Quality Lobster, really good bread, great owners, best place to get a lobster roll in OC

came here for a quick bite on valentines day. rating would've been ~3 stars, but the service really messed it up for me and my partner one of the owners (i'm assuming) took our order, but he repeated the same things many times, to the point where i asked for the receipt at the end to make sure everything was correct (and good thing i did, too). they then gave what i'm assuming was our order to another couple, and also served people who arrived after us. i had to get up and hang out by the cashier for them to notice me, and they didn't know whose order was tied to who since they almost gave away our order to someone else again. the cashier man even said "was i the one who took your order?" when he did literally 15 minutes ago. then, when they finally called our name, they gave us a packaged to-go order when we wanted to dine in, and the order was completely wrong. the other owner (i'm assuming his wife), went back and forth to the kitchen 3 more times to either correct our order or bring back things they forgot that we had to remind them to bring. even when we gave her the receipt i kept, the order would still come back wrong. the other parties served had finished eating and left by the time we finally got all of our food the staff was generally nice. they apologized a lot, thanked us for our patience, checked up on us, & offered 1 free coleslaw (~$3.50) and 2 little chocolates. but they didn't offer us any sort of real compensation and after messing up our order 3+ times, and being understanding about it, we were pretty surprised i am strict with lobster rolls since i'm always comparing it to what i've had during my time in boston (impossible to beat), and i thought the food was just alright. boyfriend thought it was pretty dry and not that tasty for $100+, i'd expect much better service and better food read more

If you like lobster rolls this is the place for you. I tried the lobster roll. I was given some spicy sauce on the side and it made it even better. A squeeze of lemon to finish it off made it amazing. I also tried the lobster bisque and didn't love it. The flavor was not for me. The worker tending the front was so nice. The owners checked on us and made sure everything was good. read more

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Casual spot with friendly and thorough service. Father and son work there together (father preparing the food, the son taking care of the customers). The lobster roll had plenty of big chunks of lobster meat. The side of crab cakes are small with a dollop of sauce - decent crab-to-fillers ratio. The clam chowder is creamy with lots of clams and potatoes. A little too much "tang" for our tastes (lemon?). Clean, brightly lit and seating available inside and outside with a large TV in both areas. read more

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First time visit, owner was great and recommended the lobster roll. We split that and had the clam chowder. Wow! I thought I was back in New England. Just great. Can't wait to go back and try other items too. The lobster was fresh and delicious. read more

The Lobster Shack is the best place locally to grab a yummy lobster roll and clam chowder. read more

The Lobster Shack - Lobster Roll and Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Great little place tucked away in South County. This is a trek to get to if you are not from the area. Anyway, the food was good, lots of crab on the crab roll and lots of lobster on the lobster melt. Ask for their house made hot sauce. The prices are pricey! So be aware - this will not be a cheap lunch. The service was A+. Very nice. Friendly and outgoing owner. Give them a try. read more

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The food is fresh and delicious. The lobster roll is authentic. Great seafood - would highly recommend!

Our first time trying lobster shack and we already can't wait to go back! The seafood is fresh, and the sides have unique twists. Highly recommend the slaw with blue cheese and the sweet beans. The lobster rolls are packed with meat and tons of flavor, on a perfect brioche bun. Dan is also a friendly owner who puts a lot of love into his business. Can't wait to try the deviled eggs next! read more

Being from New England I was not impressed with the lobster roll. I am used to them overflowing so it was a little light on the lobster. The original butter toasted New England rolls however were delicious. Probably won't be rushing back though. Still looking for a taste of home and this just didn't fit the bill, read more

Ordered online for takeout and estimated time is 30 mins! Workers were welcoming and friendly! I ordered the a Lobster Roll and it comes with two sides or options of a drink. I got New England Baked Beans, Blue Cheese Cole Slaw, and New England Clam Chowder. The lobster and roll was so buttery and good. I really like how the chowder was thick too and full of clams. read more

The Lobster Shack - Lobster Roll ; New England Baked Beans; Blue Cheese Cole Slaw; New England Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I have been looking for a good lobster roll on the west coast...and finally found it here! Drove about an hour just to try it, and was worth it. Had a lobster roll, lobster Mac and cheese, 50-50 clam chowder-lobster bisque mix, and the baked beans. Bread is buttery without being greasy and toasted to perfection. Loaded up with generous portions of lobster meat. Wanted to order more...but have to save that for my next visit. Heard the crab cakes are legit as well. Fast, friendly service and excellent food. It's lobster....so it's going to be a little pricey, but worth the splurge. Just go. read more

The Lobster Shack - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I came here because a Yelp Elite mentioned their lobster rolls and 50/50 lobster bisque + clam chowder was really good. Their lobster rolls comes with two sides of your choice, which I opted for the coleslaw and baked beans. The lobster roll was super delicious. I've never had a 50/50 lobster bisque and clam chowder before, but after having it here, I'd definitely get it again. I'd probably pass on the coleslaw and baked beans next time and try some other sides on their menu. This is a smaller shop, giving off mom and pop vibes. They have a outdoor patio area and some limited seating on the inside. You order at the counter and they bring the food to you. Pretty simple! read more

Friendly, quick service, with a solid lobster roll on a buttery toast bun, and tasty shrimp and crab rolls as well, but I'd skip the sides. The blue cheese coleslaw flavor is all blue cheese and nothing else (needs to be creamier and more subtle), and the baked beans taste like the alcohol it's cooked in and it's not sweet enough to enjoy. The chicken pasta salad is great and the clam chowder is a bit spicy but good. The mac n cheese options are great for kids. Will definitely come back but will just grab chips for my sides or get a drink. read more

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Rarely does eating out include genuine interaction these days, but our first visit to The Lobster Shack gave just that. I can write about how delicious everything was - the Trio for 2, the 50/50 clam chowder & lobster bisque, the bleu cheese coleslaw (unique and tasty) and the baked beans - except it's the friendliness of the people that left a mark. Ms. Kim was very welcoming and our kids adored her (not just for the unlimited taffy she offers). The place was clean and inviting with outdoor sitting that offers both shade and sun. The plaza had ample parking available as well. Silly us thought the Cape Cod kettle chips would be a special style for the fries, but it was the bagged potato chips instead. Not necessarily a bad thing, but just something to make note of. :) read more

Absolutely terrible. Clam chowder tasted so bad and looked like craft glue. Crab cakes: so salty, sautéed in offensive old reused oil. It was a terrible experience. Two orders of crab cakes (3x1.25" diameter each order), and a cup of clam chowder and a soda , $40 Not only it was very bad food. But too expensive for sample sizes. Although we left it and walked away anyway. Zero star. read more

Very decent, fresh meaty meat in the lobster roll! Was not disappointed with the serving nor the service. Service was excellent. Dan and the "lobster" were very friendly. Very fast, food served at appropriate temperature. We split the Lobster roll, a side of New England baked beans and a side of Blue cheese cole slaw and a bowl of lobster bisque. Highly recommend trying their hot sauce on your lobster roll. Also the containers look small for the sides but don't be deceived, they are still good enough to share. They have Cape Cod chips. Modelo, sangria, read more

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The actual owners are there, running this restaurant. Easy, convenient, and the food is great! read more

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I hadn't had lobster in 4+ years and this lobster roll and their clam chowder made me beyond happy! It's $$$ but it's worth it! 1000/10 read more

Everything was great. Lobster roll was one of the best I have ever eaten and the baked beans and Cole slaw were to die for. Will be back.

Delicious lobster rolls!!! Nice little gem in OC and definitely worth a stop if you're craving some good'ol classic lobster rolls. Parking is quite generous and we decided to try out Lobster Shack thanks to its location away from the hustle and bustle of the busy beaches. Service is incredible and absolutely genuine. Blood Mary cocktails hit the spot perfectly. Prices are quite high but that's truly all thanks to economical challenges and market price quality food, nothing this shack is responsible for. Seating is just right with indoor dining and a few tables outside on the shaded patio. The only gripe we had was the Blue Cheese Cole Slaw. Just wasn't our cup of tea mixing blue cheese into Cole slaw. Other than that, food was finely fantastic! Ordered 2x "Trio for 2" and enjoyed every bite. Baked beans were as expected, crab cakes were tiny but packed a yummy punch, and their special mix of chowder + lobster bisque soup was incredible. Highly recommended spot for a nice, relaxing bite away from the busy coastline. read more

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This place is great. This is exactly what our community needed. A good lobster shack.! I was really craving some lobster bisque , and they did not disappoint. I had a cup, and then I had to go back and have another cup so good so fresh. (and they keep the hot sauces in the refrigerator in little cups) The service is great. They have a beautiful outdoor patio as well as an indoor seats. we had the opportunity to meet the owner and he was so gracious the lobster mac & cheese with the white Vermont cheddar is very decadent. I feel like you must try it. We also had the half-and-half, lobster bisque, and creamy clam chowder , so stinking good!!!! They do offer sodas and little bottles of wine, which is wonderful . And I believe some beers as well. We did not have lobster rolls on this visit, but we promised we will come back. Everything is very lightly dressed. read more

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We were greeted by a very friendly woman who explained the menu. The lobster roll was a miss as it lacked the sweetness that you expect from a tender, fresh lobster. The lobster bisque had no lobster meat. read more

We really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, my experience at The Lobster Shack in Laguna Niguel was disappointing, both in terms of the food and especially the cleanliness. First, the food portions were small for the price, and what I did get didn't taste fresh at all. It felt like it had been sitting around rather than being made to order. But even more concerning than the food was the lack of proper hygiene. I watched the chef prepare food while wearing gloves, then use those same gloves to work the register, then go right back to handling food without changing them. He even came outside, pushed the door open with those same gloves, and at one point wiped his brow with the back of his hand, all still with the same gloves on. That was a huge red flag for me. After paying for something I didn't even want anymore, I ended up walking next door to get food elsewhere. While I was there, I met the owner and told him what I had seen. He offered me free food as a way to make up for it, which I appreciated, but honestly, I didn't want to go back after witnessing those sanitation issues. It's a shame because this place has potential, but cleanliness and food quality are non-negotiable when it comes to dining out. Until both of those improve, I can't recommend it. read more

One of the best lobster rolls in the OC. The lobster roll and the 50/50 lobster bisque/clam chowder is also really good. Will have to come back and try the crab roll and crab cakes. We had the pleasure of being greeted and served by the owner who is amazing. The ambiance here is laidback and very chill. FYI, they have a dog friendly patio. Dog lovers rejoice. read more

The Lobster Shack - 50/50 lobster bisque and clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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We got the trio which came with lobster, crab, and shrimp roll your choice of 4 sides: beans, coleslaw, bag of chips, or a drink. And the 50/50 soup (half lobster bisque and half clam chowder) Out of the 3 rolls my husband and I both agreed the lobster was our favorite. Nice flavor not salty and they give you a good amount of lobster which is nice since some places we've gone either cut it into tiny pieces or give 3 mediocre pieces and charge you an arm and a leg for it. The rolls were nice buttery and toasted to perfect. The crab was delicious and well at the shrimp both cooked perfect and not dried or overcooked. It just the lobster was the true star of the show. They also cut each roll in half so it was easy to share with my husband The soup was so yummy i would come back and get it again! Nice pieces of clam and potatoes. Again they do a great job with the salt cause it was seasoned just right Now for the sides the beans is in the sweeter side and the do use blue cheese for the coleslaw my husband enjoyed it but I wasn't a fan this is personal preference I'm not a blue cheese fan Bag of chips is the cape cod brand can choose original salt, salt and vinegar, or bbq. I would definitely be back for the 50/50 soup and the lobster roll! Parking lot is free and lots of spaces! read more

Im never in Laguna Niguel but found this tiny spot when buying off a seller on FB marketplace and so glad I did. It's a hole in the wall feel, but charming. I felt like I was in New England in a local spot on a quiet evening. Very warm and inviting, which was consistent with the service. The food was great. We got the lobster roll, Connecticut style, with beans and blue cheese Cole slaw as the included sides, a lobster mac and cheese and a clam chowder. The blue cheese Cole slaw was interesting and we came to actually enjoy it very much. My husband like the beans as they were sweet. The clam chowder was thicker than standard which I did not mind at all! It was chunky and full of ingredients and flavor. On the other hand, the lobster Mac and cheese was not as thick as standard, but full of lobster. They did not skimp on the lobster AT ALL. Overall delicious, with their own edge/style and was a very cozy experience :) read more

The Lobster Shack - They cut the lobster roll in half which was a nice and appreciated touch :) service was 10/10 - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Food was good a little expensive for the drive But Food was delicious Just be sure to be patient and wait very busy read more

We ordered the lobster roll, soup flight, and shrimp mac & cheese which totaled to roughly $66. The lobster roll came with two sides and was one of the better lobster rolls I've had in OC. The lobster was very fresh and the bread was so buttery and fluffy. The soup flight was good, but I wasn't crazy about the lobster bisque. Next time, I would definitely just get an order of their clam chowder, which was a stand out to me. The mac and cheese wasn't anything crazy, but good regardless. The service definitely topped off my experience. The server split the food for us without us asking, and frequently stopped by to ask if we needed more water or napkins. He also seemed extra excited when we noted we were dining in which was sweet. read more

Im from New England and I approve. Of course, I had to test the lobster roll. Definitely the right lobster with claw meat, buttered split top roll and a side of butter for Connecticut style. They also have Maine style. The clam chowder was thick like it should be. Despite this, the surprising winner of the soup trio was the Cioppino with the lobster in it. They even have Boston baked beans which they call New England due to trademark issues. But they are molasses style beans like in Boston. Thumbs up from this New Englander! read more

The Lobster Shack - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Fantastic lobster roll, with plenty of claw meat. Tried the clam chowder and chili (plenty of shredded beef and a little heat but not too much) Will definitely be back and will bring some friends next time. read more

Lobster rolls to remember! On a recent stay in Laguna Beach I was on the hunt for delicious lobster rolls. Not too far from the ocean we found this gem! The menu is pretty simple and offers everything a seafood lover desires. Lobster, shrimp, and crab. We both had lobster rolls and each meal comes with two sides. The lobster comes from all parts of the world depending on the season and availability. Our lobster rolls were huge with extremely generous portions of sweet and succulent lobster. We didn't splurge on extra meat as we simply didn't need to. At $29.95 each and including two sides I found their prices to be very fair and under their competitors. The lobster was really good and very softly dressed in lemon butter aioli dusted with chives and light seasoning. The warm brioche bun that held all that meat together was perfect as well. Way more meat than bun! Service was very friendly and we enjoyed our meal on their patio taking advantage of perfect Cali low 70's temps. A BIG thank you to the owners Dan and Kim who brought this place to Laguna Niguel! We'll definitely be back! read more

The Lobster Shack - Very comfortable patio with plenty of shade. - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Came here on a Wednesday night, it's quiet no other guest besides myself. The place is clean. Jose was the only employee on site. He gave amazing service. The food was delicious I ordered clam chowder, lobster bisque, Mac & cheese & the lobster roll Connecticut style. Food is kind of pricey but I'll be returning when I'm in the area. read more

Food was very good and of course as lobster is mkt price I found the lobster roll to be expensive, however really good, fresh and tasty. The crab cakes although only $15 were too small in my opinion. I would charge more and make the portion only 2 instead of 3 tiny ones. The place is quiet, cleans and service is friendly but is not a restaurant. Mostly people will order pick up. I would go back only for the lobster roll. read more

The Lobster Shack - Michelada - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

If you're craving a lobster roll, this is the spot! The shrimp cocktail (4 shrimps) is also good but the lobster bisque was the absolute best (along with the roll)! The crab cakes were pretty small especially for the price. The sides were also pretty small. They do have small bottles of wine (Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc) which was great! Service was pretty fast and everyone there nice. Nice and casual spot with easy and plenty of parking. read more

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Yummy. This place surprised me. Definitely try it out. ;) The food was great and the staff was friendly.

We stopped by here after a soccer march for a quick bite. Lobster rolls were delicious! We ordered the lobster roll, shrimp and crab with 4 sides. The Mac and cheese was delicious too! They also gave us a sample of their ceviche and it was amazing! The service was so good, the lady there was so nice to us and our kids, felt like we stopped at a relatives house. The ambiance is nice and fresh inside and they also have patio seating. read more

Amazing food. Great people and chill atmosphere. Wonderful people. We will be back for sure!

Looking for lobster bisque, not this place! Looked and tasted like cheese soup, even a tiny hint of lobster I did not taste. Probably someone forgot to add? read more

I've been wanting to try the LS since I read a highly rated review online. The place is very clean and the staff are very nice, respectful and helpful for our first visit. The recommendation was spot on. We had the Feast for Two-three seafood sandwiches that were outstanding and loaded with lobster, shrimp and crab. The 50/50 clam chowder soup that was amazingly good and is a unique combination and flavor. I'm glad we followed the recommendation. My son had the seafood grilled cheese sandwich loaded with clawed Maine lobster, he loved it. The young man and cook were great and attentive to our needs. The food was very high quality and delicious. We will return soon and we highly recommend. read more