At some point while visiting Cape Cod, you may find yourself in a lobster roll debate. Warm or cold? Mayo or butter? Celery or no celery? This debate may become heated.
Luckily, some things can’t be argued: 1) The lobster roll is a New England summertime classic, and 2) The following are among Cape Cod’s best.
The Lobster Pot, Provincetown
The roll: All knuckle meat with mayo, scallion and celery and a side of potato salad
Why it’s a classic: It’s an iconic local restaurant with classic water views to match.
Why it’s unique: If you’re a rebel, you can put all arguments to bed and order it as a panini.
Mattakeese Wharf, Barnstable Harbor
The roll: Fresh meat tossed with mayo and celery; served with fries, potato salad, chips or slaw
Why it’s a classic: It’s Cape Cod-style surf and turf alongside harbor views.
Why it’s unique: Nothing beats a restaurant that can be reached by boat.
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar, Eastham
The roll: Chunky meat served cold “lightly dressed with mayo on a bed of lettuce” or “warm with hot butter” with a side of Cape Cod potato chips
Why it’s a classic: Everything about Arnold’s—from the line out front to the mini golf course out back—is quintessential post-beach clam shack.
Why it’s unique: For a little extra, the “jumbo” cold or warm roll comes with twice the meat.
Lobster Roll Cruises, Sesuit Harbor, Dennis
The roll: Fresh native meat with a hint of celery and mayo on a grilled roll
Why it’s a classic: You’ll be dining aboard the S.S. Lobster Roll on a cruise out of Sesuit Harbor and around Cape Cod Bay.
Why it’s unique: As we said, you’ll be dining aboard the S.S. Lobster Roll on a cruise around scenic Cape Cod Bay!
Black Cat Tavern, Hyannis
The roll: Lobster salad tossed with mayo on an old-school hot dog bun
Why it’s a classic: With its harbor views, nautical décor and “shack out back” raw bar, Black Cat Tavern captures the essence of coastal Cape Cod.
Why it’s unique: If your lobster roll makes you feel like bursting into song (you never know), stay for the live entertainment in the piano lounge.
Quahog Republic Dive Bar, Falmouth / Quahog Republic Waterfront Eatery, Onset Village
The roll: Quahog Republic’s self-proclaimed “Monsta Lobsta Roll” features a heaping pile of tail and claw meat lightly dressed with mayo on a butter-toasted brioche or a bed of greens.
Why it’s a classic: It’s huge and served with hot drawn butter. For an extra kick, pair with their signature Bloody Mary garnished with bacon.
Why it’s unique: “Monsta” is no joke; overstuffed with fresh lobster meat, you may easily have leftovers to take home.
Skipper Chowder House, South Yarmouth
The roll: You’ve got three mouthwatering choices—Skipper’s Traditional Lobster Roll (four ounces of fresh-made lobster salad on a toasted bun), the Lobster Roll Supreme (a half-pound of lobster salad on a toasted French roll) and The Wicked Awesome (a half-pound of fresh, hot lobster on grilled brioche).
Why it’s a classic: The Skipper, established in 1936, overlooks Nantucket Sound and boasts an award-winning clam chowder.
Why it’s unique: The adjoining old-fashioned Skipper Ice Cream Shack may just tempt you to begin with dessert.
