When comparing Lobster House Menu With Prices, consider the market price listings for lobster and crab dishes. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for a full meal, from appetizers to desserts, at a typical lobster house. You will find clear pricing, popular dishes, and tips for getting the best value for your money.
Lobster houses are known for fresh seafood, but prices can change with the season. Understanding the menu structure helps you plan your visit and budget accordingly. Let’s walk through the key sections you will see on most menus.
Lobster House Menu With Prices
This section covers the main categories you will encounter. Prices are estimates based on typical mid-range lobster houses in coastal areas. Actual costs vary by location and season.
Appetizers And Starters
Begin your meal with small plates. These are perfect for sharing or as a light start.
- Lobster Bisque: $8 – $12 per bowl
- Clam Chowder: $7 – $10 per bowl
- Steamed Mussels: $12 – $16
- Shrimp Cocktail: $14 – $18 (half dozen)
- Crab Cakes: $15 – $20 (two cakes)
- Fried Calamari: $10 – $14
Appetizer prices often reflect the cost of fresh seafood. Lobster bisque is a classic choice, but clam chowder is usually cheaper. If you want something lighter, go for the mussels or calamari.
Main Lobster Dishes
This is the heart of the menu. You will find several preparations for lobster.
- Whole Steamed Lobster (1 lb): $25 – $35
- Whole Steamed Lobster (1.5 lb): $35 – $50
- Whole Steamed Lobster (2 lb): $50 – $70
- Lobster Roll (cold, with mayo): $18 – $25
- Lobster Roll (hot, with butter): $20 – $28
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: $18 – $24
- Lobster Tail (grilled or broiled): $22 – $35
Whole steamed lobster is priced by weight. Larger lobsters cost more per pound. Lobster rolls are a popular, more affordable option. Mac and cheese offers a creamy alternative.
Crab And Other Seafood Entrees
Many lobster houses also serve crab and other shellfish.
- Snow Crab Legs (1 lb): $25 – $35
- King Crab Legs (1 lb): $40 – $60
- Dungeness Crab (whole): $30 – $45
- Grilled Salmon: $18 – $24
- Fish and Chips: $15 – $20
- Scallops (pan-seared): $22 – $28
Crab legs are priced by market availability. King crab is premium and expensive. Salmon and fish and chips are budget-friendly choices for non-lobster eaters.
Combination Platters
These platters let you sample multiple items. They are good value if you want variety.
- Lobster and Crab Combo: $35 – $50
- Seafood Feast (lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels): $45 – $65
- Surf and Turf (lobster tail with steak): $40 – $60
Combination platters often include sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potatoes. Check if the price includes these extras.
Sides And Add-Ons
Sides are usually ordered separately. They complete the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: $3 – $5
- Coleslaw: $2 – $4
- French Fries: $4 – $6
- Steamed Vegetables: $4 – $6
- Rice Pilaf: $3 – $5
- Baked Potato: $4 – $6
Most lobster houses offer a choice of one or two sides with main dishes. Extra sides cost additional.
Desserts
Finish your meal with something sweet. Desserts are usually simple.
- Key Lime Pie: $6 – $8
- Chocolate Lava Cake: $7 – $9
- Ice Cream (vanilla or strawberry): $4 – $6
- Cheesecake: $7 – $10
Dessert prices are standard. Key lime pie is a common seafood restaurant choice.
Beverages
Drinks range from soft drinks to beer and wine.
- Soda: $2 – $3
- Iced Tea: $2 – $3
- Bottled Water: $1.50 – $2.50
- Draft Beer: $5 – $8
- Glass of Wine: $7 – $12
- Cocktails: $10 – $15
Alcoholic beverages add to the total bill. Consider sticking with water or soda to save money.
Factors That Affect Lobster House Prices
Prices are not fixed. Several factors influence what you pay.
Seasonal Availability
Lobster is cheaper during peak season, typically summer and early fall. Winter months see higher prices due to lower supply. Market price listings reflect these changes.
Location
Restaurants near the coast often have lower prices than inland ones. A lobster house in Maine will be cheaper than one in Kansas. Transportation costs add to the price.
Restaurant Type
Casual lobster shacks are more affordable than fine dining establishments. A sit-down restaurant with table service charges more than a take-out counter. Check the ambiance before you go.
Market Price
Many lobster houses list “market price” for lobster and crab. This means the price changes daily based on wholesale costs. Always ask the server for the current price before ordering.
How To Save Money At A Lobster House
You can enjoy lobster without overspending. Follow these steps.
- Go during lunch hours. Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus. Lobster rolls and smaller portions are available.
- Share a large dish. A 2-pound lobster can feed two people. Split the cost and order a side each.
- Skip the appetizers. Start with a cup of chowder instead of a full appetizer. This saves $5–$10.
- Order water. Avoid sodas and alcohol. Water is free and healthy.
- Check for specials. Many lobster houses have daily specials like “Lobster Night” on Tuesdays. Call ahead to ask.
- Use coupons or loyalty programs. Some restaurants offer discounts for first-time visitors or email sign-ups.
These tips help you get a good meal at a lower price. Plan ahead to maximize value.
Popular Lobster House Chains And Their Prices
Some lobster house chains have consistent pricing. Here are examples.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is a national chain. Their menu includes:
- Lobster Tail (single): $18 – $25
- Lobsterfest Platter: $25 – $35
- Ultimate Feast (lobster tail, shrimp, crab): $30 – $40
- Lobster Pizza: $15 – $20
Prices are moderate. Red Lobster often runs promotions.
Legal Sea Foods
Legal Sea Foods is popular in the Northeast. Their prices are higher.
- Whole Lobster (1.25 lb): $30 – $40
- Lobster Roll: $22 – $28
- Lobster Bisque: $10 – $14
- Clam Chowder: $8 – $12
Expect premium pricing for quality seafood.
Local Lobster Shacks
Local shacks offer the best value. Prices vary widely. A lobster roll might cost $15 at a shack in Maine but $25 at a tourist spot. Always check online menus before visiting.
What To Look For On A Lobster House Menu
Read the menu carefully. Look for these details.
Market Price Notation
If you see “MP” next to an item, it means market price. Ask the server for the current price. Do not assume it is affordable.
Included Sides
Some dishes come with sides. Others charge extra. Check if coleslaw, potatoes, or corn are included. This affects the total cost.
Portion Sizes
Lobster rolls come in different sizes. A “jumbo” roll costs more than a regular one. Ask about portion weight if you are unsure.
Substitutions
Can you swap a side? Some restaurants allow substitutions at no charge. Others charge a small fee.
Sample Lobster House Menu With Prices
Here is a fictional but realistic menu for a typical lobster house. Use this as a reference.
Appetizers
- Lobster Bisque (cup): $6
- Lobster Bisque (bowl): $10
- Steamed Clams (1 lb): $14
- Shrimp Cocktail (6 pieces): $16
Lobster Entrees
- Whole Steamed Lobster (1 lb): $28
- Whole Steamed Lobster (1.5 lb): $42
- Lobster Roll (cold): $20
- Lobster Roll (hot): $22
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: $19
Crab And Other
- Snow Crab Legs (1 lb): $30
- King Crab Legs (1 lb): $55
- Grilled Salmon: $20
- Fish and Chips: $16
Combos
- Lobster and Shrimp Combo: $38
- Seafood Platter (lobster, crab, shrimp): $48
Sides
- Corn on the Cob: $4
- Coleslaw: $3
- French Fries: $5
Desserts
- Key Lime Pie: $7
- Chocolate Cake: $8
This sample shows typical pricing. Adjust based on your location.
How To Read A Lobster House Menu Like A Pro
Follow these steps to make informed choices.
- Scan for market price items first. Identify which dishes have variable pricing. Ask the server for today’s rates.
- Compare portion sizes. A 1-pound lobster is cheaper than a 2-pound one. But the larger one may offer better value per pound.
- Look for daily specials. Specials often feature discounted lobster or crab. They are usually written on a board or mentioned by the server.
- Check the drink menu. Some restaurants have happy hour deals on beer and wine. This can lower your total bill.
- Ask about substitutions. If you do not like a side, ask if you can swap it for something else. Many places allow this for free.
Being prepared helps you avoid surprises. You will know what to expect before you order.
Common Mistakes When Ordering At A Lobster House
Avoid these errors to save money and enjoy your meal.
- Not asking about market price. You might assume a dish costs $30, but it could be $50. Always confirm.
- Ordering too much food. Lobster is filling. Start with one main dish and add sides if needed. Leftovers are not always easy to take home.
- Ignoring the sides. Some sides are overpriced. Skip the fancy sides and stick with basics like coleslaw or fries.
- Forgetting about taxes and tips. Your final bill will be higher than menu prices. Add 20% for tip and 8–10% for tax.
- Not checking the menu online. Many lobster houses post their menu with prices online. Review it before you go to avoid sticker shock.
These mistakes are common. Being aware helps you avoid them.
Seasonal Variations In Lobster House Menu With Prices
Prices change throughout the year. Here is what to expect.
Summer (June – August)
Lobster is abundant. Prices are lowest. You can find whole lobsters for $20–$25 per pound. Many restaurants offer summer specials.
Fall (September – November)
Prices start to rise. Lobster is still available but less plentiful. Expect $25–$35 per pound.
Winter (December – February)
Lobster is scarce. Prices are highest. Whole lobsters can cost $35–$50 per pound. Many restaurants use frozen lobster.
Spring (March – May)
Prices begin to drop. Lobster season starts again. Expect $28–$40 per pound.
Plan your visit during summer for the best deals. Winter visits are for special occasions only.
How To Find The Best Lobster House Near You
Use these tips to locate a good restaurant.
- Search online for “lobster house menu with prices.” Look for recent reviews and photos of menus.
- Check Google Maps. Read reviews and look at price ratings. A $ sign means affordable, $$$ means expensive.
- Ask locals. People who live near the coast know the best spots. Ask for recommendations.
- Call ahead. Ask about current market prices and specials. This saves time.
- Look for outdoor seating. Casual lobster shacks often have picnic tables. They are cheaper than indoor restaurants.
Finding the right place takes a little effort. It is worth it for a good meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does “Market Price” Mean On A Lobster House Menu?
Market price means the cost changes daily based on wholesale seafood prices. Always ask the server for the current price before ordering.
How Much Does A Lobster Dinner Cost At A Typical Lobster House?
A full lobster dinner with sides costs between $25 and $50 per person. Prices vary by location, season, and restaurant type.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Lobster At A Grocery Store Or A Lobster House?
Grocery store lobster is cheaper but requires cooking. Lobster house prices include preparation, service, and ambiance. For convenience, the restaurant is better.
Can I Find A Lobster House Menu With Prices Online?
Yes, many restaurants post their menus online. Search for the restaurant name plus “menu with prices.” Some sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor also have menu photos.
Do Lobster Houses Charge Extra For Sides?
Some include sides with main dishes. Others charge separately. Always check the menu description or ask the server.
Final Thoughts On Lobster House Menu With Prices
Understanding a lobster house menu helps you make smart choices. Prices vary, but with a little research, you can enjoy a great meal without overspending. Remember to check market prices, look for specials, and ask questions. Whether you want a whole steamed lobster or a simple roll, there is something for every budget. Plan your visit during summer for the best deals. Use this guide to navigate the menu like a pro. Enjoy your seafood feast.