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James Hook & Co Lobsters
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
440 Atlantic Ave(at New Northern Ave)
Boston, MA 02111
Neighbourhoods: Waterfront, South Boston
(617) 423-5501
Announcement
Yelpers
FYI...This is a temp space, our "Trailer" was a savior to us after a catastrofic fire in 08 which distroyed our historic building.
- Nearest Transit:
-
Atlantic Ave @ Seaport Blvd. (4)
Rowes Wharf, Boston (F1)
Atlantic Ave @ Rowes Wharf (4)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 2 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
178 reviews for James Hook & Co Lobsters
Review Highlights
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"Clam chowder - Ohhh soo yummy." In 22 reviews -
"Best lobster roll and crab roll in town." In 9 reviews -
"There are four picnic tables outside." In 9 reviews
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178 reviews in English
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Review from Laurence T.
Pearland, TX
I have found nothing betta than their lobsta.
I found James Hook a few years ago and I remembered how I fell in love with their lobster rolls. I read about other establishments in Boston that served "better' lobster rolls and I really made an honest effort to try two other places. I went to one establishment and even though they advertised they are open at 10 a.m., I was told the restaurant would not open until 11 a.m. I found another place, only to discovered it was located in the North End, where parking seemed impossible. Alas, I ended back at James Hook and was not disappointed. If there places serve better lobster rolls, than I would be greatly surprised. James Hook gives me everything I want in a lobster roll, big chunks of sweet tasting, fresh lobsters served in a roll to hold it all together. I definitely would remind them to toast your roll. I forgot to mention this on my second visit and it was not as good as having it on a toasted roll. There's not much more simple and better in this world.
I've had both the clam chowder and lobster bisque here and I would pass on these items. You won't be impressed and if you want to eat more, than just get another lobster roll.
I agree that their "service" is not warm but it's not rude either. They are matter of fact and if you don't know what you want, then they may not have much patience. But are you coming here for someone to be nice to you or to eat a lobster roll? You have to check your priorities if you got offended one of these lobstermen weren't nice to you. -
Review from Jennifer K.
5/5/2012 6 photos
Walking into James Hook & Co Lobsters is just like walking into seafood heaven... at least for seafood lover like me, but maybe not for the lobsters...
As a "Fish Market" this place is clean and in fact smell good... has the smell of the ocean... all these clams and oysters..and of course tanks of fresh healthy looking lobsters.
There are a couple of tables where you can order some of the food to stay... Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque and of course Lobster rolls!!
I think I need to learn how to shuck those clams and oysters... I don't think I am brave enough to kill those live and moving lobsters yet.... I just good at eating them!Listed in: A Weekend in Boston!
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Review from Boston A.
Boston, MA
5/2/2012
Our favorite place to get live hardshells.
For some reason a lot of dopey out-of-towners think that because Hook has a few tables, some lobster rolls, and a crock of chowder, they're a restaurant and should be reviewed like one.
You eat the lobster roll (or the chowder) while you're waiting for your hardshells, dopes.
Oh, they were so rude! My parents would be so upset! They didn't bring me a wine list! They didn't honor my cheapskate coupon! They weren't nice to me! Waaaaaaah.
They're lobstermen, dopes. It's a wholesaler of live lobsters on the pier that has some ready-to-eat stuff on hand. Yes, it's a pier -- hard as it may be to tell these days. Notice the salty water under the bridge? All of Boston is not a post-collegiate hangout, believe it or not.
If you don't know how to steam a lobster, go to a restaurant or go back to Pennsylvania.
Dopes. -
Review from Mark C.
Medford, MA
5/2/2012
On the surface, this seems like a good place, and most of the time the quality is quite good. So why two stars? It is based on one experience which I thought was unacceptable. This is more about poor customer service than poor quality.
I went in and bought three lobsters, told them I wanted to have them the next day, followed their instructions carefully. The next day, one of the lobsters was dead. They said: it's fine, cook it anyway. Well, we did, and it was ok., but a dead-cooked lobster is not as good as a live-cooked lobster, and they offered no remedy, even when I asked.
Now I have cooked lobsters many many times, including the next day, and already knew how to take care of them. My real reason for asking was in hopes of getting especially fresh ones.
This kind of thing can happen anywhere. Had they offered some kind of remedy (a replacement, a refund, etc), I would not have an issue with them. As it is, I am looking for a new supplier, and writing about my experience for what it's worth. Again, I think they owed me some kind of remedy, and it's the customer service I'm complaining about. -
Review from Jerry L.
4/20/2012 1 photo
Even though we had lunch at the Barking Crab yesterday, we hit up the James Hook trailer. The trailer is very low key with their business office on one end and the service counter on the other. Packed in between are huge tanks full of live lobsters and T-shirt sales.
The order:
To share: Clam Chowder - 3 stars - this was lukewarm, and we like ours piping hot
Princess: Lobster roll
The Jerry: Lobster roll - 4.5 stars - this was awesome! Both Princess and I seemed to finish off each of our lobster rolls in record time.
Even though James Hook isn't really set up for formal table seating, I highly recommend the lobster roll for eating in or taking out. Your lobster roll will last less than 5 minutes in your presence anyway. -
Review from Victoria B.
Canyon Country, CA
4/28/2012
The good:
The food - I had the clam chowder which was heaven - hot and buttery... creamy... ooooh... yummmm...
The bad:
Don't let them tell you they'll charge you for your meal afterwards. It took us 15 minutes to find the guy who served us and get him to give us a total - were we any less honest we could have walked out without paying without a problem. When we were ready to pay, hordes of people walked in.
Seating isn't great - a few little bistro tables and picnic benches outside.
Selection isn't great. Lobster roll. Chowder. Pretty much it. But the chowder is heaven in a bowl.
The ugly:
The trailer it's in and the construction surrounding it. I understand they had a huge fire and the trailer is their interim measure. It makes it look like a real dive, but it's spotlessly clean (including the bathroom). -
Review from Amy L.
Irvine, CA
3/29/2012
Got a lobster roll and cup of clam chowder.
Was a bit nervous because they just pulled it from the fridge (for roll) and standing pot (for chowder) areas (this also applied to their steamed lobster that I saw other people eating, which they just heated up instead of actually cooking it but I guess they were just trying to speed things up). It seems like a nice place to pick up fresh lobster, though (they were fairly lively in their water tubs).
Service was sporadic, and the guy doesn't wear any gloves when he's handling your food.
Ate the food back at my hotel:
- Lobster roll: In a regular roll. There was a generous portion of really fresh lobster! :D It tasted much better than any lobster I had before (it wasn't cooked as soft as you get in the Neptune Oyster but tasted fresher).
- Clam Chowder: tasted a little sour, and not the best I've had. Not sure if that was supposed to be the taste but it didn't really appeal
Verdict: Passable service with some sanitary concerns, AWESOME / affordable lobster!, not so good chowder. A good choice if you're on a budget and still want to get a great, fresh lobster roll! -
Review from Larry L.
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Five stars, easily. Look, I understand my fellow Yelpers when they complain. The service just isn't great. They haphazardly take your order, customers are usually in disarray and you can't differentiate who are workers and who aren't. The place simply operates more like a supermarket than a restaurant, and that's exactly what you should regard it as.
It's like a "lobsta" (this is how they write it and pronounce it too) wholesale supermarket. You walk in and you can see the huge lobsters on the side, swimming happily, their impending doom unbeknownst to them. Ignorance is bliss, isn't it?
Their cooked brethren line the supermarket styled coolers. Rows of rolls of lobster (see what I did there?) stuffed in hot dog buns. Someone asks you if you're being helped. You order your rolls,get them toasted, it really doesn't matter since the bread isn't magical and should certainly not be your focus. It also doesn't matter whether you get a large ($15) or small ($12), both are unsatisfying because they'll leave you wanting more.
The lobster filling, as far as I can tell, is lobster, mayo and celery, probably at a 90/9/1 ratio, which I love. I didn't pay for condiments and I definitely did not spend money on the negative calorie celery. Each bite of the roll is fulfilling with meaty chunks of fresh lobster meat filling your stomach.
James Hook may look gimmicky as a trailer stand next to the Boston Harbor Hotel, but it really is top of the line. The clam chowda is also nothing to scoff at. Less creamy than others (a plus for me), it too had chunks of clam meat. I would recommend pairing a clam chowda ($6) with a small lobsta roll ($12) for a complete $18 meal, or LESS than the price of a typical lobster roll in NYC. -
Review from Mich L.
3/17/2012
Usually the only place to get lobster rolls around me is New York. Wait! Bostonians, don't boo me yet!
I'm so glad I had a real lobster roll from James Hook! The price that you would pay for the smaller size lobster roll is about $5 cheaper than the only size you can get in NY! They also offer a large lobster roll that I think costs $15 but it comes on a bun bread instead of the bread-bread. (You get an option to toast the larger one though.)
The lobster roll was delicious. It wasn't too mayo-y and there was ton of fresh lobster meat chunks in it! I should have savored mine because I devoured it in seconds...
I thought the customer service was friendly and had no problems with them.
I feel so bad for those huge (and i mean HUGE) lobsters in the tanks near the door though. Not only did we all poke and gawk at them but everyone knows they're going to be eaten later...:( get a picture if you can! There is one lobster whose claw is bigger than my face. Seriously.
100th Review goes to Lobster roll! -
Review from Matt E.
Boston, MA
5/2/2012
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would.
Best lobster roll in Boston, in my opinion. I've tried a few, even been up the coast of Maine and eaten lobster rolls fresh off the docks up there, and in my book, this place trumps them all, and it's not that close.
I like to get the large because the harder bun makes for a fuller meal, and it's only $3 extra.
I also oftentimes buy broken lobster pieces here and make my own rolls at home, and even after a day or refrigeration, the lobster still tastes fresh and makes a fantastic roll.
Great place, and fun place to take out of town guests. -
Review from Monica B.
Somerville, MA
2/22/2012
I've been to this place, 3 times, and the service has never been good. EVERYONE has been rude. EVERYONE. Why I went 3 times, you ask?
- First time: to try it... BAD BAD BAD experience.
- Second time: a coupon and credits in my account, landed me 2 lobsters, clam chowder and a bag of mussels for $12. Service: TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE.
- Third time: Friend forced me. She even apologized to me for not believing their customer service was so bad. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE service.
- I thought about giving you a run-down of all the times I've been to this place but, they're not worth my time.
Yes, the food I've had there was good but, a good food business also appreciates their customer and treats them well. I've been treated so badly at this place, I will never go back.Comment from JOHN M. of James Hook & Co Lobsters 2/24/2012
Hi Monica If you have an issuse with the service here I wish… More » -
Review from Mel D.
La Palma, CA
Awesome place to get live North Atlantic lobstahs packed for the flight home!
Was in Boston for 10 hours and made it a mission to bring home some live lobstah (that's Boston for "lobster") for dinner. After some quick Yelp research and advice from a few New England area friends, decided James Hook was the place to go and bring a few critters back to LAX.
It turns out James Hook & Co lobster is a Boston waterfront institution. They are a major supplier of North Atlantic lobsters to the Boston region. The location is currently occupied by a temp trailer building after the original building burnt down a few years ago. Check the vid here: http://www.youtube.com.... Despite it burning down, James Hook and the trailer didn't disappoint.
Wanna pick up some lobstah for your flight? Check this:
1. Smaller the lobsters, the more tender the meat. "Chicken lobsters" are about 1.25 ~ 1.5 lbs each. 1.25 lb lobsters were going for ~$6.99/lb (as of December 2011). Different sizes of lobsters are available, anywhere from 1 pounders all the way up to the 15~20 lb lobsters the size of dogs.
2. About 7 to 8 1.25 lb lobstahs fit in a 'flight-pak.' The flight pak is basically a styrofoam cooler inside a carry-on regulation sized cardboard box. Inside they'll pack your live lobsters along with seaweed and a reusable, sealed freeze pack. The flight pak will keep the lobsters alive for 24 hours.
3. Check with your airline to make sure they allow carry-on lobstahs. United Airlines is cool with it. And don't check them in! Lobsters need to travel in the pressure-equalized passenger compartment or else they'll explode whilst in the cargo area. Plus, by carrying on lobsters, it's an instant conversation starter. You'll instantly become the envy of many a passenger and flight attendant.
4. Expect to pay close to $90 for your flight-pak of 8 1.25lb lobstahs. Yes, you can find the same flight-pack live lobster service at the Legal Seafoods location inside Boston Logan Int'l airport, but expect to pay $15.99/lb (as of December 2011). Ouch.
Get 'em home and cook 'em. Really simple. Pot of boiling water. Throw in some corn-on-the-cob and potatoes if you like. Throw in the lobstahs head first (the humane way). Cook for about 15 minutes (they'll turn bright red).
Crack and enjoy. Nomnomnom... -
Review from Geoffrey N.
Briarwood, NY
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow what an amazing place! Talk about a hole in the wall in a metropolis like Boston. Let me just stress what an amazing thing it is to have free parking in Boston...that's an A++ in my book. Btw Boston, your streets don't make any sense.
Friend and I was cruising/yelping around for a bite to eat before the big Final Fantasy Distant Worlds concert. Seriously, just about every place we checked on Yelp were either $$$$ or too far or the food just didn't seem appealing. Low and behold we stumbled onto James Hook. From the outside, it doesn't seem very appealing and it's a little intimidating inside...like it's made for locals only. Friend and I walked in and was immediately greeted by gigantic lobsters in the tank...WHOA! You order at the counter/fridge and that's it. It's not that hard really. Don't complain about service,
it's not a Morton's or anything. Just great price, great food. Need I emphasize? Get the lobster roll...SO GOOD! There's other stuff you can try but the lobster roll and lobster bisque made me less of a disgruntled yankee. I have nothing else to say except that I would definitely make the 4 hours drive again JUST to come back here. -
Review from Alan C.
San Jose, CA
2/10/2012
I actually got a large lobster roll and asked for it to be toasted. The size didn't actually look any much bigger than a regular, and it took them around 5 minutes to toast it and it wasn't really even toasted at all (it's basically a hot dog bun you get at a supermarket). The bread left much to be desired, but the actual lobster roll itself was quite good. They had nice big chunks of lobster and a simple mayo and celery.
tl;dr - get a regular and enjoy your big juicy chunks of lobsterComment from JOHN M. of James Hook & Co Lobsters 2/24/2012
HI Alan Traditional New England lobster rolls are made from… More » -
Review from Arnold C.
Boston, MA
2/8/2012
I stopped by James Hook for a grab-and-go quick lunch on a weekday. It was awesome.
The lobster roll was fresh, juicy and tasty. The guy actually made me a new sandwich when I asked my bread to be toasted (3 minutes, nice!). For $15, the larger lobster roll is pricier than some other places like Alive and Kicking Lobster in Cambridge ($12), but it's a meaty sandwich, and pound-for-pound, is well worth the price.
There is not much ambiance, but the place is kept clean and there are few free parking spots in front of the store. I would definitely go back again, and perhaps try the clam roll, chowder or crab cake. -
Review from Alisa M.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is awesome!! Make sure you go early because they close at like 5 or 6pm daily. My boyfriend and I went here on Friday for lunch.. and it was so good that we wanted to go there again on Saturday (we were only in town for the weekend), but found out that they were closed by the time we wanted to head over there.
Things you should order:
1. clam chowda! It is so creamy and chunky. Lots of clams and can't beat the price. Definitely a place to get clam chowda!
2. Lobster Roll/ Crab Roll- The lobster roll, by far, up on top compared with Neptune. Best overall value and portion size. The bread is just like a regular slice of white bread, but thicker and much softer. It holds the meat really well and does not break apart. The rolls are served cold, on a bun plain. I didn't see any other place that offers crab rolls. If you like crab, this place is a MUST TRY. They are very generous with their portions.
3. Stuffed scallops and shrimp- I could do without these. They looked a lot better in the display. I guess I'm just not a stuffing type of girl. I could've done without these. They were OK, nothing special or out of this world.
The place is pretty small with only a few tables. If you're in Boston, this is a place worth checking out.Listed in: Boston/ Newport
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Review from Michael S.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
I don't know about the bad reviews... Maybe because I don't have the experience of trying lots of different places or being from Boston, but I really, really liked this place.
I think the crab roll here was the best thing I had in Boston. Also, I really enjoyed the lobster roll. Yes, Neptune's warm lobster roll was extremely good, but for the value I'd go with James Hook.
Had some of their chowder and found that enjoyable too, but since I was being good (kinda) I only had a taste of it with my gf finishing it without hesitation when I said I didn't want any more of it.
This place isn't fancy. It's just a shack with good stuff.
Oh... don't get the stuffed clam or scallops. Compared to everything else it was just 'eh'.Listed in: Boston Trip!
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Review from Andy C.
SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY
2/3/2012
I should have stayed for the full meal. When you walk in the door you are greeting with tanks of lobsters (some are HUGE and some are medium). I ordered the lobster roll of course but I should have ordered chowder too. This lobster roll was delicious and oh so FRESH. If I didn't know better I would have assumed they killed this lobster moments before putting it between the bread. A bit pricey but well worth it. Next time I will sit for the full course.
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Review from Paul L.
Pittsburgh, PA
3/6/2012
Went for a quick lunch and got the large lobster roll. They make lobster roll the way it should be made: lots of lobster, minimal mayo, a fresh bun and nothing else. Delicious.
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Review from Lucy E.
Boston, MA
8/4/2011
Oh James Hook, how I want to like you, how I've tried to like you, but oh you fail me.
I've tried all my favorites here, and am always left with something to be desired. Lobster rolls, eh taste similar to the ones in Quincy Market, which seems unforgivable since it is a store dedicated to fresh lobster and seafood. The scallops once cooked were sub par, I've had much better from Whole Foods. Most recently I bought tuna steaks to make a nice dinner for my boyfriend and I, when I took the stakes out to cook that nigh, one was a nice beautiful fillet, the other was mutilated into 3 chopped up pieces, why would they sell me that?!?! So I'm finished, even though I LOVE seafood and live right down the street, and want to love James Hook and go there ofter, I will not. Matter of fact I think I've walked out of their door for the last time. -
Review from Jeff F.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've seen James Hook on Yelp getting ridiculous reviews for a while and had to check it out their lobster roll. The good: $12. The bad: everything else...
I'm not sure why some lightly mayo'd lobster on an untoasted bun is special. You can get a way better lobster roll at Legal (Neptune is the best in town right now)
Can't really recommend -
Review from Alex B.
8/13/2011
My friend was in town from Denmark. So I asked, "What are you in the mood for to eat for lunch?".
He says, "I hear boston has good seafood. Let's get that."
Thank you, James Hook and your delectable lobster roll (sm $12/ lg $15). Huge success.
Next time I am coming in with several friends to get a giant lobster. 10 pounder. Bring it on. -
Review from John S.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
They sell good lobster rolls.
That's five stars. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Somerville, MA
2/20/2012
Really affordable, fresh seafood. Initially we avoided it since it's kind of touristy, but decided to stop in for some lobsters. I was completely impressed with the freshness and the amazing looking lobster rolls. The staff was friendly and fast. It's tiny inside, so while you can order food and sit and eat it - its not something I would do unless it was nice and you could sit outside and eat. The hours make it tough to get food after work to bring home and cook, but as my husband said "I don't care, I'll make it happen, I'll leave work early to get the lobsters"
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Review from Radford T.
Manhattan, NY
My friends and I recently took a quick weekend trip to Boston for some whale watching. On a late Saturday morning we set out with a boatload of other tourists, and whales were successfully watched. It was about 2pm by the time we were done, and we were cold and hungry, because, well, we were just on a boat for 3 hours. Reservations had been made for dinner at 9pm, so we had already planned on eating lunch late. Unfortunately it started raining and we could not whimsically walk around the city and find a place to eat, so we had to find a restaurant close by quickly.
Enter the Yelp mobile app. A quick search returned James Hook & Co Lobster. Over a hundred reviews and 4.5 stars? And lobster? We had a winner. It pinpointed the address to a location just across a bridge. So we braved the rain and walked toward the destination on the map on my phone, across several blocks and the bridge, only to be unable to find the place. By this point we were wet and miserable. Fortunately we were able to ask someone for directions, and he knew exactly where James Hook & Co was. It turned out the map pointed the address to the wrong spot - it was actually on the other side of the bridge where we came from. Arg.
Through the rain we walked, back across the bridge, and expected to find something that resembled a restaurant. But what we found looked more like an oversized shack. Needless to say, we were doubtful. But we were also cold and being rained upon, so in we went. The inside of James Hook & Co looked more like a store for live and fresh seafood. In fact, it is such a store, as evidenced by the people we saw buying said seafood out of tanks that lined against the wall. But there were also a few tables laid out and a menu for lobster dishes and soup.
Though my friends were still doubtful, the fact that James Hook & Co was holding strong at 4.5 stars with over 100 reviews had already made up my mind for me and I ordered a lobster roll and a lobster bisque. Also, I was in no mood to start another discussion about where else we could go for lunch, especially since we'd have to brave the rain and cold once again to reach another destination.
I have to admit, that lobster roll had some of the freshest lobster I had ever tasted. It was no-nonsense just like a lobster roll ought to be - it had just a little bit of mayo and celery, and it simply let the great flavour of fresh lobster shine on its own. The amount of meat in the roll was substantive also. The warm lobster bisque was also delicious, especially since I had just been out in the rain. It was creamy, but not overly so, but perhaps a little bit on the salty side. I demolished both the lobster roll and the bisque in about five minutes. This is a place I will definitely revisit on my next trip to Boston!Listed in: Boston Eats
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Review from Anthony L.
Boston, MA
3/30/2012
i came here for lunch and then neptune oyster for dinner and ordered the same thing at both - neptune oyster is better than this place in every way. but without comparison, the lobster roll was decent, a lot of lobster (like neptune's lobster roll too) but it was barely seasoned. chowder was good. probably won't return though
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Review from Jenny C.
Washington, DC
5/18/2011
My search for the best lobstah roll in Boston, and raving reviews on yelp brought me to James Hook & Co Lobsters.
This place is not pretentious at all - I imagine the owners were a fishing company that decided to sell food on the side because they had so much fresh lobster and seafood hanging around. The lobster tanks in the store gives it a lot of charm.
The Lobster roll was delish -for about $12, you get a Lobster roll with Mayo that fills you up. I was very satisfied but I think the bun could have been toasted to make it that much better. Also, they were premade and sitting in the fridge-- I would prefer that they make it fresh to order. I also tried their crabcakes, but was very disappointed. It tasted like all filler, no crab and they were tiny too.
Though it wasn't the BEST lobstah roll I've ever had, it was good and the portion was just enough. I like knowing that they caught their own seafood. They also have a variety of frozen seafood soups and varieties that you can take home.
The search for the best (and reasonably priced) lobstah roll continues.Listed in: Best Lobster Roll
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Review from Sean C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
First Review ever!
The lobster roll is most certainly delicious--generous portions of lobster and not too much mayo.
The clam chowda is solid.
Hope to return for the crab cakes and stuffed clams. They seems appealing. -
Review from Andie T.
Jacksonville, FL
5/10/2011 2 photos
James Hook & Co is a fish market, first and foremost. There are six two-seat tables scattered throughout the retail area, almost as an afterthought. There are four picnic tables outside. Wood lobster traps are stacked to form shelving, the case is full of an assortment of fresh seafood and a row of tanks contain live lobsters. But I was here for the lobster roll...
When I entered the shop I was greeted by a gruff looking man who looked like he just got off the fishing boat. I asked for a lobster roll and a bottle of water. He took one lobster roll from the platter in the case, wrapped it in aluminum foil and said "$13." I paid, got my bottle of water from the cooler and picked a table.
Even though I was born in Massachusetts, I only lived there until I was four and have spent most of the rest of my life in Florida, so I'm no expert on the lobster roll. But I have eaten a lot of them in my travels to Boston and I have to say, this is the best one I have ever had. The lobster was full of flavor but not smelly, there was just enough mayo to coat the bits of meat without making the bread soggy and there was a smattering of celery for some crunch. And, of course, the bread was the traditional white hot dog roll. Since it came straight off a platter in the cooler case the bread was not buttered or toasted, but I didn't mind at all. It was delicious. The next time I am in Boston I will be sure to visit James Hook again...hopefully it will be nice and warm and I can sit at one of the picnic tables! -
Review from Laura S.
If you don't read a word of my review, just take a look at my picture of the lobster roll and that will say it all.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The building that actually says James Hook & Co isn't where you go to order. Instead, walk to the trailer. Yup, the trailer.
It's a small place but packed with lots of deee-licious seafood. There's a glass counter that had the lobster rolls, crab cakes, scallops, etc., a large tank of various sized fresh lobsters, fridges and freezers filled with clams, crab chunks, drinks, etc. Be warned that there are only a few little tables inside, so if it's busy, you might not be able to get a place to sit.
The guy behind the counter was friendly, and the service was fast. We ordered two $12 lobster rolls and a lobster bisque. TWELVE DOLLARS FOR A LOBSTER ROLL (they also have a larger one for $16). CHUNKS AND CHUNKS OF LOBSTER gently tossed with mayo nestled between a bread roll. I was in heaven, just absolute bliss. The meat was succulent and sweet. This wasn't a small sandwich. It was a pretty good size, with the meat spilling out of the bun.
The bisque was soooo good too. One of the best bisques I've ever had (Legal Seafood should be ashamed of their bisque).
My only gripe was that I wish the bun was warm and buttery and toasted, and I thought the meat was just a teensy tiny bit overcooked. BUT these two things were really a non-issue. TWELVE DOLLARS FOR A LOBSTER ROLL completely negates either slight complaint.
$12 FOR A FRESH LOBSTER ROLL! Can't get any better than that! -
Review from Michael A.
New York, NY
5/24/2011 8 photos
Came here May 21st for lunch. We got two lobster rolls, two stuffed clams and some orange soda.
Fresh seafood, great lobster rolls, and descent pricing make this place a good lunch spot if you are in the mood for some fresh lobster. -
Review from christin d.
Columbus, OH
6/3/2011
Thanks to other Yelpers this place was first on my essential Boston to do list. My lobster roll had HUGE lumps of meat, not too much mayonnaise and a good sturdy bread that held up to my quick destruction of its contents. With a can of soda on the side, it's a little pricey, but worth the cost. Being on vacation in downtown Boston is no place to be on a meager budget.
If the weather was nicer I'd have loved to sit by the harbor, there is a really nice but empty waterside park a few blocks east (??) of the restaurant. -
Review from Erik T.
Cambridge, MA
10/11/2011
James Hook lobsters are fine. If you're getting a fresh lobster, where you get it isn't going to make all the difference. I went to James Hook because I had paid for a coupon for 4 1.5 lbs lobsters, and 2 containers of clam chowder. The chowder isn't really clam chowder they make, it's frozen in a pouch and done by some other company, so this review won't touch on the chowder either. Basically, I will never be going back to James Hook again, and will be advising people I know (and those I don't, through this review) to avoid the place as well. The experience I had with the staff was THE WORST.
Having seen in an earlier review that someone with a coupon was given smaller-than-paid-for lobsters, I came up with what I thought was a reasonable and honest solution to their dishonest tendencies, and asked for 4 1.5 lbs lobsters upon walking in, without mentioning the coupon. The guy helping me out took out 4 lobsters from a bucket, weighed them, put them in a bag, and asked if I needed anything else. Then I pulled out the coupon and asked about the chowder and said here you go.
He took the coupon, looked at it, and took the lobsters he had in the bag for me and dumped them back into the bucket and pulled out four new lobsters from a different bucket. I was almost stunned in disbelief but I managed to say "hey, uh, what was wrong with those lobsters?" He told me what I ordered wasn't what the coupon said, which was obviously 100% false, as I essentially read off the coupon what I was entitled to. I told him I asked for 1.5 pounders, he gave me 1.5 pounders, and I paid for 1.5 pounders. When he bagged the new lobsters, I asked about the weight, and he goes "see? 6 pounds." though looking at the scale I could obviously see it said 5.2 lbs.
Honestly, what? Try and pull a fast one on a customer to shortchange him and then lie about it? Obviously I called him out for it and he passed me off to some supervisor and stood in the back of the counter area. Obviously this guy working with me had been told that people with this coupon FOR POUND AND A HALF LOBSTERS would not get pound and a half lobsters. The supervisor asked the problem and I said the coupon is for pound and a half lobsters, not pound and a quarter to pound and a third. He said OK i'll take care of it... so I thought we were done. As he puts the lobsters on the scale, he's whispering to the other guy behind the counter the whole time, both looking at us, just continuing to be unbelievably disrespectful. He eventually says "there you go, 6 pounds, do you want to check the scale?" in one of the most condescending tones I've experienced (single most condescending, by far, from anyone who was supposed to be serving me in any way). The people I had to interact with were insufferable and I will not be back, and you shouldn't either. Get your fresh lobsters anywhere else and your lobster rolls everywhere else. You can just get drunk and make a scene on the T and you will be treated with more respect than at James Hook. -
Review from MB D.
West Orange, NJ
6/25/2011
My husband wanted a lobster roll during our recent overnight in Boston. He did some online searching and found James Hook.
We got the small lobster roll, which was very fresh and tasty. The clam chowder cup tasted really good and had nice big chunks of clams and potatoes. Meanwhile, I'm not a huge seafood fan ... while I enjoy trying little bites of my husband's seafood meals, I'd rather get something else for my main dish. I got a tiny crab cake (very good) and a hot dog (blah). It's a takeout place, but since the weather was nice we ate on one of the picnic tables in their parking lot.
Service was friendly and fast, and the pricing seemed reasonable. Highly recommended! -
Review from Jonathan B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/18/2011
Sometimes you just want a lobster roll, and James Hook has one of the best at 12 dollars. Lobster is the main stock in trade here, and the lobster roll is made fresh in house and is picked over for the good meat, mostly the juicy and plump white knuckle meat. Its delicious, but Its not the most filling- an additional cup of bisque or clam chowder will set you straight for sure. (They also now sell a larger roll for a couple bucks more) The chowder here is hit or miss, so best to go with the bisque as these people know lobster well.
There isnt much in the way of seating, as this is mainly a market. Outside there are open air picnic tables which can get pretty uncomfortable with the occasional wind current whipping across fort point channel, but sometimes you just want a lobster roll. -
Review from Karin L.
Oakland Gardens, NY
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their LOBSTER ROLLS are huge for so cheap! Only $12 for a small and it's a pretty big size. You just have to drive a little bit away from the tourist area (Quincy Market, etc) and you are at James Hook!
They are also sooo fresh with intense seafoody smell (which I do not mind) but I know some people can find that very fresh smell too seafoody, fishy, oceany! But if you don't mind that very fresh, fresh taste, then you will love this place!
WARNING: This is not a classy restaurant or anything. They have benches outside for you to order and bring out to eat. Don't expect fancy service, waitors, etc. This is not the type of place. LOBSTERS ALL THE WAY! -
Review from Angel S.
Bartlett, IL
4/8/2011
So here we are in Boston on vacation. Hubby has had a Lobster Roll at darn near every meal, and is a pseudo expert by now. I've had a taste of each one.
We intended to go to James Hook for dinner (dinnah) but when we walked in we learned they were already closed. They went ahead and prepared a lobster roll anyway.
This was quite possibly the best lobster roll ever. Most memorable on our vacation so far. -
Review from B S.
Round Rock, TX
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is AWESOME!!! They package my lobsters up and prepared them for the flight to Texas......This place will save you big $ if you are looking for great lobster to take home.........
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Review from Steve S.
Boston, MA
5/25/2011
Home of the Monster Lobsters!!
The Giant Lobsters impresses me every time!! -
Review from John O.
Los Angeles, CA
11/9/2010
First off I love the story behind this place; that is fact that its a small business that bounced back after a fire burned down the originally building. Now they have set up in a portable building shop across the bridge and continue to procure freshly caught sea food.
Went here with my dad while visiting Boston, and due to the location change mentioned above, it was rather difficult. In the end though it was definitely worth it.
Serving up fresh sea food, lobster rolls and lobster bisque, the building itself was nothing special. Pretty much just tanks and a deli counter. Even the dining area was just some wooden picnic tables set up outside.
But maybe it is for the best, seeing how the lack of decor forces the customer (and the establishment I suppose) to focus on the food. This was my first encounter with a lobster roll, and although the $12 price tag seemed a bit steep, you get what you pay for. Not too fancy compared to lobster rolls I've had since (namely Luke's in NYC), leaving the local caught, fresh lobster as the highlight. Delicious.
My dad decided to get a whole cooked lobster and proceeded to use the wooden picnic table to decimate the poor guy. Quite a spectacle, with tasty results.
I was also intrigued by the fact that they shipped live lobster anywhere in the country. Being from California, I have to say I was pretty tempted.
