While the Hudson Valley isn’t exactly coastal, in the past few years lobster rolls have popped up more and more on local menus in the summer months. To ensure that you get your lobster fix, we’ve rounded up 8 great spots to find the classic rolls this year. If you know of others, drop a line in the comments. Aside from the places listed below, pay close attention to the specials menu at Bowery Dugout and Kingston Standard Brewing in Kingston for lobster roll guest appearances. And if you’re down in Westchester, check out The Boathouse in Ossining for a kick-ass lobster roll.
Frank Guido’s Port of Call | Catskill
Located on the water in Catskill, Port of Call has a seafood centric menu so the lobster roll is no surprise here. A little pricier at $34.95, theirs has chilled fresh lobster tossed with mayo and spices and served on a New England butter roll. Looking for a gluten-free option? For the same price, you can get the lobster salad, which includes half a lobster steamed and chilled with shrimp, baby lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and cocktail sauce with cranberry vinaigrette.
Captain Jake’s | Newburgh
This waterfront restaurant in Newburgh dishes up a full seafood menu. Have lobster your way—broiled, steamed, stuffed, mixed into mac ‘n’ cheese, or Lazy Man-style, drizzled in butter, breadcrumbs, and sherry. If it’s the lobster roll itch you’re looking to scratch, the New England-style twin lobster rolls come on grilled split-top rolls. All items are market price.
Buttercup | Hudson
In 2020, the lobster rolls, Coney Island hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, and cocktails at Buttercup were a silver lining in a pretty bleak year. The pop-up has returned to the patio of Padrona on Hudson’s Prison Alley with a menu of cocktails, appetizers, and wine, plus all the old favorites. Here the lobster roll includes 1/4 lb fresh Maine lobster, light mayo, pickled celery, and Boston lettuce on a griddled split-top bun with chive and Aleppo pepper. For $32, it’s served with Cape Cod Chips and can be made on a gluten-free roll or as a lettuce cup.
Bread and Brine | Hastings-on-Hudson
As a past Best of Westchester winner for best lobster roll, Bread and Brine serves up a quality roll along with cocktails, craft beer, and other lobster-centric bites.
Mondays, Wednesdays + Thursdays $20.24 Lobster Rolls from 12–3pm; Here you get your pick of lobster roll served cold with mayo and scallions or hot with butter and scallions, both served with chips for $29. And on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12 to 3pm, the price is knocked down to $20.24 for a lobster roll-type happy hour. If you’re craving a different type of sandwich but still want all-things-lobster, try the lobster grilled cheese with cheddar and mozz ($32) or a lobster BLAT ($33).
The Burger Loft | New City and Nyack
A lobster roll at a burger joint may seem unconventional at first glance, but The Burger Loft gets it right. For $29, the roll includes New England-style, cold-water lobster claw and knuckle meat, and is served with fries. You can take yours outside to enjoy in their beer garden with a hefty selection of wine, cocktails, and craft beer to choose from.
Hudson House River Inn | Cold Spring
For an elevated roll head to the Hudson House River Inn. There you’ll find the favorite New England lobster-avocado roll served on toasted ciabatta with a hint of dijon sauce for $37. Plus, their waterfront patio is great for a warm mid-August lunch.
Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish | North Salem
Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish prioritizes fresh, locally grown ingredients and high quality seafood, and many vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen come from their own farm. For $32, their lobster roll comes two ways: warm and buttered, or cool with farm radish and lemon aioli, and both served with fries on the side.
Shadows on the Hudson | Poughkeepsie
A fancier lobster roll experience can be found at this waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of the Hudson. At a steeper price point of $45, their fresh Maine lobster roll includes buttered brioche, lemon tarragon aioli, celery, and poached lobster. For the wine lovers, check out their fabulous wine program (which has been honored in Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards for multiple years).
