Located on a touristy area of the waterfront near South Station, I was skeptical of this place. But, the lobster is fantastic!! So fresh and flavorful. This is a "no-frills" lobster place. They let the lobster shine! Lots of seating and this restaurant has been around for over 100 years. Recommended. Get the lobster roll! read more

This is a cool spot on the waterfront with classic, no frills, lobster rolls and sides. I had the regular lobster roll with butter ($35.99). It's a hot dog bun with a good portion of lobster. Was the lobster fresh & good quality? Yes Was it the best lobster roll I've had? Probably not. Would I pay that money for the same item again? Probably not. There was a line when we went right around lunchtime. There is plenty of tables to sit at outdoor. read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Good food, ample seating, service was just okay. We were in search of lobster rolls on National Lobster Day and James Hook & Co stood out as it has been a family-owned business for 100+ years and was one of the names that came up that we hadn't tried out yet. There was a food truck outside with a limited menu and the option to order indoors with a full menu. Signage was unclear for which side was for ordering and which side was for waiting to pick up the food. The indoor ordering area had shirts, hoodies, oysters, mugs, taffy, chips, and other gifts for sale. There's a counter with fish, stuffed clams, stuffed scallops, and more for the indoor ordering line. When we got to the front of the line, the person taking our orders was not welcoming at all. I got the warm butter lobster roll, clam chowder (comes in 3 sizes), and a double stuffed scallops. The clam chowder was a nice thickness and not too salty, which I appreciated. I wish it was a bit warmer. The lobster roll was good. The lobster was fresh and the bread was toasted. Butter was served on the side. The double stuffed scallops is definitely something I'd pass on next time. There were a few seats inside of the area where Indoor ordering is and we discovered there's an indoor dining area near the food truck as well. Majority of the outdoor seats did not have an umbrella. The overall experience was okay, but there's definitely room for improvement. read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Long lines but well worth it. Parking is ok. Large Outdoor seating and a small AC area. Their takeout menu is larger than the menu in the outdoor menu out back as an fyi. Food was great though!! Glad we went after seeing the tall ships today! read more

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This is one of the best seafood markets for sure. The place isn't fancy but the food is absolutely a bomb. The lobster roll looked simple but tasted delicious. I asked for just the butter to go with it and it was perfect. The crab roll was just equally good. They have limited seats inside but lots of seats outside. The price of the food is quite expensive but totally worth it. The service was quick. The staff were nice. The line was long but it moved quickly. Definitely worth another visit. read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster roll and crab roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Addicted upon first bite. Best lobster roll! Walked many, I mean many, streets to get here. Upon entering it's pretty underwhelming but I'm not here for a pretty place nor do I pose for pictures, I'm here to try a damn good lobster roll and boy did it deliver. Warm with butter. Don't get creative just stick to basics. Fresh is an understatement (especially since the lobsters are right in open topped tanks inside). Limited seating, so enjoy your roll standing. Who cares, it's worth it. read more

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While visiting Boston, we found ourselves craving an authentic lobster roll and were pointed toward James Hook & Co. After one visit, it became very clear why this place has remained a waterfront institution since 1925. Don't let the long line scare you away -- that line is part of the proof that you are in the right place. James Hook has a classic no-frills New England seafood atmosphere focused on one thing above all else: exceptionally fresh lobster. There's plenty of outdoor seating available, and on a beautiful afternoon with temperatures in the low 80s, sitting outside under the umbrellas overlooking the city made for a perfect lunch setting. We split a large lobster roll since we had eaten a big breakfast earlier in the day, and it was more than enough for two people looking for a lighter meal. The lobster itself was incredibly fresh, sweet, tender, and generously portioned on a perfectly toasted split-top roll with drawn butter served on the side. Simple ingredients executed correctly -- exactly what a proper Boston lobster roll should be. We also tried the stuffed clam, which had a rich, savory stuffing with plenty of flavor and paired perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon. There's nothing overly polished or tourist-trapped about James Hook & Co. This is simply authentic Boston seafood done right. If you find yourself anywhere near the waterfront and want the real lobster roll experience, this place is absolutely worth the visit. read more

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When in Boston or the New England area you must have seafood, especially lobster rolls. All of the locals recommended James Hook & Co for their lobster rolls. This is a small spot close to the harbor. You could either order inside their small building or at their food truck outside. They were packed but we made our way to the counter quickly to place our order. There is very limited seating inside but the patio area is very spacious. I grabbed a table while my wife waited on our food. I myself am not a fan of lobster so I ordered the crab roll. Holy moly it was delicious. That split top roll was packed full of fresh crab. I would push it down inside the roll after each bite so I wouldn't lose any. Even though I didn't order the lobster roll I would definitely recommend this spot for the crab roll. read more

James Hook & Co - Crab roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

When I tell you I have been trying to make it to this restaurant for three years now, I mean it. Every single year we come to Boston, and every year our flights somehow get delayed on the exact day we planned to go here. This year, I finally made it -- and it absolutely did not disappoint. I had a phenomenal time trying their lobster roll. The lobster chunks inside were thick, juicy, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The butter was so good, and since the roll was served warm, it was honestly perfect for the chilly Boston weather that day. It warmed me right up. I will say, it is definitely a little pricey, especially coming from out of town where I'm not used to spending that kind of money on what is technically "just a sandwich," but honestly, it was 100% worth it. It was a phenomenal lobster roll, and I would absolutely go back and order another one. The only small downside was that we got there about 15 minutes before closing, and the staff did seem to rush us out a little bit, even though we were sitting outside on the patio while they cleaned up. Coming from the South, that felt a little strange to me because that's probably not something we would do back home, but honestly, it still would not stop me from coming back. At the end of the day, they know what they've got -- an incredible lobster roll with soft, buttery bread and fresh lobster that truly lives up to the hype. read more

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First time in Boston, so of course--lobster rolls were a must. We stopped in at this spot, which sits right on a busy street, giving it that classic touristy energy. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by live crabs on display, which definitely adds to the experience. That said, it was surprisingly warm inside, so we opted to sit outside where there were plenty of tables and a much more comfortable breeze. Taking a look at the menu, the lobster rolls were... pretty steep. We decided to share one and round it out with a few sides--clam chowder, potato salad, a jumbo crab cake, and 2 cans of soda. For everything we ordered, the total came out to around $90, which definitely made us pause for a moment. Overall, I'm glad we went this route of sharing a The lobster roll, while decent, didn't quite justify the ~$40 price tag for its size. It felt more like we were paying for the location and "Boston experience" than the flavor itself. The standouts for me were actually the sides--the crab cake was flavorful with a nice texture, and the clam chowder was rich, creamy, and comforting. All in all, it checked the "first lobster roll in Boston" box, but I was very happy we only ordered one to share. Sometimes the touristy spots are more about the experience than the wow factor--and this felt like one of those moments. read more

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Fast service - lobster roll with butter - maybe one of the best I've ever had. Clam chowder is yummy! Ample outdoor seating! Fun ambiance read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Butter* and clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It was recommended we check this place out considering it was walking distance from our hotel. We tried a warm butter lobster roll at another restaurant and it wasn't bad. I've never been into cold mayo ones. This time we tried the cold mayo one and it was delicious. Changed my perspective about lobster rolls. This place has limited seating inside and some seating outside. I was bummed they didn't have french fries but it was fine. I took it togo so service wasn't something I could rate. Highly recommend these folks! read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Mayo* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

By far the best lobster in Boston! Oh my gosh, melt in your mouth. Always busy but they are efficient and move fast. Don't fear the line, it's well worth it!!!! Very cool playlist as well!! Super expensive but will blow your mind! read more

James Hook & Co - Hot Large Lobster Roll with Butter* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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While I know it's a small shack, the service was borderline rude. The lobster roll was good, but a little on the pricy side. It was almost $50 for a regular lobster roll with mayo. While it was packed wiht lobster, it still did seem very steep for something they were able to put together in less than 2 minutes. When we walked in, we were ignored; no one welcomed us in, and it took a while for us to get helped. read more

Hands-down, the best lobster roll in Boston. I always have to stop here when visiting. Sometimes the line can get pretty long and it is pretty pricey, but definitely worth it every time. They have seating outside, but sometimes it can be difficult to find a place and they close that seating area half an hour before the posted closing time so you can't sit there. Overall, I love coming here and having the view of the water it's a great oasis from the city life. read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Butter* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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So damn delicious! Tons of lobster meat. Great outdoor patio. Service dialed in. I'm coming back tomorrow read more

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I stopped in while sightseeing and I wanted to try a boson staple, their famous lobster roll. I tried the hot butter roll large. The quantity of lobster was good and it was filling for my sightseeing. This is a long wait and it can be very hot so come prepared. Seating is first come first serve. If you're in a pair once you get near the front one person should find a table. It is busy!! There is a/c sitting which is nice. Pricing is a little high but it's in the middle of a tourist attraction. It's still worth the visit. read more

You place your order either at the outdoor window when it's open or inside the shack during the off-season, and if the weather is nice you can pick any of the outdoor tables to enjoy your meal. The food came out very quickly, although it was a quiet weekday and not very busy. Staff were good about cleaning the tables regularly after patrons left. Unfortunately, the food itself was a bit of a mixed experience. The lobster rolls were over-sauced with mayo and didn't have much flavor. The lobster also seemed slightly overcooked, making it a bit chewy. The lobster bisque was disappointing, as it lacked both flavor and lobster. The crab roll, however, had much better flavor, was more tender, and was the highlight of the meal. We'll have to give it another shot later in the season. read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster roll, crab roll & lobster bisque - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Lobster rolls are a must! Clam chowder was great too! Food came quick and fresh. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Boston. My only knock is I wish they had more indoor seating. read more

This is my favorite lobster roll spot in all of Boston! I even got my friends James Hooked on this recent visit! My go to order is a regular hot lobster roll which comes with a buttery bun, a pile of fresh lobster and a side of butter! I love the expanded seating area options outside that are both covered and uncovered to allow ample options to eat nearby. The only possible downside for some is that this place does not have fries but there are lots of other side like potato salad, coleslaw, chips, and even soups to pick from! The wait time can be short or long, really just depends on the day and time you visit but you could always try calling for a to go order! read more

James Hook & Co - Regular Hot Lobster Roll (side of butter poured on) - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Everything was amazing! Line went quick and they have two places to take your order. We came all the way from California and we will be back! read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Although they have other items on their menu, the lobster roll with butter is the star of the show here. I tried the crab roll but it was just okay. It's made with real crab meat but j thought they mixed it with too much mayo so you can't even really taste the crab anymore. The lobster roll though was packed with buttered lobster and the toasted bread was so warm and crispy! There's plenty of seating outside and I went on a warm day so got to enjoy the sun while chomping down on my lobster roll. Regular Lobster Roll w/ Butter 10/10 Regular Crab Roll 7/10 read more

James Hook & Co - Regular Lobster Roll w/ Butter 10/10 Regular Crab Roll 7/10 - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Had a quick layover in Boston and couldn't leave without getting my hands on a good Lobster Roll and bisque. Found James Hook & Co on DoorDash and decided to give it a try -- went with the regular Lobster Roll with butter, and a 12 oz bisque. It was prepped and delivered promptly [not more than 30 mins], and let me tell you... that Lobster Roll was loaded!!!! For the regular size, it was a pretty generous sized roll and literally overflowing with big chunks of lobster -- full knuckles included! They definitely didn't skimp on the meat. The bisque was smooth, just as described -- pureed with fine bits of lobster mixed in. I wasnt super crazy on the flavor but wasnt bad. Overall, great value for the size and quality! read more

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This place is a gem for lobster rolls. Excellent! Now I can say that Boston has the best lobster rolls. Service was fast. Pretty good area to seat but because this place is popular, you might have a problem looking for a place to seat. Beautiful area. Definitely would go back here. read more

Since I'm only able to eat fish, I grabbed the Fish Chowda.....I'm unsure which fish was used, but it was delectably delicious!!! Everyone else had the Lobster Roll and they raved about the texture and sweetness of the lobster. The food came out pretty quickly, although there were many folks ahead of us. read more

Clearly a Boston staple for over 100 years! Very pricey but super fresh and juicy. Hubby and I tried the lobster roll with butter (you can also choose mayo instead of butter but not for us) and the lobster bisque. It was also so delicious I understand the hype! The lobsters don't get any more fresh than clawing in a tank right next to the order line read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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My first lobster roll experience was here, and I'm obsessed! We got the regular and large size lobster rolls-- one with mayo and one with butter. Regular is on sliced bread, and the large size is on a half hot dog bun with a bit more lobster. Both are delicious but I lean butter! The mayo one tastes similar to the Japanese onigiris with mayo and tuna if that's more your style. You cant go wrong with either sauce. There's plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas and some indoor seating. The line was long when we got there around 2pm on a Friday but I think it goes by quickly. There was a big Red Sox v. Tigers game that night so the whole city had lots of tourists that day. I think it took about 15-20 mins of waiting in line. And it didn't take long for us to get our food once we ordered. The staff was nice and on to of it. Loved the vibe of the whole place. Great place to hang out with friends and family. I'm not sure what parking is like since I used the T and walked there. I'm already thinking about making a trip back to eat here again! read more

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While in Boston you have to get a Lobster Roll!!! This is 2 pounds of Fresh Lobster in butter. It was Good but not great???? For almost $50 I was expecting Amazing. The Crab Cake was good!!! Clam Chowder was awesome!!! Get there early as the line is out the door and it is mostly outdoor seating so lucky we had beautiful weather. It is counter service so have what you want ready and grab a table if you can find one!! read more

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James Hook is my favorite place to get lobster rolls in Boston. I stop by every time I'm in town. Lobster rolls aren't cheap and sometimes you overpay for what you get. This isn't the case here. You can either get a regular or a large roll here and either with mayo or hot butter (butter costs more). The bun options depend on the size you ordered- for the large, it was a toasted 8inch hotdog sort of bun. I'm guessing prices change depending on the season- it was $35 for a regular butter and $40.99 for a large when I stopped in. They also offer fresh seafood for purchase, crab cakes, several chowders, and beers. The buttered version comes with a cup of butter on the side. I don't add all of it- I find that a small amount is all that is needed and prefer to let the natural sweetness of the lobster be the dominant flavor. The roll is PACKED! Large chunks of tail meat and a few claws. I advise eating over the tray as there is so much meat that there's a chance some will fall off when taking a bite. Lobster is incredibly fresh (they have huge live lobsters right by the door as you walk in). I had a bite of a friend's mayo roll- not my preferred option but it was still good! Service is quick-within 10 minutes of placing my order, there's a server calling out my number. There's both indoor and outdoor seating (several options for outdoor heated seating as well). The location is nicely situated on Atlantic Ave and offers a nice view of the harbor. You can easily walk about 12 minutes from Faneuil Hall and cross over to Seaport when you've finished eating. Love this place and I'll continue to support it. read more

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Love the hot lobsters roll both with butters and mayonnaise. We also got a 2 x 6 lbs live lobster for our dinner. There was a lot of people but service was surprisingly fast and The friendly. We definitely recommend this place for both lobster roll and live lobsters! BEst read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We came here after quickly looking up a reputable place for lobster rolls on a last-minute whim. The place is super cute and New England rustic, with a lobster mascot out in the front and the option of both a food truck with outdoor dining and the indoor dine in option. We opted for inside the restaurant and waited about 10 min in line (it was a Saturday afternoon), before ordering a lobster roll with butter. It was a bit on the pricey side ($28.99) but came out within the minute of it being ordered. It was by far one of the freshest tasting and most delicious lobster rolls I've had. The lobster was cooked well, and the roll was a decent size. 10/10 experience - just be prepared to pay a decent price for your meal read more

James Hook & Co - Regular Lobster Roll with Butter* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This restaurant is not to be missed! We were in Boston for several days and found some great spots for local eats! No table service. You wait in line inside the restaurant, pay for it then you step aside and wait for your food. We loved the food here. We ordered the large lobster roll which had lots of large chunks of lobster. $41 is steep for a lobster roll but it's filled with lobster. The lobster bisque was delicious too with smaller pieces of lobster. Creamy and hot which was perfect on a cold day in January. We ate inside the green house outside. Loved it and can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Boston. read more

Best lobster roll in town, bar none. Both hot and cold are fantastic -- with *zero* filler. Don't let the line scare you away; it's well worth the wait. read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Mayo* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Food was excellent. We had hot lobster roll, shrimp corn chowder, clam chowder, and crab cake. They have a large outdoor area with lots of tables and inside seating. They open at 10am. Must try. read more

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We wanted a really good lobster roll while staying in Boston. Well we found was an exceptional meal and lobster rolls and crab rolls. It's a little challenging to get to with a rental car, you have to find a parking garage because street parking is limited. However, the seating is plentiful. The service is fast. You order at the counter and our rules were almost immediately out. When staying on the south side it's a perfect way to grab a meal before heading to the airport. And it seemed like there were a lot of locals around. Enjoy enjoying as well. Quite an enjoyable time and looking forward to coming back and making a trip out here to enjoy more. Reasonable prices great food. What more can you ask for? read more

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This was probably my favorite lobster roll of the trip! The lobster was lump and so fresh! I also ordered a double stuffed clam, which reminded me of the oyster dressing that I've had in Louisiana. To order, you have two places to choose from: going inside of the restaurant or going to where the seating is and ordering from the food truck. There was no line at the food truck so I opted that route. I'm not sure if the menu differed, but I was happy with my selections. I definitely recommend if you're in the area - especially if you're wanting to try lobster! read more

James Hook & Co - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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My local Bostonian friend always brings me to try new lobster rolls every time I visit. This visit, we tried James Hook & Co and really enjoyed it. The location is perfect. We ordered the roll inside and took it outside to the patio to eat. Service was fast and efficient. The menu was straightforward and easy to read. All of which made the ordering process a breeze. I went with the regular lobster roll with butter and a New England clam chowda. The lobster roll was pretty meaty and the butter was served on the side so you can add your desired amount. The clam chowda was good -- I ate that bowl clean. Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the food here and had a good experience. Definitely consider adding James Hook to your list for good lobster rolls! read more

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"addict" Living in Boston this is my spot for the most fresh lobster in town with the most generous portions especially getting the large . That I can just carry out for the lobster roll . I get the one with mayo . I will be trying the one with butter soon . I am sure it will be a treat . Even though sometimes you may see the place packed . They have so much help you out in a jiffy . I can't wait to visit again soon this lobster just makes me drool , lol. The vibe is fun & welcoming. read more

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For what you get, this place is expensive. $30 for a non buttered lobster roll. It was good, I loved how fresh it was, but the flavor was not there. It did not taste like a $30 lobster roll. The clam chowder however was excellent. Creamy and packed with flavor. This spot is fun, they have lobsters right there in the ordering area. It feels a bit touristy and I guess that's why they charge so much. Service is basically non existent because you order yourself and they don't serve you. It's fine, but there are better places in Boston for lobster rolls! read more

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Food was really good, really fresh lobster butter roll was delicious and the double stuffed scallop was bomb read more

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