The Best Lobster Roll on the East End. Still Searching.
In Search of the Best Lobster Roll on the East End
Well, those photos of the Lobster Rolls at McLoons Lobster Shack, Sprucehead Island, Maine that appeared in the New York Times this week certainly looked drool-worthy.
A couple of summers ago, Tina Folks wrote about her search for the best Lobster Roll on the Maine coast. We acknowledge the sweet deliciousness of the Maine lobster, and tip our hats to New England for “inventing” the lobster roll in the first place… but come on this is the East End people! Home of the Hamptons and the North Fork, we have AMAZING lobster rolls here too.
I apologize in advance if just the thought of an East End lobster roll makes your mouth water. As a public service, I have rounded up the top picks of HB’s local foodie connections on both Forks. The elements that the best Hamptons and North Fork lobster rolls have in common are the overflowing chunks of tail and claw lobster meat, not too much mayo if it is used, and a delicious roll. In the main, versions of one or both of these types of lobster rolls are offered: cold lobster “salad” with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings, or warm chunks of lobster with butter and herbs.
Please note that this list is not all inclusive, rather the establishments mentioned most as serving up the best lobster roll on the East End. The survey continues, and so far has been updated each year from Summer 2021—Summer 2025.
Also in the realm of public service, be advised that you will likely drop a pretty penny for most of these. But trust me, it will be worth it.
Hamptons
Lobster Roll AKA LUNCH, Amagansett
Clam Bar, Amagansett/Napeague
Duryea’s, Montauk
Inlet Seafood, Montauk
Bostwick’s Chowder House, East Hampton
The Dock, Sag Harbor
Canal Cafe, Hampton Bays
*Summer 2025: Bostwick’s got an additional two thumbs up; in 2023, Bostwick’s received the “might be the best ever” endorsement by visiting lobster roll aficionados.
North Fork
North Fork Table & Inn, Food Truck, Southold
Claudio’s, Greenport
Duryea’s, Orient
Modern Snack Bar, Aquebogue (this is a sandwich, not a “roll;” it weighs about a pound!)
Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck
Southold Fish Market, Southold
Port, Greenport
Canal Cafe was added in 2023, initially as a write-in recommendation. Love Lane Kitchen, Southold Fish Market, and Port were added in 2025.
Write-in recommendations are most welcome! Please send in your top choice for best lobster roll on the East End if you don’t see it here, by entering a comment below, on the Hummingbird Facebook page, or by clicking here. We will be sure to check it out and add your recommendation to our list!
