The Lobster of Gloucester — Restaurant in Gloucester

Finally a restaurant that makes an effort to "do things right". They deserve recognition for their efforts.

Let's get some things out of the way first...

1. The Lobster is expensive! But we aren't local and really wanted to experience some great seafood, so this isn't a huge negative for us. All three of us had lobster in some form, and our final bill was around $230. Scary, but to us, in the moment, worth it.

2. The "view" and location isn't that great. It's industrial and just not pretty. Unfortunately, I can't think of any way to improve this for them. It is what it is. Parking is plentiful and easy, though.

The really good stuff...

The people are wonderful. We enjoyed our time chatting with Scarlett. She is amazing, super fun, and super helpful.

The lobster rolls are the second best I've ever had. The very best are made by "The Beach Plum" (also expensive, but worth it) in New Hampshire. The Lobster does it right with chilled, fresh lobster on a toasted bun with melted butter on the side. Near perfection.

Care was taken with The Lobster bathrooms. Not enough people understand that bathrooms are important. America is littered with institutional, communal bathrooms, and the rest of the world laughs at us. Finally we have a restaurant that actually puts effort into their bathrooms. At The Lobster you will find a number of individual, single-person bathrooms for your pleasure. I imagine that the owners are like-minded and have possibly traveled in Europe. There is music in the bathrooms. Everything is perfectly clean and stocked. This takes planning and effort, and I deeply appreciate it. Most restaurants treat their bathroom like a dumpster, just some nasty thing that takes no thought and no effort. The Lobster demonstrates empathy and caring with their thoughtful design and execution.

Lobster BLT. Yes!

If we are back on the North Shore in the future, we will...

Prepare yourself for a culinary voyage that captures the very soul of America’s oldest seaport. The Lobster of Gloucester isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a temple to the Atlantic’s most treasured crustacean, where “trap to table” becomes a sacred promise.

Nestled at 115 East Main Street on Gloucester’s working waterfront, this establishment operates with the rhythm of the tides. Every succulent bite tells the story of lobsters hauled from the depths by their own fleet, ensuring freshness that borders on the supernatural. This isn’t just dining; it’s participating in a tradition that has sustained Cape Ann for centuries.

The lobster rolls here are nothing short of legendary—generous portions of sweet, tender meat overflowing from perfectly toasted buns. One bite transports you to windswept decks and salt-kissed mornings, while the meat’s natural sweetness speaks to waters so pure they might have been blessed by Poseidon himself.

The tavern atmosphere pulses with authentic maritime energy. Craft cocktails flow as smoothly as harbor currents, while daily specials showcase the finest catch with inspired creativity. Even landlubbers find salvation in their smashburgers, elevated by secret sauces that bridge sea and shore.

From casual “eat-in-the-rough” to full-service dining, every appetite finds accommodation. Whether seeking quick takeout or lingering waterfront dinner, The Lobster of Gloucester delivers an epic encounter with New England’s most iconic flavors. This is where ocean meets plate in perfect, transcendent...

We randomly took a trip to Gloucester on Father's Day and decided to try The Lobster of Gloucester. I hadn't had a Lobster Roll since the weather warmed up, so I was really looking forward to it.

We didn't have a reservation but arrived when the restaurant opened. We were seated immediately. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We ordered a half dozen oysters, a bowl of clam chowder, mussels, a lobster roll with warm butter, the fried clam platter, and a side of pasta salad.

The oysters were fresh and plump, served with a nice mignonette. The clam chowder was possibly one of the best I've had recently—thick, creamy, with a nice bacon flavor and plenty of clams. The mussels were large and meaty, cooked in an excellent white wine butter sauce. The fried clams were light, crispy, and well-seasoned.

The lobster roll was filled with plump, fresh lobster (not overstuffed), served on a butter-toasted brioche roll, with a side of warm butter. It was one of the top three lobster rolls I've ever had. The pasta salad was also very delicious—unlike your typical pasta salad.

Overall, everything was delicious. It’s clear they prioritize the quality of all their dishes. I only visit Gloucester once or twice a year, but I’ll definitely make this my go-to spot...