Summer is here! Well almost, but in a few days the longest day of the year will officially be the start of a long-awaited summer here in New England. Today is National Lobster Day, so it’s fitting I post the first of many reviews on my favorite lobster rolls.
To start, I’m reviewing some of the best lobster rolls I’ve found in Rhode Island. I’ll also review other New England favorites, so stay tuned. This review is a one of two posts of yummy Rhody rolls.
The Crow’s Nest – Warwick, RI
It was Betty’s third birthday, and on that day in November, I wanted to celebrate. I was on the hunt for a lobster roll off-season. Betty could have some of the bun. She loves bread. I had just moved to Rhode Island a few months earlier so I didn’t know where to go. I Googled “lobster roll near Providence.” The Crow’s Nest was one of the top results. A great find, this family-style restaurant is located across the street from a boat dock that’s nestled in a quiet inlet. There’s a small park by the water which is a perfect setting for take-out. Or sit by the warm fireplace in the dining room during the off season. They serve a large lobster roll with chunks of lobster served cold, salad-style with mayo on a buttered, grilled bun. I can’t count how many times I’ve been there since that November many years ago. Served year-round.
crowsnestri.com
Champlin’s Seafood
Champlin’s is located at Point Judith, the entrance to Galilee harbor near the Block Island ferry. During the summer months, they’re open everyday. During the off season, you can still get your lobster roll fix on weekends, although it’s best to give a call as they may be spending their off season, updating the restaurant. I’ve been going there before I moved to Rhode Island when I lived in Connecticut. There’s something special about their roll. I love how the bun just can’t seem to handle all that meaty goodness served cold salad-style with mayo and celery on a buttered, grilled bun. Weather permitting, take your rolls outside to the picnic tables by the water, where you can dine with your pup.
champlins.com
Tommy’s World Famous Clam Shack
I’ve recently discovered this little gem in Warwick. Located on a busy street, not close to water, it still has all the feels of a waterfront shack. In front of the take-out counter are covered picnic tables on well-manicured grounds with nostalgic music provided by a DJ at times. Because it’s outside, they’re open from May until Columbus day, weather permitting. Their lobster roll is huge, big enough to share and full of chunks, served cold, salad-style with mayo and celery on a buttered, grilled bun. Best of all they’re dog-friendly. It’s BYOB, so bring your favorite libation as there’s a limited selection of sodas and water from a vending machine.
tommysclamshack.com
Rebecca’s, Block Island
If you get on the Block Island ferry, there’s a take-out place across the street from the ferry landing on Water Street. Like Tommy’s, there are covered picnic tables in front of the take-out counter, and it’s dog-friendly. Their roll is the perfect size and moderately priced. It is served cold, salad-style with mayo and celery on a buttered, grilled bun. Eat there or take it to go. Before heading to Ballard’s marina, there is a quiet path leading uphill to a quiet park. At the top of the hill is the Ocean View Pavilion—a gazebo with surrounding meadows and an amazing view of the island and the ocean—the perfect picnic destination.
rebeccasseafood.com
McDonald’s
Yes, you read that right. Northeast chains offer a real lobster roll, the McRoll, during the summer months. Last year I decided to try it out with an open mind and an empty belly. I went to a franchise near Garden City in Cranston to try it. I got it to go, and once I opened the package, it looked like any lobster roll I’ve ever had and devoured it. Many crab shacks offer a small and a large roll, this one is small, but filling. The lobster meat is frozen and thawed, but I thought it was tasty. It’s served cold salad-style on a bed of fresh lettuce with a good amount of chunks and signature claws on top. Convenience wins here, it was very good, and at $9, you can’t beat it.
the foodie and the dog 