Lobster. Oh, this is my favorite. Steamed, baked stuffed, fried or classic in a roll — lobster is my favorite food. I grew up on Cape Cod and was raised sucking the tender meat out of the animal’s legs, watching my parents shuck the meat from the claws, knuckles, and tail. How sweet it is, drenched in butter, mixed lightly with mayo, or just plain — I always want another bite!
I’ve been eating lobster rolls on Cape Cod my whole life, and these are my favorites — from Bourne all the way to Provincetown.
A note before we begin: Cape Cod lobster rolls come two ways — cold with mayo, or warm with butter. I love both and will note which each place does best. There are no bad choices here.
Lobster Trap — Bourne
Perched on Back River in Bourne, the Lobster Trap has a rustic charm that feels authentically Cape Cod from the moment you pull in. Have your choice of classic cold with mayo or hot with butter — either way, that buttery toasted brioche bun is to die for.
The Raw Bar — Popponesset, Mashpee
Worth every penny, the “world famous colossal lobster roll” is a lobster-lover’s dream. Voted #1 by many a critic, these rolls are true “monstahs” — served on a split top brioche, all meat and no fillers. Intimidated? They offer a Mini Monstah roll as well. I’ll be honest: this baby took my breath away the first time I laid eyes (and mouth) on it.
![Raw Bar Popponesset Mashpee colossal lobster roll]()
The Rar Bar’s colossal roll
The Knack — Hyannis & Orleans
A lobster roll with style! Mixed with a bit of lemon and mayo, sitting on a roll with Bibb lettuce and dusted with chives — it definitely satisfies the craving. Tip: the hand-cut onion rings are worth every indulgent bite.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe — Dennis
Overlooking lovely Sesuit Harbor, this once “hidden gem” has become a firm favorite — and rightfully so. A cold roll, served on a classic hot dog roll with lettuce and tomato, there is something about inhaling salty air as you sink your teeth into this cool delicacy that keeps people coming back summer after summer. Feel free to bring your own bottle of something cold — and plan to stay a while.
![Sesuit Harbor Cafe Dennis Cape Cod lobster roll]()
Sesuit Harbor Cafe’s roll served harbor side
Scargo Café — Dennis
Taking in a show at the Cape Playhouse across the street? Make Scargo your dinner before the show — it’s an institution, and the lobster roll deserves its reputation. Simple, with a tiny bit of celery, I only recently tried it and was very impressed. The coleslaw is delish too.
Lobster Roll Cruises — Dennis
Looking for a lobster roll experience to share with the special people in your life? This is it! Set sail out of beautiful Sesuit Harbor — not to be confused with the Sesuit Harbor Cafe down the dock — with the setting sun, a gentle sea breeze, and artfully crafted lobster rolls. Pure heaven. I’ve done it once and would do it again in a heartbeat. Reservations are strongly recommended — and for a special occasion like this, I’d absolutely make one.
JT’s Seafood — Brewster
I live in the same town as JT’s and visit more than once a summer — and I mean that. Served hot, lightly sautéed in butter, or cold, lightly dressed with mayo, JT’s uses only tender knuckle and claw meat on a toasted New England roll. It’s a classic, done right. Many local kids work at these beloved Cape restaurants, and I know several who work at JT’s personally — there is nothing better than seeing their smiling faces when I walk in.
Cap’t Cass Rock Harbor — Orleans
Recently reopened and thoughtfully restored, Cap’t Cass is an original lobster shack — and it really is as local as it gets. The lobster rolls here are, quite simply, perfect. Rolls that are toasted on the outside yet billowy inside. There should be no fork picking the lobster out of the roll — you must pick this up and take a bite. Pure heaven, olde Cape style.
![Captain Cass Rock Harbor Orleans Cape Cod lobster roll]()
A Cap’t Cass roll down at Rock Harbor
Sir Cricket’s Fish & Chips — Orleans
A family-owned operation for over 60 years, Sir Cricket’s is beloved by locals for good reason. A simple classic lobster roll — toasted hot dog bun, sweet lightly dressed lobster meat — and for a great price. The kind of place that reminds you what Cape Cod is really about.
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar — Eastham
The self-proclaimed first to serve a warm lobster roll on Cape Cod — and we believe it. Get yours warm or choose the original cold with mayo — either way, no fillers, just pure lobster meat, served with a side of fries and coleslaw. In business for over 50 years. You simply can’t beat it.
![Arnolds Lobster Clam Bar Eastham Cape Cod lobster roll]()
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar’s roll taken to go
Moby Dick’s Restaurant — Wellfleet
Nestled in the marsh and situated just off Route 6, Moby Dick’s is a must — and very convenient — stop if you’re enjoying the Outer Cape. The lobster roll is very simple here: tail and claw meat with just a touch of mayo, served on a toasted New England roll. Make note, it’s BYOB — something I didn’t realize on my first visit!
Lobster Pot — Provincetown
The lobster roll finish line is in P-town, at the legendary Lobster Pot. This place is a true institution — and a past employer of none other than Anthony Bourdain. You can get lobster served many ways here, but the lobster salad roll is perfection. Have it cold, mixed with mayo, celery, and scallion, or warm with drawn butter — both served with a side of potato salad. A perfect ending to a Cape Cod lobster roll journey.
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