Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls — Restaurant in Fernandina Beach

I just left dining at Mason’s. This was my first time and I had no point of reference, except for the fact that I had been in the mood for lobster since passing through New Orleans a few days prior. I was on a walk through the area with my dog when I passed by. I doubled back and decided to give it a try. The outdoor patio was empty; they had opened an hour prior. When I walked in, there was no one visible inside - employee or guest. I proceeded hesitantly with my dog close at my side. When an employee finally appeared from the back, he was carrying cups (likely finishing opening duties). I smiled and said hello, he quipped back, “Is that a service dog?” To which I replied, “No, but I am planning on eating on the patio, I just needed to come in and order.” He responded briskly telling me to hurry up and come order. I asked for a lobster roll, he clarified that I wanted the classic, and then he replied with the cost. I responded with, “Can I order a drink?” He quickly punched in a fountain drink, and then looked up stressed and said, “There’s my boss,” who entered, and nodded with a smile in my direction. The employee was so tense I felt obliged to justify that I was just ordering and intended to sit outside. That initial service was so poor that when my total came to $30, I regretted my decision to dine there, rather than the burger spot next door. I knew the cost when I walked in, but the service I received was so bad, it overshadowed the taste and experience of the food.

The roll itself was flavorful, served cold (I wasn’t expecting that) on a warm, buttery, tossed bun; I assume that’s common.

There are half a dozen better ways this could have gone: for starters, I would suggest posting a “Service Dogs Only” sign (because I looked first and saw none - I’m a conscientious dog owner. Or perhaps one that says “Dogs allowed on patio only.” Secondly, try greeting your guests before barking at them. Kindness and courteous service goes a long way.

This was the Amelia...

PRICY but PERFECTION! 5 stars! (value 2.5 stars) My husband is a local and I myself have lived here over 6 years (Having lived in Utah near Vegas, here and even pricy Scottsdale last year so trust me I know pricy haha) I enjoyed the CONNECTICUT LOBSTER ROLL (with butter on the side, still keep the butter on the roll) and this is HANDS DOWN the BEST THING I HAVE EVER TASTED (best food on the island by far).

Yep.. I said the best. Is it small? Yes. Is it priced like an entree, but isn’t at all? Yes.

Was I still hungry after? Sadly, yes. Are the sides and combo options too expensive? They sure are.

HOWEVER, BUY the sandwich the size of your hand for $21 dollars and thank me later. DELICIOUS! The quality is definitely there.

This place looks like a lot of love went into it, and it’s not a restaurant (although I recommend tipping, STEVE is awesome and he deserves it!).. it’s more of a walk up (food served on plastic tray) or cafe style joint. It’s very casual. The patio is awesome and great for people/car watching.

My husband who loved it, truly wants EVERYONE (visitors and locals) to go there, so he suggested including a small side salad to bring more value for $21 or make the sandwich bigger or offer the combo cheaper $23 (not $26) so two people can eat for less than $50 and leave full. Maybe do a Weekday Lunch Special or lobster roll happy hour or something? Us local folks stick to our regular places and have them in a weekly rotation because of the quality and value. (This is all only suggested with the upmost respect, we want this gem of a place to be too busy to get into ALL YEAR ROUND, not just Shrimp Fest and Summer time.) Wishing you all the love joy and success! We will spread the word about your YUMMY LOBSTER ROLLS!

Thank you for a wonderful Lobster Roll and we look forward to eating there again and again (even if it stays PRICY because it is PERFECTION). Best food on...

First the lobster roll I had was delicious (Connecticut)! Appreciated that it was not all knuckle and claw meat, which for the price, I feared that.

Second these reviews that talk about price being high, literally don’t know what they are talking about. Lobster is $100 per pound (meat only, ie., already picked out of the shell, and includes tail, claw and knuckle). Compare that to other meats per lb, Shrimp ($20), Crab ($50), Beef ($7), Chicken ($8)… yeah it’s an expensive sandwich, do you want the delicious experience or not? Masons is making it possible, don’t kill the miracle makers! These $23 sandwiches cost $40+ anywhere else. They certainly do in Atlanta (Beetlecat $44, Stiles Fish Camp $38) y’all should be writing thank you letters for these gifts!

Third, was glad to know the tots were air fried. Felt like I saved my calories for the buttered roll, Winning!!

Final, and one complaint. Was disappointed to get home and find my bisque had no chunks of lobsters in it like the picture on the menu!!?? People don’t read fine print, especially when there is a picture. Would have appreciated the staff telling me it costs extra if you want it to look like the picture. I would...