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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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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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

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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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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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

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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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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First time having a hot lobster roll and I've been converted. Never going back to cold again. Favorite part was being able to see the lobsters. read more

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

Excellent lobster roll, warm with butter! Huge pieces of chunky sweet yummy lobster. Crab cake n chowder also very good! Love the casual outdoor atmosphere. read more

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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My husband and I ordered a crab cake, warm lobster roll and clam chowder to spit. although there was a line, it moved quick. The crab cake was a 11/10. The best crab cake I've ever eaten. The lobster roll was 6/10. While it was fresh it was not seasoned at all. I've had better lobster rolls in columbus Ohio. The chowder was 7/10. Creamy, hot but again lacked seasoning. Do yourself a favor and triple up on the crab cakes. read more

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

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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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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I thought I was ordering lobster rolls, but what came was more like a "sample" platter-- not worth $35 And that lobster bisque? I've had more flavor in a cup of warm tap water. I guess technically it can be called "lobster" bisque because it's made up of .0000092% of lobster that requires your strong imagination of what the flavor should be. read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Butter* Not worth it - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cute place with tons of lobster themed decor! While I think the lobster roll itself wasn't something I'd come back for, the clam chowder was delicious - very savory, full of clam and nice portion sizing. The lobster roll unfortunately was quite chewy, and hard to eat. The lobster was fresh but just overcooked. We came in mid December so it was very chilly! Only a few spots inside, and lots of outdoor seating - the outdoor area does have some covered tables in a greenhouse style building, which helped us stay warm and out of the wind. read more

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

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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

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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I was visiting Boston for a couple of days and knew I had to get a lobster roll while I was in town and found James Hook & Co. Came by for an early Saturday lunch and got the regular sized lobster roll with mayo for myself. Ordering is at the counter inside or at the pick-up window outside. I was debating on the regular or large size and glad that I ended up getting the regular version as it was more than enough for one person. Loved the cold lobster roll with mayo as it was well perfectly seasoned without feeling too heavy. I would usually go for a hot roll with butter but on a hot Boston summer day, the mayo lobster roll was perfect and the large chunks of cool lobster really hit the spot. There's plenty of seating both outdoors and in a smaller enclosed area which is great as the shop seems small but has plenty of room for dining in. Such a great stop along the waterfront! read more

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We searched for a place to eat a lobster roll. We are glad we came to this highly rated place. The lobster roll was delicious. It tasted fresh and was very tasty. The clam chowder was also tasty and not too rich. The service and the atmosphere were excellent. Overall it was a very good experience. read more

James Hook & Co - 12 OZ Clam Chowder*, very good - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Unfortunately, this place does not seem to be run by people who truly care about their business or customers. I visited with my family and ordered a kids' mac and cheese. When the food arrived, it had lobster in it. My daughter refused to eat it because that's not what we ordered. When I returned to the register to have the mistake corrected, I was met with rudeness and clear annoyance instead of an apology. The lack of professionalism and customer care was extremely disappointing. This experience was a complete waste of time and money. I will be sure to let others know to avoid this place. read more

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

Walked in and felt a little uneasy on where to start ordering and to sit. The space is tight and some of the staff seem worn out/ I ordered the mayo lobster roll. I was so excited to eat it. As I bit into the roll, the bread tasted stale and low quality. Then as I was chewing the lobster chunks were many minutes overcooked. I was having a hard time swallowing the protein. But because it was pricey and I wanted that boston lobster moment, I kept going. Finally in my last bite, I looked at the bottom of the bread roll to have mold. read more

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

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James Hook is a little shack with pretty much all outdoor seating (barring a few tight spots inside). Counter service wasn't the most welcoming, but everything else was on par. The lobster rolls weren't huge but both were good. While typically I prefer the cold version, the hot with butter is definitely the way to go at James Hook! read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster Roll (Hot and Cold) - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

While looking for a place to have lunch, we stumble the pond James Hook and Co and I'm so glad that we did. It was the perfect setting for a lobster roll and beer on our final day in Boston. read more

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I ate like 5 lobster rolls. Didn't feel full nd could have had more but the wallet started feeling it read more

James Hook & Co - Outdoor dining space - 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

A classic Boston stop! Enjoyed some clam chowder on a chilly day- there were heaters outside. The inside space is pretty small but they have a food stand outside too for convenience. The chowder was delicious, creamy, and loaded with meat. The workers were super friendly too! read more

James Hook & Co - 12 OZ Clam Chowder* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I had mixed feelings about this place. The lobster roll was pretty disappointing -- the "roll" wasn't really a roll at all, more like a piece of bread, and overall it just lacked flavor. The lobster mac and cheese wasn't much better in terms of lobster content -- there was barely any in it -- though the flavor itself was okay. It honestly reminded me a lot of Velveeta-style mac and cheese. On the positive side, the bisque was okay and definitely a highlight, and the crab cake was excellent -- probably the best thing we ordered. That said, almost everything needed a good amount of salt and pepper to bring it to life. Overall, not terrible, but definitely not as good as I was hoping for, especially for the price point of 100 dollars. read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster Mac & Cheese* Regular Lobster Roll with Butter* 16 OZ Lobster Bisque* Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Amazing lobster rolls here! The cold mayo lobster roll is one of my favorite lobster rolls in all of Boston! I was always a fan of hot buttered lobster rolls until I tried the cold mayo roll here at James Hook. Try it! You will not be disappointed! I feel like the mayo highlights the freshness of the seafood more than hot butter which can mask the flavor. There is a small indoor seating area as well as a very nice outdoor seating area and patio when the weather is nice! read more

A great place to get an authentic dose of Boston seafood right near South Station. It was a quick walk and we enjoyed our fried seafood. My friend had clams with fries and I had crab cakes (a great budget option). Both delicious! read more

For my final food stop in Boston, I had to try James Hook &Co. famous lobster roll. I ordered the regular with butter, and boy they definitely don't skimp on the butter. The lobster was fresh and great quality. Although 1 regular lobster roll is very pricey, it is worth it. You definitely gotta come here at least once, it's a Boston Staple! read more

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

What a great place to grab a quick and fabulous lobster roll!! It's a small place, but has seating inside and a patio with outdoor seating. SERVICE: Nice person at the register helped me order the perfect lobster roll quickly and I got my food pretty fast! FOOD: Tasty!! I got the cold roll with mayo and it was fresh and super yummy. If you are staying at the Boston Harbor Hotel, just a Hop, skip and jump away. Go get ya one! read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll w/ Mayo - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts