Lobster rolls are extremely popular all over the Cape, and it seems as though every restaurant, from fine dining establishment to clam shack, has its own take on this local delicacy.
Some places add celery, some bake their rolls on-site, and others tinker with the mayo until it comes out just perfect. Trying multiple takes on the lobster roll is part of the fun when dining out on Cape Cod.
Because so many options are available, locating the best-tasting lobster rolls in any particular community is challenging, especially if you’re only in the area for a week or two.
Here’s a look at the five best lobster rolls we’ve found in Chatham, Massachusetts.
1) Chatham Bistro on Main
Bistro on Main enjoys a prime location in the heart of downtown Chatham and is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. The venue features a raw bar and a ton of other seafood options, including perhaps Chatham’s best lobster roll.
This lobster roll is part of the restaurant’s lunch menu and is available both hot and cold.
The hot option comes topped with butter, while the traditional cold sandwich is tossed with lemon, celery, and mayo. Both types are served on toasted brioche.
One bite of the lobster roll at Bistro on Main, and you’ll quickly see why it draws crowds to this establishment all summer long.
2) The Beach House Grill
The most scenic place to try a lobster roll in Chatham is probably The Beach House Grill, which sits on Shore Road overlooking Aunt Lydia’s Cove. The venue is just down the street from the Chatham Fish Pier and features a large patio and tables on the sandy beach.
The lobster roll itself is a chilled salad served on a brioche bun with bibb lettuce and lemon. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the area, and you can enjoy it with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, a local craft beer, or a glass of wine.
The Beach House Grill is usually only open for lunch, so you’ll have to head over in the afternoon if you want to give their famous lobster roll a try.
3) The Blue Coral
Kate Gould Park is a popular gathering spot in downtown Chatham because it’s home to the Whit Tileston Chatham Bandstand and hosts Chatham Art in the Park every year. The Blue Coral is across the street from the park, which is perhaps why it’s such a popular place to eat throughout the summer and fall.
Of course, the other reasons people love The Blue Coral are its lobster rolls, as they have hot and cold options, depending on what you want to try.
The hot lobster roll is topped with lemon garlic butter and smoked paprika, while the cold option features butter lettuce, lemon aioli, pickled onion, and Old Bay seasoning.
You can’t go wrong with either option because they’re both delicious choices for lunch or dinner. As a bonus, The Blue Coral has a garden oasis behind the building, so you can eat outdoors in a peaceful environment.
4) The Impudent Oyster
If fine dining is on your mind, but you still want to try one of Chatham’s best lobster rolls, the Impudent Oyster should be your first stop. This restaurant sits in a converted church on Main Street, offering visitors a unique atmosphere and upscale cuisine.
The lobster roll at the Impudent Oyster is one of its most popular menu items. It comes cold, served with chopped celery, mayo, and onion on a butter-grilled bun. You can also choose between five different sides, including house-made potato chips, French fries, potato salad, coleslaw, and the side of the day.
Whether you’re wandering Main Street in the afternoon or looking for a nice dinner on your Cape Cod vacation, the Impudent Oyster is well worth your time.
5) The Captain’s Table
The Captain’s Table is a small eatery set in an old cottage on Main Street. Although there are a few tables inside, the patio is the place to be when dining here because there’s a lot more space for guests, and it provides a cozy atmosphere.
This restaurant serves all-day breakfast and is known for its Bloody Marys, but the lobster roll at the Captain’s Table is also a popular menu item. The sandwich comes on a grilled brioche roll and is served either hot or cold. The hot version is topped with butter, while the cold roll features lettuce and mayo.
Either way, the Captain’s Table lobster roll also arrives with a bag of Cape Cod Potato Chips, completing your meal in local fashion.
Make the Most of Your Meals on the Cape
Chatham is full of fantastic places to visit, and the dining scene is one of Cape Cod’s most diverse. The Main Street area is a bustling spot in the summer, and if you’re checking it out, make sure to sample a lobster roll or two on your travels.
Each of these lobster rolls offers something different to diners and is sure to become one of the most memorable items you eat on your Cape Cod vacation.
