The Lobster Shack — Restaurant in Laguna Niguel

This is a small joint in Old Town San Clemente. You won't find it if you're not looking for it. You kinda have to turn into what seems like an alley to get to it. It's nestled in with many other small restaurants. They seem like places mostly frequently by locals.

I headed here after lunchtime on a weekday. It wasn't crowded at all. The server was super friendly and upbeat. She asked if I'd been there before. When I said I hadn't, she gave me a tour of the menu and how the rolls were prepared. She seemed super proud of the place. It was neat to see such enthusiasm.

She let me try a bit of the iced tea to make sure it was unsweet tea.

I ordered a lobster roll with sides of bleu cheese coleslaw and baked beans. It was ready in maybe 10 minutes or less. Everything was WONDERFUL. I especially liked the coleslaw. It's a really cool take on a normally boring, drippy, sour side dish. I'm definitely going to make some at home.

The lobster roll is sweet and buttery and lemony. The bread is nice and perfectly buttered and toasted. Not too soft. Not too crunchy. I'm not an East Coast girl so I don't know if the lobster roll is authentic. I can say it's totally yum and I will come back for it again.

My kitties shook me down for a taste of the lobster. They also approve of the...

This tiny restaurant is, seriously, one of the best reasons to visit San Clemente. Two words - 'shell-free Cioppino'. OH MY WORD, filled with seafood, shellfish, veggies, and spices. It was so delicious I almost wished that I had ordered a bowl instead of a cup. But I'm glad I did because then I had room for the Seafood Deviled Eggs. Three eggs, six halves each filled with a spiced standard yolk mixture and topped with lobster claw meat, flaked crab, or large salad shrimp - so good! Dan, the owner, is as nice as can be. Genuine and kind. There are a few tables to enjoy the delicious food. Located in Old Downtown San Clemente, the Lobster Shack is definitely worth the drive if you're in Orange County, CA. I ate half my meal at the restaurant and then drove to the beach to enjoy the rest with my Arnold Palmer. Awesome...

I was craving clam chowder and this place had good reviews so we stopped here for lunch. Let me start off by saying the owner is absolutely amazing! As a former business owner, I can say that is how you do business! With a smile, very polite and welcoming. I loved his personality and wish nothing but the best for him and his family