The CT lobster roll is arguably the best in New England. No celery, no mayo, just fresh lobster bathed in hot butter. Here are our favorites:

Lobster Landing
Many folks around here think that Lobster Landing is the ultimate roll, and I don’t disagree. A 1/4 pound of warm lobster meat tucked into a barely grilled sub roll, drizzled with butter and lemon. That’s it. The secret? The roll is sturdy enough, so it doesn’t fall apart before you’ve had a chance to savor it, and the unadorned lobster, straight from the pot, is the star. BYOB.
152 Commerce Street, Clinton
lobsterlandingct.com

Liv’s Shack
Get in line and order up a hot buttered lobster roll, overstuffed with fresh-from-the-shell chunks, on a buttery, toasted bun from Liv’s Oyster Bar’s seaside shack at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Don’t pass up the hand-cut truffle (or Old Bay) fries! BYOB.
26 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook  
livsshack.com 

Flanders Fish Market
What sets Flanders lobster roll apart? Its served deconstructed. Hunks of lobster are swimming in a blend of warm butter and sherry, ready to be stuffed in a toasted brioche roll. The end result remains sturdy, not soggy and ridiculously delish. And, yes, order the clam fritters for an app!
22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme
flandersfish.com

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point
On a dreary afternoon, the idea of a lobster roll in a cozy room where the river meets the sound, is just the ticket. At Fresh Salt, you can enjoy your roll outside or in, eliminating the necessity of a sunny day. Here, chunks of tender claw and tail are dipped in butter and overflow a grilled brioche bun. A basket of irresistible house-made, wisp thin potato chips, complete the experience. 
2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
saybrook.com

374 Kitchen + Cocktails
For those who can’t decide how they like their lobster roll, we say BOTH! Head to 374 for their 1/2 and 1/2 option, a buttery lobster pile on one half of a brioche roll and a chunky lobster salad on the other. Owned by the family behind Flanders Fish, we know how fresh the rolls are here. Paired with crispy fries and tangy cole slaw, it’s our perfect meal.
374 Main Street, Niantic
374kitchenandcocktails.com

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock is a no-frills eatery serving up lightly buttered chunks of fresh lobster in a classic New England style toasted bun. Wedged between the train tracks and a marina, this popular spot has plenty of parking and picnic tables. A full menu of fried shore specialties, too, plus Gifford’s ice cream. BYOB. 
80 Hamilton Street, New London
captscotts.com

Guilford Lobster Pound
A simple deck lined with picnic tables and views of the Sound and Salt Island make the backdrop for this classic roll: a grilled and buttered hot dog roll, stuffed with sweet, juicy meat. It’s a happy alternative on a lovely day to lunching on the Guilford Green, as it’s just down Whitfield Street. 
505 A Whitfield Street, Guilford
guilfordlobsterpound.com

Haring’s, Noank
It’s no easy task taking over a beloved restaurant, but the team behind Oyster Club, Engine Room, and Port of Call opened Haring’s at the old Ford’s last year. Named for the original owner, they’ve devised a locally driven and creative seafood menu. Yes, you can enjoy the perfect hot, buttered lobster roll here, overloaded with meat on a brioche roll, but do not miss the fried clams, dredged ever so lightly in cornmeal and simply the best I’ve had. Finish up with the key lime pie. Beautiful reno, new outdoor seating, and you can still arrive by boat. BYOB.
15 Riverview Avenue, Noank
haringsnoank.com

Clam Castle, Madison

Looking to impress your summer guests? Treat them to a legendary Lobzilla! Clam Castle in Madison is serving up this showstopper: a two-foot lobster roll, stuffed with 2 pounds of sweet and tender claw and knuckle meat and finished with a generous drizzle of butter. Curious about the epic roll’s origins? It’s baked just for them in New Haven. Five of us happily polished it off, though it could easily satisfy six to eight hungry friends (don’t sleep on the clam chowder either!). CLAMCASTLECT.COM

Lobster at Home

Thimble Islands Lobsterbakes
Another entertaining option is even easier. Ring Thimble Island Lobsterbakes, and they’ll arrive in the Lobstermobile, ready to serve up lobster rolls or an entire Shore Dinner (steamers, lobsters, chowder, corn, and salad) for as few as eight, or up to 200 guests. 
203-687-6441 
thimbleislandslobsterbakes.com

Flanders Fish Market, Niantic
This family run favorite has been clambaking since 1983. They’ll show up at the beach, pool, or backyard with their clambake wagon to get your clams, lobsters, and all the trimmings underway – for big events and intimate gatherings. 
22 Chesterfield Rd, East Lyme
flandersfish.com

Read the entire Summer Guide here.