Philadelphia, PA - At first, lobsters were regarded as poor people's food, in the United states lobsters wouldn't become popular before the 19th century, after New Yorkers and Bostonians discovered a taste for the succulent crustaceans. In Philadelphia, lobsters can be found in seafood shacks as well as fine dining establishments throughout the city, and below is a few of the most popular spots to dine on this delicious treat.
Lobster Philadelphia
Philly's Ultimate Lobster List: 5 Must-Try Dishes in the City
Introduction:
While Philadelphia is a city of sandwich legends, its sophisticated seafood scene offers some truly incredible lobster dishes that are a must-try for any food lover. From the quintessential New England-style roll to decadent, creative preparations at the city's finest restaurants, there's a perfect lobster experience for every palate. If you're looking to indulge, here is a guide to five of the absolute best and most unique lobster dishes in Philadelphia.
1. The Classic Maine Lobster Roll at Luke's Lobster (Rittenhouse Square)
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The Dish: For the purist, it doesn't get better than the Maine-style lobster roll at Luke's Lobster. This is the benchmark for a classic roll: a quarter-pound of chilled, wild-caught lobster knuckle and claw meat, sustainably sourced and served in a buttered, toasted, split-top bun with just a touch of mayonnaise, lemon butter, and secret seasoning.
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The Vibe: A bright, casual, and quick-service spot that delivers a consistently high-quality and authentic taste of a New England lobster shack right in the heart of Center City.
2. The Butter-Poached Lobster at Barclay Prime (Rittenhouse Square)
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The Dish: One of Philadelphia's most elegant steakhouses offers an equally luxurious lobster experience. At Barclay Prime, you can indulge in their perfectly executed butter-poached lobster, served out of the shell with fresh lemon. For a stunning starter, their whole Maine lobster cocktail is an impressive classic.
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The Vibe: An incredibly sophisticated and modern library-like setting, perfect for a high-end, special occasion meal where every dish is prepared with meticulous care.
3. The Chicken Fried Lobster Tails at Steak 48 (Center City)
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The Dish: Steak 48 offers one of the most unique and beloved shareable plates in the city with its Chicken Fried Lobster Tails. These high-quality lobster tails are lightly crisped on the outside while remaining incredibly tender on the inside, seasoned with Chesapeake Bay spices and served with a delicious green chili aioli for dipping.
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The Vibe: A high-energy, glamorous, and modern steakhouse with a stunning multi-level dining room that buzzes with excitement.
4. The Lobster Mac & Cheese at The Continental Midtown (Rittenhouse Square)
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The Dish: A true comfort food masterpiece, the Lobster Mac & Cheese at The Continental Midtown is a must-try. This decadent dish features tender lobster combined with a creamy blend of gruyère and fontina cheeses, all made with orzo pasta for a unique and rich texture that is absolutely irresistible.
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The Vibe: A stylish and energetic spot with a retro-modern feel, famous for its lively atmosphere and popular rooftop patio.
5. The JG's Maine Lobster Taco at Buena Onda (Multiple Locations)
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The Dish: Celebrity Chef Jose Garces brings a taste of New England summers to his Baja-inspired taqueria with JG’s Maine Lobster Taco. This unique and delicious creation features fresh Maine lobster, shredded romaine, baja butter, and a zesty chipotle lime crema, all piled high on a soft flour tortilla. It's one of the best lobster deals in the city.
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The Vibe: A casual, relaxed, and beachy taqueria perfect for a quick and flavorful bite.
From the classic perfection of a Maine-style roll and the ultimate luxury of a butter-poached lobster to inventive fried tails and creative tacos, Philadelphia's culinary scene offers a diverse and delicious journey for any lobster lover. These five standout dishes showcase the incredible quality and creativity that make Philly a top-tier dining destination.
