Editors’ Choice
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Burlington
It may be sacrilege, but we kinda love the hot buttered lobster roll at ICOB: just big, decadent mouthfuls of crustacean chunks warmed in butter and served on a soft roll. If you can’t bring yourself to try what is often referred to as a “Connecticut-style” roll, Ethel’s Classic Salad is almost as good. Hand-cut knuckles, tails, and claws are tossed with chopped celery, red onion, pickles, mayonnaise, and crème fraiche and served up on a hand-rolled brioche bun flavored with chopped rosemary. Both come with a side of coleslaw and house-made potato chips.
300 District Ave., Burlington, 781-761-6500, islandcreekoysterbar.com
Readers’ Choice
Bob Lobster
Newbury
Whether you’re looking for a classic, lightly dressed, or something outrageous, like the Fat Lobster—a quarter pound of lobster on a brioche bun, topped with coleslaw, fried clams, and onion rings—or anything in between, this shack has you covered.
49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, 978-465-7100, boblobster.com