Sun’s out, buns out, baby. If you have had those winter blues for too long, it’s time to store them away because summer has finally arrived. For me, summer can only be properly kicked off with a lobster roll in hand. Luckily, you don’t need to head to Connecticut or Maine to debate which New England destination makes them better — instead, try one from these three spots in New York for the best in the city.
Paul’s Daughter
If you want a lobster roll by the water, which is naturally the best way to enjoy seafood, take the Q or the F down to Coney Island and head to Paul’s Daughter. For years, I’ve joked that my summer doesn’t officially start until two things happen: I get a lobster roll from Paul’s Daughter and I attend the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. One year, I even dressed up as a lobster for the mermaid parade and ate two lobster rolls from Paul’s Daughter (I take my lobster obsession very seriously, and yes, I did have lobster slides as shoes that year, thank you for asking).
The lobster roll from Paul’s Daughter is my personal favorite in New York. At only $26 and completely stuffed to the brim with lobster meat, it’s a friendly reminder that we ain’t in Manhattan no more. The lobster is lightly tossed in mayo, held together on a buttery roll and, with a squeeze of lemon, eating that bad boy on the boardwalk makes for a fantastic summer kickoff. To take it over the top, pair it with a frozen marg.
Lobster costume not required, but encouraged.
Grand Army Bar
Grand Army Bar is a neighborhood haunt for those seeking a refreshing cocktail, which are ideally enjoyed best at their outdoor seating. And while libations are the name of the game here, don’t overlook their impeccable seafood options. They offer a lowbrow and highbrow seafood tower, which are some of the best towers in New York.
But for a simpler, summery bite, order their lobster roll. Mixed lightly with Japanese mayo, celery and onion, with just a kiss of citrus, the lobster roll here is the perfect accompaniment to some of their boozy and well-crafted cocktails. It’s a light enough dish to not leave you completely full, so you’ll have enough space to try some of their other seafood-forward options. Their miso crab corn dip is umami in a bowl (I would drink it if I could), and if you want to kick your summer off with a hotdog instead, theirs is made with a beef frank topped with bacon, onion, truffle aioli and mustard, served alongside chips.
Aunts et Uncles
If you prefer your lobster rolls sans lobster, Aunts et Uncles in the Little Caribbean section of Flatbush has you covered. This plant-based Caribbean eatery makes dishes that prove meat is not what necessarily makes a dish taste “good.” Their lobster roll is a great example. Made with chopped hearts of palm mixed with fresh dill and red onion, it’s tossed in a vegan mayo and rosemary butter, topped with microgreens and served on a soft pillowy pretzel bun.
My jaw dropped upon my first bite at just how much flavor plants can pack. While you obviously won’t find those decadent pieces of claw meat like you would in a lobster roll from Paul’s Daughter or Grand Army, I’d place my bets that you won’t miss the flavor of real lobster. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I squeezed lemon over the top and got the true seafood-like experience.
- Price of a lobster roll: $18
- Address: 1407 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
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