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The Best Lobster Rolls (and Beyond) in NYC

Nothing captures the taste of summer like a lobster roll. New York does everything from traditional, Maine-dockside rolls all the way up to creative flights of fusion, like Chinatown-inspired lobster steamed buns. Read on for our picks for the best lobster rolls and beyond in NYC for summer 2016.

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Midtown West

lobster roll blt fabrick

If there was ever a gourmet restaurant with something for everyone, it's the fabulous David Burke fabrick. New Executive Chef Michael Franey serves innovative dishes that call out New York’s classic nabes and flavors. Case in point is his take on the lobster roll: Lobster BLT Steamed Buns, with candied bacon, jalapeño, and a little kick from Old Bay aioli. Who needs a roll? Archer Hotel, 47 W. 38th St., 212-302-3838, davidburkefabrick.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Midtown West

oceana lobster rolls

An elegant evening awaits at the spacious, modern seafood restaurant Oceana. Their expertise with creative, innovative seafood shines through on the house's lobster sandwich. Pain au lait serves as the bun, with bacon, tarragon, and avocado amping the flavors. 120 W. 49th St., 212-759-5941, oceanarestaurant.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Upper West Side

ed's chowder house lobster roll

Ed's Chowder House brings Montauk to Manhattan, serving up the best of East Coast seafood in an airy, casual space. For the best of the best, don't miss the house's lobster roll, with light mayo and hints of citrus on a decadent roll. NB: They also do a burger topped with lobster roll salad that takes surf 'n' turf to another level. 44 W. 63rd St., 212-956-1288, edschowderhouse.nyc

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Financial District

lobster roll luke's lobster

By truck or by brick and mortar(s), Luke's Lobster handles lobster the Maine way, smothered in lemon-infused butter, spices, and just a hint of mayonnaise on a warm, split-top bun. Don't mind us, we'll just be visiting each and every Luke's outpost this summer.

93 E. 7th St., 212-387-8487; 26 S. William St. (near Broad),  212-747-1700; 242 E. 81st St., 212-249-4241; 426 Amsterdam Ave., 212-877-8800; The Plaza Food Hall, 1 W. 59th St., 646-755-3227; 207 E. 43rd St., 646-657-0066; City Kitchen, 700 8th Ave., 917-338-0928; Brooklyn Bridge Park, 11 Water St., 917-882-7516; 5 W. 25th St., 646-657-0747; 237 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, 347-457-6855; lukeslobster.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Hudson River

You've got to hit the high seas to get your grip on North River's lobster roll. With six daily sailing times and additional weekend departures, patrons aboard the North River Lobster Co.'s restaurant at sea get victuals and a view while noshing on a choice of four killer rolls: The New England Classic (self-explanatory), The New Yorker (mustard and a pretzel bun), The Pacific Meets Atlantic (nori, chili, sriracha), and The Norwegian (keeping it simple with herb mayo). Pier 81, W. 41st St., 212-630-8831,  northriverlobsterco.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Lower East Side

lobster rolls nyc grey lady

Lobster lovers pack Grey Lady nightly for a taste of Nantucket on the Lower East Side. The mission: to order Lady's Famous Lobster Roll, clocking in with 1 1/4 pounds of freshly shucked Maine lobster served warm or cold on a richly buttered bun. This sublime creation is paired with an addictive celery slaw (definitely ask for extra) and thick-cut jacket fries on the side. 77 Delancey St., 646-580-5239, greyladynyc.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Midtown East

sea fire grill lobster top loader

This elegant midtown seafood destination also serves a mean lobster roll. Actually, The Sea Fire Grill serves more than one. Come for lunch and you'll encounter the "top loader" you see above: a gorgeously stuffed bun brimming with lobster meat. Or, if you're dining at the bar, check out the "Lobster Roll" trio which features three lobster roll sliders in three different styles (Maine, tempura, and Nantucket), each more dellcious than the next. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785, theseafiregrill.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: East Village

Red Hook Lobster Pound knows that variety is the spice of the sea...right? Order your lobster roll one of three ways (hint: they're all the right pick). Maine-style is all claw and knuckle meat piled high, Connecticut-style buys you lobster chunks served warm with lemon, paprika, and scallions, or take a Tuscan jaunt with lobster tossed in a basil vinaigrette.

16 Extra Place, 212-777-7225; 284 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, 718-858-7650; Big Red Food Truck, @lobstertruckny on Twitter; redhooklobster.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Greenwich Village

A longstanding favorite for best lobster roll in the city (heck, it arguably started the whole lobster roll craze in Manhattan), Pearl Oyster Bar continues to impress. Slip into this charming Cornelia Street landmark for a lobster roll whipped up with dreamy, creamy mayonnaise. This summer sandwich stalwart is paired with thin, crisped shoestring fries.

18 Cornelia St., 212-691-8211, pearloysterbar.com

Best Lobster Rolls NYC: Greenwich Village

the clam lobster sliders

Seasonal newcomer The Clam takes inspiration from its namesake bivalve and its briny brethren. Lobster rolls get done one better here, as fried clam and lobster sliders playing off rich and crisp on a freshly griddled butter bun. 420 Hudson St., 212-242-7420, theclamnyc.com

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