
Red Hook Lobster Pound
NYC's premier destination for fresh, authentic lobster rolls and a diverse New England seafood experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Red Hook Lobster Pound

Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's premier destination for fresh, authentic lobster rolls and a diverse New England seafood experience.
Lobster Roll Varieties
Try different lobster roll styles: warm Connecticut, cold Maine, BLT, or Tuscan.
Pair with Drinks
Enjoy your seafood with refreshing draft beers or lemonades.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World-Famous Lobster Rolls
Indulge in the best lobster rolls in NYC, featuring fresh Maine lobster with various styles from classic to unique.

Diverse Seafood Offerings
Beyond lobster rolls, enjoy delicious chowders, fresh oysters during happy hour, and flavorful seafood boils.

Vibrant Summer Vibes
Experience a great dining atmosphere, whether indoors with high ceilings or outdoors on a pleasant evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lobster Roll Varieties
Try different lobster roll styles: warm Connecticut, cold Maine, BLT, or Tuscan.
Pair with Drinks
Enjoy your seafood with refreshing draft beers or lemonades.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't miss out on their simple yet delicious sweet treats.
Visit During Off-Peak
Avoid crowds and enjoy more attentive service by visiting during less busy hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Lobster Roll Varieties
Try different lobster roll styles: warm Connecticut, cold Maine, BLT, or Tuscan.
Pair with Drinks
Enjoy your seafood with refreshing draft beers or lemonades.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't miss out on their simple yet delicious sweet treats.
Visit During Off-Peak
Avoid crowds and enjoy more attentive service by visiting during less busy hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Red Hook Lobster Pound is celebrated for its exceptional lobster rolls and fresh seafood, creating a vibrant atmosphere. While many praise the flavorful dishes and warm service, some find the prices high and certain items like the seafood boil or crab dip lacking in flavor.
"Walked in on a Friday afternoon and got seated quickly. Service was great- staff was kind and attentive. I dropped a knife and a male server came with a new utensil set right away which I appreciated.
We got started with the Lobster Claw Bloody Mary and that was yummy. I'm usually particular with my Bloody Marys but this one was good, and it came with a pickle and a lobster claw!
For our meal, we got the two Lobster Rolls special with a starter and dessert for $125. We got the Maine and California Lobster roll, Mussels & Ciabatta to start, and a Key Lime Pie for dessert + we added the Garlic Biscuits too. The mussels and biscuits were AMAZING. The mussels were so fresh with an amazing fennel & garlic sauce. The biscuits were so hot and soft and moist! We devoured them so quickly, it needed no sauce. The lobster rolls were a tad bit disappointing for a place called Lobster Pound. It was good but nothing outstanding especially for the price ($40-50 is crazy). Our appetizers stood out so much to us and I'm sure the other food would be delicious as well, but the lobster rolls did not live up to my expectations. The dessert was good. They source it from a nearby shop that specializes in key lime pies and it was very soft and not too sweet which I enjoyed.
I would for sure come back to try the rest of the menu!"
Jade Huynh
"Red Hook Lobster Pound has some real highlights and a few misses, but I’d definitely go back.
The lobster roll was a win—meaty, flavorful, and perfectly toasted. One of the better ones I’ve had in NYC. The drink I had alongside it was super refreshing and really hit the spot.
I also tried the crab dip, which I was excited for, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was seasoned well and tasted good with the chips, but the actual crab flavor was barely there. It felt like it was drowned in the creamy mix, and the crab just disappeared in it.
The seafood boil with crab legs and corn looked great but unfortunately had no seasoning—completely bland, with zero flavor. Wouldn’t order that again.
Still, the vibe was good, and the lobster roll alone makes it worth a visit. I’d go back and try more of the menu—just steering clear of the boil next time."
Tanesha Jenkins
"This place was ok, but expensive! We were visiting from Tx and doing some site seeing. We took a ferry to Redhook to try this restaurant. The ferry ride was pretty cheap and we did get to see the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island along the way. Once we arrived we had to walk to get to any restaurant/bar… they were no where near the dock. Also, we did make a reservation beforehand, but didn’t have any issues checking in early and getting seated. The staff were friendly and the outdoor seating was ok, so we thought, but after sitting there for dinner and hearing the cars honking and speeding by (outdoor seating is literally on the street) we were rethinking our choice. As far as the food goes… it was wasn’t worth the time/money (almost $300 for 4 people) we spent. If you’re on a budget, this place is not for you.
Also, a lot of the shops were closed early, so there wasn’t much to do except drink alcohol or eat. Not what we were expecting! Our fault for not researching more before heading over to Redhook."
G. Alexander
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic Maine and Connecticut styles are highly recommended, but variations like the BLT and Tuscan rolls are also popular.
Yes, they offer a few non-crustacean options on their menu, including starters and sides.
Yes, they offer shareable plates and generous portions, making it ideal for dining with friends or family.
While they can seat you depending on busyness, making a reservation is advisable, especially during peak times.
The atmosphere is described as having great summer vibes, with a nautical theme and friendly service.
Yes, they have New England Seafood Boils featuring a medley of seafood, corn, and potatoes.
Yes, Red Hook Lobster Pound has roving trucks and locations at various events and markets like Smorgasburg and Bryant Park.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
10 Best Lobster Rolls in New York City
Brooklyn favorite Red Hook Lobster Pound did not come to play. The local seafood shack includes four lobster roll varieties on its already-expansive menu: Connecticut (hot and buttery), Maine (cold and mayo doused), Tuscan (with basil vinaigrette), the BLT (I don’t think you need a breakdown for this one), and Fried (fried lobster with lobster caramel sauce and kewpie mayo). While you might join for the atmosphere—a sprawling beach-themed shop with picnic seating and nautical decor—it’s the luxurious lobster meat and diverse menu that will keep you coming back for more.
8 Lobster rolls in NYC at seafood restaurants and sandwich shops
At the 2009 Brooklyn Flea, Susan Povich and her husband, Ralph Gorham, became the first to bring the lobster roll—already popular at full-service restaurants like Pearl Oyster Bar and Mary’s Fish Camp—to the streets of New York. Today the couple still operates that weekend market stand, plus a shop in Red Hook, a dine-in location in Manhattan, a beachy outpost in Rockaway and roving trucks in NYC. There are five lobster roll variations on the menu but their unadulterated, Maine-inspired version showcases improbably perfect claw and knuckle pieces.
Brooklyn’s 50 Best Restaurants
For a taste of Maine in Brooklyn, head to the Red Hook Lobster Pound, where legendary lobster rolls are served with just a touch of mayo. There are variations on the classic, including “Connecticut style” (served warm, with butter) or “Tuscan style ” (vinaigrette instead of mayo), as well as lobster dinners, lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese, and a few non-crustacean options. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Brooklyn Travel Guide
The Best Lobster Rolls In NYC, Ranked - New York
Red Hook Lobster Pound does lobster rolls, and they do them big. They’ve got the classic Maine and Connecticut varieties, but also a lobster BLT, a California-style roll with cucumber and avocado, and, for the crustacean-curious, a fried lobster roll, with lobster caramel and kewpie mayo. This place gets bonus points for being in Red Hook, because if you want, you can take your roll to go and eat it on the pier.
New York City’s Best Lobster Rolls
Red Hook serves a warm butter Connecticut-style roll and a cold Maine-style roll.SECRET INGREDIENT: BaconBEST FOR: The freshest lobster—delivered daily from Maine straight to Brooklyn.PRICE: From $20Husband and wife Susan Povich and Ralph Gorham run this famous Brooklyn lobster shack. While most places focus on one type of lobster roll, Red Hook makes terrific renditions of both. They even take innovative approaches to the classic dish with a BLT-style lobster roll with applewood smoked bacon, and a Tuscan-inspired roll with basil vinaigrette.Red Hook Lobster Pound, Red Hook Location, 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn; 718-858-7650
The Absolute Best Lobster Roll in NYC
When famed chef Thomas Keller disclosed the specifics of his famed butter-poached lobster technique in the French Laundry Cookbook, he unwittingly unleashed a decade of copycat dishes around the world. There’s no recognizable luxury to the Connecticut roll at Red Hook Lobster Pound’s Brooklyn flagship, but the kitchen turns out a lo-fi version of Keller’s famous recipe as they heat the claw and knuckle meat in a pan of salted, melted butter — beurre monté, for the stevedore set. In the classic style, the finished roll is paprika-dusted, scallion-sprinkled, and full of fresh meat that’s been picked by hand.
The 8 Best Lobster Rolls In NYC
Red Hook Lobster Pound ($20 at Smorgasburg, pictured): Our amazing city's other great bargain-lobster outfit, Red Hook Lobster Pound, can be found at just about every event, market, or festival where Luke's isn't, and you'd be hard pressed to say which one is better. Red Hook mixes its meat with just a dab of mayo, and tempts disappointment by adding paprika and scallion but pulls it all off with aplomb. BONUS: the fantastic Fried Lobster Roll (with "lobster caramel") at Susan Povich and Ralph Gorham's new venture, Rockaway Clam at Jacob Riis Park.
10 Brooklyn soups we’re craving right now
Red Hook Lobster Pound is known for their unbeatable lobster rolls, but when the cold weather rolls around, their Down East Clam Chowder is totally worth a trek to Red Hook. A generous serving of clams, haddock, shrimp, lobster, and mussels are stirred into a creamy tomato broth that bridges the gap between red, tangy, tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder and white, cream-based New England clam chowder. Seafood soup lovers should also check out the traditional New England clam chowder and the incredible fisherman stew at Littleneck in Gowanus.
BK's best shellfish offerings, according to a New Englander
As anyone who’s ever spent time on the Northeast coast is undoubtedly aware, lobster rolls are New England’s greatest pride and joy. We love them, we fight over them, we’ll tell anyone who will listen that “they’re not the same unless they’re really from Maine.” But you can get a top-notch lobster roll right here in Brooklyn, at the Red Hook Lobster Pound (284 Van Brunt St.). RHLP recently expanded to Manhattan, Montauk, and even D.C., but their original location on Van Brunt still does it better.
The lobster rolls will grab you at Jordan’s Lobster Dock in Sheepshead Bay
Over three years later, the Red Hook Lobster Pound serves two of the tastiest lobster rolls ($16) in New York City. The Maine-style lobster roll is filled with a chilled lobster salad, made with homemade mayo and topped with spring onions, while the Connecticut-style roll involves warm lobster meat with butter and lemon. All rolls are made with 4 ounces of only the best whole claw and knuckle meat and served on toasted JJ Nissen buns, which are shipped in from Biddeford, Maine.
10 Seafood Restaurants In Brooklyn, New York City
Renowned for its amazing seafood sourced fresh from the Maine coast, the Red Hook Lobster Pound takes pride in serving the best dishes in the city. With a welcoming vibe, excellent service, and amazing atmosphere, this restaurant has the makings for the perfect dining spot for a family lunch or dinner. After forging years of friendships with the fishermen at the port, the restaurant receives the freshest and highest quality ingredients to prepare the perfect dish.
12 Famous Street Food Vendors You Need To Visit In NYC
The Red Hook Lobster Pound offers a taste of Maine right in New York City. Husband and wife duo Ralph Gorham and Susan Povich opened their first location in 2009 and now have several including appearances at markets like Smorgasburg. Their food truck, "Big Red" started strolling city streets in 2011 serving buttery lobster roll deliciousness, and was named by Daily Meal as the " Best Food Truck in America" in June 2013 out of 101 others.
The Best Lobster Rolls In NYC, Ranked 🦞
5 🦞 Red Hook Lobster Pound does lobster rolls, and they do them big. They’ve got the classic Maine and Connecticut varieties, but also a lobster BLT, a California-style roll with cucumber and avocado, and, for the crustacean-curious, a fried lobster roll, with lobster caramel and kewpie mayo. This place gets bonus points for being in Red Hook, because if you want, you can take your roll to go, and eat it on the pier.
Who Makes the Best Lobster Rolls in Brooklyn?
Red Hook Lobster Pound 284 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn (718) 858-7650 – redhooklobster.com. The lobster roll is a staple of casual seafood cuisine, and the Red Hook Lobster Pound in Red Hook has perfected the art of creating a roll that’s equally succulent as it is fresh. Each roll is served on an authentic New England, top split, buttered and toasted bun with a side of your choice.
Brooklyn Restaurants | Top Spots in 2025
Who says you need to go to New England or the Hamptons for top-notch lobster rolls?. Red Hook Lobster Pound is a Brooklyn restaurant that serves up delicious lobster rolls and other fresh seafood dishes, as well as a festive collection of beers and cocktails. If you’re seeking a unique Brooklyn spot that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, definitely check it out.
Street Food in New York City:10 Best Places to Relish Street Delicacies
Lobster Rolls are quite a famous traditional dish of England which is greatly enjoyed the British. This food outlet has their trucks which are parked in multiple locations across the city and offer some of the most mouth-watering lobster shacks on wheels. They are mostly Maine-styled and served with lots of cheese and Mayonnaise.
Discover the Best Lobster in Brooklyn (2025)
Walking into Red Hook Lobster Pound, I was immediately greeted by the tantalizing aroma of fresh and tasty lobsters. The charming little eatery was bustling with excitement, filled with locals and tourists, all eager to get their taste of the ocean's bounty. I wasted no time in ordering their signature dish, the lobster roll.
The Best Lobster Rolls in NYC: A Culinary Guide
This no-frills eatery could probably make their classic lobster roll with their eyes closed, but we’re most elated by their inventive spins on the New England classic. Red Hook’s fried lobster roll is a must-order. Made with fried lobster meat, caramel sauce, and kewpie mayo, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece.
Who Wins The Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars ?
La Cart (Southwestern chicken cheesesteak slider); Hibachi Heaven (hibachi shrimp with Yum Yum sauce); Max’s Hot Dogs (cheese-filled Jersey Shore dog); and Red Hook Lobster Pound (Maine lobster roll with homemade mayo), who won the event last year.
Best of New York | Best Lobster Rolls in NYC in New York
Bringing sensational seafood straight from the Maine coast to the five boroughs. Indulge in our one of a kind seafood menu - brought to you from a gourmet food truck, urban lobster shack, pop-up markets, and foodie events all around the city.
The 13 Best Sandwiches in Brooklyn
Maybe you don't consider the lobster roll a sandwich, but you should. You don't have to trek up to New England for an incredibly fresh lobster roll, just head to Red Hook. There are four types of lobster rolls at the Red Hook Lobster pound.
Best street food in New York City – from falafel to bagels
New Yorkers don’t need to go to New England for a good lobster roll. Thanks to Big Red, Red Hook Lobster Pound’s lobster shack on wheels, they only need to walk to the curb. Related article Take a bite out of these 9 New York sandwiches
50 Things to Eat in Brooklyn Before You Die
Grabbing a lobster roll from Red Hook Lobster is a summer tradition, and who are we to rock the boat?. If you’re stuck on the West Coast this summer, check out the best lobster rolls on your side of the country.
Where to find the Best Lobster Roll in the whole country, the best Baked Goods in New York City and how to get there for Free!
The good news is that “The Red Hook Lobster Pound” has branched out. Their food truck prowls the streets of Manhattan. My most recent sighting of the truck was on Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron.
NY Food Truck Lunch: Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll From Red Hook Lobster Pound
The Red Hook Lobster Pound has come up with some creative ways to serve lobster, such as the lobster BLT and lobster mac & cheese. But sometimes you just want a classic lobster roll.
21 Best Seafood Restaurant Spots In Brooklyn
Address; 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States. Contact; +1 718-858-7650. It is considered to be one of the best restaurants in the city with delicious seafood dishes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit