I was absolutely thrilled that my entire family carved out time to explore this place with me. After reading countless raving reviews, I was eagerly anticipating some fresh LOBSTAH overnighted all the way from Maine. WAIT TIME/LINES We got there 1.5 hour till closing (7:30PM) and there was a decent line. We waited in line for about 25 minutes until we got to the registrar to order. Apparently, the staff member informed us the line was wrapped around the shack earlier in the day so I'd say we got lucky with our timing. SERVICE Customer service was excellent. There was a staff member consistently handing out samples of the Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque while we waited in line. During our dining experience, the staff member came around with various samples of Whoopie Pies. DINING AREA There are a decent amount of picnic style dining tables around the back of the shack. All outdoor seating. I wish there was more shade as the sun was setting and it gets pretty hot with the humidity. FOOD - Maine LobSTAH Roll:I ordered this along with a few others in my party. It comes with your choice of Plugra melted butter, mayo, or both! The mayo was a packet, in case you were wondering. I thought it was a house-made mayo with herbs infused, which would be a great idea for them to add some freshness to the dish. The lobster was the star of the show -- fresh, large chunks, and a plentiful portion. The bun was toasted. It came with a lemon wedge, half a pickle spear, cole slaw, and a bag of Cape Cod potato chips. The cole slaw was tasty -- I appreciate the chopped approach. - Maine Lobstah Bowl: A few family members ordered this. It mainly consisted of lobster, slaw, and lettuce. Delicious. Overall, cute Main LobSTAH Shack with good Maine lobSTAH! read more

See all

Stopped by for a quick lunch. Amazing lobster rolls! My wife loved the clam chowder. The coleslaw that comes with the lobster rolls was fantastic as well. Definitely worth a stop! read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster roll 1/4 lb - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Ok yelp, another review I have already left, that you have deleted and pretend like I did not do a review. I can't tell if they delete them on purpose or if they have major issues with their entire system. Sadly, because of this I will write less and not waste my time redoing it. Yes the lobster is good, and the guy who took our order was funny and friendly. Our food came out fast and was exactly what we expected from a Maine lobster shack. You eat outside under a shade on picnic tables. There is no inside so keep that in mind and if you need the restroom they don't have one, you'll need to run across the parking lot to the tackle and bait fishing shop (which is a really cool store and lots of boating, touristy, beach stuff too). To us where they really shined was the soups. I had the clam chowder and my wife had lobster bisque. Both were excellent! Almost everyone sells clam chowder up and down the barrier islands but many do the water based version with canned clams which are hard and too chewy. This was a proper clam chowder made with fresh clams and real cream. It was spot on. The same for the bisque. If you're unsure, they offer sample tastes of the soups. Will we go back? Yes. Was it expensive? Yes. We spent $90 bucks for lunch and that's a lot for us so it won't be a regular stop for us, if we were more affluent we would eat here more often. read more

See all

Absolutely delicious. A couple years ago, I made a lobster roll tour of New Hampshire and Maine. This place is the real deal. The service is excellent also. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - 1/2 lb lobsta roll. Yum. - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

Incredible service. The staff were extremely friendly, they brought out samples of lobster bisque+clam chowder (which were delicious), and they brought out a free dessert sample as well when they bussed our table. Maine Roll (5/5): 1/4 lb of delicious lobster stuffed in a lightly grilled bun. Nothing fancy, but super tasty. The coleslaw and pickle were also great. RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this) read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Maine Roll - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

YUMMMYYYY lobster rolls. Owners and employees were very friendly and attentive. They handed out free samples of their food in line and during meal. Everything I tried was 5/5 stars. We tried the clam chowder sample, whoopie pie sample (ended up getting one to go), the Holy Lobster MacRoll, and the wicked mainah roll with butter. They offer outdoor seating in shade or sun. They also played a mixture of Christian music and other misc music which I enjoyed. Will definitely return! read more

My review is based off the food truck experience only, first time and visitor out of state. Cons: I was shocked to find out how expensive it is (for a food truck, thought that makes sense for restaurant but expected a different menu for truck) without feeling full afterwards. I paid $90 for 2 lobster mac & cheese for family and one lobster bowl for me (only has 1/4 lb lobster, no sides). Pros: very fresh lobster and delicious. Nice staff and service. Was convenient at the time and wanted to treat self on vacation. Would I try again? Probably not, unless came with sides and more filling. Up the street at local seafood places can get more for the price. read more

See all

Small picnic seating area or to-go car-side service. The lobsters are exquisite. Bisque is savory. Service is bostonian.

Food and service are top tier! The lobster roll and lobster bisque were some of the best I've ever had! The gentleman at the cash register was super helpful and patient. Do not miss this place on your stay, highly recommended! read more

You will pay a lot to eat here, but the amount of lobster for the price is decent (as long as you aren't from Maine). The lobster and butter sauce were well worth it. Not traditional lobster roll, but it was good. The outdoor seating is nice though depending on time of day, you may be scorched by that southern sun: wear sunscreen or hats: not the owners fault. The view is perfect. You can also take it to go. Speaking of the owner, he was very personable, and just seemed like an all around good guy. Definitely recommend. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Absolutely phenomenal. The nicest people ever. Coming around with free samples and asking if you need assistance. Large fresh lobster rolls. Delicious grilled lobster & cheese. The bisque and chowder were to die for. Everything we tried was a home run. Would definitely come here everyday if I lived here read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

We stopped in solely because my husband and I physically cannot pass up a lobster roll. Thankfully, this place absolutely delivered. The food was fantastic, but honestly the service is what made this place stand out. We brought our kids, and in the chaos of ordering, I accidentally ordered mac & cheese for my son when he actually wanted a grilled cheese. Cue the dramatic small-child disappointment. Not only were we greeted warmly by multiple staff members, but the gentleman who I assume was the owner noticed my son pouting at the table and immediately stepped in. He brought him a grilled cheese on the house and completely turned dinner around. Later he came back with samples, checked on us again, and genuinely made us feel welcome. I say this as someone who feels like customer service and human connection are slowly being replaced by QR codes and mild emotional neglect: this place still gets it. I watched him interact with other customers the same way, and it was clear the kindness wasn't just for show. Bonus points: the location is perfect. It's right next to an ice cream shop and in a great downtown area, so you can easily make an evening out of it. Lobster roll, ice cream, walk around. read more

This is such a nice spot! I came here with my husband and my dog. The service was friendly and quick, and we came on a sunny day that just made the scenery amazing. We got a lobster roll, lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and a clam chowder. Everything was delicious but I highly recommend getting the mac and cheese and lobster bisque! They were my favorites! The mac and cheese was so creamy and flavorful and it was a large portion and super filling! This will be my go to spot next time I visit Surf City! read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Loved my lobster mac and cheese! - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

No notes. Not only is the food amazing, but the service is top-notch. Always passing around samples and wanting to enhance the customer experience. We will always come back to Maine Lobstah! read more

Obsessed!! The lobster roll was unreal, so fresh and loaded. Clam chowder was creamy and cozy, and the lobster bisque? Chef's kiss. Everything tasted amazing. 10/10 recommend! read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Fagedabaudit!! These guys from Maine do it right, we had to go twice it was so good. Simple, get lobster and chowder with slaw on the side and an ice cold beer. Don't miss this joint if you are in town, even the whoopie pies are amazing! read more

Family run!! While waiting to order we were offered a "taste" of the chowder. Yummy. And the lobster roll, WOW!!! Toasted and buttered roll with..... LOBSTER!! Large fresh chunks of lobster. Perfection was achieved by finishing the meal with a shared Whoopi pie. This meal is the only reason to leave the beach. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - One bite in - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

From the moment I stepped up to the register at Maine Lobster Shack, I knew I was in for a treat. The staff offered me a taste of their lobster claw meat and a sip of the rich, creamy lobster bisque -- and I was instantly torn because both were so good I couldn't pick just one. In the end, I had to order both. Then I tried a sample of the whoopie pie, and there was no way I was leaving without one of those, too. The lobster roll was my favorite part and it had so much fresh meat inside it was the best I've had outside of NE. To top it all off, I met the owner, who turned out to be one of the friendliest, most down-to-earth people you could ever hope to meet. After hearing his inspiring story of recovery and perseverance, it made perfect sense why this place feels so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

Food was amazing, service was incredible, fun environment. Really a great experience overall!! read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

Delicious food, great host! Blessed to be there. We come to Topsail twice a year so this is going to be a regular stop for us

Enjoyed the most amazing grilled cheese and lobster sandwich! Absolute perfection From the crispy crunch, to the oh so wonderfully gooey cheese, to the sweet lobster chunks throughout - fabulous! read more

Sublime. This place is so great. If you love an unadulterated lobster roll, this is the place for you! I think the basic lobster roll is the most divine way to have one and this place does it right. The lobster is soooo tender and not dry at all. No crazy additions, no weird sauces. Just the real deal done right. (Bisque was great too) read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

Amazing customer service Fresh and delicious Lobster I was stuffed but couldn't stop eating lol read more

This place is amazing! The lobster rolls are the best!!! Same with the soup! The owner and staff are awesome!!! We have been there twice this week and will be back again before we leave! read more

The staff was very nice and helpful and the location was just relaxing. Great view of the bridge and clean sitting area (outdoor). The "lobstah" roll was packed with huge pieces of lobster and it was delicious. I also got the clam chowder, so I left full and happy! I was also starving because I somehow managed to forget a picture of the actual meal. We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Exceptional service, family ensures your experience is over the top. The food was fresh, delicious, portions sizable, and reasonably priced. Layer in great weather and ambiance was awesome, especially for November out of season drop in. Must stop and repeat... read more

See all

Delicious lobster roll and totally worth it! Service was very quick and there were picnic tables in the back to enjoy your food. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Maine Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Cool spot in surf city! Had great views and a few picnic tables to dine at. The service was great and they were really nice. This was my first lobster roll and it was good! I wish I got the regular lobster roll because the Mac and cheese tasted like it came from a box. Also didn't get butter or lemon with my roll which is listed that it comes with which would've enhanced the flavor. Overall, good but very expensive for a small portion. Not pictured: lobster bisque, this was probably my favorite, definitely try!!! read more

See all

The BEST lobster grilled cheese I've ever had. The lobster bisque was incredible and we got to meet the owners family. They were so kind and gracious!! If you haven't been here visiting topsail island, this place is a MUST. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster grilled cheese - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

The food is amazing and the staff is the best! My husband isn't a lobster eater but he loves the hot dogs and mac n cheese. The lobster is the best though! Save room for a whoopee pie and buy a few to take home. read more

Lobster in the beach sitting outside in the sun. Perfect. The owner and entire crew are very friendly and helpful. Appears to always have a line when I go, but it moves fast. They will also bring out soup samples to people waiting in line..pretty cool. Will always be back for more lobster. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Main lobster on a bun. - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Ordered a couple beers and 1/2 lb lobster rolls each. Came with slaw,pickle and chips. Could not eat chips or slaw! I ordered mine with the drawn butter AND mayo (came in a dukes pouch). It was amazing and worth the price! Even gave us a free sample of lobster and crab bisque (which was amazing but it was hot out so we didnt order it). The owners daughter came out to ask how our meals were, which was a really sweet touch!!! This place is awesome! read more

We got dinner at their food truck before the Beach Boys concert in Soundside Park. The food was outstanding and the service was fast and friendly. We ordered two Maine rolls. There was plenty of lobster on each sandwich and the cole slaw was also delicious! It is a splurge, price wise, but well worth it. Excellent value. read more

Now, this place ain't cheap but the quality of the lobster rolls and lobster bisque lived up to the 4.9 stars. We called in a pretty big order, were told thirty minutes, arrived and everything was ready and packed up in two nice red bags with their logo. It truly is a shack and we were met at the bottom of some stairs and that's where we paid Lastly they were super friendly both in taking the phone order and on pick up. Good food and I'd go back anytime. read more

So here's the thing. How amazing that there is a highly rated lobster place in North Carolina! I took my family of six, including me, and $300 later it was a cold, small lobster roll and Stouffer/Bob Evans mac & cheese later and I thought what the heck I should have just went and bought groceries rather than bothering to go to someplace that I knew probably would not have been good outside of Maine. read more

The most meat I've ever had on a lobster roll. This is a great place to eat if you like lobstah. Order at the register and sit outdoors at a bench until someone brings your tray. Beautiful location overlooking the marsh. Great place to watch the sun set. Like many such shacks in Maine and New England, this is informal. Not going to get Stag's Leap here, but they do sell wine in airplane bottles, as well as beer and pop. Most lobsta rolls the meat is mixed with mayo and some diced veggies, but not heeya. Nuttin' but meat on a roll. Served with drawn buttuh to enhance da flavuh. Soooo good.The bisque is rich and flavorful. Lobstah is expensive, but their prices are reasonable. They serve smaller portions if you prefer. The owner stopped by to make sure all was well and told us how the Shack came to be. Nostalgic visit for this former Cape Coddah. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Full claw meat on top of a 1/2 lb of lobster meat - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

I am originally from RI and we used to get lobsters right off the boat to take home and cook. I wasn't expecting the same type of experience in NC as lobster isn't fresh in this area but I was very wrong. Hands down this was the best lobster I've ever had. My 13 year old used to prefer crab until today. The company overnights the lobster from Maine so it is fresh and sweet. The lobster bisque was creamy and some of the best I've ever had. We also tried their Whoopie pies after and loved them as well. The service was excellent. The food came out fast and the eating area overlooks a marsh and you have views of the bridge. The picnic tables had a nice finish on them so you don't get splinters from the wood which was nice. This former New England girl loved it! I moved to NC 22 years ago and haven't had good lobster except for my visits to RI. If you like lobster make sure to try this place. You will not be disappointed. read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster bisque with 1lb added lobster - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

We went twice on our week vacation! Lobster rolls, soup, lobster grilled cheese, lobster Mac were all delicious!! Great friendly service! It was so good!! read more

Maine Lobstah Shack - Lobster grilled cheese and chowder - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Had to try Maine Lobstah Shack as it was a lobster restaurant in Surf City. My wife and I were extremely pleased. The food was very tasty and the portions were large. I can't say enough about the staff, especially Trevor (owner) and Addie. They were extremely helpful and kind. I highly recommend eating here, for great food and service. They also have a great view of the sunset every evening! read more

Lobster was good but ice cold. Putting the room temp butter didn't warm it up. Mac & cheese had cold lobster too. $71 for a 1/8 lb lobster roll, lobster Mac & cheese, a bowl of bisque & 1 canned soda is a bit much. At least warm the lobster please. Service was good. read more