Where You Will Find the Best Lobster Roll in All of Florida

When you think about lobster rolls, your mind likely heads north to New England. After all, anecdotally, the lobster roll originated in Connecticut at Perry's. That said, you don't have to live in New England to enjoy one of these delicacies. Thanks to modern shipping options, restaurants and food trucks can order up Maine lobster — which is found in the northern Atlantic — and receive the goods in record time to create authentic lobster rolls for lobster lovers nationwide. And while there are Florida spiny lobster in warmer ocean waters, it's Maine lobsters that make a lobster roll a lobster roll. Or is it?

Types of Lobster Rolls

First things first, what type of lobster roll do you prefer? There are generally two types: the Connecticut lobster roll and the Maine lobster roll. Here's what sets them apart:

Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll

A Connecticut-style lobster roll is one that is served warm and bathed in butter. The bright red juicy lobster is served up on a toasted split-open bun. It's divine!

Maine-Style Lobster Roll

A Maine-style lobster roll is one that is served up cold, with chilled chunks of lobster meat coated in a light mayo dressing and doused in salt, pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon, all housed in a toasted split-top bun. Also divine.

Manhattan-Style Lobster Roll

Arguably the least-consumed lobster roll, Manhattan-style. Primarily enjoyed by New Yorkers, it's essentially the same as a Maine-style with the addition of fresh celery for an added crunch.

Where to Find the Best Lobster Roll in Florida

As we've already covered, the fact that lobster rolls originated in New England and are typically made with Maine lobster doesn't mean you'll only find them in New England. In fact, you can get an amazing lobster roll anywhere thanks to lobster distributors and dry ice. People typically seek out fresh seafood, however, when vacationing in warm-weather destinations or during the summer months. There's just something about a chilled shrimp cocktail and a beer by the sea, right?

When you head to South Florida, where it's warm pretty much year-round, you can also get a lobster roll year-round. In our extensive lobster roll research throughout The Sunshine State, we have uncovered what we find to be — hands-down — the most amazing lobster roll in all of Florida. To experience it, you have to had to the southernmost point of the continental U.S.: Key West.

Key West Lobster Roll Options

Key West is known for its laid-back beachy vibes. People vacation there from all over the world, intent on indulging in a carefree respite from reality. While you can enjoy copious alcohol options, you can also find several local options for a lobster roll.

On a recent return visit, we tried a new lobster roll restaurant that opened recently on Key West's famous Duval Street. And it was good. But it wasn't the best …

If you're looking for the absolute top-notch, gold-medal-winning lobster roll in all of Florida, go to Eaton Street Seafood Market in Key West. There you will find a Maine-style lobster roll that you'll dream about and always return to.

This beloved locally owned establishment has been serving up fresh seafood since 2007, and today, they not only serve customers in person, but they ship now too. But here's what we assume is the secret to it being the best: they use Florida lobsters. This particular lobster doesn't have claws, so the tail is the meat you'll enjoy in an Eaton Street lobster roll. Additionally, these lobsters are abundant in numbers, which means the price is typically lower than the New England counterpart.

So next time you're in Key West with the family, and after you've worked up an appetite exploring the many kid-friendly things to do there, swing by Eaton Street Market and grab lobster roll. And while you're at it, the smoked fish dip is pretty spectacular as well!

Bon appétit!

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