Newport Lobster Shack — Restaurant in Newport

I really...really...really wanted to love this place...but it honestly fell a little short.

This place was on the must-do list while we were near and around the wharf area. The first day we arrived a little late...around 6:30 and they closed at 6. A few days later we were in the area again and I decided to randomly stop by to try their lobster roll that everyone raves about. There are lots of parking meters along Washington street. I believe there is also a free lot there for patrons, but when driving by I did not see any clear signs stating that. There was a line of about 8 people ahead of me when I arrived on the mid Saturday afternoon. It took about 15-20 minutes for me to get to the front. I ordered a full (6 ounce) lobster roll for about $27. They also sell a half (3 ounce) roll for $18. I also ordere some fries and a drink...after all, this was sort of a mid-afternoon snack.

After waiting about 10 minutes, they called my order. The lobster meat itself was good but seemed to be missing something...I think by adding larger chunks of lobster meat (which they do) it is not as flavorful as opposed to chopping the pieces smaller. I didn't mind this much, but what really got me was the super dry bread...Slapping some butter on the roll and toasting it for 30-45 seconds would make this 5/10 roll easily an 8/10. The dryness of the bread combined with the larger lobster chunks left me dissatisfied.. On the right of the main stand they also sell fresh seafood. There are also a bunch of picnic-style tables and chairs where you can eat. All staff were super nice.

I think this place is very convenient for wharf-visitors and makes a perfect picturesque location right off the water...but the lobster roll just didn't do it for me...Staff/location - 5 Stars + Lobster Roll - 3...

The lobster rolls were cold and a bit bland. The fries were ok. Recommend Anthony’s or somewhere that sells hot lobster rolls.

Also, I paid $100 for myself, wife, and 2 toddlers. We ate around 11:45am, and had a 12:30 appointment for sailing about 200 yards up the street. The parking lot signs say “Lobster Shack Parking Only” without any time duration noted. The Newport traffic was insane, and it took almost 30 minutes to drive 200 yards to the sailing. I let my wife and daughter out by the sailing, and drove back 200 yards to park my car at lobster shack (SINCE I PAID $100). I ran 200 yards with my 40 lb son and barely made it to the boat.

When I returned to my car at 2:15pm (about 90 minutes of parking), some guy from the Lobster Shack was waiting by my car. My son was asleep on me, and he comes up and interrogated me. He says he saw me park and run away, and said I was a liar about being a customer that day. He also compared me parking for 90 minutes to someone eating there at 10am and coming back at 4pm.

Let me say, 1) this guy was crazy to be waiting there, 2) buddy, a $100 payment for some sub par, cold lobster rolls + 90 minutes of parking is a fair trade, and 3) change your signs if you want to put a time cap on how long your paying...

Bottom line go you eont be disappointed! Everyone talks about the more traditional Lobster food choices. I want to spotlight the Lobster salad option! I had the lobster salad. It was on a bed of mixed greens with strawberries and super lite vineagarette dressing. It was delishious and super satisfying.

My husband had the Lobster bisque and the fish and chips. Both were equally satifying. My husband loves fish and chips He orders it everywhere! He was really impressed with the liter bread coating on the fish and considers this to be some of the best he has ever had.

We loved the food cart aspect of the location and sitting at picnic tables out side. There is not an inside dining option and they do not serve alcohol. We believe this cuts down on their overhead and the coast of their food. Some reviews where offended that the prices were not even less - but I dont fault the lobster shack for ensuring their profit margins. I imagine what they make in the summer needs to carry them through the winter. Bottom line go you eont be...