo courtesy of Claws
Claw’s serves superlative traditional rolls, to be clear, but, for these purposes, let’s tout the virtues of the Firehouse Roll, a lobster roll amplified by jalapeños and sriracha, a winning combination if ever there was one. This is the perfect roll for the spice lover—and if you happen to be dining with a bland palate or two, Claw’s offers plenty of unoffending versions of their roll, too.
Claw’s Seafood Market, 20 Montauk Highway, Sayville, (631) 256.5900, open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shinnecock Lobster Factory
Photo courtesy of Shinnecock Lobster Factory
This take-out and catering venue, located on Southampton’s Shinnecock Indian Reservation, has a number of superlative rolls—many of which are outside the norm (in a good way!). The Diablo, served warm, is a spicy take on fra diavolo, while the Cajun boasts mayonnaise, spicy butter, and seasoned peppers. But don’t pass up the Shinnecock—lobster, adorned with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and crunchy watercress.
Shinnecock Lobster Factory, 42 Montauk Highway, Southampton, (631) 259.3334, open daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Prime
Photo courtesy of Prime
In Huntington, two things set this lobster roll apart from all the rest. The first is the view of the water (sorry, we just can’t get enough). And the second is the wide array of herbs included in this tasty roll. It’s butter-poached lobster bathed in an herby mayo and served with Romaine for some crunch. Oh, and it’s only served at lunch. I’ll have two, thanks.
Prime, 117 North New York Avenue, Huntington, (631) 385.1515, open for lunch Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
