7 Places to Grab a Lobster Roll in the Hudson Valley

Whether you prefer it cold with mayo (Maine style) or warm with butter (Connecticut style), nothing epitomizes summer like a pile of lobster meat on a split-top bun, complete with a side of salty french fries or potato chips. 

While never an inexpensive choice, lobster prices soared in early summer 2021 due to a surge of post-pandemic restaurant openings coupled with a slow start to the lobster harvest season and low supply overall – forcing many Hudson Valley restaurants to drop lobster rolls from their menus.  Pricing has come down throughout the summer, and we’ve found seven local spots serving our favorite summer treat. Here are seven local spots to get your lobster fix in Upstate NY.

REAL MAINE LOBSTER BAKE | Windham New York | 518-755-2702 | Facebook

Our lobster is always fresh and never ‘tanked,’ and comes overnight from Rockland, Maine – located in the heart of Midcoast Maine, on the Penobscot Bay. It is shipped overnight for you to enjoy al fresco around a cozy family-sized table in one of our tents behind the Windham Theatre or picnic table streamside. Prepared at our new state-of-the-art outdoor seafood kitchen, Lobster Bakes are Saturdays 5 – 7 p.m ( Opening Day on Memorial Day).

KINGSTON STANDARD BREWING  |  Kingston New York  |  845-853-8152  |  @kingstonstandard 

This  Midtown Kingston brewery has plenty of seafood options to pair with their small-batch beers for a peak summer experience. The Lobster Roll comes on a split-top roll complete with lemon, butter, and paprika for $22, with chips a side of chips. 

FRANK GUIDO’S PORT OF CALL |  Catskill New York  |  518-943-5088  |  Facebook

Of course, there’s a Lobster Roll at this waterfront Catskill restaurant.  For $27.95, this cold roll is served on the classic New England Bun.  Enjoy it with a cold glass of white wine in a beautiful waterfront setting.

OFF THE HOOK FOOD TRUCK |  Kingston NY  |  @offthehookfoodtruck

This roaming food truck in the greater Kingston area uses fresh ingredients to make its customers happy and full.  The lobster roll comes with a pile of steamed and chilled lobster on a toasted roll with melted butter for $19. 

BUTTERCUP  |  Hudson NY  |  518-945-8224 |   @buttercuphudson

At Buttercup, enjoy a classic New England Lobster roll – a quarter pound of fresh lobster with mayo, celery and spices served on a split-top bun for $32.  While you’re there, enjoy a cocktail from Mixologist Kat Dunn, who developed the cocktail program at Fish and Game.  

CREEKSIDE BISTRO  |  Rosendale NY  |  845-658-2000 |   @creekside.bar.bistro

After leaving The Gilded Otter, this husband and wife team found this picturesque space (a former Japanese restaurant), taking full advantage of the wall of windows looking out on the creek.  Their lobster roll with housemade sauce and served with house chips for $25, sits alongside a tasty menu of salads, sandwiches, entrees, and a lively cocktail program.

GADALETO’S SEAFOOD MARKET  |  New Paltz NY  |  845-255-1717 |  @gadaletos.seafood

This New Paltz location was established in 1979 and has since grown into an award-winning fish market and restaurant, offering a large selection of wild-caught and sustainably farmed seafood. You can enjoy a $19 Lobster Roll at cafe-style counter service or grab it to go.