NYCGuide
The Best Lobster Rolls In The Hamptons
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
No trip Out East is complete without an excellent lobster roll. Or several. And honestly, you’re better off eating lobster in the Hamptons than pretty much anywhere in NYC. Sure, the Hamptons are expensive, but lobster is expensive too, and the crustaceans out here are as fresh as they come.
Here’s where to find the best cold, warm, buttery, gooey, crunchy, and over-the-top lobster rolls in the Hamptons. And if you’re looking for more than just that, check out our guides to the best restaurants in The Hamptons and where to have a big group dinner.
THE ROLLS
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
Lunch makes the best lobster roll in the Hamptons, but it’s not for the purists—theirs is mayo-heavy and has lots of chopped-up celery in the chunky, creamy lobster salad. Still, this could be our last meal on earth, and definitely our ideal meal after the beach. If you’re stopping by for a smaller snack, they also do the lobster salad as a slider. A second location opened in Southampton in 2022 that has an expanded menu and a full bar.
The most consistent, the most centrally located, and the most accessible, Bostwick’s lobster roll is the consummate crowd-pleaser. On the roll, the lobster salad is finely chopped, with just the right amount of mayo and celery, and served on a toasted dog bun along with fries or slaw. If you’re more of a hot butter lobster fan, they have that too. You should also always order a side of clam chowder or lobster bisque for some fry-dipping action. Sit in the nautical-style diner or outside on the pebbled patio under big umbrellas for much-needed shade.
We love the setting of Clam Bar—it’s a roadside clam shack on the way to and from Montauk with umbrella-shaded picnic tables. The always-satisfying lobster roll is pretty similar to what you’ll find at Bostwick’s: finely chopped lobster meat on a toasted potato bun with a little celery and minimal mayo. The luxe hot lobster roll is also very much worth the trip, with bright red knuckle and claw meat poached in garlic butter, tucked into a toasty bun, and topped with pea shoots and scallions.
The Dock House is one of the more overlooked and underrated rolls on the East End, and easily the best lobster on a bun in Sag Harbor. It’s a creamy roll with large chunks of meat (we’re talking whole claws) on a crispy bun. Spritz some lemon on top and enjoy. Just know this tiny takeout seafood shack with minimal indoor and outdoor seating is slightly hard to find—it’s on the strip of pavement that juts out between the bay and the boats at the edge of town.
You might hear some people say that Duryea’s has the best lobster roll in the Hamptons. We’ll compromise and say there’s no better location to (politely) face-stuff a roll than on the deck overlooking the water at Montauk’s OG seafood shack, especially during sunset. The lobster roll is on the more straightforward side: the soft potato bun is packed with lobster meat, just a touch of mayo, and some diced celery for crunch. It comes with slaw and homemade chips on the side, plus whatever you inevitably order from the raw bar (get the Montauk Pearl oysters and snow crab claws).
You’re not necessarily coming to Gosman’s for the lobster roll. You’re coming for the full Montauk experience—the view, the boats, the steamers, and maybe a sweatshirt that reads “The End” that you’ll absolutely need to buy and then never wear. Gosman’s is all about the chunky salad, toasted bun, and green leaf lettuce, but they also do sushi if you’re going all out. You won’t need your Sperrys or a reservation here, and the sunset waterside vibes, yacht viewing, and eavesdropping are fun all day and night.
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
Fish Farm is a weird abandoned boat yard where chickens and geese roam and, well, fish are farmed for human consumption. It’s one of the stranger places you can go on the East End, but if you want a unique dining experience, this is your chance. Walk past the parking lot to the tiny seafood market where gourmet takeout awaits. Lobster rolls, stuffed with lobster salad or hot butter lobster, are served on toasted and fluffy brioche hamburger buns with a bit of lettuce. It’s not quite a lobster burger, but the side of fries makes it feel that way.
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
Come to this casual restaurant on the second floor of a strip mall for the signature Montauk lobster roll. It includes a hefty portion of cooked meat warmed in silky butter or coated lightly in mayo and celery, scooped into a toasted brioche bun, and served with fries. Also worth trying is the gooey lobster melt, a lobster-stuffed grilled cheese that will always yield an epic cheese pull of american, pepper jack, and mozzarella.
It’s more fun to bring your order across the street to Montauk Brewing Company to enjoy it with some cold ones, as they have a dog-friendly space. They have a second location in Sag Harbor with a similar menu—at that spot, you should bring your takeout to nearby Kidd Squid Brewing Company.
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
One of our favorite restaurants in the Hamptons, this iconic seafood shack is a summer must. Along with some dry goods, tons of fresh seafood, and prepared meals, The Seafood Shop has a takeout counter in the back where you’ll very much want to order the lobster roll stuffed with a generous portion of lobster salad on a potato roll. Tossed with crisp celery and diced red onion, the meat is lush but cut into bite-sized pieces, so it’s easy to scarf down on the go.
photo credit: Linsey Kromer
Located right on the boardwalk on Main Beach, this beachside spot run by a local mother-daughter team does the perfect lobster roll for your picnic by the ocean. The toasted brioche bun (gluten-free is available) comes overflowing with cold claws and knuckles, which are tossed with a small dash of mayo, plus celery and dill. It’s as refreshing as the chilled orange wine you can order alongside it. They have plenty of shady seating on the dock, along with wifi so you can turn this into a work-from-beach situation.
