Where to Get the Best Lobster Rolls in Rhode Island
Soak up a great view, order takeout or bring the whole family to these spots for lobster rolls in the Ocean State.
Via Getty Images / rebeccafondren
Editor’s Note: This article was updated from a previous version.
Best View
Matunuck Oyster Bar*
*NOTE: The original Matunuck Oyster Bar building is currently under construction following a fire, but the owners have set up a pop-up eatery across the street.
629 Succotash Rd., South Kingstown, 401-783-4202, rhodyoysters.com
The Atmosphere: Nothing beats the outdoor patio. Even indoors, you’ll soak up panoramic views at all angles.
The Meat: All claw and tail meat all the time, lightly dressed in mayo with a tiny bit of chopped celery.
The Bread: Grilled buttery split top roll.
On the side: Served with house cut fries or small house salad.
City side
Dune Brothers
239 Dyer St., Providence, 401-480-1269; Track 15, 1 Union Station, Providence, 401-249-9650, dunebrothers.com
The Atmosphere: The original location (Dyer Street) sports a seafood shack with picnic table service and takeout and a view near the Providence Pedestrian Bridge, while Track 15 is a food hall complete with seven different local restaurants.
The Meat: Warm, buttered tail and claw meat with light mayo, served with “Old Bay” fries.
The Bread: Buttered and grilled roll.
On the side: Comes with fries.
The Shore Thing
Brick Alley Pub
140 Thames St., Newport, 401-849-6334, brickalley.com
The Atmosphere: Consistently good. Especially for groups and families, Brick Alley’s always a safe bet.
The Meat: Overstuffed with lobster salad (lots of mayo!) and crisp lettuce for a little crunch.
The Bread: Simple is best: A grilled hot dog roll is all you need.
On the side: A pickle and coleslaw.
Fresh Off the Boat
Rebecca’s Seafood Takeout
435 Water St., Block Island, 401-466-5411, rebeccasseafood.com/rebeccasmenus
The Atmosphere: You just arrived on the Block Island Ferry, you’re hungry and all you want is to sit outside and see the harbor.
The Meat: Chopped tail and claw meat with a smattering of mayo, dash of pepper and snap of lettuce.
The Bread: A buttered and toasted hot dog bun.
On the side: Just the sandwich, but you can order a side of fries or clam cakes separately.
Family Atmosphere
Blount Clam Shack
335 Water St., Warren, 401-245-3210, blountretail.com
The atmosphere: The best waterfront view in Warren. Pull up an Adirondack chair and listen to live acoustic music on weekends.
The Meat: A half-pound of lobster chunks lightly tossed in a housemade dill sauce or served undressed with warm butter on the side.
The Bread: Served on an extra long grilled roll.
On the side: Comes with housemade kale crunch cole slaw and your choice of one side: french fries or two clam cakes, or choose a side salad, sweet potato fries, onion rings or fruit for an upcharge.
Straight from the Lobsterman
The Lobster Bar
31 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, 401-619-2890, lobsterbarri.com
The Atmosphere: Quintessential seaside restaurant located right on a working dock in downtown Newport. Yep, that’s the harbor under your feet.
The Meat: Expect traditional salad-style with lemon, celery, dill and a hint of mayo, or go for Bonnie’s hot lobster roll stuffed with meat from a whole 1.25-pound lobster shucked daily, sautéed in hot dill butter, and served on a brioche roll with fries or house slaw.
The Bread: A warm brioche roll adds a little more texture and crunch (it packs a little more meat too).
On the side: All sandwiches served with a choice of fries or slaw. You can sub a gluten-free bun.
Sushi Style
Ten Prime Steak and Sushi
55 Pine St., Providence, 401-453-2333, tenprimesteakandsushi.com
The Atmosphere: Ultra sleek, contemporary dining room that’s the place to see and be seen.
The Meat: The Prime roll is sushi in a lobster roll style with Maine lobster and tempura asparagus with beef carpaccio and truffle chili oil.
The Bread: No bread; the whole thing’s rolled up sushi-style.
On the side: Wasabi and horseradish on the side.
New Kid on the Block
Luke’s Lobster
36 Bowens Wharf, Newport, lukeslobster.com
The Atmosphere: Familiar and welcoming walk-up window in the heart of the City By the Sea.
The Meat: Made “Luke’s Way,” a.k.a. wild-caught, chilled, New-England style with a swipe of mayo, a drizzle of lemon butter. You can also order a lobster roll flight, which includes a sampler of three half-rolls plus chips and a soft drink.
The Bread: Served in a split-top, toasted buttered bun.
On the side: Comes with chips and a soft drink.
