We’ve been on a mission to try the best lobster rolls in New York City over the past week, and our latest discovery is Red Hook Lobster Pound. Just to be clear, Red Hook Lobster Pound is not exactly a hidden secret. If any, it is a popular Brooklyn seafood chain with an outlet in Manhattan, as well as a food truck. Cool, yes?
Its Manhattan outlet is tucked in a small alley off East 1st Street. There are five lobster rolls on the menu – Maine Style (US$16), Tuscan Style (US$16), Connecticut Style (US$16), Lobster BLT (US$18), Bikini Style (US$16) – and every lobster roll comes with 1/4 lb fresh-picked Maine lobster on a grilled, top-split hotdog bun with a Brooklyn Brine Pickle.
The Maine Style Lobster Roll was lightly tossed with homemade mayo, but we preferred the hot and buttery Connecticut Style Lobster Roll, which was served warm with butter and lemon.
Lobster rolls aside, you can also find other lobster dishes such as Lobster Mac & Cheese (US$12), Lobster Caprese Salad (US$13), Lobster Elote (US$13).
If you go to its original store in Brooklyn, you can enjoy a full lobster dinner menu with more options, and that includes Lobster Cheese Fries (US$15), Lobster Rolls (S$20), Steamed 1lb Lobster (market price).
And the ultimate question – Luke’s Lobster or Red Hook Lobster Pound? We love that Luke’s Lobster is very focused and serves only three different rolls on the menu. Red Hook Lobster Pound, on the other hand, is somewhat like a more affordable version of Ed’s Lobster Bar, offering a variety of lobster dishes.
Either way, New Yorkers are very lucky to have both Luke’s Lobster and Red Hook Lobster Pound in the city. If we were living in the Big Apple, we’d be frequenting both outlets every week.
Red Hook Lobster Pound
16 Extra Place, New York
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: 2 Av