This was our first visit to Boston and James Hook was recommended to us. First off, it was a very hot day, but the covered patio was nice for shade. Just know, there's only a few bar seats inside (and no air conditioning). Second, it was our first time trying lobster rolls. Out of the three of us, we were split. One loved it, one was just okay, the third said no way. We also got a crab cake and coleslaw, both of which were very good. Lastly, for two lobster rolls, one small crab cake, the coleslaw and three waters (and the waters had just been put in the cooler and they were still warm) it was almost $100. So for us to be sitting in the heat and be a little underwhelmed and overpriced, we left a little let down. But hey! That's vacation--the experience of new things. read more

Another episode on my lobster roll quest! We liked James Hook & Co a lot! The cold lobster roll, warm lobster roll, and mac and cheese were all delicious. You can tell how fresh the lobster is in every bite. Despite it being busy, we found seating outside. Our favorite was definitely the warm lobster roll, but honestly, everything we tried was so so good. Highly recommended! read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster Mac & Cheese and cold Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Lobster roll was best I've ever had. All fresh lobster from the ocean to the tank all right here on the shore. Great place for Togo or shipping lobster. read more

There are a lot of places in Boston to go for a good lobster roll and this is one of them. They have hot (with butter) and cold (with Mayo) lobster rolls available in regular and large sizes in addition to other seafood dishes as well. Both kinds of lobster roll were very good! There are tanks inside the building that have live lobsters! You can take your food to one of the outdoor tables to eat it. The service was good too. read more

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The line was very long, but it went quickly and it was worth it. You can order from the food truck or inside. They are very generous with the lobster on the rolls. SO FRESH. We went with the mayo, but I will be back to try the buttered lobster rolls too. We always got the potato salad which was surprisingly really good. Great vibes. read more

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Great location to enjoy a lobster roll in the summer. However, I do think that the portions are quite small and they didn't toast or season their bun for the lobster roll. The lobster Mac and cheese was good but on the saltier end in my opinion. However, the view is amazing and they have ample outdoor seatings Food: 7/10 Service: self-service Experience: 8/10 Value: 7/10 read more

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

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This little shack has some of the BIGGEST flavor in all of Boston. Known for its lobster, James Hook provides some of the best seafood around imo. While the lines may be long and the tables may be limited, it is well worth the wait. I will be sure to visit every time I am in Boston. read more

No wait! Came on a Monday afternoon and sat outside with their covered heated seating. Definitely one of the more pricier lobster rolls I've had in Boston but they do give you A LOT of lobster, but for the price? I'd probably go somewhere else for just as good of a roll. But it was great and a yummy meal!! read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster Roll w Butter - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Heard it was a requirement to come here if you are visiting. Great experience. Lobster roll and clam chowder was good. read more

James Hook & Co - Regular Lobster Roll with Mayo* 12 OZ Clam Chowder* - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I found this restaurant on a list of the best clam chowders in Boston. I've had better clam chowder, but it was good -- decent amount of clams, and they were well-cooked, not rubbery at all. The restaurant is sort of a tiny shack. No table service, you order at the counter. It's nothing fancy, but they have solid food. There are large bins of crabs & lobsters right inside the entrance, so I'm sure everything is fresh! Their wine selection is sad, but I was happy that they at least had a few wines as an option. read more

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

My friend and I took a spontaneous trip to Boston and walked by James Hook; she remembered that this place was pretty famous so we had to try it out! In my opinion, I give this place a 3 out of 5. [Ambience] - I loved their decor and out door seating area, and I loved how they had the live lobsters in their main area so everyone can see their fresh lobsters. [Service] You order at the register and pick up at register; so there I don't really have an opinion on this aspect. [Food] Okay, I personally did not enjoy my lobster roll; and that might be because I was hyping it up in my head and was highly disappointed. The lobster roll was burnt and the lobster needed more butter. We got the large lobster roll with butter instead of mayo; and for some reason, it costs $10 more for the butter roll. The lobster was bland and needed salt and pepper, we added 2 packs of salt and 2 packs of pepper but it honestly did not make it better. ON THE OTHER HAND, we also ordered lobster bisque. The lobster bisque was delicious, 7 hours have passed since I've had it and I am still thinking about it. The lobster bisque drizzled on top of the lobster roll made it way better. Overall, I give this place a 3 for their ambiance and lobster bisque. I would give the lobster roll a 1.5 out 5. read more

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

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Yall i gotta be real these were AIGHT did not taste freshhhh they tasted like kind of fishy i did not love... it was fine but i feel like at the price was expecting crazy chicken tasting meat read more

I'll admit I have zero lobster roll experience, but their lobster roll was so bomb. Got the large with butter, and wasn't disappointed. Huge chunks of lobster, fresh and perfectly toasted roll. So good I went twice during our short Fri - Sun stay in Boston. Cool no-frills atmosphere, too, with ample outdoor seating. read more

As close to a dockside experience as you will get in the middle of Boston! Hands down the best lobster roll in Boston -- but let me know if you agree. Tanks of giant lobsters greet you on entering -- you can picture them unloading the traps right there. Naturally, the rolls are loaded with fresh meat (butter or mayo, as you like). They don't spice or herb their mayo but did I mention fresh? Can't imagine that they used to feed this food to prisoners. Don't want a lobster roll? Have some lobster mac and cheese. Crab cakes are excellent too -- a generous portion of lump crabmeat and not overly stuffed with filling. Yeah -- they have hot dogs (I'll leave it there). Service is friendly and quick. Grab a bench outside or take it to go on the Greenway -- a great place to hang with friends. read more

James Hook & Co - Live lobster tank - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I absolutely loved this place. Cute set up, friendly staff. Lots of options and great flavors. Nothing like seeing what the lobsters look like that your about to eat. I saw plenty of reviews on ticktock and it has made me a believer. I'm glad I tried this place out. 10 out of 10. read more

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Delicous!! A great way to end our Boston trip. Was walking distance from our hotel. Can't wait to come back. read more

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

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If you're searching for the best lobster roll in Boston, look no further! This spot is a true gem and lives up to the hype. The lobster roll was pure perfection--overflowing with sweet, tender chunks of fresh lobster, lightly dressed to let the natural flavors shine. The buttery, toasted bun added the perfect balance of crispness and warmth. I tried their clam chowder and lobster soups, they both were yummy! Each bite was a little piece of heaven, reminding me why Boston is famous for its seafood. The setting is outdoors so you can enjoy the nice weather too. It gets busy on weekends, just be patient when waiting for a table. There are some tables indoors too. I can't wait to go back--this is a must-visit for seafood lovers! read more

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I visited here on two different trips to Boston and might be the best lobster roll I had on either trip. The restaurant is very small but reasonably price. They have a variety of options including live tanks. The staff was quick. read more

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

Stopped by for a glass of wine and some shrimp corn chowder. We sat outside with a great view of downtown. The chowder was fabulous! James Hooks isn't flashy but is a must do stop if in the area. We really enjoyed just sitting and relaxing outside while enjoying the great food. read more

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I was on a food day in Boston and this was my first stop. I came shortly after they opened so there wasn't a crowd whatsoever, which was nice. They have live lobsters in the restaurant tank. I had their lobster roll and my goodness it was so good. They filled the roll with lobster and the bread was delicious too!! As I'm writing this I'm dreaming of eating it again hahha. read more

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

I have been a customer of James Hook for as long as I can remember (before the fire) 25 years +. Every Labor Day weekend in honor of my dad we would host a lobster party for family and friends and always got lobster from JH&Co. I moved to Colorado 7 years ago and every time I come home to Boston I stop by JH&Co and get a bunch of lobsters to bring to Colorado for my friends here. When I'm not buying lobster there, I'm eating their amazing lobster rolls or buying the super fresh seafood. The staff is always helpful and courteous. The ambience is cute and cozy and gives the perfect New England seafood shack vibe. I always look forward to going to JH&Co and am always greeted with big smiles and warmth. I'll be going back again and again and again. And my friends in Colorado appreciate getting a little New England in Denver thanks to you!! read more

James Hook & Co - Lobster to fly! - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We got two regular lobster rolls, one with butter and one with mayo. I recommend the one with mayo! The price is fair, similar to Maine's lobster rolls. We also had a medium clam chowder which was good as well. We sat outside and there are a lot of table outside. read more

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

The lobster rolls and soups were delicious! The outdoor seating area is lovely, although be prepared for some bird activity near the harbor. Prices are standard for Boston lobster dishes, though the portion sizes for regular and large orders might not align with the price difference. read more

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Food was good but way over priced and the so called large lobster roll wasn't that large. The atmosphere was ok, nice outside seating but when you in to order it was really hot inside. I tried the New England clam chowder for my first time and it was ok better than I thought it was going to be. But again over priced. It's more of a tourist trap for location and name. Can't say I'd go back with those prices. read more

Super rich and buttery lobster roll with the crispiest bread. Not a lot of food for $37, but delicious paired with a Samuel Adams lager and creamy and steaming lobster bisque. read more

James Hook & Co - Regular Lobster Roll with Butter and 12 OZ Lobster Bisque - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This was our least favorite spot we ate at in Boston. We heard great things and were excited to try their lobster roll and clam chowder. This spot was definitely overpriced, and the service was meh. It's not that anything was bad, it just didn't impress us. I'll be skipping this spot in the future. read more

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

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No frills Boston establishment with classic lobster rolls. This is my go-to lobster roll and clam chowder spot whenever I am in Boston. You get a perfectly toasted butter roll with a generous serving of flawlessly cooked lobster chunks. What I love is that you have the option of butter or dressed with mayo. I always love going to with butter as I enjoy the simplicity of bun and lobster so I could enjoy the sweetness of the lobster. But you can not go wrong with either option. The New England Clam Chowda is also another favorite of mine. It is perfectly creamy without being too heavy and you get chunks of clam meat and potatoes. Highly recommend! read more

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

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It's amazing, expensive but delicious. When you see blue collared construction workers lined up to eat a $40 lobster roll you better get in there and see what's doing, I walked away happy and full from just one large lobster roll. We would definitely be back read more

Delicious!! This no nonsense establishment gets right to the meat of things! They have a food truck outside that offers all types of lobster rolls and inside the building that shares the seating they offer the lobster roll with butter, so we less feed in there. They have a ton of other seafood items and also a live tank with crabs and lobsters. We ordered ours to go and it was ready within ten minutes. There was plenty of lobster piled high and there was no shortage of butter. So good! Just stop and split a roll. Then walk a lot! Lol Enjoy! read more

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We found this place on TikTok (lol) and have to admit it lives up to the hype - BEST LOBSTER ROLL I've ever had! We ordered at the food truck instead of the inside counter and our order came out almost instantly. There are many tables to sit at indoors (no AC) and outdoors. I would eat this every day if I could. read more

James Hook & Co - Huge piece of claw meat - YUM - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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To welcome a friend visiting from out-of-town, I decided to go to James Hook for lunch on Friday. At noon, the establishment's outside seating had not completely filled up, but the choice seating under the shade (on this uncharacteristically warm October day) had. Nonetheless, I put in my order for a crab roll ($26.99), potato salad ($4.99), and stuffed clam ($9.99) at the food truck kiosk. Note that another kiosk, inside the slightly more permanent-looking trailer, has a larger menu. The crab roll tasted immaculately fresh. The brine would have dripped down the roll had the mayo not locked the filling together. The potato salad seemed better than the standard fare. It did not have excessive amounts of mayo, and had some bacon. The small plastic clamshell size and the $4.99 pricing made this look too similar to supermarket potato salad, however. The stuffed clam seemed a bit too expensive for a single quahog clam and the liberal stuffing to clam ratio. Overall, the roll seemed great; the sides, ok. read more

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James Hook has the best lobster roll and lobster bisque I've ever had--hands down! Every bite was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. From the first spoonful of bisque to the last bite of the roll, I enjoyed every moment. If you're a seafood lover, this spot is a must. I totally recommend it! read more

Came here on recommendation and it did not disappoint. Had the clam chowdah and lg lobstah roll with mayo, both priced great for the quality and quantity of food. Drinks are definitely priced higher then normal so we skipped that. Strange thing is they have no bathroom or place to wash your hands, but they will tell you they have napkins. Regardless of that, I would come back and recommend. Great seating outside when it is nice and general good music vibes. read more

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

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I'm from out of state, looked for a place with good reviews on the lobster rolls and chowder and came to this place and was so disappointed :( $70 for a puny lobster roll and a medium clam chowder (+tip) - which I wouldn't mind if it was good, but it just really was nothing special. I was so shocked as I was eating because the $40 lobster roll was pretty plain and underwhelming. I'm really sorry to make this comparison too, but being so honest when I was eating the chowder I seriously thought it could be canned Progresso soup :( Pro is that there was lots of outdoor seating and the food came out fast but even so - I would not spend my money on this food again! read more

Cold lobster roll with Mayo was delicious! Price was reasonable in comparison to other local spots and size was also very reasonable. Inside and outdoor seating was awesome as it was raining when we went. read more

The lobster roll was too expensive & was not fabulous. For more than $30, I should be dreaming about getting another one - I am not; I've had better. Parking is horrible; some Krazy- made it her job to yell at people about where they couldn't park while sitting in front of the restaurant even after I asked her where I should park. "Hey lady, if you're gonna yell where people can't park, you better be ready with an alternative." She yelled at several different car loads of people while we waited for our food. Service is alright. The store is cute. I still have buyers remorse over that little lobster roll. To have bragging rights to say I had a famous lobster roll in Boston, it just wasn't worth the hype. read more

Coming to Boston, one thing that people consistently told me to try were the lobster rolls. Me being not the biggest lobster enthusiast, tried to go in with a very open mind when we decided to stop at James Hook for some lobster rolls. The area had a main building, a little trailer for ordering, and an outdoor seating area. Ordering was super easy and we got our food very quickly. Something I will note is that lobster is extremely expensive, and a lobster roll could set you back nearly $30. I knew that lobster was expensive but the number really jumps out at you. On one hand I was grateful that the sandwich was filled to the brim with lobster, on the other hand I just didn't think the roll had much flavor. I also wish the bread was maybe toasted but I'm also uneducated on how a lobster roll should be prepared. Take this review with a grain of salt, personally I just wish it had more flavor for the price but I also don't appreciate lobster as much as many do. read more

I'll preface this with a warning that I don't love seafood...BUT we wanted to try an authentic Lobster Roll while we were in Boston. Our internet research and tour guides all pointed us in the direction of James Hook & Co! Atmosphere is neat, very busy (which you know means it's good!) My wife, kids and I shared a lobster roll and crab cake. Wife and daughter scarfed them both down, claiming how delicious they both were! Definitely worth the price tag (which is what you'd expect for fresh lobster!) read more

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

So nice I had to come twice! I swung by one day of my trip for clam chowder. So fresh and hot and delicious. This made me decide to come back the next day when I was more hungry for a lobster roll. Decided to go with the regular butter lobster roll. So yummy! Service here is quick and they have a great outdoor seating area. read more

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

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Finally, a lobster roll that is worth the price and is full of food!! This restaurant is on the edge of the water right across from Seaport. The restaurant is soo cute and has tons of lobster merch everywhere! It's counter service so you order inside at the front and sit wherever you want in the outside area. Fod food, we got the butter lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, clam chowder, stuffed scallop, and crab cake. The lobster roll was sooo stuffed and the pieces were ginormous. I just wish the bread was more toasted. Lobster mac and cheese was so impressive because there was lobster in every bite but the actual mac and cheese was a bit bland. Clam chowder was good but nothing crazy. The stuffed scallop was my fave!!! It had sooo much flavor and was crispy on the top but still so full of seafood and the stuffing was cooked perfectly. Crab cake was similarly delicious and so tasteful. I would not get the mac and cheese or the soup again but the stuffed scallop and crab cake and the lobster roll, YES! read more

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