Best Lobster Roll for Newbies
#16
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#18
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Based on your description of your girlfriend's family -- "They are sophisticated, affluent people in lots of ways, but not very well traveled or adventurous food wise. They think nothing of dropping $500 on a random Friday night dinner, but it's usually a steak or Italian food. I'm also getting the impression they aren't going to be comfortable with the T or most other public transportation." -- though we might dispute your use of the word sophisticated, I am thinking that a fancier, sit-down restaurant might be a better choice than the down-and-dirty lobster roll places so many of us love. So maybe a place like Neptune Oyster (although with the Sox in town, that might be chaotic), or erstwhile favorite B&G Oysters, or some other similar place where one can make a reservation, order from the wait staff, and sit in a relaxed environment with a cocktail, a glass of wine, and/or a beer.
#19
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Based on your description of your girlfriend's family -- "They are sophisticated, affluent people in lots of ways, but not very well traveled or adventurous food wise. They think nothing of dropping $500 on a random Friday night dinner, but it's usually a steak or Italian food. I'm also getting the impression they aren't going to be comfortable with the T or most other public transportation." -- though we might dispute your use of the word sophisticated, I am thinking that a fancier, sit-down restaurant might be a better choice than the down-and-dirty lobster roll places so many of us love. So maybe a place like Neptune Oyster (although with the Sox in town, that might be chaotic), or erstwhile favorite B&G Oysters, or some other similar place where one can make a reservation, order from the wait staff, and sit in a relaxed environment with a cocktail, a glass of wine, and/or a beer.
I am planning on going to Neptune Oyster, it's always a must-visit when I'm in town. Is it really that affected by Sox games tho? Or did you reverse Neptune and B&G?
What I meant about being sophisticated, they are cultured and intelligent, I think they just like to stick to their routines.They aren't rubes. Plus, Uncle commutes every week DFW-MFE, Sunday-Thursday. He's a bank president, and spends the week in a condo they own, but that isn't much more than a glorified studio apartment. So who knows, maybe he's more attached to the comforts of home and familiarity.
Last edited by NotDuncan; Feb 2, 2020 at 9:43 am Reason: clean up some Sunday morning hangover grammar
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#21
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You can usually get booze at the Kenmore T Station, just have to know the right gentlemen who reside there
#22
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I am planning on going to Neptune Oyster, it's always a must-visit when I'm in town. Is it really that affected by Sox games tho? Or did you reverse Neptune and B&G?
What I meant about being sophisticated, they are cultured and intelligent, I think they just like to stick to their routines.They aren't rubes. Plus, Uncle commutes every week DFW-MFE, Sunday-Thursday. He's a bank president, and spends the week in a condo they own, but that isn't much more than a glorified studio apartment. So who knows, maybe he's more attached to the comforts of home and familiarity.
What I meant about being sophisticated, they are cultured and intelligent, I think they just like to stick to their routines.They aren't rubes. Plus, Uncle commutes every week DFW-MFE, Sunday-Thursday. He's a bank president, and spends the week in a condo they own, but that isn't much more than a glorified studio apartment. So who knows, maybe he's more attached to the comforts of home and familiarity.
#23
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Sorry, I meant Oyster Creek, not Neptune. My thinking is to go to a place (1) that is relatively upscale, (2) where they take reservations, and (3) where you can enjoy a relatively relaxed experience. My concern would be that places like Neptune or more downscale places might be too chaotic and/or too down-and-dirty for how you describe you girlfriend's family. I, too, am somewhat out of touch with the lobster roll places "du moment," but based on what you describe my top choices would be B&G (with a reservation) or Island Creek (non-game day with a reservation). Your call of course.
Bricco or Lucca for a meal in the North End, or do you have another idea? I trust your opinions on food and dining. I used to love The Pushcart years ago, in it's original location, but haven't been since it moved during (?) the Big Dig. I'm not sure it's even still around, tbh.
#24
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If you are going to a Red Sox game there is a branch of Eventide near Fenway. Though not traditional they do make a good lobster roll and the rest of the menu is great too. It's a good option for newbies because they are of manageable size and can be done in half size. Lot's of great suggestions otherwise.....enjoy your trip !
Also wanted to add that if money is not much of an issue then I would recommend Prezza in the North End.
Also wanted to add that if money is not much of an issue then I would recommend Prezza in the North End.
Last edited by space pilot; Feb 7, 2020 at 5:02 am
#25
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Neptune is my favorite(they do both hot and cold) and I have not had much of a problem around 2-3. Also, Saltie girl in the back bay is good as well. If you are near Fenway, try the new TimeOut food hall where vetted chefs have opened up take out restaurants with communal seating. Cocktail and wine bars there as well. I know Saltie Girl does a somewhat smaller version, but delicious. and Craig on Main from Cambridge has Craig burgers etc. Eventide and B&G are also smart choices
Last edited by flylinda; Feb 10, 2020 at 1:17 pm Reason: addition
#27
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#28
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I had the opportunity to try back to back, the lobster roll at Luke's and at ICOB. Both of the warm buttered type. The ICOB was bigger, juicier, and just overall better than the one at Luke's. But risk adjusting for the price point ($36 at ICOB! and $21 at Luke's), I'd say they are equivalent. So if you don't mind paying 40 bucks for a lobster roll, ICOB is most fine. And if you do, Luke's is a perfectly good value-for-money alternative.
#29
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I had the opportunity to try back to back, the lobster roll at Luke's and at ICOB. Both of the warm buttered type. The ICOB was bigger, juicier, and just overall better than the one at Luke's. But risk adjusting for the price point ($36 at ICOB! and $21 at Luke's), I'd say they are equivalent. So if you don't mind paying 40 bucks for a lobster roll, ICOB is most fine. And if you do, Luke's is a perfectly good value-for-money alternative.