Difference between steamed lobster and a lobster roll (Boston, Medford: how much, hotel)

[jhilde101]

Visiting Boston this upcoming weekend from Texas and we are very excited!!!
Doing my research, I am finding that there are a lot of posts for lobster rolls and where to get a good one, but I don't see many for just plain lobster.
What is the difference between the 2? Price is probably our most important quantifier, with good taste being a close 2nd.

Also, what different types of lobster would ya'll recommend?
We will be staying in the North.

Thanks!
J

[Cantabridgienne]

A lobster roll is a sandwich. Usually, lobster meat and a small amount of mayonaise, sometimes with celery. It's served on a toasted, buttered hot dog roll.

A steamed lobster is just a whole lobster that has been steamed and served as-is. It's usually served with drawn butter (and a bib).

[jhilde101]

Thanks!
What about price? I would assume the lobster roll is the less expensive of the 2?
How much does a steamed lobster go for right now in Boston? How much is a Lobster roll?
Will a lobster roll fill me up, or is it just an appitizer?

Thanks!!
J

[Cantabridgienne]

It depends where you go, really. Expect to pay between $18-$25 for a lobster roll in the city. It's a regular meal-sized sandwich, usually served with chips/fries/coleslaw.Whole lobsters are priced according to their size and market value, which changes daily. I never order a lobster this way when dining out, so I'll leave someone else to give you a price check.

[Beachcomber4]

Steamed is great. It depends on what you're in the mood for. I think if you are trying it for the first time, fresh and local, go steamed. It's an adventure if you haven't eaten one before. Many places will start running specials for the summer time. Keep us all posted when you are coming and someone might have a good tip for a restaurant that is running a special. I've seen twins as low as $20 away from the city in recent weeks.

[bgrasser]

Ask if the lobsters are hard or soft shell; if they are hard shell, the shells are full of meat, if there soft shell, your buying less meat and expensive salt water.

[jhilde101]

Thanks everyone!
We will be flying in this Friday, April 30th and staying for the entire weekend.
Our hotel is in the North End.
I will try a lobster roll for sure, and depending on price a full steamed lobster. I cannot wait!!!

J

[Beachcomber4]

Have a wonderful time- the weather is predicted to be glorious!

I hope you write us a follow up to tell us how you liked the city and the food.

[readymade]

Originally Posted by Cantabridgienne

It depends where you go, really. Expect to pay between $18-$25 for a lobster roll in the city. It's a regular meal-sized sandwich, usually served with chips/fries/coleslaw.Whole lobsters are priced according to their size and market value, which changes daily. I never order a lobster this way when dining out, so I'll leave someone else to give you a price check.

I just paid $16 for a lobster roll at Kelly's Roast Beef... so you might want to go there. It was the one in Wellington Circle, Medford.

[AnonChick]

Lobster in Boston tends to be remarkably overpriced and pretentious. But if you're just needing to be able to say "I had lobster in Boston" and cross it off the list of things you need to do before you die, you should go for the boiled. You'll want Maine lobster, not rock lobster. Also, bigger doesn't mean better, when it comes to lobster. Bigger means older. And an old lobster has tough meat. You'll want to stick with 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 pounds (including the shell).

If you want a REAL lobster roll, come to Connecticut, to any of the shoreline lobster shacks, and get it the right way: picked lobster meat drenched in melted butter and served steaming hot and drippy on a crispy grilled hotdog roll.

The cold lobster in mayo is called "lobster salad" here in CT, and it's for pedestrians who've never had the chance to experience the real deal. Never sully lobster with mayo. It's sacreligious down this way