The Ultimate Lobster Lovers Guide for a Jersey Shore Lobster Dinner
(Updated May 2024) Nothing hints at a celebration, quite like a Jersey Shore lobster dinner. Just saying, “I’ll have the lobster, please” makes you feel a little bit more regal. For Jersey Shore lobster lovers, there are plenty of ways to get your lobster on whether you’re going for the traditional Old Bay steam or you want something that takes your favorite crustacean to new levels.
We went back to some of our long time favorite restaurants to see what lobster dishes they were putting together, while also sharing some of our new hot spots. Our ultimate Jersey Shore lobster lover’s guide is packed with our favorite lobster dishes in Monmouth and Ocean County. Now it’s your time to try them all.
A Guide to Jersey Shore Lobster Dishes
Party Like a Lob*Star, The Boondocks Fishery (May-September)
The Boondocks Fishery & Grill – Red Bank
Owner Kelly Ryan knows how to party like a Lob*Star. At The Boondocks Fishery, it’s all about lobster… ok and other shellfish, but mainly lobster, ALL THE TIME! Our favorite is an order of two lobsters, corn, potatoes, and your very own lobster bib. Also, if you can fit it in, we also suggest Ryan’s delicious Lobster Mac N’ Cheese. 1 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-7177. https://theboondocksfishery.com/
Chef’s Colossal, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant – Long Branch
Dine oceanfront with Rooney’s Chef’s Colossal stacked with 6 Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, 6 Middle Neck Clams, 6 Bluepoint Oysters, 6 Chef’s Choice Oysters and topped with a 2lb chilled lobster. Other lobster menu items include the Lobster Bisque, Lobster Mac-A-Rooney and the Angry Lobster that has been pan roasted in its original shell with olive oil, garlic, basil, and of course hot pepper flakes (to make it angry!) Rooney’s Oceanfront outdoes itself yet again. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com
Clam Bake, Klein’s Fish Market
Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Café – Belmar
Nothing says summer quite like a Lobster dinner at Klein’s Fish Market. To take it up a notch, order the Steamed Lobsters that range from 1-2lbs with larger lobsters available in their market! As the days get warmer, sit outside on the large deck where you can watch the fishermen haul in the day’s catch as you haul in your own. 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 http://kleinsfish.com/
Lobster Night, Drifthouse by David Burke
Drifthouse by David Burke – Sea Bright
You can’t beat Wednesday Lobster Night at Drifthouse by David Burke. DRIFTHOUSE is the only oceanfront restaurant in Sea Bright and has a trendy, beach-chic interior serving a seafood focused menu. Lobster Night runs 4pm – close on Wednesay and features Wines by the Glass & Bottle, live music and of course plenty of lobster specials. Try the Lobster Mac & Cheese, 1.25lb lobster, lobster bisque, lobster flatbread and so much more! 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-530-9760 https://drifthousedb.com/lobster-night/
Lobster Mac & Cheese – Woody’s Ocean Grille
Woody’s Ocean Grille – Sea Bright
The menu at Woody’s Ocean Grille is California coastal inspired with a southwestern flare that includes fish tacos, fresh seafood, and exciting southwestern creations. Come on in and try the Lobster Mac & Cheese or the Lobster Po Boy Tacos paired with their famous Orange Crush. You will always find something satisfying at Woody’s. 1 East Church Street, Sea Bright 732-936-1300 https://www.woodysoceangrille.com/
Lobster Night, Mar Belo Restaurant
Mar Belo – Long Branch
We’re telling you, Thursday nights were made for lobster. At Mar Belo you’ll dine on your choice of broiled or steamed twin 1 1/4lb. lobsters and Spanish mashed potatoes for just $39.99. If you’re looking for something a bit spicy, their Angry Lobster (pictured above) is also a huge hit. Reservations are recommended because this deal goes fast! 611 Broadway, Long Branch 732-870-2222 http://www.marbelorestaurant.com
Monday Lobster Night, The Pour House
The Pour House – Tinton Falls
Mondays mean the Lobster Night at The Pour House. For just $24.99, feast like the king or queen you are on a 1.25lb. steamed Maine lobster or 6oz. lobster tail that comes with all the fixings from soup to salad. Check their website for details! 640 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls 732-842-4337 http://www.pourhouserestaurant.com/
Lobster Roll, The Molly Pitcher Inn
Molly Pitcher Inn – Red Bank
The Molly Pitcher Inn is a culinary gem at the shore. Located on Route 35 in Red Bank, The Molly Pitcher Inn offers great views of the Navesink River, as well as one of the finest dining experiences around. Their Lobster Roll served with celery, Boston Bibb and Mayo is an upscale treat best eaten by their pool! 88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank (732) 747-2500 http://www.themollypitcher.com/
Lobster Rolls / Lobster Bisque, The Oyster Point Hotel
The Oyster Point Hotel – Red Bank
If you’ve ever dined at or heard of the Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, then you know how innovative and upscale their menu is. On their new dinner menu, you’ll find two lobster options, the Lobster Rolls served on a toasted garlic roll with old bay chips and slaw and their take on the Lobster Bisque with fresh tarragon and port wine. Put on your best dinner attire and head to the Pearl for one of the best meals you’ll find overlooking the Navesink. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-747-2500 https://www.theoysterpointhotel.com/
Seafood Papardelle, Charley’s Ocean Grill
Charley’s Ocean Grill – Long Branch
If you’re heading home from a long day at the beach in Long Branch, be sure to stop at Charley’s Ocean Grill and try the Seafood Papardelle filled with clams, mussels, shrimp, half lobster, and pappardelle pasta. Choice of: scampi, fra diavolo or al fresco style. It’s a summer vacation all year round when you dine at Charley’s. 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch 732-222-4499 https://www.charleysoceangrill.com/
Eastern Shore Pasta Dish, Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar
Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar – Leeds Point
Not only does Oyster Creek have some of the best sunsets over the marshes in Atlantic County, but they’re menu items featuring an array of delectable seafood items make it a must visit for a Jersey Shore lobster dinner. With seven lobster options ranging from a Lobster pasta dinner, to Lobster sushi rolls, to a 1 1/4 lbs. East Coast Lobster (regular or stuffed), the only downside is not being able to eat them all at once. 41 Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point 609-652-8565 http://www.oystercreekinnnj.com
Lobster Roll (Seasonal), The Atlantic House
The Atlantic House – Atlantic Highlands
The Lobster Roll is a seasonal menu item at The Atlantic House only available during the summer time, making it an item you can’t pass up when you visit. Its also the perfect dish to pair with one of the many flavors of Margaritas on The Atlantic House’s cocktail menu. If you happen to find yourself at The Atlantic House in the Lobster Roll off season, don’t worry, their menu is filled with other fantastic seafood dishes like the Grilled Salmon and Fish & Chips. 67 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands 848-300-2408 https://www.theatlantichousenj.com/
Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern – Seaside Park
Stop by over the weekend at Bum Rogers and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that your favorite lobster dinner is on special. Fresh, local, and absolutely delicious – it’s a no brainer to stop here! 2207 SW Central Avenue, Seaside Park 732-830-2770 http://bumrogerstavern.com/home
Used to Be’s – Mantoloking
No need to travel to a small island for the summer to get in on all the flavors. Used to Be’s Lobster Special is the perfect substitute for that trip. Featuring two 4oz tails, a perfectly cooked baked potato and vegetables on the side. This generous portion of Lobster is enough to keep any one of us local for the summer. 287 NJ-35, Mantoloking 732-892-3770 https://www.usedtobesnj.com/
Stuffed Lobster Thermidor (Special Request), Porcini
Porcini – Highlands
If you plan on dining at Porcini in the Highlands and would like to make a special request for a birthday or anniversary dinner, just let Porcini know ahead of time when you make your reservation and they’ll do their best to accommodate. It’s not on their regular menu, but if you request Stuffed Lobster Thermidor for your next Birthday, Porcini will make sure that your request is as delicious as possible. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 https://www.restaurantporcini.com/
Angry Lobster, Trama’s Trattoria
Trama’s Trattoria – Long Branch
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. If you call ahead to Chef Pat of Trama’s Trattoria and let them know that you want the original Angry Lobster for dinner (many others have copied off of his culinary sorcery), he’ll make it just for you. It’s not on the menu and once you’re there, you’re screwed. But since we’re so nice, we wanted to keep you in the loop. 115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch 732-222-1121 http://tramastrattoria.com/
Johnny Hong Kong Tempura Fried Lobster, Red Horse by David Burke
Red Horse by David Burke – Rumson
Fueled by passion, grit, and a knack for artful innovation, David Burke is one of the best-known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine. Acknowledged as a leading pioneer in American cooking, Burke created Red Horse in one of New Jersey’s most influential fine dining restaurants where he once worked as a line chef at the beginning of his career. There isn’t a single menu item that we can’t recommend, but if you’re feeling lobster, the Johnny Hong Kong Tempura Fried Lobster is where it’s at. 26 Ridge Rd, Rumson 732-576-3400 https://redhorsebydb.com
Lobster Bisque, Salt Creek Grille
Salt Creek Grille – Rumson
If you’re looking for a place to bring the family to relax and enjoy a unique dining experience, then be sure to make a reservation for the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson. Our recommendation is the Lobster Bisque with Maine lobster, cream, sherry, and tarragon. Get it in a cup or a bowl. 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson 732-933-9272 https://www.saltcreekgrille.com/rumson/
Whole Lobster / Hot Lobster Roll, Bahrs Landing
Bahrs Landing – Highlands
For over 100 years, Bahrs Landing has brought together a waterfront family dining experience with the freshest local seafood around. Although there are plenty of dishes that are worthy of your attention, we can’t help but favor the Whole Lobster stuffed with crabmeat and the Hot Lobster Roll filled with lobster meat poached in butter on toasted brioche. It gets us every time. 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-872-1245 http://bahrslanding.com
Fresh Lobster, Point Lobster Company
Point Lobster Company – Point Pleasant Beach
Looking to cook your own Jersey Shore lobster dinner? One visit to Point Lobster Company and you can make your dinner guest’s lobster dinner dreams come true. Lobster rolls? Check. 2lb. lobsters? Check. Seriously, they’ve got you covered. 1 Saint Louis Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-1718 http://www.pointlobsterco.com
Lobster Everything, Cousins Maine Lobster
Cousins Maine Lobster – Asbury Park / Food Truck
Yet another option for those who can’t decide whether they want to eat out or eat in. Cousins Maine Lobster is offering a little of both with their Asbury Park location on the boardwalk and Food Truck that can be found all over the state including locations like Freehold, South Jersey and Trenton! From Lobster Tots, to Lobster Bisque, to Lobster Tacos, you can’t go wrong. If that wasn’t enough, you can also ship some of their Lobsters straight to your door all the way from Maine! 800 Ocean Ave N. Asbury Park 732-455-2939 https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/
Classic Coastal Steam Pot, 2nd Jetty Seafood
2nd Jetty Seafood – Sea Bright
A local establishment since 2017, lobster lovers have been heading to 2nd Jetty for their fill of one of our favorite crustaceans for years. Pick up a Steam Pot for dinner that comes with a 1.25lb. lobster, dozen clams, 1/2 lb. mussels, 1/2 lb. steamers, 1/2 lb. shrimp, 2-piece snow crab clusters, celery, onions, corn, potatoes, and chef’s seasonings. They’re also available to hire for some catering – you’ll soon understand why their seafood is so coveted. 140 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright 732-224-8700 http://2ndjetty.com/
Crabby Rick’s Shore Shack – Toms River (Normandy Beach Section)
Amidst an endless lineup of summer bungalows and seaside mansions, Crabby Rick’s blue and red shack is a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” type of place. Giving off only the best summer vibes, their menu is filled with seafood classics and the best lobster roll you’ll find driving down Rt 35. The Lobster is mixed with Crabby’s iconic spices and served on top a garlic roll with some nice greens. 3626 Rt. 35 North Normandy Beach 732-830-0700 http://www.crabbyricks.com/
All of the Lobster Rolls, Mystic Lobster Roll Company
Mystic Lobster Roll Company – Toms River, Point Pleasant Beach
If you’re the type of person that can’t decide on just one item to order when it comes to Lobster, then Mystic Lobster Roll Company is your place. They only serve one thing on their menu and if you guessed lobster, well, then you are correct. When ordering, you choose the filling. Maine, New England or Connecticut lobster that can be served in one of their seven lobster roll options, filled into one of their lobster tacos or topped on their lobster mac & cheese. 1174 Fischer Blvd. Toms River NJ 08753 732-503-4293 / 629 Arnold Avenue Point Pleasant Beach NJ 732-202-7663 https://www.mysticlobsterrolls.com/