With fewer people traveling out of state this summer due to Covid-19, many of us have had to turn to local spots for a New England favorite—the lobster roll. Whether you prefer Maine style lobster rolls, served cold with mayo, or Connecticut style, served warm with butter, these spots have you covered by bringing a taste of Maine to the Garden State.
Hooked JC, Jersey City
Natalie Miniard and Tory Aunspach grew up in Florida, never expecting to open a restaurant together. Their signature lobster roll is served Maine style with mayo on a buttered potato roll. This seafood shack has turned into a ghost kitchen due to the ongoing pandemic, and is open for take-out and delivery only. Hooked JC is open Wednesday–Sunday from 3–10pm.
Hooked JC, 467 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City; 201-946-4177
Jack’s Lobster Shack, Edgewater and Cresskill
This BYO spot is owned by a seafood lover who brought his favorite lobster meat from Maine to Jersey. Jack’s has two locations, each of which allow you to pick your own live lobster to be prepared for you. They serve both Maine style and buttery Connecticut style rolls, so there’s no need to choose between the two.
Jack’s Lobster Shack, 1040 River Road, Edgewater; 201-224-2808; and 38 Union Avenue, Cresskill, 201-266-6575
Quincy’s Original Lobster Co., South Jersey Shore Towns
A group of friends vacationing in New England were so blown away by Maine’s lobster rolls that they brought them home to the Jersey Shore. Their version of the New England favorite is prepared with mayo and butter and each one is served with Cape Cod chips and a pickle. They also serve a no-carb lobster roll, which substitutes the bread with leaves of baby romaine. Located in Sea Isle City, Cape May, Wildwood and Ocean City.
Quincy’s Original Lobster Co, 4215 Landis Ave, Sea Isle City; 609-478-2845.
Point Lobster Co, Point Pleasant
This family owned business has been serving lobster rolls at the Jersey Shore for more than 30 years. With both Connecticut and Maine style rolls on the menu, each one is stuffed with the freshest meat from the coasts of Maine or from local waters. Point Lobster Co. is open daily.
Point Lobster Co, 1 St. Louis Ave, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-892-3928
Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck, Freehold
Cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis originally launched their lobster food truck in California, but made their way to the Garden State after appearing on Shark Tank. Cousins Maine Lobster serves both Connecticut and Maine style rolls, and their trucks can not only be found in Freehold, but all across New Jersey. You can check their schedule to see when a truck is near you.
Cousins Maine Lobster, 732-994-3766, [email protected]