MARYLAND - Baltimore is a city that lives and breathes seafood. While its world-famous crabs often steal the show, Charm City also boasts an incredible lobster scene, with restaurants serving up this prized crustacean in a variety of delicious forms. From classic, butter-drenched lobster rolls and whole steamed lobsters to inventive and decadent chef-driven creations, the city is a paradise for lobster lovers. Here is a guide to ten of the best and most beloved lobster dishes in Baltimore.
1. The Classic Lobster Roll at Thames Street Oyster House (Fells Point)
- The Dish: A consistent winner of "best of" awards, the lobster roll at Thames Street Oyster House is considered by many to be the pinnacle of perfection in Baltimore. They offer it two ways: classic Maine-style (chilled with a touch of mayo) or Connecticut-style (warm with drawn butter), both packed with a generous amount of fresh lobster meat on a perfectly toasted bun.
- The Vibe: A sophisticated yet welcoming New England-style oyster house with beautiful harbor views and a fantastic raw bar.
2. The Steamed Lobster at Nick's Fish House (Port Covington)
- The Dish: For a classic, no-frills steamed lobster experience, Nick's Fish House is a legendary destination. You can often pick your own live lobster and have it steamed to perfection, served with corn on the cob and drawn butter.
- The Vibe: A massive, casual, and lively waterfront crab house and deck bar with a laid-back, party-like atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a messy, delicious seafood feast.
3. The Lobster Pot Pie at The Capital Grille (Inner Harbor)
- The Dish: This upscale steakhouse offers a truly decadent and unique lobster creation: the Lobster and Crab Pot Pie. It's a rich and creamy dish packed with chunks of lobster and crab under a flaky pastry crust.
- The Vibe: A classic, clubby, and refined steakhouse atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion.
4. The Lobster Mac & Cheese at Jimmy's Famous Seafood (Dundalk)
- The Dish: A Baltimore icon, Jimmy's Famous Seafood is known for its incredible crab cakes, but their Lobster Mac & Cheese is a fan-favorite indulgence. It's a rich and creamy dish loaded with chunks of sweet lobster meat.
- The Vibe: A high-energy, popular, and family-friendly seafood restaurant and sports bar.
5. The Lobster Fra Diavolo at La Tavola (Little Italy)
- The Dish: This beloved Italian restaurant offers a fantastic seafood pasta, the Lobster Fra Diavolo. It features a whole lobster served over pasta with a spicy tomato sauce, combining the best of Italian and coastal flavors.
- The Vibe: A romantic and classic Italian dining room in the heart of Baltimore's Little Italy.
6. The Lobster Tempura at Azumi (Harbor East)
- The Dish: For an elegant Japanese take on lobster, Azumi offers a stunning Lobster Tempura. The lobster is lightly battered and fried to perfection, served with a creamy ponzu sauce.
- The Vibe: A chic, modern, and upscale Japanese restaurant with beautiful waterfront views in the stylish Harbor East neighborhood.
7. The "Hot B'more" Lobster Roll at The Local Oyster (Mount Vernon)
- The Vibe: A cool, casual, and modern oyster bar, The Local Oyster puts a Baltimore spin on the classic lobster roll.
- The Dish: While they offer a traditional version, look for their creative takes, sometimes including a "Hot B'more" version with a touch of Old Bay aioli or other local flavors.
8. The "Maine Event" at Mama's On The Half Shell (Canton)
- The Vibe: A beloved neighborhood seafood house in Canton Square, Mama's is a lively and welcoming spot with a classic Baltimore feel.
- The Dish: "The Maine Event" is their fantastic lobster roll, packed with fresh meat and served on a buttered roll. They also offer a full raw bar and other classic seafood dishes.
9. The Lobster Tail Entree at The Prime Rib (Mount Vernon)
- The Vibe: A legendary, 1940s-style supper club, The Prime Rib is the epitome of fine-dining elegance.
- The Dish: While famous for its prime rib, this is a classic surf-and-turf destination. Indulge in a massive, perfectly broiled lobster tail as an entree or pair it with one of their prime steaks.
10. Dylan's Oyster Cellar (Hampden)
- The Vibe: An intimate and charming neighborhood oyster bar in Hampden, Dylan's is known for its curated selection of fresh oysters and a thoughtful seafood menu.
- The Dish: Look for their simple yet perfectly executed raw bar offerings or a classic, high-quality lobster roll when it's on the menu.
From the classic, perfectly crafted lobster rolls of Thames Street Oyster House to the decadent pot pies at The Capital Grille and the authentic steamed lobsters at Nick's Fish House, Baltimore offers a world-class experience for any lobster lover. The city's best seafood restaurants showcase this prized crustacean with creativity and a deep respect for quality, proving that Charm City's seafood scene goes far beyond crabs.