Finally got around trying out the lobster at James Hook. Given their prime location it is typically packed with tourists. If you come early on the weekend (in Covid times) it is not busy and there are plenty of open tables outside. I tried their lobster mac and cheese which was pricier than expected but there is plenty of lobster to make up for it. The dish was good and I would order it again. I wouldn't say they are a must visit but it is another good choice for lobster in Boston. read more

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

Two separate Bostonians- workers in the tourist industry- recommended James Hook & Co when we asked where to get good lobster rolls. Both times we would have to walk a few minutes and both said it would be worth the walk. The little restaurant is in an unassuming trailer with maybe 10 little round tables w chairs inside and more outside under a tent. It reminds me of the old Tracy's Crab Shack in Alaska. Looks like nothing much but the food is much to brag about. The regular size lobster rolls that we had was enough for a light lunch. The lobster meat is fresh and chunky. The mayonnaise is just enough to give it flavor but not overwhelming. The bread is soft and toasted. A fork is a must have to start eating but by halfway you could hold it in your hand. Awesomely delicious! The service is spot on too. Fast. Friendly. Efficient. Since it seems James Hook is the lobster fisherman I'm thinking that if I get to back there again I'd have the steamed whole lobster. I don't mind the mess and the "gravy " on the back makes the lobster oh so tasty. read more

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

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Arrived for my second visit to this shack, with the first being back in August '18, and brought my girlfriend here for her first time. For me, this place was even better the second time- hands down. (Maybe it was the foot and a half of snow on the ground?) We split a 10oz Clam Chowda and my date had a crab roll, while I myself had the large roll with mayo. Both rolls were creamy, rich, and filling, while the Chowda was rich and heavy- a perfect compliment. This shack is a staple of mine when I visit this beautiful city, and we'll be back before finishing this trip. Great job James Hook & Co! Maybe next time I'll grab a t-shirt or toboggan to represent. read more

James Hook & Co - Large Lobster Roll with Mayo New England Clam Chowda - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Hands down, best lobster roll in Boston. Will be back, can't wait! Great service, gentleman that took our order heard me mention a certain beer for our bucket and included it. Small space to eat, but worth it. read more

First time in Boston and decided to stop by James Hook! Great food, awesome location!

I had my first sit-down meal here after I moved to Boston. There are a few small tables inside the shack with more seating in the covered picnic area right outside. My boyfriend and I ordered the regular lobster roll with hot butter ($20.99), cup of clam chowder ($7.99), and a crab cake ($8). The lobster here is probably the freshest I've had yet. They definitely do not skimp on the lobster, and the roll is worth coming back for. The clam chowder was yummy and comparable to Pike Place Chowder in Seattle. As someone who doesn't normally enjoy crab cakes, the crab cake didn't convince me to change my mind. One thing that was odd was that they don't serve tap water here. You have to buy it bottled. Overall, pricey but tasty meal. If you're on a budget, this is a treat-yo-self experience. read more

Lobster bisque, chowder, and two whole main lobsters, 2 and 3 lbs. deliciousness!!!! I love this place. Worth every penny every time. The lobster Mac and cheese was the best part. We reordered a second serving. My kids were amazed!!! read more

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Meh. The lobster roll was completely smothered in mayo and the lobster bisque had barley any lobster. We got the stuffed scallop as well. Never tasted or saw any scallop in it!! Very disappointed read more

Awesome lobster, lobster bisque and clam chowder! Tasty and fresh! This is a nice place to have lunch. Food is fresh. The lobsters are huge and delicious. It is a small place and there is not too many tables, so be ready to eat standing up! read more

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Solid lobster roll and chowder. No frills atmosphere which I like because it reminds me of the seafood shacks I love to go to in Maine. Closes at 3pm Sunday and they stop serving whole cooked lobsters 20 minutes before closing (you can still get lobster rolls though). At closing I saw a white jeep with the license plate "Hook" almost run over a cyclist. The cyclist was very upset because, well because that's how people get when they almost get run over. read more

Shrimp nice and big, the lobster bisque is lobster free. They replaced it with clam chowder- you could tell it's from a can. The crab cake was fine, but pre cooked and microwaved. If you want to sit outside and eat seafoodish food, ok, if you want to enjoy your seafood, ummmm. read more

As a Midwestern gal in Boston, naturally I planned to do a tour de lobster roll. First stop - this place! A lot of locals recommended it to us and I can see why - locally owned, kitchy and quaint, and 100% delicious. We stopped in on a rainy day around 1:30pm. The inside seating was full but there was plenty of covered outdoor seating open. Indoors likely seats around 20 folks as its a small shop. The menu is small but mighty. And a lot of locals were popping in to grab fresh lobster, soups, and sides from the cold case. You can dine one of two ways here: snag a lobster roll or get a full blown lobster. Either way you can't go wrong. My boyfriend and I snagged two lobster rolls ($24.99) served cold, tossed lightly in mayo, and heaped on a toasted hotdog bun. They did not go light on the lobster. The bun was stuffed! For that price we were happy as we had seen a lot higher prices across the city. We each got a cup of soup ($7.99) - clam chowder and lobster bisque. We both preferred the chowder but the bisque was still great. We also shared a double stuffed sea scallop ($5). THIS was phenomenal. If we go back (lol we will) we plan to try to clam and crab cakes. Excited to see how this shop compares to other spots. read more

Best lobster roll and chowder in town! Very friendly staff and fast service! Food- ordered a large lobster roll and large clam chowder to split. Both were amazing! The lobster roll was fresh, soft and tender lobster on a warm roll. Also not too much mayonnaise. The chowder was nice and fresh, not gritty, overly salty, or too rich. We actually went up and got a second chowder to go. :) Would definitely recommend to stop in to people in the area. Atmosphere- small little trailer with picnic tables out front. Lobster traps in the yard added to the theme. Service- walk up to the counter to order. Staff was helpful to offer suggestions. They were also fast to get food out. It was nice to see them cleaning while we were there. Looked well kept. read more

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My friend really came thru telling me about this place. The lobster roll is amazing. I don't really like celery in the lobster roll because it's a filler. They are % all lobster. They are not cheap with it. The are all quality and care about customers. It is worth the drive from New York to come have a roll. The lobster Mac and cheese has chunks of lobsters not like some places that put largest in it. read more

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Gotta say. Was really disappointed. Looked forward to eating here since seafood is not great in TX. Got a bowl of lobster bisque to try. In all my travels, the worst bisque were those that had very little lobster. John's lobster bisque had no lobster at all! I expected more from a New England institution like John's. Not sure if it is normal or they had an off day. read more

James Hook & Co - No Lobster in Lobster Bisque!!!! - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Great! Long line and mostly outdoor seating but nice area to enjoy a meal and delicious! The line moves quickly and food is fresh. You can also buy live lobsters and they pull them straight out of the tanks. They have some giant lobsters, biggest ice ever seen. Got the large lobster roll and clam chowder. Lobster roll: yes it's large as ordered! I usually say I'm not a fan of cold rolls but this was delicious. SO much lobster it was falling out and not too much mayo, just delicious lobster flavor. Get it! Clam chowder: hot, clammy, and chunky. One of my favorites but pricey. Comes with oyster crackers like it should. No complaints here! read more

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

We had heard about James Hook online, so had to stop in. Little roadside place with mostly outdoor seating. Limited menu, but efficient. Ordered a Lobster roll and sat outside. Not bad. For those of us from the West Coast, these rolls are smallish, as we are used to our sandwich shops with large rolls. These are more of a hot dog bun size bread, so more of a snack to me than an entrée. Lol. Anyway. Lobster roll was tasty. The outdoor area had a ton of tables with umbrellas. There were staff that would walk around and clean the tables here and there. Only restroom is port a potty on the side of the building. More of a grab a bit on lunch kind of place, but not bad at all. read more

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

I've tried just about every place in Boston that serves lobster rolls, but I keep coming back to James Hook. Their rolls are amazing and I love the creamy clam chowder. Oh, and the location! Walk down to Long Wharf and watch the sail boats out in the water. Love it! read more

Great lobster rolls here! Mine was perfect though my boyfriend was not impressed with many pieces of shell in his. First lobster roll of the season was a success in my book! read more

I came here because of all the other fellow yelpers who are spoken to and have said this is a great place for a lobster roll. I had family and friends come in to visit me from out of town, and the first thing they said was they wanted something that represented New England. I couldn't think of a better place to have brought them then to enjoy a delicious lobster roll. The line was through the door and down around the corner onto the street. Although it was a long wait oh, it was totally worth it. We got the large lobster roll and it was loaded with mountains of delicious chunks of lobster. For the price of $24, it was definitely one of the best lobster rolls you can get anywhere. My family loved it, I loved it. I would definitely recommend anyone to come here. I'm already thinking about coming here again. read more

James Hook & Co - Line for an awesome lobster roll!!! - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

As far as the lobster rolls go, I absolutely LOVE James Hook & Co! Their standard cold mayo version is really good, simple, and packed full of lobster. If you ask for it, they'll prepare a buttered lobster roll, too, though, which consists of the toasted bun, a hefty serving of cold lobster meat, and a side of clarified butter to add as you see fit. I personally prefer the buttered version, but both are excellent and a great deal for the amount of lobster meat on the sandwich. The seating is very tight inside, as you can imagine, but they have a really spacious outdoor patio area. On hot, sunny days, though, the tables with umbrellas will quickly be swallowed up, so seating could be an issue if you come at a peak time. The only other issue with the patio is that it's on Atlantic Ave, so there's a lot of traffic as the "scenery." Indoors can also be a bit tight with customer eating at tables, people ordering, and others waiting for their food. There's no real organization or clear difference between those who have ordered and those who are waiting, so you end up having to ask people or you might end up standing in a nonexistent ordering line. I really wish they'd make the one entrance a ordering entrance, and the patio side door a exit only, then make the left side of the counter order only and the right side order pickup. I've seen staff bring food out, too, but it seems like most people just hover inside waiting. It's a mess during peak times. read more

Came here for lunch on a weekday with no line. Got a big lobster roll and I must say it was delicious. It was my wifes first and last lobster roll because she did not like it. It worked out pretty good for me. They have a big area to eat outside but not many tables inside. I would avoid if the weather is not nice and you plan on staying. read more

This was my first time ever trying lobster in any kind of way so after several recommendations from locals I arrived here. I grabbed a lobster roll and it was delicious! The seating inside area is a little cramped so heads up, seating available outside as well though. I live on the west coast so food trucks are a huge thing by us and this reminded me of such, employee answered my questions & provided recommendations of what to get, etc. Definitely will come back next time I'm in Boston! read more

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So i give this place a 4/5 bc the lobster roll and the clam chowder definitely lived up to its reputation. It was phenomenal. It had the right amount of butter and everything and as u can see, It's pretty packed w lobster, so much was falling out as we were eating it YUM. However, the lobster bisque we ordered was disgusting idk what i was expecting but this wasn't it lol. We ended up wasting $8 and just threw it away, neither one of us could finish it. Anyways, i tried both this place and lukes lobster bay back & i definitely recommend this place over Luke's. The pricing is pretty steep but anywhere you go for lobster rolls will be pretty steep. If i ever come back to Boston, i would definitely come back! read more

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

Lobster roll was amazing. Fresh and honestly the best while on our trip. Service was fast!

I ordered a large lobster roll and clam chowder. Good food. I appreciated the kindness of the gentleman who took my order. Good customer service. Nice casual spot. read more

A family friend recommended this place for us to order boxed lobsters so we can check it onto the plane to fly it back home. We placed our 50lb lobster order a day in advance. The next day, we came to pick it up and this guy brought it out to us. He printed out the bill and handed it to us without going to into details. I then ask why its $600+ (not because I was questioning their calculation or think that they were scamming us, but simply asked cause they didn't tell is anything, ie., How many lbs/lobster? How many lobsters are inside? Etc. I guess the other guy (who helped me the day before) didn't like that I asked him such a simple question. He then calculated and told me it was the 4lb lobsters that we requested and that there were 39lbs worth in the box. I said oh ok thanks! 1) He walked away with an attitude and said 'i gave you a discount too' With those eyeroll attitudes. 2) no thank you's, no you're welcomes 3) didn't even offer to see if we needed help on carrying a 50lb box (with no straps or handles or anything to hold it) to our car. Maybe he wasn't having a good day, but I work in the customer service industry and that attitude was a doozy. How are you going to treat us like that when we just dropped $600+ on your store? You shouldn't be working in the food service industry if my one simple question offended you... I'd come back to order lobster again from this place if their lobster is good, but that customer service...it's a no from me. read more

Amazing Lobster Roll and Clam Chowder! Now I'm not expert on either of them, but I was with a Boston local and he agreed that this was great. Their lobster roll didn't have too much mayo, nor too much added. In fact, I think it was Lobster, mayo, and a little butter. It was perfect. The roll was perfect, the texture, the flavor, just great all around. The clam chowder was better than I've had in most other cities. The difference I think, than San Francisco or Monterey chowders, is that they make it much thicker. The clams are often chewy. Not here. I'll definitely come back when I'm back in town. Now it's pricey... don't get me wrong. With a drink, the 3 items will put you back over $30. But it was worth it! read more

We came here for a quick lunch before heading back to New York. We had lobster rolls, soup, and mac and cheese. Everything was super fresh and was delicious. We brought our dog and they were super accommodating. They even brought him water and gave him some treats! We really appreciated the staff and couldn't have asked for better service. Stop by here if you get a chance. Great view, great food. You won't regret it! :) read more

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

The best lobster roll on our trip! A generous portion of lobster, just the right amount of mayo and a nice toasted bun. Excellent! The chowder also outstanding! read more

If you are to take a tour on any of the available tour bus companies in this fantastic city, you'll likely hear discussion of lobster rolls. The perfect sandwich filled with chunks of fresh lobster, lightly coated in mayonnaise and served on a fresh New England roll. You may be wondering, who has the best in Boston? Look no further, James Hook has been run by the family for years, and they've been doing it right the entire time. Huge portions of meaty lobster that they pull out of the water shortly before they serve it to you. The clam chowder, as well as the fish chowder, are also incredible. Best roll in Beantown! read more

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A tiny gem in the middle of downtown. Humongous size live lobster and fresh seafood variety are available here. A bit pricey, but worth it. Must try: Lobster roll and clam chowder. read more

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

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Went here for lunch with my husband after a long and stressful night in the hospital. We ordered two regular lobster rolls with butter and a crab cake. The woman at the register seemed to be rushing everyone through, and clearly wasn't paying close attention, because when our food came out we got two lobster rolls with mayo. I told the man who brought them out that we had ordered them with butter, and he pointed to the receipt saying that I ordered them with mayo. I said that must've been a mistake and he was insistent that we just take the ones they made with mayo. He said if we wanted it with butter we can go wait in line and order and pay again.... The line was out the door and I had already paid $90 and waited at least 15 mins in line to get the wrong item the first time. Someone else came out and charged me the difference for two with butter and they came out quickly. As I was walking to the table, the first man who was insistent that I wait in line and order again was on the patio and not aware of his surroundings. He bumped into me as I was carrying the food out and one of the lobster rolls fell on the ground. Instead of offering to help, or get us a new one, he simply looked at it on the ground and walked back inside. So for paying $100+, we got one lobster roll and a crab cake, with a side of attitude from the staff. In the future, we wouldn't come back here, we were really disappointed with the service we received. read more

Large lobster roll has a lot of lobster meat! Price comes with it $27.9! Personally I like stuffed clam better as it has more content than stuffed scallop, although I am a scallop fan. The claim chowder is better than an expensive restaurant that I went another day. Recommend! Too delicious so I forgot to take pics! read more

For all you lobstah eating fanatics.. if you are ever in the Boston area this place is a "must" go to place. A tad pricey, but aye what do you expect for a well proportioned lobstah sandwich. Very fresh lobster served on a bun. Sounds simple and it is, but the taste is delicious! Enjoy the next time your in Boston! read more

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Food is soso, and the owner doesn't allow us to park at their lot. Difficult location to park. Would recommend other places.

Came here for lunch because it was only a couple min walk to south station where I was catching a train. This place is a seafood market that serves primarily chowders and crab/lobster rolls. They've got a huge tank right when you walk in filled with crab and lobsters. You order/pay at the counter and take a seat. They have an indoor and outdoor seating area. I ordered: Clam chowder (4/5) - really good. The clams in it were pretty tender and juicy but the chowder was a little too rich and creamy for my taste. It was really flavorful though. Crab roll (5/5) - amazing! They stuffed the roll with plenty of dungeness crab and didn't drown it in mayo which I really appreciated. You could really taste the crab flavor and it tasted really fresh. read more

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

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A no frills spot to get some fresh seafood, or pick your lobsters to take with you or ship to go. I'd been recommended to visit for their lobster roll, one of the best in the city as boasted by recent accolades. I had a regular lobster rolls, chips and a drink which was about $21. Not inexpensive but a sandwich loaded with Maine lobster comes with a cost. It was a great roll, and the toasted bun quite fitting. The staff was helpful and checked in on me a few times. I recommend! read more

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

Get your lobstah here! We tried a few different places and this was our favorite. It's a good portion size, well prepared, good seats, easy to get to and I really liked the toasted bread that came with the lobster roll. The butter comes on the side so you can decide how much you want to put on yourself. The clam chowder was delicious as well- could have used a tad more clams but maybe we got a bad scoop. Highly recommend this place! read more

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

I had only a regular lobstah roll from here so there review is limited. The place is located in the right spot and the roll I had was quite good. It was also quite expensive. Would I come back For the price? No. Knock $5 and it's still high but approaching reasonable. Maybe I'm the problem? Could be but $22+ is a lot for a lunch without a drink. read more