Definitely a solid option for their lobster roll. Service is friendly and quick despite the long lines. Couple of tables and chairs inside but plenty of seating available outside when the weather's good. Lobster roll is served cold, in typical fashion. It has the right amount of toast, crisp, and butter on the roll that goes perfect with the slaw and lobster chunks. read more

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I signed on to Yelp just to write this review Good food, but the service after the meal was sorely lacking. I came in with my sister and her boyfriend who were in town for the week, looking for a great lobster experience. It was in a nice location, and looking at the live lobsters was pretty cool. Our meal was called out and it was pretty satisfying. We noticed the strange refundable deposit on the receipt regarding the shell crackers for the lobster, but paid it no mind. At the end, we returned the crackers, and we waited for the $5 back while the cashier called out orders. After a while, I went to ask him about our deposit and I was told that while he did get them, he got a different receipt other than the one with the deposit. He literally told me to go look for it in the trash if I wanted my money back. 0/10 attitude. That's not how you treat a customer read more

First time to Boston, my friend told me the losbster here is the best in downtown. It was really a great meal ever, I enjoyed the fresh lobster and lobster roll here. read more

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Went here for a late afternoon lunch with a friend after a conference nearby. We tried a variety of items - including the lobster, 2 types of chowders, crab rolls, lobster mac and cheese and stuffed clams. The lobster roll was very tasty and lived up to expectations, but the lobster mac and cheese was disappointing and the chowder was OK - nothing special to I have had in the past. Had been here a couple years back and prices have definitely increased. Think now, I would only get the lobster rolls. Rest of the items were OK and overall expensive. Still a good experience if you haven't had lobster rolls before. read more

This little place was amazing! The lobster roll was SOO good! They had all sorts of lobster and crab and other fish for purchase, as well as clam chowder and several other things. The menu was not extensive, but it was super fresh seafood, and the prices were decent. Not much indoor seating though, if you have a big group with you read more

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

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We came here for lunch on our last day in Boston 11/5/17. My friend and I each got a lobster roll and shared a medium clam chowder. Lobster roll was full packed. The meat was fresh and cooked just right, doesn't have that rubbery texture and lightly coated with mayonnaise. Clam chowder had great flavors and perfect consistency, not too thick. From ordering to picking up our food took about under 10mins. Overall it was a great experience. Everything came out to be around $50. read more

Weekday lunch. *No gluten-free rolls at that time. Menu: I shared the large lobster role for take-out. They didn't have gluten-free rolls. Luckily I had my own gluten-free bread with me so I assembled my lobster roll after we got our take-out order. There were very large tasty pieces of lobster in the lobster roll. As a first time lobster roll eater, I wish there was a touch of mustard, some arugula or something else to contrast the flavor. I would have liked less 'mayo' but I'm just not a fan of mayo based sauces. Otherwise very good. Venue: Very interesting spot. The resaurant looks like a trailer with a cozy outdoor patio. There are live lobster tanks inside. Service: Despite the long line, our meals came out quickly which was great since we had a train to catch. read more

Really cool family-run market and restaurant located on Boston's waterfront with a large outdoor patio area complete with a tiki bar (unclear if it was affiliated or just a pop-up). The line was nearly out the door, so we could tell it was fairly popular. We sat at one of the shaded picnic tables and people-watched while sipping beer and tucking into some seafood rolls. The NE-style clam chowder was excellent, creamy and thick with generous chewy bits of clam and a nice peppery finish. I added a bit of hot sauce to give it a sharper edge and some oyster crackers for texture. The crab roll was just alright; the crab meat tasted fresh, but the bread was almost an afterthought and didn't add much to the overall flavor or texture of the item. The lobster rolls were better but still came second to the other one we had on the same trip (from Pauli's). I also wasn't particularly enthused about having to use a porta-potty on a hot summer day, but hey, it's better than not accommodating your guests' bodily needs at all... read more

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

Came here for lunch with my family. It was well worth it! Everything was made fresh and prepared to perfection. I had the lobster roll and it was just the right balance of meat, bread and mayo. My husband had the seafood and the kids Mac and cheese. This place hit the spot perfect. One of the employees really took the time to show my kids the live lobsters and crabs. Thank you!!! Came back for my birthday lunch two days early. God bless James Hook. My stomach and heart is happy. read more

Great lobster roll, best in the city! The atmosphere is perfect and I will go back every chance I get. read more

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

Lobster rolls are mouthwatering. They come in regular and large. For a $3 difference, splurge for the large. The toasted roll is packed with lobster meat, absolutely worth the money. They also have an assortment of other seafood. Clam chowder, mussels, crab cakes. The sell live lobsters, you can see them when you walk in. They're enormous! Seating inside is limited, but they do have tables set up outside. Perfect for when the weathers nice. read more

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

This was my first stop on my unofficial lobster roll tour of Boston. Really cool location -- since the weather's nice, there were tons of people in the outdoor seating area and a good sized line inside, but I waited less than 10 minutes for my food (went around 2pm on a Thursday). I got a large lobster roll with a cup of lobster bisque, which was a great sized meal. The large comes on a bigger bun (the regular is a hot dog bun) and the lobster portions are GENEROUS! Admittedly, I much prefer warm lobster rolls with butter to those made with mayo, but this is definitely the best mayo lobster roll I've had. Not too heavily dressed, well-seasoned, and tons of meat in a warm, toasted bun. The bisque was delicious as well, and even the smallest cup size is a good sized portion. This food tour is definitely off to a good start! read more

Friendly and helpful staff, delicious and fresh lobster, and really nice souvenirs to buy! We had a lobster roll and a 3lb lobster. We've had a lobster roll at 3 different areas in New England and this place had the best! The food is worth the money. Take it from a college student! There was a line, but it didn't last long as it was continuously moving. read more

James Hook & Co - 3lb lobster - $50 in Aug 2017 - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Great place to get a solid lobster roll for a decent price. A good option for the hard working people. Good portions, light on the mayo, tons of lobster, and good warm buttery bun. Not sure if they do just the warm butter version but overall good stuff. read more

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

I'm from Italy , and every time I come in Boston , James Hook is the place I have to go ! The food is fresh and very tasty. You can't not have the lobster roll . I really recommend it. Andrea read more

So worth it for a lobster roll!!! My friend and I came here for a large lobster roll for $21 and there was so much lobster in it. It was straight up lobster with some mayo I think. The bun was toasted which was good, but not a butter bun. It was still good nevertheless. I would love to come back and try a crab roll or the other seafood. I wanted to come back to grab a bowl of clam chowder but they closed pretty early on Sunday so I missed my chance :( SO GOOD! read more

I am a visiting doctor to learn from MGH. I have been to Neptune Oyster .... horrible service ... poor I have been to Union Oyster ... Bar table guys are nice and fun, food is good But when I go to James Hook today. I was rescued from the hell mood caused by Neptune to heaven here in James Hook. The lobster is fresh and great. The guys here is really nice. The Neptune waitress really needed to be trained here. The lobster roll is perfect. I must visit here again and again before I am leaving Boston. read more

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If you're looking for a place that pumps out great lobster dishes without the trappings of a restaurant... look no further. Right between a major road and the water in the Financial District... James Hook stands out... it's just a little shack. But it's perfect. You walk in to live lobsters and crabs on your right, and a menu bursting with freshness. We got the large lobster roll, lobster bisque, and lobster mac & cheese. 3 for 3. The roll was huge, with big chunks of lobster meat, some light mayo, and nothing else. Came on a perfect New England roll, this is what you want in a lobster roll. The bisque has amazing flavor, but no chunks of lobster meat. Word to the wise, read the sign that says you can add extra lobster meat for just a few more bucks. Worth the upgrade. The mac was my favorite. SO much lobster, and big chunks, to go with the mini shells. The cheese sauce was perfectly complimentary; not overpowering, not too heavy, not too cheesy. More sauce then gooey, but I thought it was just right to compliment the crab. Go here. read more

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

Tiny but excellent, this classic seafood joint is one of the best. It's pricey so be prepared to pay $20/lobster roll and $25/Mac and cheese. That being said, the three of us split those two dishes and we were full. Maybe 6 tables inside and it is fragrant. Centrally located, not sure about parking read more

Delicious lobster rolls and lobsters to go as well. It's not summer until I visit James Hook!

Thank you fellow Yelper's this was an excellent choice! We ordered the large lobster roll, The role was nice and warm and the lobster was absolutely delicious huge chunks of lobster meat with very little mayo to hold it together, The lobster bisque soup was perfect - buttery creamy with tiny flakes of lobster - delicious. Clam chowder soup is also delicious with minced clams potatoes and creamy. The lobster roll and the soup had mild seasoning making the seafood the star. The tiny building is quaint, seating very limited,service is fast and friendly. The diners are very courteous,they eat and leave nobody lingers giving the next group of people time to enjoy their food. There's a small parking lot, parking is tricky in the Boston area but this is well worth the stop. They also sell souvenir's such as T-shirts and hats, saltwater Café and other little goodies. There is a large cases of live lobsters and crabs. I highly recommend stopping in. They take credit cards and cash. read more

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AMAZING. But being local, inconsistent lobster rolls. Sometimes you get a bomb lobster roll with overflowing tender pieces of lobster meat, other times you get a soggy flimsy little tiny thing. I don't know James, I get you are CONSTANTLY busy which means you deliver an excellent product, but I just wish the product size would stay the same as every time I come. Will continue to recommend for an authentic Boston lobster roll! read more

Great food, great location. The line is long, but the wait is well worth it. I ordered the lobster roll and the bun was overfilled with lobster read more

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

My husband and I visited Boston over the Memorial Day holiday and decided to give James Hook & Co a visit based on YouTube reviews and documentaries. The lobster was delicious, succulent, and sweet. The lobster rolls get an A plus! We also tried the Lobster bisque, but have had better. It lacked flavor and was not well seasoned, as it tasted like lobster broth mixed with heavy cream only. The restaurant is small and seating is limited. However, there's outdoor seating and tables- great for a meal on a sunny day! read more

So good first time I've been in Boston in about 8 years. But it He's so good it makes my mouth water just looking at the lobsters. This is what you expect when you come to Boston and I'm so happy your game. Mac & cheese is on point lobster roll on point stuffed clam and stuff scallop on point.! Yes read more

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

Went to James Hook & Co. to try the lobster roll: 1. The "large" lobster roll is the size of a regular hot dog. 2. Bread was old, but they do heat it up to try to cover this. 3. Lobster meat was good, but not greatly seasoned. Also tried the crab cake: 1. Almost no crab meat. 2. Filling is some crab meat + seasoning + filling. This proved to be a tourist trap/ marketing fad. read more

Was my first time in Boston and had to try out some clam chowder and a lobster roll. The clam chowder is a must have so yummy and filling. The lobster roll was a bit plain but the lobster was super fresh ! read more

This place was behind some construction so they moved the kitchen and outdoor seats like 50 feet next to the original place. Pretty impressive honestly. We had the lobster roll and clam chowder, they were good. I just think the bun was a little much for me. Too think and dry chewey. There is quite a long line but it moves fairly quickly. read more

Their lobster rolls were amazing. They also sell Live lobsters here. I thought the lobster rolls had lots of big lobster chunks and the bread is really good. They were really busy though. They do close kind of early. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I would recommend the outdoor seating because there's more room. It feels more like a lobster shack inside. I highly recommend this place read more

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

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Lobsters. Lobsters. Lobsters. Yes. Anytime you want the best prices and selection for live lobsters you must come here. Wonderful selection up to 10+ pounders. Staple fish market in the heart of Boston. Right on the water across from the financial district. read more

Got the large hot butter rolls and they were great. Some businesses have been able to adapt in these unique times and this business did. A small miscommunication in ordering turned into a showcase of customer service for us we were not expecting. Will look forward to supporting this business in the future read more

My mouth is already salivating as I clicked on the James Hook & Co Yelp page to write a review. Everything is made so fresh, and their options are abundant. You can choose from several different items. The restaurant itself is a small little place, located close to the water. Sitting outside is perfect because they have cute little plants on the side next to picnic-esque tables. So adorable! I came with my family and we tried various items: the lobster roll, lobster mac & cheese, shrimp cocktail, and the clam chowder. - Lobster Roll (small $17; large $20): this is what I am dreaming about. The chunks of lobster are HUGE, and they don't skimp out. The way they flavor the roll is absolutely delicious--so creamy and rich, yet it doesn't overwhelm the lobster and you can still taste it. The roll is soft and fluffy, almost like a Hawaiian roll, and pairs so so well with the lobster bits. GET THIS! - Lobster Mac & Cheese ($18): the sauce was very creamy and rich, almost reminds me of a lobster bisque. Didn't taste so much of the cheese, but I think it was melded in with the sauce. While this was good, I would recommend the lobster roll over this for sure. The portion was sort of small and I feel that you definitely get more bang for your buck with the lobster roll. - Shrimp Cocktail ($15): shrimp was very fresh. You get large bits of shrimp, unlike other shrimp cocktails which may be smaller. The cocktail sauce was so good as well. Dipped in the sauce, the shrimp just tasted amazing. - Clam Chowder ($8): this was okay. I didn't like this one as much as the other dishes. There was something a bit off about this soup; there weren't any bits of clam in it, and it didn't that traditional taste that I expect for clam chowder. Probably would not recommend this one. Overall though, great experience and I would definitely come back, especially for the lobster roll. If anyone comes to visit, this is where I'll take them. Get the large also! It's only $3 more and you get a lot more :D You can also walk next to the water afterward! Gorgeous view! read more

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I was on a quest for lobster rolls in Boston. I've tried Yankee Lobsters, Boston Chowda and James Hook. James Hook is the best in terms of price, quality and size of the lobster rolls. Get the large one which has an over abundant of big chunks of fresh lobster meat. The regular size lobster roll is smaller and looks like it's filled with smaller pieces of lobster meat, not as satisfying as the large chucks in the large one. read more

Just an awesome little spot. We went on our way out of town with just a few min before our train. After living in Boston for a few years, I was sick of people over selling lobster rolls (I'm a crab guy) but these were amazing. For two of us, we got one large and one small lobster roll... I ate most of the large but honestly could barely finish it! This was chock full of the stuff (unlike a LOT of the more popular places hocking those sort of delicacies.). I would take the train in or out of South Station just to put myself nearby! Sure it's a bit pricey but it's seafood and it's Boston... just go enjoy yourself! read more

The lobster is kinda expensive, but in my opinion it is worth because of the history of the place. The line is always long and there is never no place to sit. That's the reason I gave 4 stars. However its good to have constant busy than none. They give you a generous amount of lobster read more

1. Go here over lunch, they close at 5pm. 2. Stand in line. Menu is on the table inside. 3. A dude will ask you while you're in line (but not yet at the counter) for your order. This is YOUR dude until you pay. 4. Order a large lobster roll, clam chowda and lobster mac and cheese. Yes this is too much food. Share with a friend. Sharing is caring. 5. Stay in line. Dude might bring you food while still in line. You can do this. 6. Pay dude with cash or card. Tip nicely. Dudes work hard. 7. Find a table inside or out. 8. Eat food with your friend. Make noises to celebrate how happy your taste buds are. 9. Throw your garbage away. Do NOT throw the tray away. Be a responsible adult. 10. Plan your next trip to Boston and make sure this place is on the list! read more

I wasn't feeling this place. At all. Got my food thrown around, pissy faces, and was being talked about the whole time. The staff was saying "we need to get these people the hell outta here 'cus I wanna leave!" doesn't make me comfortable especially when I just spent about $60 for some sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil, a couple cooked shrimp, and soup. They were nearing closing time and apparently the guys working here were pissed at some girl not doing her part of the job. Uh, why is it being taken out on all the customers paying $40+ for their orders? I had a lovely experience in Boston and everyone was so friendly. But this place was probably the worst in terms of service that I've been to in a while. I understand they were nearing closing time and were antsy to leave but really, it doesn't get any worse than this. I literally rushed to leave because I felt like I was imposing at that point. In terms of food, the lobster rolls are good. You see them in the display case but they make you a new roll in the back. LOTS of lobster on each roll and the rolls were really soft. You're definitely getting your money's worth in terms of food. Had the lobster bisque too and that was fantastic. Very creamy/rich and the portion is large. I feel as though if I came earlier in the day, I would've had a fantastic time paired with the good food. Maybe next time. read more

Stopped by for lunch after seeing reviews and recommendations. We were in a hurry so called ahead, food was ready when we got there which saved us some time. Got a lobster roll, crab roll and a clam chowder. Lobster roll was awesome, good quality lobster meat. Clam chowder was great as well. Crab roll had a good flavor, but didn't care too much for the texture of the meat, was kinda mushy the way it was prepared. Place is small inside, pretty much just a small fish market and spot to order, most of the seating is outside. Would definitely recommend the lobster roll, and a lot of people were ordering the whole cooked lobster that looked good as well. I've only made a couple trips to Boston, but to me this place gives a good representation of a classic lobster roll. Better than some others I had tried. read more

Guys, Guys, Guys. I've lived here for 5 years and I had my first lobster roll. Here's the deal, so I haven't liked seafood in the past. Therefore I haven't exactly been jumping to eat my first lobster roll. But I knew it would have to be a good one or else it could turn me off of lobster rolls FOREVER! That might have been a teensy bit dramatic but it's true. I loved the bread, nice and crispy. A great crunch to go with that meaty lobster. I haven't really liked lobster in the past, so I can't tell you much. But I can tell you it was fresh. I didn't like the mayo so much but that's a personal question, you can request less or none. Apparently it is New England tradition to order some butter on the side, which I did not do, but will remember to do in the future. Boyfriend got the crab roll. I liked his a lot better. But I think that comes down to a preference of the meat that's inside. I think for the two of our sandwiches and a drink it was about $28 so I think for what you get that's about right. There is very limited seating (especially inside), but remember that it's right on the water so that even though there are picnic tables outside it will be slightly cooler outside as well I'll be returning very very soon with my sister because she loves lobster rolls and I haven't treated her to the best experience that I could possibly do. read more

I was in Boston on the business trip and decided to try as many local places as I could in 3 Days. James Hook & Co was one them. Little warm and cozy shack, well decorated with tanks of live lobsters. This place is awesome for a quick lunch. I had a lobster roll and chowder. The food was phenomenal. I never had such a tasty lobster. I would definitely be back here on my next trip. read more

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