The Lobster Trap

We had bbq so many time while we were in town so we were tired of meat. We found this restaurant from a magazine and thought that seafood must be a good choice for us. We order some appetizers such as steamed clams and lobster stuffing mushroom. They were all good. For the entrees, we ordered grilled lobster which was the core menu of the restaurant and we also has lobster carbonara. I felt so disappointed at the very first bite because grilled lobster was very very salty. Plus, lobster carbonara was plain and not flavorful at all. We couldn’t think of how two entrees came out so disappointed even if the restaurant claims itself as one of the best seafood restaurants in town.
We were so disappointed by the two dished but we didn’t want to turn it back or take it out of the menu. Because we own a restaurant too and we understand the business and know that sometime things like this happen too. So, We only told the manager how was the food because we only wanted the manager to let the people in the kitchen know. Still, we were disappointed about how could they made mistakes on all of the entrees we ordered.
However, the service was very friendly and the atmosphere were very nice. Our server was great. I gave them 5 stars on these.

Very friendly service, however the speed and thoroughness is lacking. The tuna and lobster is above par. The Alfredo was terrible, no flavor. I asked if it was homemade, told it was, but left in serious doubt after eating it. They should probably examine the world or herbs in regards to their cheese sauces. The oysters Rockefeller were ok, but arrived cold.
Overall a solid three stars. I wouldn’t rush back, and it was expensive, but it also wasn’t terrible it total. Simply put, I expect more from a restaurant in Asheville

We come here every time we’re in Asheville. Best seafood in NC. Sit at the bar with Matt on Tuesdays and enjoy the baked oysters, peel & eat shrimp, trap salad, broccolini, crab legs, crab bisque or maple bacon scallops. Any choice is a good one!

Excellent ambiance with great service. The oysters are very good. I had the shrimp and grits which were excellent. Good beer menu to complement the food.

Just the best bar. Came last week and was served on the restaurant side, but the bar is the bomb.

My girlfriend and I recently enjoyed a week long trip to Asheville, and she couldn’t not stop talking about this place… and then the food arrived. On a Monday night, they didn’t have any lobster rolls, or pint glasses for Unilocal check-​ins. I guess I can get past that, but the things she did order, weren’t that good. The cornbread appetizer we ordered was decent, not good, not bad. Maybe it leans towards the bad side as it was a little dry for my palette, but again, it is cornbread. She ordered a Caesar salad which was decent (I actually enjoyed it more than she did), but the real kicker was the lobster bisque. It was bland, watered down, and not on caliber with the price they charged. It really tasted like store bought soup that had been «stretched» out by adding warm water to get more product. She didn’t even finish it, and unfortunately, left hungry. I did want to voice my concerns to the kitchen and wanted to make them aware of these issues, but she wouldn’t let me (she’s the boss). I will say the oysters I got were good, but they were raw, and little to no preparation was really given.
We ended up spending over $ 60.00 on a meal where neither one of us was either satisfied or fulfilled. On any future visits to Asheville, we will make sure to bypass this establishment, and opt for one of the other restaurants around. ****PRO TIP — Most locals will advise against dinning here as the food/​service isn’t that good. If you are looking for a fine dining experience, I would recommend The Admiral.****

We came in, sat at the bar, and ordered a couple of beers. A very friendly bartender served us as we watched a gaggle of tourists flap their way through the restaurant. The beers were well-​priced, like most places in Asheville, but we decided not to eat any more after we ordered the «lobster» toast. From a place that is based on seafood, we thought this would be a great starter dish, but it was our ending dish. Zero lobster flavor and we couldn’t even tell if the cheese sauce had any actual lobster in it. Pretty disappointed with that. Even if if was just called cheese toast, I wouldn’t get it again, as it was really heavy. We didn’t finish it, and headed down the street to the Pinball museum.

After a few cocktails, we decided that we HAD to have a seafood platter. In addition to the two-​tiered tower, we made the great/​gross decision to order shrimp and lobster-​topped toast, broccolini, and lobster mac & cheese. For three people. I think we horrified our server and the patrons around us with how we tore into all of the food. In hindsight, I would have done without the toast. The broccolini was much appreciated and needed green component, and how could you do any wrong with lobster mac & cheese? The king crab leg meat and shrimp from the tower were sweet. Thank goodness for the bibs and wet naps. What a glorious messy dinner.

We had the lobster mac & cheese, shrimp & grits, shrimp Alfredo, & potatoes. Everything was awesome, the portion sizes were incredible. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were so nice. They went out of their way to accommodate us & made sure we were happy.

My husband I went here to celebrate our one year anniversary. We got super lucky and were seated right next to the window which was really nice. The food is amazing. For an appetizer, we got the bacon wrapped scallops. He and I could have easily eaten another order… they were that delicious. As our main course we both ordered lobster and shared the lobster mac ‘n cheese which was also really good. (Note: it was a little annoying they wouldn’t let us substitute the green beans that came with our lobster. They were throwaway in my opinion. They weren’t cooked enough and added nothing to the star of the show: the lobster.) By the time we finished our main course we were too full to order dessert so I can’t add anything about what they offer.
I would definitely recommend this place although I can’t say it is very romantic. The tables are super close together and you can hear everything the people around you are saying. So if you want a quiet, romantic meal skip this place. That’s the only reason I didn’t give five stars. Plus we were in a sort of corner and the two tables right near us were full of people that were talking amongst themselves. At one point they were standing right beside our chairs for 15 minutes and our waiter couldn’t even get to us. I think if the restaurant could figure out a way to make the atmosphere a little more romantic this would be amazing.

The best seafood I’ve had, probably ever! The baked oysters were absolutely wonderful!
I had the lobster trap boil which was flavorful and definitely plentiful. My husband had the Lobster Newburg and said it was amazing as well. Calling ahead definitely helped out with the wait time.

Very good experience. This places takes the cake with top notch customer service. A great menu of seafood from scallops to lobster to oysters and more. The atmosphere is welcoming as you take your first step into this place. Small bar area but good local beers on tap and other «wet» cocktails to soothe your palate.
They had a guy playing live music which was entertaining which made the ambiance even better. We ordered the Oyster Rockefeller for the appetizer and this was my least favorite of the meal. Actually they were a bit over cooked but tasted fine. Had the scallops, Mac n cheese, and the lobster boil with mussels, clams, shrimp, corn and potatoes… YUM!!!
Wine and dinner were top notch and we will be back on our next visit to Asheville. Try it out, you won’t have any remorse. Good work!

I love this place. I know, I know… The Lobster Trap (LT) can kind of be a more touristy place to go. But man, I love lobster — and Lobster Trap does it right. They get fresh shipments from Maine of those little red guys just about every day, and LT cooks them perfectly. The LT is a real festive place. I have never been there when it isn’t packed and isnt loud. You better get call ahead for seating, because unless you get lucky and find a seat at the bar you could be in for a long wait.
My one and only negative thing about them is they have live music where the stage is literally 1 foot away from the bar and a few tables. I sat here one time and literally could not hear the person next to me while during the songs. I know better when I go there now, but its something to be mindful of on your next visit.
Aside from that I recommend this place for just about any kind of event. Its great for dates, great for smaller parties.

You don’t expect to find great seafood in the mountains, but wow, this is great. Fresh, tasty, and plenty of it. My wife and I waited outside for over an hour in order to get a window seat. Worth it. Bartender had me try a new drink, very good, waitress was informative, and not pushy. Bread was crispy.
Noting bad that I can think of. A must if you’re in this area.
Frank G

On the east coast have to find some good seafood. Parking is limited so be forewarned bring some cash for parking. Jen and I were sat right away on a Saturday night but I think that was luck as I didn’t see any other tables open other than the one we were sat at.
Jen ordered the crab cakes. which had really good flavor and in liked them too. They still didn’t take the number one spot in our opinion to the crab cakes from Creekside in Sedona, AZ. (see my review) but they were really good. It came with a vinegar slaw which I didn’t try but Jen said was excellent. She didn’t like the corn pudding. I had the lobster Newburg and it came with asparagus which I dislike so Jen had a little and I ignored the rest. Big chunks of lobster covered in sauce and placed atop a pastry puff. I really liked it but the pastry was a little burnt on the bottom and I was already full off of the appetizer we had which was I think called the shrimp and lobster toast. Mixed with some sauce or cheese, it was soooooo good I ate almost all of it myself.
Our server Corinne was very friendly and we never really had to wait for refills or removing of our empty plates. The ambience was fun and the clientele was very friendly. Overall we had a really nice dinner and glad we went. Don’t forget to check in with the Unilocal app and get a free pint glass.

Great all around!
From drinks to lobster to desert –it was all outstanding. Grilled main lobster, which Brandon, our waiter graciously helped me de shell was tasty. My partner got lobster Newburgh and loved it. Sangria and key lime pie as well as tuxedo cake were amazing!

After almost 8 years of living in Asheville, I FINALLY made it to Lobster Trap. I don’t know what was holding me back, because geez Louise, this place is delicious! Perfect spot for date night, as the restaurant has a somewhat «I’m on a fancy date» feeling, yet as the servers wear jeans and there is an open kitchen, it has an equally comfortable and casual vibe.
Our server was extra friendly, honest, and helpful. She helped us make our way through the menu and helped make decisions based on taste rather than trying to up-​sell us.
Every single thing that my partner and I ordered was top notch. I enjoyed the best Old Fashioned that I’ve had in a long time. Perfection.
As for appetizers, we started our meal with the Maine Shrimp and Lobster toast (which I am currently intensely craving) which was creamy, buttery and delicious! And huge! The perfect appetizer for big eaters or for a family to share.
Next, we shared the Mixed Clam and Mussels steam bowl. This was a nice dish to share as well, served in a white, hot broth with a baguette. Not my favorite seafood broth I’ve had in town, but still pretty tasty.
We finished off our meal with the Lobster Carbonara. Rich and fresh. The peas tasted so fresh and wonderful and really pulled the whole meal together.
I was super happy with my meal there and can’t wait to go back and sit at the bar to enjoy an Old Fashioned and the Shrimp and Lobster toast!

HOLY COW… yes you can get FRESH Lobster in AVL… who would have thought!!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place!!!
This is a casual place so no need to wear fancy clothes… you are eating Lobster and possibly with a BIB people! I will say it is HOT if you are eating by the kitchen so shorts and short sleeve shirt is recommended.
I started my sit down with a local brew «Moonstone Oyster Stout» and man I am glad I did. If you like dark local beer this is the one you want to try. The flavor was amazing. My wife had the blueberry Nobel cider which was also very good and as you know the ABV is pretty high on cider so it will give you a kick after a few minutes so be careful not to have too many.
Ok so on with the review for the food:
App: — we started with the bacon wrapped scallops in a maple syrup sauce. OMG… why are there only 6 my stomach wanted more!!! D E L E C I O U S!!!
Main Course — I had the «traditional» lobster roll. Lightly toasted bun that will melt in your mouth with chilled fresh MAINE lobster with lettuce and a little bit of warm butter sauce. This couldn’t have been any fresher if they wanted it to. I paired this with the, hands down, best collard greens I have had in AVL. They were so freaking good this is the side you want with any of their meals hands down!!!
My wife had the Maine Lobster paired with Lobster Mac-​n-​cheese. This too was the bomb and a LARGE portion at that.
You will leave this place and feel like you need to roll out of the restaurant because you couldn’t help yourself.
Wait staff — some of the best in AVL and I am not just saying that. Our waitress was the BEST. She helped us choose the best items on the menu, answered our ridiculous first timer questions, and made us feel at home with a GREAT sense of humor. We were also warmly greeted by the hostess and our 45 min wait ended up being only 25 min so we were very happy about that on a busy Friday night.
Well done all around!!!

Well Hello Gorgeous! I have a big ol’ crush on you Lobster Trap!
What an experience. Lucked out and got a seat at the Oyster Bar on a busy Friday night. No waiting, nice! Do I mind sitting at the kitchen bar getting to watch all the delicious food expedited? Heck no, loved it! The sous and prep chefs helped direct me to some of the best oysters and dishes to try. My experience with the wait staff was wonderful; they really take the time to interact with you and help you with making decisions.
To start: A raw dozen of the Bennies, NJ and Hootenanny, WA oysters. The Bennies were plump and silky with a hint of oak. The Hootenanys were light with a melon, cucumber flavor and just a little briny. Sooo fresh and tasty!
Next Course: 2 dozen steamed mussels in a perfect broth — a must order staple! With no shame I drank mine.
Last but not least: Oysters Rockefeller — they shuck fresh oysters on the half shell first, then top them with watercress, garlic, parsley, Pernod, Hollandaise and breadcrumbs before putting them in the oven. A dish where light meets heavy but does so in harmony. Amazing!
A great selection of beer and wine, including Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter! And again, I have to mention how great the staff was — my waiter in particular, but all the other staff members were really warm, genuine and friendly! One even brought me some smoked trout dip and crackers to nosh on while I waited for my third course! Bravo! Brava! Standing ovation!

First impression when I walked in was wow! My server’s name was Katie and the manager was Kim. We sat down got our drinks orders and some great menu recommendations. So I had to order the clams and they are out of this world! My favorite from this restaurant. Then for my dinner I decided to order the surf and turf.
Had lobster and the steak was cooked just right. Really enjoyed the live band and had such a great vibe to the whole place. Thanks for the excellent service from the kk girls. the pint glass was such a cute surprise. Can’t wait to go try more of Asheville