Tucked away in Burlingame, California, New England Lobster Market and Eatery has become a must-visit destination for seafood lovers up and down the state. What started as a humble food truck over 13 years ago has grown into a full-blown seafood institution with a loyal following and a 4.5-star rating from thousands of happy diners.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the lobster roll, a buttery, generous, and downright unforgettable sandwich that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you are a local or driving hours across California, this place is worth every single mile.
The Famous Lobster Roll That Started It All
Some sandwiches are just sandwiches. Then there is the lobster roll at New England Lobster Market and Eatery, and everything changes.
Packed with fresh, tender lobster meat and served in a perfectly toasted bun, this roll has earned its legendary status one satisfied customer at a time.
Reviewers consistently call it one of the best lobster rolls in the entire Bay Area, praising its quality and generous portions. The lobster is clearly high-grade, with a sweet, clean flavor that feels like a bite of the New England coast right here in California.
At around $44, it is not the cheapest meal in town, but most diners agree the quality absolutely justifies the price. Pair it with their house-made potato chips and you have a lunch that is hard to top anywhere in the state.
House-Made Potato Chips Worth Talking About
You might not expect the potato chips to steal any spotlight at a lobster restaurant, but here they absolutely do. Multiple reviewers went out of their way to rave about these crispy, fresh-tasting chips, with one customer saying they felt “house made and fresh” in a way that store-bought chips never could.
They come alongside most orders as a complimentary side, adding a satisfying crunch to every meal. One family even described their kids happily dipping the chips into the lobster bisque, turning a simple side dish into a full-on experience.
The chips can be a little hit or miss in terms of crunch level, but when they are on point, they are absolutely addictive. Next time you visit, do not overlook this humble side dish.
It might just become your favorite part of the meal.
Lobster Bisque That Warms You From the Inside Out
On a chilly Bay Area evening, few things sound better than a steaming bowl of lobster bisque. At New England Lobster Market and Eatery, this soup is no afterthought.
Reviewers describe it as packed with corn and lobster meat, making it surprisingly hearty and filling for a bowl of soup.
One guest mentioned ordering it during a long airport layover nearby and being completely won over by the depth of flavor. Another reviewer noted it paired beautifully with the restaurant’s famously crunchy sourdough bread, though admitted the bread nearly stole the show on its own.
Not every reviewer was equally enthusiastic, with one noting the chowder felt a touch oily. Still, the bisque remains one of the most talked-about menu items, and for good reason.
It is a comforting, flavor-rich bowl that showcases the kitchen’s dedication to real seafood cooking.
Live Lobster Tanks That Set the Scene
Walking into New England Lobster Market and Eatery is an experience before you even sit down. Right near the entrance, you will find tanks filled with live lobsters and crabs, a sight that immediately tells you this place takes freshness seriously.
It is part seafood market, part restaurant, and entirely unique.
One traveler heading home from the airport described being genuinely excited to see the live tanks, noting it made the whole meal feel more authentic and special. Knowing your lobster was alive just moments before it hit your plate is a level of freshness most restaurants simply cannot offer.
The market side of the business also lets you buy fresh and frozen shellfish by the pound to take home. Whether you eat in or take out, that live tank display sets the tone for everything that follows, promising nothing but the freshest seafood on your plate.
Happy Hour Oysters and Daily Specials Worth Planning For
Smart diners know the secret weapon at New England Lobster Market and Eatery: Happy Hour. From 3 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, select oysters drop to just $1.95 each, making this one of the best seafood deals in the entire Bay Area.
Regulars plan their whole week around it.
Beyond oysters, the restaurant also runs daily specials Monday through Thursday on lobster-based dishes. The most famous is the Monday whole lobster deal, which has been spotted at just $19.95 for a one-pound lobster.
One reviewer described arriving to a packed parking lot as a sure sign the deal was worth every penny.
These specials make an otherwise pricey menu much more accessible for families and budget-conscious diners. If you have flexibility in your schedule, timing your visit around Happy Hour or a weekday special is absolutely the move to make.
Lobster Mac and Cheese for the Ultimate Comfort Food Fan
Comfort food gets a serious upgrade at New England Lobster Market and Eatery, where the lobster mac and cheese has developed its own loyal fanbase. Priced at around $35, it is a hearty, indulgent bowl that blends the richness of classic mac and cheese with real, flavorful lobster meat throughout.
One reviewer was thrilled to discover that the dish tasted just as good the next day as leftovers, a true sign of a well-made recipe. The pasta absorbs all that creamy, lobster-infused sauce and holds up beautifully even after reheating, which is a rare quality in seafood dishes.
While the price point gives some diners pause, most agree the portion size is generous and the flavor is hard to argue with. For anyone who loves both comfort food and fresh seafood, this dish is a dream combination that delivers on every level.
The Seasonal Lobster Roll With Bacon and Avocado
Every now and then, a restaurant takes a classic dish and makes it even better. The seasonal lobster roll at New England Lobster Market and Eatery does exactly that.
Served warm with crumbled bacon bits and fresh avocado, it layers smoky, creamy, and briny flavors into one incredible bite.
One enthusiastic reviewer described it as absolutely standout, saying it hits all the right notes and becomes completely irresistible when paired with the house-made chips. The combination of warm lobster, salty bacon, and buttery avocado feels creative without being over the top.
Since it is a seasonal offering, it is not always on the menu, so checking ahead before your visit is a smart idea. When it is available, ordering it is a no-brainer.
This roll proves that the kitchen at New England Lobster is not afraid to experiment and elevate an already iconic menu item.
Crab Sliders That Surprised Everyone
Not every great dish at New England Lobster Market and Eatery has lobster in it. The crab slider, priced at just $15, quietly stole the hearts of several reviewers who came in expecting to be all about the lobster.
One parent wrote that their kids and they both agreed it was their favorite item of the entire visit.
Described as super fresh, super light, and wonderfully tasty, the crab slider offers a lighter alternative to the richer lobster dishes. The crab filling is clean and delicate, letting the natural sweetness of the shellfish shine without heavy seasoning or sauce overwhelming the flavor.
For families or groups with mixed appetites, these sliders are a fantastic way to sample the kitchen’s seafood skills at a more approachable price point. They may be small, but the flavor is anything but.
Sometimes the best surprises on a menu come in the smallest packages.
A Sourdough Bread Bowl That Steals the Spotlight
A frequent traveler stopping near SFO for dinner did not expect the bread to be the highlight of his meal, but here we are. The sourdough bread bowl at New England Lobster Market and Eatery left such an impression that he spent a good portion of his review describing its incredible crunch and flavor.
Served alongside the lobster chowder, this bread bowl is thick, perfectly baked, and has just the right chew-to-crust ratio. The cut-out top piece alone was described as incredible, something worth eating slowly and savoring rather than using just as a utensil.
While the chowder inside is good, many diners find themselves enjoying the bread just as much, if not more. It is one of those unexpected touches that elevates a simple meal into something memorable.
If bread this good came with every bowl of soup, the world would be a better place.
Outdoor Seating With a Rustic, Dog-Friendly Vibe
Great food is only half the experience at New England Lobster Market and Eatery. The outdoor seating area has its own devoted fan club.
Described as rustic farmhouse style with wooden picnic tables and red umbrellas everywhere, the space feels sunny, open, and genuinely welcoming in a way that many Bay Area restaurants fail to achieve.
Dog lovers will be especially happy to know this spot is very dog-friendly, with plenty of room for pets to stretch out comfortably while their owners feast on lobster. The indoor and outdoor areas flow together naturally, giving diners flexibility depending on the weather.
On a warm California afternoon, the outdoor section is the place to be. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly matches the casual, counter-service style of ordering.
Whether you are catching up with friends or stopping in solo after a long flight, this space makes every meal feel like a mini vacation.
Conveniently Located Just a Mile From SFO
Location, location, location. New England Lobster Market and Eatery sits at 824 Cowan Road in Burlingame, just about a mile and a half from San Francisco International Airport.
That makes it one of the most conveniently placed quality seafood restaurants in the entire Bay Area for travelers.
Multiple reviewers discovered the spot while heading to or from the airport, and nearly all of them said they would make it a regular stop on future trips. One frequent San Francisco visitor even promised himself to try the whole lobster next time after being blown away by the chowder on his first visit.
Parking can be a bit tricky during busy hours, so arriving early or during off-peak times is a smart strategy. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it easy to fit into almost any travel schedule without stress or long waits.
Lobster BLT That Will Have You Dreaming for Days
One reviewer put it simply: after eating the lobster BLT, their mouth was still watering. That kind of reaction says everything you need to know about this menu item.
Taking the beloved classic BLT and loading it with fresh lobster meat turns a familiar comfort food into something truly extraordinary.
The combination of smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and sweet lobster all stacked together on toasted bread is a flavor profile that works on every level. It is bold without being overwhelming, and fresh without feeling fussy.
This is the kind of sandwich that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.
Paired with those addictive house-made chips, the lobster BLT makes for one of the most satisfying lunches on the entire menu. If you are visiting for the first time and cannot decide what to order, this sandwich is an excellent starting point for your New England Lobster journey.
A Food Truck Origin Story That Became a California Legend
Every great restaurant has an origin story, and New England Lobster Market and Eatery has a good one. What began as a food truck over 13 years ago slowly evolved into a full-scale seafood market and restaurant that now draws diners from across California.
That kind of growth does not happen by accident.
The restaurant kept the counter-service, casual spirit of its food truck roots while building out a spacious indoor dining area with a cool warehouse feel and a vast outdoor patio. The menu grew too, expanding from simple lobster dishes to a wide variety of shellfish options, specials, and seasonal creations.
Staff are described by reviewers as incredibly kind, quick, and genuinely proud of what they serve. That pride shows in every dish that leaves the kitchen.
From a humble food truck to a California seafood icon, this is a story about passion for great food done right, every single day.
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