Tucked away at 824 Cowan Rd in Burlingame, California, New England Lobster Market & Eatery is the kind of place you might drive past without a second glance — but that would be a big mistake. With a 4.5-star rating from over 3,300 happy customers, this casual seafood spot has built a loyal following for its incredibly fresh lobster, hearty chowders, and laid-back coastal vibe.
From the moment you walk in and spot the live lobster tanks, you know you’re in for something special. Whether you’re a seafood fanatic or just curious about what all the buzz is about, this place is absolutely worth the stop.
The Lobster Corn Chowder That Started It All
Some soups make you close your eyes after the first spoonful. New England Lobster Market and Eatery’s lobster corn chowder is exactly that kind of dish.
Reviewers consistently mention it as a standout, with one guest calling it “packed with corn and lobster meat, making it very filling.”
The chowder strikes a balance between creamy richness and hearty substance that feels genuinely satisfying. It is not a watered-down bowl of broth — this is the real deal, loaded with generous pieces of lobster tucked among sweet kernels of corn.
On a chilly evening or after a long flight, a bowl of this chowder feels like a warm hug. Pair it with their incredible sourdough bread bowl and you have a meal that is hard to beat anywhere in the Bay Area.
Fresh Lobster Rolls Worth Every Penny
Few foods in the world feel as indulgent as a perfectly made lobster roll. At New England Lobster Market and Eatery, the lobster roll has earned a serious reputation across the Bay Area, with multiple reviewers calling it one of the best they have ever had.
“The lobster roll was delicious and packed with fresh, tender lobster,” one guest wrote. The seafood is clearly high quality — you can taste it in every bite.
The rolls come toasted just right, giving you that satisfying crunch before hitting the sweet, buttery lobster inside.
Yes, at around $44 for the dressed version, it is a splurge. But for a meal this carefully prepared and this undeniably fresh, most guests agree the price is fair.
If you only order one thing here, make it the lobster roll.
Live Lobster Tanks That Set the Mood Right Away
Walking into New England Lobster Market and Eatery is an experience before you even sit down. Right at the entrance, you are greeted by tanks filled with live lobsters and crabs, which immediately signals that freshness is not just a marketing claim here — it is the entire foundation of the restaurant.
One reviewer described the moment perfectly: “What was really cool was seeing the live lobsters and crabs in tanks when you walk in.” For kids especially, this is a memorable and exciting sight. It turns a dinner outing into something a little more adventurous.
Knowing your lobster was alive just moments before it reaches your plate is a level of freshness most restaurants simply cannot offer. This transparency about sourcing is a big reason guests trust the quality here and keep coming back time after time.
The Sourdough Bread Bowl Experience
One guest came in expecting to rave about the chowder and ended up talking just as much about the bread. “That sourdough bread was amazing and crunchy,” they wrote, adding that the top piece cut out for the bowl was just incredible on its own.
Ordering the lobster chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is a move that takes an already great dish and elevates it into something truly memorable. The thick, crispy shell of the sourdough holds up beautifully against the creamy soup, soaking just enough flavor without turning soggy.
By the time you finish the chowder, you have a warm, flavor-soaked bread bowl waiting to be torn apart. It is messy, hearty, and completely satisfying.
Honestly, even if the chowder were just average, that sourdough alone might be worth the trip to Burlingame.
House-Made Potato Chips That Steal the Show
Nobody walks into a lobster restaurant expecting to fall in love with the chips — but here we are. Multiple reviewers at New England Lobster Market and Eatery specifically called out the house-made potato chips as a highlight, which says a lot about how seriously this kitchen takes every single item on the menu.
“Felt like house made and fresh,” one guest wrote, while another mentioned watching their kid happily dip the chips into soup. The chips have that satisfying crunch that store-bought versions can never quite replicate, with a fresh, clean flavor that pairs perfectly with lobster’s natural sweetness.
They come alongside most orders as a standard side, but do not treat them like an afterthought. These chips deserve your full attention.
Some guests even admitted they could not stop eating them long after finishing their main dish.
Happy Hour Deals That Make Luxury Affordable
Lobster is not cheap — that is just the reality of the seafood world. But New England Lobster Market and Eatery has built in some genuinely impressive ways to enjoy the good stuff without completely emptying your wallet.
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM, featuring $1.95 oysters on select options.
There are also weekly specials worth planning around. The Monday whole lobster deal at $19.95 for a one-pound lobster drew such a crowd that one reviewer mentioned the packed parking lot as a clear sign the deal was real. “We got our food and it was really good,” they added.
Timing your visit around these specials is a smart strategy for first-timers who want to explore the menu without sticker shock. Great seafood at a friendlier price point is always a win worth celebrating.
Crab Sliders That Surprise Everyone
Sometimes the most unexpected item on a menu becomes the one everyone talks about. At New England Lobster Market and Eatery, that item might just be the $15 crab slider.
One guest who visited with their kids described it as their favorite thing they tried that day — “very fresh, super light, and yummy.”
In a restaurant famous for lobster, it is easy to overlook the crab options. But these sliders prove that the kitchen applies the same care and quality to everything on the menu.
The crab is light and delicate, which makes it a nice contrast to the richer, heavier lobster dishes.
For anyone who finds the lobster rolls a bit too indulgent or pricey, the crab sliders offer a more approachable entry point into the menu. They are fresh, satisfying, and genuinely delightful in every bite.
The Lobster Mac and Cheese Worth the Splurge
Mac and cheese is already comfort food at its finest. Add lobster to the equation and you have something that feels almost unreasonably good.
New England Lobster Market and Eatery’s lobster mac and cheese comes in at $35, which sounds steep until you realize the portion is genuinely hearty.
“The lobster mac and cheese also tasted great as leftovers,” one reviewer noted — and that is actually high praise. Dishes with real quality hold up even after sitting in the fridge overnight.
The creamy pasta base paired with sweet, tender lobster pieces creates a richness that is deeply satisfying without feeling sloppy or over-sauced.
Order it for dinner and you might find yourself sneaking bites straight from the container the next morning. It is the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over, calling you back for another visit.
Outdoor Seating With a Relaxed Coastal Feel
The atmosphere at New England Lobster Market and Eatery is a big part of what makes dining here so enjoyable. The outdoor seating area has been described as “rustic farmhouse style” with wooden picnic tables and red umbrellas scattered across a wide, open space that feels sunny and relaxed.
One enthusiastic reviewer put it simply: “The outdoor seating is fantastic.” Dogs are welcome, the space is roomy enough for groups, and the indoor and outdoor areas flow together in a way that feels natural and unpretentious. It is the kind of setting where you want to linger over your meal rather than rush out.
Even on busier days, the open layout prevents things from feeling crowded or stressful. Whether you are stopping in solo after a flight or bringing the whole family, the vibe here is consistently welcoming, easygoing, and genuinely fun.
Incredibly Fresh Oysters on the Menu
Fresh oysters are one of those foods where quality makes all the difference. At New England Lobster Market and Eatery, the oysters have earned their own fan club among regulars. “We thoroughly enjoyed some incredibly fresh oysters,” one guest wrote after a recent visit.
During Happy Hour, select oysters drop to just $1.95 each — a price that makes it easy to order a generous round without hesitation. Even at regular pricing, the quality is consistently praised by guests who know their shellfish and are not easily impressed.
Oysters here are served simply, letting the natural brininess and freshness speak for themselves. Pair them with a cold drink and some of those legendary house-made chips and you have one of the best casual dining moments available anywhere near San Francisco International Airport.
Simple, fresh, and completely satisfying.
Convenient Location Near SFO Airport
Location is often an afterthought when choosing a restaurant, but New England Lobster Market and Eatery has geography working strongly in its favor. Sitting just about a mile and a half from San Francisco International Airport, it is the perfect stop before a flight or a much-needed reward after a long journey.
“Heading out of the airport back home and ran across this looking for good seafood,” one traveler wrote. Another guest mentioned spending eight hours here after a flight delay — and not regretting a single minute of it.
The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it accessible for both lunch and dinner crowds.
Parking can get tight during peak hours, so arriving a few minutes early is a smart move. But once you are inside with a bowl of chowder in front of you, the hunt for a parking spot fades quickly from memory.
The Seasonal Lobster Roll With Bacon and Avocado
Not every restaurant bothers to think creatively about their signature dish once it is already a hit. New England Lobster Market and Eatery goes further, offering a seasonal lobster roll that takes the classic version and adds unexpected, crave-worthy twists.
Think warm lobster, crumbled bacon bits, and fresh avocado — all in one toasted bun.
“It’s a flavor-packed bite that hits all the right notes,” one reviewer wrote enthusiastically. The combination of sweet lobster, smoky bacon, and creamy avocado creates layers of flavor that make each bite feel a little different from the last.
It is bold, creative, and surprisingly well-balanced.
Paired with the house-made chips on the side, this seasonal roll becomes a full meal experience rather than just a sandwich. Keep an eye on the menu when you visit — seasonal offerings rotate, and missing this one would be a genuine shame.
A Community-Rooted Restaurant With Real Character
What started as a food truck over 13 years ago has grown into one of the Bay Area’s most beloved seafood destinations. New England Lobster Market and Eatery has kept its casual, unpretentious soul intact even as its reputation has grown well beyond the neighborhood.
The staff are consistently praised for being kind, fast, and genuinely proud of what they serve.
“Nearly everyone here spoke Spanish and it shows the high quality cooking and systems to produce deliciousness,” one guest wrote warmly. The team’s dedication shows in every dish that comes out of that kitchen.
You order at the counter, find a seat, and the food arrives quickly — no fuss, no pretense.
Even the little details, like the quirky “Say No to Pot” t-shirts that reference their famous lobster pots, show a restaurant that does not take itself too seriously. That is exactly the kind of place worth returning to again and again.
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