The first time as a European tourist in Boston, of course, was also on my wish list to try a "lobster roll" for the first time in my life. On a walk to the harbour, I came across JAMES HOOK & Co, where I was simply approached by the charming house, the decoration, the planting and the information that it was founded in 1925. My credo is always "If a business has been on the market for such a long time...they know what they are doing, do it with passion and just have to be good + if someone values the external design, they also give value to their food and will prepare it well and create an appropriate ambience for them to shine and taste". Unfortunately, I had to realize that I was there three minutes before closing time, the employees were in the middle of cleaning up and cleaning. So I took a heart and asked one of the employees if I could still order a Lobster Roll quickly as it would be my last day in Boston and I would like to try a Lobster Roll once in my life. So he asked a colleague, who in turn went into the house and asked someone there. He invited me to come in and I quickly ordered the original ...which I received within a minute and ate outside. Sometimes simple compilations can be so good...even if you as a European can't imagine that at first and initially feel pity for the lobster that landed its triggered meat in simple mayo on a warm light simple bun...but honestly: It was really delicious...and the composition was coherent. The lobster meat was of very good quality...you could just taste it. It was nicely mixed with the delicious majo and pulled through, plus the warm bun....simple but damn delicious and authentic. I can wholeheartedly recommend it...and obviously many others. Because as I only read later, when I looked around on their website, JAMES HOOK & Co even received several awards. Besides, it is an owner-managed family business in the third generation..and such businesses that are an original and bring a lot of work and passion to their actions, I think it is important to support!
Yankdo
Shared a traditional (with mayo) and hot buttered lobster roll for lunch after a sunday stroll on seaport boulevard. The lobster rolls were equally delicious and the lobster meat was tender and so fresh tasting! Prices weren't bad either. Always love James Hook for lobster!
Michael Perry
Had a wicked lobster roll!!!!!! Wow super good had the warm roll amazing taste and fast service !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
T Brown
The lobster rolls are huge and delicious 😋. Outside seating as well as in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ana Grin
Delicious and juicy lobster rolls! Highly recommend 👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MedAssistTravels
This lobster roll is very juicy and tender. Very delicious. I got the large roll and it’s worth it. I’ll be back the next time I’m in town
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brant Brown
James Hook is the kind of place that reminds you why Boston owns the lobster roll game. The lobster is sweet, rich, and perfectly cooked, piled high in a simple toasted bun without any pretension. It’s easily one of the best I’ve ever had, hot or cold, and feels like the benchmark everyone else is chasing. The setup is casual and tight but efficient, the kind of spot where you balance your tray and make room for the next hungry group without complaint. The large lobster and crab tanks inside keep kids entertained and add to the charm of the place.
There’s no bar, just a cooler with sodas and water, but it somehow fits. The Seaport location is perfect for a stroll afterward, and while it’s undeniably touristy, it’s touristy for all the right reasons. At roughly forty dollars a roll, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it for the quality and the experience. James Hook remains a quintessential Boston stop—fast, friendly, and all about the lobster.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Nicos Tagaras
Great spot to try all the Boston sea food classics and with reasonable prices compares to other places!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AlexSwallow
Lobster rolls aren't cheap and I was only planning to have one during our Boston stay, so choosing right was important. I'm really pleased I chose here. Clearly the place has a lot of history and it felt like a no-frills place that focused on the food in exactly the way I wanted. My lobster roll was delicious and absolutely packed.
Rachel Burkhalter
Best lobster roll I've ever had! I will definitely be back.
Food was delicious. Very limited seating inside, luckily weather was great and we enjoyed the outdoor seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Sam Phillips
Great place to sit down for lunch. The lobster roll is definitely worth the hype as others have mentioned. Buttered version was delicious and their house white ale pairs perfectly with their food. I'll be back next time I'm in Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Derek Capo
Awesome but pricey
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Kumabe
LOVE this family local eatery! We shared a Large butter Lobster roll packed with fresh lobster (BEST), crab cake, clam chowder. Tank of live lobsters and seafood right next to us in rustic dining. We are dreaming about that lobster roll still...going back before leaving Boston soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elio Kovi
During our honeymoon in USA, we decided to visit boston where we heard a lot about James Hook & Co. so we had to go there for the lobster roll. Review? Just amazing, they give you a small cup of melted butter so that you can pour it on the sandwich to make it even more delicious. This is definetely a must-try restaurant in boston.
The first time as a European tourist in Boston, of course, was also on my wish list to try a "lobster roll" for the first time in my life. On a walk to the harbour, I came across JAMES HOOK & Co, where I was simply approached by the charming house, the decoration, the planting and the information that it was founded in 1925. My credo is always "If a business has been on the market for such a long time...they know what they are doing, do it with passion and just have to be good + if someone values the external design, they also give value to their food and will prepare it well and create an appropriate ambience for them to shine and taste". Unfortunately, I had to realize that I was there three minutes before closing time, the employees were in the middle of cleaning up and cleaning. So I took a heart and asked one of the employees if I could still order a Lobster Roll quickly as it would be my last day in Boston and I would like to try a Lobster Roll once in my life. So he asked a colleague, who in turn went into the house and asked someone there. He invited me to come in and I quickly ordered the original ...which I received within a minute and ate outside. Sometimes simple compilations can be so good...even if you as a European can't imagine that at first and initially feel pity for the lobster that landed its triggered meat in simple mayo on a warm light simple bun...but honestly: It was really delicious...and the composition was coherent. The lobster meat was of very good quality...you could just taste it. It was nicely mixed with the delicious majo and pulled through, plus the warm bun....simple but damn delicious and authentic. I can wholeheartedly recommend it...and obviously many others. Because as I only read later, when I looked around on their website, JAMES HOOK & Co even received several awards. Besides, it is an owner-managed family business in the third generation..and such businesses that are an original and bring a lot of work and passion to their actions, I think it is important to support!
Shared a traditional (with mayo) and hot buttered lobster roll for lunch after a sunday stroll on seaport boulevard. The lobster rolls were equally delicious and the lobster meat was tender and so fresh tasting! Prices weren't bad either. Always love James Hook for lobster!
Had a wicked lobster roll!!!!!!
Wow super good had the warm roll amazing taste and fast service !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The lobster rolls are huge and delicious 😋. Outside seating as well as in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious and juicy lobster rolls! Highly recommend 👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This lobster roll is very juicy and tender. Very delicious. I got the large roll and it’s worth it. I’ll be back the next time I’m in town
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Hook is the kind of place that reminds you why Boston owns the lobster roll game. The lobster is sweet, rich, and perfectly cooked, piled high in a simple toasted bun without any pretension. It’s easily one of the best I’ve ever had, hot or cold, and feels like the benchmark everyone else is chasing. The setup is casual and tight but efficient, the kind of spot where you balance your tray and make room for the next hungry group without complaint. The large lobster and crab tanks inside keep kids entertained and add to the charm of the place.
There’s no bar, just a cooler with sodas and water, but it somehow fits. The Seaport location is perfect for a stroll afterward, and while it’s undeniably touristy, it’s touristy for all the right reasons. At roughly forty dollars a roll, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it for the quality and the experience. James Hook remains a quintessential Boston stop—fast, friendly, and all about the lobster.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Great spot to try all the Boston sea food classics and with reasonable prices compares to other places!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lobster rolls aren't cheap and I was only planning to have one during our Boston stay, so choosing right was important. I'm really pleased I chose here. Clearly the place has a lot of history and it felt like a no-frills place that focused on the food in exactly the way I wanted. My lobster roll was delicious and absolutely packed.
Best lobster roll I've ever had! I will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was delicious. Very limited seating inside, luckily weather was great and we enjoyed the outdoor seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great place to sit down for lunch. The lobster roll is definitely worth the hype as others have mentioned. Buttered version was delicious and their house white ale pairs perfectly with their food. I'll be back next time I'm in Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome but pricey
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LOVE this family local eatery! We shared a Large butter Lobster roll packed with fresh lobster (BEST), crab cake, clam chowder. Tank of live lobsters and seafood right next to us in rustic dining. We are dreaming about that lobster roll still...going back before leaving Boston soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
During our honeymoon in USA, we decided to visit boston where we heard a lot about James Hook & Co. so we had to go there for the lobster roll. Review? Just amazing, they give you a small cup of melted butter so that you can pour it on the sandwich to make it even more delicious.
This is definetely a must-try restaurant in boston.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Aragosta
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