Abbott’s Lobster In the Rough

I took the drive from Hamden Ct and probably would not do it again. Although the view was good the food really wasn’t. The lobster was over cooked and the stuffed clams seemed to come from the freezer section at my local supermarket. The clam chowder was watery and almost zero clams. Disappointing.

All the hype behind Abbott’s is its name and location in Noank. Over the years I have been there multiple times and each time the food is consistently good, but not anything over the top. People flock there specifically based upon their reputation.
Their lobster rolls are delicious, I have to give them that. I ordered the regular hot, buttered lobster roll. The roll was not served traditionally on a New England style roll, it was served on a sesame seeded toasted burger bun. The lobster was a heaping pile of buttery goodness. The market price for the lobster roll at the time of my visit was a bit on the higher side. I also ordered six oysters on the half shell along with the steamed artichoke. The oysters were served on the half shell, but needed to consumed ASAP. It was a hot, sunny day and the oysters were not served on ice. They were plated with a garnish and lemon on a very low-​budget Styrofoam plate. The artichoke was delicious… steamed and covered in their magical garlic butter mixture.
A couple of my friends were joining me that day for our meal. Both of which are not from New England and were looking for good seafood. The New England clam chowder was the least favorite of the group. Its sad the quality suffers due to being produced in the masses.
The outside seating is great! The scenery of the water and boats passing by makes visiting worth it. The outdoor seating area is pretty much divided up into three different sections. The first section is out on the dock, the middle which is furnished with small tables, and then the covered area which has rows and rows of tables. Finding a place to sit when they are busy isn’t too hard to do, but you need to be quick about picking a spot.
We stopped in at around 1:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon. I was expecting it to be a bit busier than what it was at that time.
All in all, my visit to Abbott’s was decent, but not anything that I would rant and rave about. The food was good for what it was, but priced on the higher side. The outdoor seating and BYOB policy is what gives them an edge. Would I go out of my way to go back there anytime soon? No. Enough said.

Been hearing about this place for years but never made it out here. Spent the day in Mystic, so today was the day to try Abbotts. Lobster roll (in a hamburger roll, not hotdog roll). Big chunks of lobster, generous portions, and several options depending how much you want. Also had a bowl of the shrimp and corn chowder and roasted corn. On the cob. All great. The husband had the stuffed clams and NE clam chowder. Very pleased. Sat outside on a table overlooking the boats going in and out of the harbor. Experience was wonderful. Can’t wait to go again.

We love coming to Abbott’s when we are in the Mystic area. You cannot beat the view and the food is always good. The prices for what you get on the lobster roll versus the actual lobster dinner are a bit of a let down. The food is delicious though. The environment is really fun. People bring blankets, tablecloths, their own wine/​beer (it is BYOB), and it has a really fantastic family feel to it. We always enjoy ourselves at Abbott’s.

When we first arrived in Connecticut EVERYONE told us to head straight for Abbot’s…and we did (until we discovered Lobster Landing). This is more of a fast food experience, though the lobster meat is fresh from the pot. Here it comes Maine style, a cone of meat on a buttered sesame seed bun. You can’t get more classic than a bag of Utz chips and slightly sweet cole slaw served alongside. Outdoor seating on a summer day with a water view is sublime, but this rainy one we chowed down inside. Save room for strawberry shortcake and pick up a pint of Rhode Island broth-​based clam chowder to go.

I live in Dallas but am from New England. Every trip home means finding chowder, a lobster roll and a cannoli from Mikes in Boston.
The lobster salad roll here had way too much mayo and the N.E. Chowder was less than average.
The scenery is awesome and might make it worth it.

Stopped in here for lunch after landing in Connecticut to start our road trip. It was delicious!
My son had the New England Lobster Feast and tried steamed mussels and clams for the first time. He enjoyed them so much, he’s been willing to try them at other places. He really enjoyed the creamy clam chowder too.
The lobster was perfect. If I’d have had a bigger belly, I’d have eaten more! And the price was way better that I get in Texas.
The corn was crisp and sweet and went well with the lobster. I just couldn’t bring myself to waste too much belly space on corn with lobster on the table.
I like coleslaw (creamy or vinegary) but I didn’t care for this one. But who cares when there’s lobster on the table?!
If I could, I’d eat here offer.
I’ll add that there were 7 of us and we had to sit at 2 different tables. We probably sat together outside, but the rain was really coming down.

If you want a great lobster meal, this is the place to go… Clean up guy was a little rude to me, but when I saw my lobster roll it was forgiven.

5 star is food and service only. Had lobster roll oysters and corn on the cob. It was excellent with a great view. We got lucky because the layout and service type leads me to believe this place gets mobbed. It was excellent and wish I lived closer I would go every week. If you are in the area go early and go often. A winner in my book.

since I was in Connecticut for two days with my friends, we wandered around the town of Mystic n Groton. we were so close to New England, it was a no-​brainer that we get ourselves some good Lobster Rolls. it was either this place or the other popular one in the area; which our Über driver told us had seen a long line already.
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough is located on Pearl Street in the Noank town area of Connecticut. we couldn’t get there by foot from our hotel cuz it was a couple of miles away, so we ubered it there which only took maybe 10 minutes.
Abbott’s Lobster has a very casual atmosphere. they have an indoor area n also a large outdoor area which also includes a deck right on the ocean! customers can c the boats by the docks thus making it a very scenic lunch/​dinner.
there was a short line when we got there. (maybe around 1:30pm.) they have a huge board with the large menu on it. we decided what we wanted n waited in line to pay for our food n drinks. we all got ourselves an OMG Hot Lobster Roll lunch with corn which seems like their most popular item.
OMG Hot Lobster Roll: this was a pretty good amount of lobster. they stuffed the roll with a large handful of lobster meat which includes the meat from the claws also. the roll was buttered n grilled crunchy on the exterior. it was definitely enough for one person, but not enough to share. I didn’t think it was «OMG,» but still satisfied for lunch. this also comes with cole slaw, potato chips, n butter. the price is probably the most I’ve ever paid for a lobster roll, but it was also the most lobster meat I’ve seen stuffed in one.
Corn in the Rough: a whole corn which isn’t shucked yet. not that sweet. was just ok for boiled corn on the cob.

Many many people lined up to place order. Yummy but pricey with small portion of food.

This place brings back so many memories. I’ve been coming here with my family ever since I can remember and so have my parents. There’s nothing better than coming back from the beach and enjoying a nice lobster dinner outside near the water watching the boats go by. Lobsters are delicious as they should be served with chips and slaw. Excellent and classic lobster combination. Classic restaurant with exceptional seafood.

For this 5-​star rating, keep in mind that not every «A» you got in college meant perfection. The culinary hit-​miss ratio falls short of the best lobster joints, yet the overall experience is so vivid that I ventured here with a combination of Amtrak, a difficult-​to-​obtain cab ride and 3.5-mile walk. And I overcame my Unilocal laziness just in case someone’s reading this in the narrow window before Abbott’s closes on Columbus Day.
The lobster’s probably a safe bet. I got the lobster feast, which has a variable price that today was $ 34.50 for the 1 ¹⁄₈ pound lobster, $ 7 extra for 1 ½ pounds. It includes a generous portion of mussels (very good) and steamers (I wasn’t thrilled, but couldn’t say for sure how much of that stems from a preference for Cherrystone-​type clams.) Best of all, this included the Rhode Island-​type clam chowder, a bowl of oceanic perfection.
On the dessert side, the microwaving of the apple crisp killed a bit of the homespun vibe and there was some unevenness in the temperature.
Hot and cold lobster rolls are available, which I can’t speak about with great authority since I last had them in 2013. If you live in Maine you may not rave about the cuisine but for us «southerners» it’s worth the trip. The workers efficiently handle the crowds. The waterfront setting is outstanding.

These are not the lobsters you are looking for.
Was hauled here on a Boston to Philly road trip by a friend who loves this place. I cannot quite grok why, since:
+ Lobsters seem uniformly overcooked
+ Cole slaw seems to be made with: shudder: Miracle Whip
+ Prices are SKY.HIGH. for what you get — at these prices, I want waiters and silverware, not trays and plastic
Won’t be back, based on this experience.

Order from the trailer, grab a seat at the picnic tables, and enjoy the ocean view.
The lobster rolls were served on paper plates and the hot dog buns were stuffed and overflowing with perfectly cooked, sweet, pink, lobster meat and claw meat. They toasted the bun and drizzled butter on the lobster meat. We enjoyed our lunches while watching seagulls fly over the ocean and people catching fish on their boats.
The lobster rolls and casual environment and ocean view get five stars and made for a perfect, sunny summer day. We will make a point to go here every time we visit Mystic, CT.

Great place for lobster. They always have such a big crowd during the season. The outdoor dining right on the water is really nice and re staff are great. Marty the manager is a great guy and always does the right thing by the customers. Food is superb and the deserts are delicious also. Bring your own beer and enjoy. Bring the whole family.

I expected to enjoy myself, considering the line and crowd.
I was severely let down when my lobster roll was filled with huge pieces of lobster shell, still clinging to the meat. Almost sliced my mouth opened eating it.
Due to a potentially dangerous eating experience (and way overpriced to top it off) I cannot recommend eating here, at least not the lobster roll… which was literally lobster slopped onto a sesame seed hamburger roll. That’s it.
The indoor dining area wreaked of cat piss… and the outside was full… almost didn’t have a place to sit.

This is my official lobster spot! Completely worth the trip. Nothing better than a Sunday morning. sun is out. cool breeze. sitting at a table right in front of the water and starting off with a delicious hot lobster bisque. Top it off with a hot lobster roll to the size of your choosing with a nice side of melted butter. nothing can beat it. Friendly staff, fast service, this place covers everything. Have also tried the crab cakes and the lobster deviled eggs which are both awesome. You can also head out onto the docks, watch the boats heading in and out, and throw your oyster crackers into the water and watch the fish jump up and eat them. Overall just a great relaxing place to come to and enjoy the amazing scenery and the awesome food.

My aunt had not been to Abbott’s in roughly (see what I did there?!) 20 years. We drove up the CT shore from Guilford for dinner one summer night. Noank is a trip, literally, and well worth the 45 minute drive for one of the world’s best Connecticut-​style (read: hot butterered) lobster rolls. Instead of a traditional hotdog bun, Abbott’s serves their legendary version on a toasted sesame seed bun.
My aunt and I agreed the lobster rolls were absolutely delicious, and the local sweet corn was a perfect side for this summer treat. The people watching (tourists who don’t understand the counter-​style ordering system common at New England clam shacks) was just as good as the natural beauty of Long Island Sound and Fischer’s Island.
We joked that if I worked at Abbott’s, it would be in the separate Dessert Hut (this is actually not a joke, in a different life I am known as Jabba the Dessert Hut.) The only thing I would change, if I ruled the world (or at least had some influence on a Connecticut foodie institution like Abbott’s) would be the elimination of styrofoam cups and plates.
I understand the need to keep costs low… and more and more businesses are starting to understand that we have to keep environmental costs low to preserve nature’s beauty. It would be awesome if Abbott’s got on board! In any event, it was a real treat for my aunt and me. We will be back!

It’s always a great place to grab fresh seafood, dine al fresco by the water with our ByOB wine & beer. There is ample parking in the lot and the line moves fast.
Got the OMG lobster roll, which was pure lobster meat and came with butter on the side. The hot dog roll is also grilled perfectly with a brush of butter.
The clams in the half shell were disappointingly small, but still fresh and sweet.
And absolute must!